UC Davis Partnership: continued from previous page
Knagg’s Ranch Project
This collaborative effort between farmers and fish biologists uses winter-flooded rice fields in the Central Valley as “surrogate wetlands” in order to promote floodplain rearing historically used by juvenile Chinook salmon. The results show that these young salmon grow at accelerated rates when compared with other habitats and this could have major implications for ocean survival, and, ultimately, adult returns. Strongly rooted in the concept of reconciliation ecology, the project brings together a broad consortium of individuals, including Cal Marsh and Farm Ventures, the California Waterfowl Association, the Department of Water Resources, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, CalTrout, the Center for Watershed Sciences, and others.
CalTrout relies on the Center for Watershed Sciences to scientifically evaluate the response of juvenile Chinook to different growing conditions, test project hypotheses, provide guidance on habitat management, and to understand the larger implications of the study for the recovery of Central Valley Chinook. Specifically, researchers collect data on physical habitat characteristics and food web dynamics of inundated rice fields to better understand the specific processes leading to accelerated growth in juvenile Chinook. In turn, this science allows CalTrout to engage local stakeholders on the benefits of a multi-use landscape, inform future land use and policy decisions where fish and farmers coexist, and, most importantly, use the data to improve habitat conditions for native fish.
Shasta River Project
CalTrout and the Center for Watershed Sciences have been extensively involved in the Shasta River since 2006. An exceptionally productive ecosystem with a high intrinsic potential for recovery of federally threatened coho, the Shasta River once supported large runs of coho salmon. However, elevated stream temperatures during the summer, among other factors, have strongly limited habitat availability. Substantial improvements to habitat have resulted from research conducted at the Center for Watershed Science in partnership with CalTrout, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Collaboratively, we are continuing long-term research to bring balanced solutions to the watershed, many of which have already moved the basin towards success.
As part of the broader Shasta River project, we recently conducted a coho growth experiment in an effort to better understand the different environmental factors affecting coho growth during rearing on the Shasta River. Researchers are using water temperature, food resource data, and the results from the growth experiment to develop stream temperature criteria for coho on the Shasta River. In addition, we continue to monitor water temperature to identify thermally stressful periods and potential thermal barriers to movement. This information will help CalTrout and partners move landowners beyond abstract management criteria and towards a comprehensive understanding of the quantity and quality of water needed to sustain coho rearing during historically stressful periods. The research will also help tailor their conservation objectives, which will provide flexibility to landowners as well as provide constructive guidance for successful long-term water resources management in the basin.
Parallel to this scientific process, CalTrout is working with 10 landowners and the Farm Bureau on the Shasta River to identify incentives to improve conditions for coho salmon. The working group will use the Center for Watershed Sciences’ conclusions and monitoring data to inform decisions regarding useable coho habitat and improvement of land use activities during critical time periods.
To continue reading story, click here.
Craig's Corner
by Craig Ballenger, CalTrout Ambassador
California's McCloud River is unique among the state's rivers because of it's origin at the base of Mount Shasta, the largest composite dome in the Cascade Range. Rising solitary from it's surroundings to 14,179 feet, it encompasses a volume of more than 80 cubic miles. The Guinness Book of World Records reveals the largest recorded snowfall within a 24 hour period occurred here at the old Ski Lodge. Yet few, if any, streams drain from it.
Where does all that snow melt go?
Unlike Sierran streams, the McCloud receives the majority of its waters from two sets of aquafir springs emerging from the flanks of the mountain. This results in a constant flow of water which made the river once the richest spawning ground in the Sacramento River system for anadromous salmonids.
Yet geology here is alive, and one of the glaciers has receded greatly since 1895. In this episode I examine how drought and geology combined last September to foul the McCloud, sending volcanic ash downstream, turning the aqua-blue glacial trout stream to the color of a chocolate milkshake.
To donate
to projects
like this
CLICK HERE