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| Steelhead Trout - Photo courtesy of John Birchard www.birchardphoto.com |
The Gualala River and its 298-square-mile watershed are unique among California river systems. A glance at any map that shows even the most basic contour of the river will indicate one prominent feature: its Little North Fork and South Fork follow the San Andreas Fault line "right on." The river's estuary is one of only a few along the California coast that open and close to the ocean according to the natural rhythm of the seasons. With steep forested slopes and heavy annual rainfall, the hydrology of this watershed is, according to north coast fish biologist Patrick Higgins, "flashy." The watershed has been home to an abundance of wildlife, including Coho, Steelhead and (prior to 1945) Chinook salmon. However, aggressive logging since 1868 has had a dramatic effect on the watershed's ecology. For example, reduced vegetation, excessive streambed sediment buildup and increased water temperature have greatly diminished the ability of the native salmon to reproduce. As an important source of water for the local coastal communities of Gualala and Sea Ranch, the watershed is this area's most vital natural resource.
RCLC
has been involved with efforts to restore the Gualala since 1994 when
the State Coastal Conservancy expressed an interest in doing a study
of the conditions in the watershed. Although actual work towards this
goal was delayed due to a lack of funds (caused by the defeat of the
1994 CALPAW State bond initiative), RCLC began planning and promoting
the idea of forming a group of watershed landowners, users and other
interested parties to develop a consensus and act as an advisory body
for future actions. In conjunction with other local organizations,
various meetings, workshops and river festivals were held to increase
local awareness of watershed issues.
In 1997 funds became available from the State Coastal Conservancy to support a RCLC research report by Patrick Higgins that summarized the available information about the watershed and its fish resources. From a list of attendees at a public presentation of the Higgins report, as well as from attendees at meetings held by the State Regional Water Quality Control Board, came the foundation for forming the Gualala River Watershed Council (GRWC). RCLC Board members took key positions on the original GRWC Board including Watershed Coordinator, Secretary and Council Chair.
RCLC continues to support the GRWC because the concept of a restored, biodiverse watershed, providing in a sustainable way for both human and wildlife communities, exemplifies RCLC's vision and mission. There are many area residents and visitors who share this view. In 2002 when an Alaska-based company attempted to obtain a water extraction permit to export large volumes of wintertime water flows to Southern California, a massive outpouring of protest brought an end to a most unusual chapter in the life of the river. As a result of this citizen response, in July 2003 a four mile portion of the lower reaches of the river was designated by the State legislature as a California Wild and Scenic River. These four miles can now be used only for recreational purposes.
Other
projects:
Gualala Bluff Trail |
Hearn Gulch |
Hathaway Creek |
Cook's Beach |
St. Orres Creek