Mattole Restoration Council

Mattole Restoration Council
April 28, 2004


Ecosystems are composed of inter-related functions and parts that create a larger collective whole. Restoration groups in the Mattole watershed, working in partnership, also create a larger whole. While it is beyond the scope of any one organization to address each of the restoration issues effectively, the joint effort of the Mattole River and Range Partnership is enabling Mattole groups to rapidly propel our important work forward. In 2002, the Mattole Restoration Council helped form the Mattole River and Range Partnership to coalesce our efforts with the Mattole Salmon Group, Middle Mattole Conservancy, Lower Mattole Fire Safe Council, and Sanctuary Forest, in hopes we will accomplish even greater work as a collective force.

Healing watersheds includes re-establishing long-term riparian vegetation structure, composition, and function. Planting Douglas-fir trees, especially in areas where they were logged, will provide shade, soil retention, and other ecosystem amenities for c Photo: MRC Archive

As part of this effort, the MRC is organizing the Mattole Watershed Plan (see River & Range Partnership on front page). This plan will include a 30-year vision for the watershed as a whole, and will narrow that vision in a 5-year project plan. Each of the other groups will complete different sections of the plan.

The Council is responsible for planning riparian conifer planting projects, and developing a strategy for dealing with invasive weeds. During the next three months, MRC staff will survey creeks throughout the Mattole to assess their need for conifer planting. The goal is to re-establish the historical abundance of conifers in the riparian zones. Such conifers increase stream shading and humidity, provide habitat for salmonid food (insect) sources, and provide future large wood, which enhances salmonid habitat. MRC staffer Sabrina Stadler will prepare the draft and final Mattole Watershed Plan.


This article can be found online at www.treesfoundation.org/publications/article-136

Forest & River News is produced by Trees Foundation. For more information contact:
Mattole Restoration Council
P.O. Box 160
Petrolia, CA 95558
Email: mrc@mattole.org
Phone: (707) 629-3514 Fax: (707) 629-3577