1999 Annual Report

The final year of the millennium has been a good one for the upper Sacramento River. With normal precipitation and an abundant snowpack, the year saw consistent, but not excessive, flows. The river has responded to these more moderate conditions with the first increase in wild trout numbers since the devastating flood of 1997 and the prolonged high flows of El Niño in 1998. Anglers reported good fishing throughout the 1999 season, with a notable increase in the number of larger wild trout.

Perhaps in response to the upswing in trout numbers, the osprey population along the river has rebounded substantially. More young birds fledged this past year than at any time since the spill. Artificial nest platforms erected in 1994 have contributed dramatically to the population's recovery. Bald eagles have also benefited from this effort. Last year's pair returned to the nest they "borrowed" from the osprey and successfully raised two eaglets.

The Trustee Council funded significant recovery efforts within the upper Sacramento River watershed during its 1999 grant program. Funds were allocated this year for watershed restoration work in the headwaters of Slate and Boulder creeks, riparian restoration and park improvements in Dunsmuir, as well as additional enhancements to the Cantara/Ney Springs Wildlife Area below Box Canyon Dam. Highlights of the 1999 program and ongoing grants are presented in the following pages.

Recovery Status

Recovery monitoring surveys for rainbow trout and osprey took place on the upper Sacramento River during 1999.

Snorkeling surveys, conducted on the river since 1992, document changes in fish populations. Recovery of rainbow trout showed an impressive growth trend through 1996. Flood conditions in 1997 caused a 50% decline in the trout population, while the El Niño event in 1998 contributed to a further decline. Results from the 1999 surveys indicate that the trout population is slowly beginning to increase. Trout greater than four inches in length have increased from 1,096 per mile in 1998, to 1,309 per mile in 1999.

Electrofishing surveys took place on the upper Sacramento River during the fall of 1999. Seven sites were sampled; the average size of rainbow trout collected was 8.83 inches, down slightly from the 1998 survey (9.02 inches).

Osprey surveys have been conducted on the upper Sacramento River since the Cantara Spill. Results from the 1999 surveys showed a considerable increase in the number of osprey produced when compared to the 1998 results. A total of 21 osprey young were produced in 1999, as compared to seven produced in 1998. A bald eagle pair, nesting for the first time on the upper Sacramento River in 1998, produced two eaglets in 1999. We believe the increase in osprey and bald eagle young is due to the fact that the number of rainbow trout greater than four inches also increased in 1999.

Grant Highlights

California Department of Parks & Recreation - Castle Crags Interpreter

The Castle Crags Interpreter position was funded by the Council to expand public education efforts within Castle Crags State Park. The interpreter works with numerous organizations, including local schools and the upper Sacramento River Exchange. Assessing resources in the park is an integral part of this position.

Thorough evaluation of the park's interpretive resources and user needs revealed that a number of programs are needed. For instance, schools utilize the park on a regular basis. Creating grade-based curriculums for classes will allow park staff to reach greater numbers of students. Several sites within the park have been identified as potential school-group study areas: a pond, a one-mile loop trail, and a nature trail adjacent to the Sacramento River. Improvements to these sites could meet the needs of school curricula.

Another important function of the interpreter is to update the park's public information. Evaluation of existing interpretive panels is underway. Redesigned flyers and brochures will promote greater understanding and protection of the park's natural resources. New exhibits for the campground and the interpretive center are under consideration.

Promoting stewardship of the river, and establishing watershed environmental education programs for the community and park visitors, will help to preserve our ecosystems for the future.

Freeman Ranch

Funded in 1996, the Freeman Ranch Cattle Exclusion Fencing Project provides protection for 32 acres of riparian habitat by restricting livestock grazing in this area. The Shasta River Coordinated Resources Management and Planning Committee (CRMP), along with the Great Northern Corporation, were awarded $61,531 for the project. Located in Siskiyou County near the town of Grenada, the acreage lies on both banks of the Shasta River. The excluded acreage encloses an area roughly 400 feet by 3600 feet long, and contains approximately one mile of the Shasta River.

For a period of ten years grazing will be limited within this zone, allowing conditions to improve for cold water aquatic organisms including salmon, steelhead, and trout. Riparian terrestrial species including many birds (waterfowl and non-game), mammals (such as otters, beaver, bobcats, and deer), and native vegetation, will also benefit.

As part of the improvement to the riparian zone, the area was replanted with approximately 3,000 native trees (cottonwoods, alders, willows, and water birch). Primary reasons for the plantings were to increase bank stability, and reduce river siltation.

A plan is being developed that will permit the landowner to use some late summer grazing to control herbaceous vegetation levels as a fire prevention measure. Resource benefits from this project will help offset habitat values lost as a result of the Cantara Spill, and will lead to even further gains in the future from increased landowner participation in the Shasta River restoration efforts.

