The Coho Confab is an annual symposium to explore watershed restoration, learn techniques to recover coho salmon populations, and network with other fish-centric people. In an informal setting that encourages networking and connection, participants learn skills and practices that can be applied to restore habitats in their home watersheds. Always in a beautiful outdoor setting within the range of the coho, each year the Confab is held in a different location on the North Coast. This year, the 11th annual Confab will be held on the South Fork of the Smith River in the far northwestern corner of California on the weekend of September 26-28.
Trees Foundation and the Salmonid Restoration Federation are the permanent co-hosts of this educational event and, this year, the Confab is also sponsored by Smith River Alliance, Smith River Advisory Council, and Cal Trout. Orientation presentations will include an opening talk about the significance of the Mill Creek watershed acquisition in protecting and restoring a salmon stronghold by Grant Werschkull of Smith River Alliance. Tom Weseloh of Cal Trout will discuss issues about coho Salmon from the California Endargered Species Act listing to local restoration projects. Research Ecologist Frank Lake will present on how upslope fire and forest management affect fish by providing a review of tribal and scientific knowledge about the effects of fires on fisheries.
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Additionally, Zack Larson, Watershed Coordinator of the Smith River Advisory Council, will facilitate a Smith River fish identification workshop. Antonio Llanos of Mike Love & Associates will lead a tour of fish passage projects and will co-lead a tour of Yontocket Slough and the Smith River estuary with Larson. Other workshops include instream fish identification, macro-invertebrate sampling, and a stream health assessment. There will be an open forum entitled "Stories and Songs of Salmon" with native stories from Frank Lake and river troubadour Alice di Micele. Saturday night will culminate with a BBQ and music with musician Alice di Micele.
Registration is $125, which includes all camping, food, and lodging. For more information about the Confab, please
visit www.treesfoundation.org/cohoconfab/ to register online and obtain logistical info, or call the Trees Foundation at (707) 923-4377.
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TOC for Forest & River News, Summer 2008