Despite this, the Scott Basin has some good things going for it (like improving coho runs and a viable farming economy) but what it could use is support from outside groups to help highlight and advance all the good work coming from the natural resource and farming communities.
Enter, California Trout.
One day in February of 2015, I received a call from CalTrout’s Shasta/Klamath Regional Director, Andrew Braugh. He said that his organization was interested in working in the Scott and that he would like to schedule time to discuss the possibility of our respective organizations collaborating on projects. In all honesty, my first reaction was one of caution. CalTrout was on the other side of some politicized topics in the Klamath, and partnering with them could prompt backlash. However, instead of telling Andrew no I decided to hear him out. My limited understanding of CalTrout was that they were not nefarious or malicious with the positions they took; it was more that they believed in their organizational mission, which had not always aligned with others working and living in the Klamath Basin.
Likewise, Andrew heard me out and was understanding of the sensitivities surrounding the Scott River. He said that CalTrout’s motto is Fish, Water, People, and that their intent was to advance restoration and help assist with resource related issues for the betterment of communities and their stream systems. After numerous conversations I felt comfortable collaborating on a project, and we set our sites on a quarter mile restoration project along the South Fork Scott River. The process of conceptualizing the project and obtaining funds went pretty smooth, so we tried something similar for an off-channel rearing pond at a different location. That went smooth, too, so we upped the stakes and dove into the more complicated task of working with water users to enhance in-stream flow in high priority rearing locations. Though we don’t have a finished product, we’re getting close to finalizing deals that will be a win-win for farmers and fish.
And we haven’t stopped there.
Photo: Patrick Jarrett