The Current Magazine Winter 2014 | Page 18

At University of California at Davis, Center for Watershed Sciences, we are committed to developing research with practical conservation applications to solving problems. We house some of the preeminent experts on coldwater fishes and ecology, hydrology, and water resources planning in California. In 2005, fueled by a common enthusiasm and passion for California’s water and fish, we embarked on an ambitious partnership with California Trout. CalTrout’s efforts to drive innovative solutions that put science into action for the benefit

of fish, farms, commerce, and the community is the basis for the strong strategic partnership between our two organizations. The keystone of the partnership is developing interdisciplinary research that informs complex resource issues to balance water demands of people and fish. The partnership between CalTrout and the Center for Watershed Sciences (CWS) has established a valuable framework that utilizes academic research to broadly engage stakeholders and construct the scientific foundation for conservation strategies.

Putting Science

into Action

By Ann Willis and Dr. Robert Lusardi

Coho enclosure study on Big Springs Creek and the Shasta River, where Dr. Robert Lusardi is investigating the relative role of different environmental variables on coho growth during summer rearing.

PARTNER PROFILE

Ann Willis is a staff researcher at

the Center for Watershed Sciences.

Her work focuses on water temperature management of streams to support

cold water fish conservation. Dr. Robert Lusardi is the CalTrout/UC Davis Wild

and Coldwater Fish Partnership Lead.