December 10, 2007
The Salmon River watershed is 751 square miles and 98.7% federally owned. It is one of the most biologically intact sub-basins of the Klamath River Basin and is entirely within Karuk Ancestral Territory. The Salmon River is known for its high-value fisheries as well as boasting one of the richest regions of species diversity in the temperate zones. It is the largest cold-water contributor to the Klamath River of any tributary in the system. It is home to several species of fish at risk of extinction: summer and winter runs of wild Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead, spring and fall Chinook salmon, and coho salmon.
The Salmon River Restoration Council (SRRC), a 501(c)(3) organization, has been serving the Salmon River watershed and its community since 1992. A main focus of the SRRC's work is the restoration of the anadromous fisheries resources and the development of a sustainable local economy. As the watershed is in the Karuk Tribe's ancestral territory, and they are one of our closest cooperators, our work is undeniably linked with respect for tribal history, values, and management practices. Historically the Karuk tribe was one of the most financially stable tribes in California because of their abundant fisheries resources. With the recent decline in local salmon populations, an equally rapid decline has been seen in the tribe's financial stability and in the quality of life of tribal members. Even the overall health of tribal members has degraded due to the lack of fish.
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SRRC operates under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors. A permanent staff of twelve and hundreds of community volunteers carry out our activities. The SRRC is a chief organizer and promoter of cooperative actions within the community and among the stakeholders of the Salmon River sub-basin. The Council is active in several coordinated watershed planning groups, including the Salmon River Learning and Understanding Group.
One of the ways we further the interest, awareness, and education of the local population is through watershed stewardship workshops, monitoring and assessment field days and volunteer training workdays. We cover a variety of topics, including:
* Fish population monitoring and habitat surveys,
* Riparian habitat restoration and protection,
* Noxious weed identification and a nonchemical approach to management,
* Native plant identification, propagation, and use in riparian restoration,
* Water temperature monitoring training and yearly deployment of monitoring equipment,
* Basic computer skills,
* GIS/GPS technologies and use,
* Wildfire safety and fuels management,
* Recycling and Hazardous Waste awareness, River Trash Cleanup, and
* Problems and solutions related to various resource uses (fishing, mining, logging, roads, grazing, and residential).
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The Council's three key media outreach projects: a monthly calendar, newsletters, and a web site, www.srrc.org, provide local residents, landowners, governmental agencies, local tribes, other environmentally minded groups, and the general public with up-to-date information on the SRRC, our current activities, the Salmon River region, and the issues that affect it. The Watershed Center, located in Sawyers Bar, houses the SRRC office. It also contains a reference library, a history display, and provides watershed information to the community. The Center also provides space for public meetings and training sessions, public computers, and wireless Internet access.
Recently, a documentary entitled "Salmon on the Backs of Buffalo" was produced by the Klamath Salmon Media Collaborative, of which the SRRC is a member and contributor. The film told the story of the tribe and its fishery and of the efforts being made to restore and protect the natural resources of the Klamath basin. The film has ultimately become an extremely useful tool for calling public attention to the issues of the Klamath, and for gaining support for restoration work and advocacy.
For more information: www.srrc.org
More Information About
Salmon River Restoration Council
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TOC for Forest & River News, Winter 2007