Abstract
Swimming Upstream: Steelhead Trout Recovery in Santa Barbara County
Track: Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management
Author(s): Mauricio Gomez
Steelhead trout in southern California are an iconic species, but are endangered due to watershed disturbances and particularly migration barriers. In 2002, watersheds along the south coast of Santa Barbara County were prioritized for steelhead recovery through a combination of field studies and GIS analysis. Carpinteria Creek was identified with the highest steelhead recovery priority in the region.
Since this report’s publishing, community groups have progressed towards removing major barriers to steelhead migration in this watershed and other priority watersheds in Santa Barbara County. Further GIS analysis is used in project design, monitoring, and targeting future efforts.
South Coast Habitat Restoration, a non-profit organization, will showcase current and proposed barrier removal projects, population recovery at site-specific and regional levels, and discuss steelhead restoration in the context of recent wildfires. An overview of the planning, permitting, grant funding and demolition/ construction will be presented to share information on lessons learned.
Mauricio Gomez
South Coast Habitat Restoration
PO Box 335
Carpinteria , California 93014
United States
Phone: 805-729-8787
E-mail: mgomez@schabitatrestoration.org