CalTrout Project on local Battle Creek
If you have fished with me in the past - many of you are aware of an organization that I have tremendous respect for: California Trout.
It's difficult to fish or float any river in our big State where California Trout has not had a hand in studying, advocating, protecting or helping with restoration. CalTrout without a doubt one of the most effective and influential homegrown CA conservation orgs that is working tirelessly on behalf of Fish, Water, and People in our State. They are a group of talented, intelligent, articulate and highly motivated and passionate folks.
But what does CalTrout really do and what projects are they currently working on? Keep reading because I plan to highlight many of these projects on a monthly basis in this Blog. They have A LOT of irons in the fire all over our State when it come to Trout, Steelhead and Salmon habitat.
Of course, you can always visit www.CaliforniaTrout.com website to learn more. Or, better yet become a member of Caltrout and receive their Newsletter and stay engaged through social media platforms.
So without further adieu... Let's highlight a local project that I am really excited about which is close to Redding and connecting to our very own Sacramento River: Battle Creek reconnection and restoration.
Battle Creek - Eagle Canyon Fish Passage. From the CalTrout Shasta Region page
Project Goal
Open access to more than 8 miles of spring-fed spawning and rearing habitat for Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and other native migratory fishes by removing a fish passage barrier.
Project Description
Success! Fish passage has been restored to more than 8 miles of high-quality spring-fed habitat in Battle Creek. This project directly benefits one of the world’s most endangered ecotypes of anadromous salmon – winter-run Chinook salmon. This run or ecotype is found only in California and has a life history strategy and genetic signature that is found nowhere else on the planet. Sacramento River Winter-run Chinook salmon have adapted to the unique hydrology and habitat conditions associated with large spring systems that provide cold consistent water throughout the summer. However, their historical habitat is now inaccessible due to large dams and hydroelectric projects that completely block access to their historical spawning and rearing habitats. Eagle Canyon is one of a host of major projects that are on the horizon in Battle Creek and represent the best opportunities for on the ground restoration to conserve and recover this member of California’s biodiversity.
