The Mattole Salmon Group
| HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Prior to World War II, the 304 square-mile Mattole watershed was relatively pristine. The river supported an abundance of adult salmon and steelhead. The post-war logging boom left less than 9% of the old growth forest intact. The effects of over-harvesting at sea, and legal and illegal in-river fishing, were magnified by an inherently unstable landscape, resulting in a devastating decrease of salmonid populations to less than 10% of historic levels. By 1990, Mattole salmon runs had declined to levels which scientific experts believed were beneath the numbers necessary for recovery. Citizens in the Mattole region formed the Mattole Salmon Group (MSG) in 1980. We were the first watershed-wide, entirely citizen-run effort in the Pacific Northwest to begin restoring native salmon runs. Our resolve endures. MSG has promoted and operated a broad-based program aimed at restoring the remnant runs of native chinook and coho salmon in the Mattole River. Along with the Mattole Restoration Council, founded in 1984, MSG participates in the planning, coordination and implementation of habitat improvement work and resource monitoring on a basin-wide scale. In the course of this work, we strive to inform and involve local residents, students, citizens groups, government agencies and others. Though the watershed is large enough for our efforts to be significant, the area is small enough to achieve our goals.However, if we can achieve our goals here, the nature of our accomplishments can translate to larger watersheds. What We Do DIRECT ENHANCEMENT The Mattole Salmon Group has maintained a hatchbox and rearing program for native salmon stocks continuously since 1980, resulting in the release of nearly 400,000 juvenile salmon into the Mattole River and its tributaries. This program offers a small, but critical, boost to the numbers of juvenile salmon that survive to enter the ocean. HABITAT RESTORATION Our habitat restoration program identifies critical areas where we can apply a variety of techniques to augment the natural healing process of the river. Restored habitat is essential for self-sustaining salmon runs. MONITORING AND RESEARCH Our monitoring and research programs(see far right),provide a solid base of information regarding the status of the Mattole River salmon runs. This allows us to adjust our programs to the needs of an ever changing watershed. These programs, combined with the forbearance of informed landowners, the protections provided old-growth habitat by Sanctuary Forest, BLM, and the Mill Creek Watershed Conservancy, and the sacrifices that sport and commercial fishermen have made, are beginning to pay off. Since 1990 we have documented a slow, but steady, increase in the number of salmon returning to spawn. (See graph next page). These figures are encouraging. Clearly we are moving in the right direction, however recovery is far from assured. Our goal is self-sustaining salmon runs. Once achieved, we will suspend our direct enhancement efforts, but will remain committed to our monitoring, habitat restoration, research, and public education programs. With your help we can achieve this goal. MATTOLE SALMON GROUP PROGRAMS
WHAT WE NEED The majority of our funding is derived from government contracts with such agencies as the California Department of Fish and Game, the Bureau of Land Management, and the California Coastal Conservancy. We depend on private contributors for 25% of our annual budget. Only through the support of individuals and foundations can we maintain sufficient independence to operate effectively and survive as an organization. This is where your tax deductible contribution will make a difference. The volunteer ethic is alive and well at the Mattole Salmon Group. In 1997, volunteers donated over 2,000 hours of labor. 90% of monies received go directly into the river, via projects. Our administration costs are kept to the bare minimum. HOW YOU CAN HELP Volunteer If you would like to help us achieve our goals, you can support us by volunteering your time during peak activity. Training opportunities are available. We welcome your ideas, energy and input. Financial Your financial contribution will help us to maintain and build upon the fragile recovery of native salmon that we're experiencing in the Mattole. Our goal is to raise at least $30,000 annually from private sources to augment our program expenses. Please help us if you can. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Colum Coyne, President |
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