City of Dunsmuir - Upper Sacramento River Exchange

In its third year of existence, the River Exchange Center continues to unite and educate the community of Dunsmuir in appreciating the upper Sacramento watershed. Since opening in 1997, the Center has served 30,482 people. "We continue to learn along with everyone else, that the river has much to teach us in many different ways," said Diane Strachan, Executive Director. "Our ongoing mission is to connect people with the watershed and all it has to offer."

Together with Mt. Shasta Elementary School, the River Exchange Center launched the new and innovative "Living Watershed History Program" in the spring of 1999. The program, designed for third and fourth grade students, leads children on an adventure hike through the Castle Crags area in which they encounter and interact with live performers from the past. This year, children learned to pan for gold from a "miner", listened to trapping tales and learned to light a fire with flint and steel from a "trapper", and had the chance to participate in crushing acorns with two Native American children. The Center plans to continue this phenomenally successful program each spring.

For the second year, community volunteers partnered with the River Exchange Center, the United States Forest Service, and NorCet on a restoration project in the Slate Creek watershed. Twenty-five volunteers planted nearly 200 native plants in a damaged meadow complex and evaluated the previous year's restoration efforts. Participants also learned about meadow ecology, native plant propagation, erosion control, and restoration monitoring.

Fall River Resource Conservation District

As part of the Fall River Restoration Project, Geographic Information System (GIS) maps were created. One of the main purposes of the Project was to map the boundaries of the Fall River Resource Conservation District (FRRCD). These maps will be used as a tool for planning future restoration projects within the district. In addition to the district boundaries, a variety of other aspects were mapped, such as roads, streams, watershed boundaries, and sites with potential for restoration.

In cooperation with the FRRCD, the Shasta College GIS Center worked to create data layers and hardcopy maps for the project. Finished maps were produced at presentation quality, for planning purposes and for use in public meetings. Working with the FRRCD provided Shasta College students with a project-based learning opportunity. The FRRCD intends to continue the partnership with Shasta College throughout the planning for future restoration projects.

Regional Water Quality Control Board

In the third year of their five-year grant, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) strives to protect and improve water quality in the upper Sacramento River and its tributaries. To monitor water quality, staff have implemented a sampling plan that covers analysis of sediment, temperature, nutrients, and coliform bacteria, as well as any other hazardous materials.

By calculating the Maximum Average Weekly Temperature taken at ten different sites along the river and seven different tributaries, the RWQCB has tracked the river's major cooling and heating trends. Data collected indicates that Box Canyon Dam controls the temperature of the river above Mossbrae Falls, while the falls regulate temperature downstream to Soda Creek. Below Soda Creek, temperature is affected by river flow and by the temperature of incoming tributaries. Data has further shown that during dryer years, such as 1997, the river flow is lower and tributary temperature higher, causing the river to heat. Conversely, during years with a high flow, such as 1998, the tributaries will effectively cool the river, making the habitat more ideal for trout survival.

Sediment sampling is conducted mainly during the winter months when storms and rain are washing sediments into the tributaries and river. Slides on Flume Creek, Little Castle Creek, and Pollard Flat are currently being monitored.

1999 Grant Program

Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Enhancement Projects

Four restoration projects totaling over $919,283 were funded this year in Shasta and Siskiyou counties. This amount represents approximately 43% of the Council’s 1999 grant program expenditure.

CalTrout —
Bear Creek Meadow Restoration, Shasta Co. — $43,600
This five-year project will monitor the restoration of a 2.2 mile reach of Bear Creek, tributary to Fall River. Important information regarding the effectiveness of the restoration project will be provided.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest, U.S. Forest Service —
Restoration of the Western Tributaries of the upper Sacramento River, Shasta Co. — $204,640
Twelve degraded sites in the headwaters of Slate and Boulder Creeks, tributaries to the upper Sacramento River, will be restored. Restoration activities will include road decommissioning, erosion control, streambank stabilization, and revegetation of disturbed sites.

Dunsmuir Garden Club — Olelbes Tauhindauli Park and Trail, Siskiyou Co. —$638,853
Components of several grant categories are contained in this project. Riparian vegetation on the upper Sacramento River at Upper Soda Springs will be enhanced - removal of fill and exotic plants is planned, along with revegetation of the site using native plants. One piece of property at Upper Soda Springs will be acquired; a handicapped accessible trail, picnic tables, and a fishing access will be added. Long-term maintenance of the site will also be provided. An interpretive trail with brochure will be developed. Newsletters will be produced and speaker workshops will be conducted.

Ms. Maria J. Ellis —
Shasta Crayfish Habitat Enhancement, Shasta Co. — $32,190
Shasta crayfish habitat will be enhanced by adding lava boulders to two headwater spring areas of Fall River, 1000 Springs, and Spring Creek. This will significantly improve habitat for the Federally and state-listed Shasta crayfish, and will allow these populations to increase in number, improving chances for survival of the species.

Acquisition and Resource Protection Projects

Acquisition and resource protection projects received the largest percentage of grant funds: 57% of the Council's total 1999 grant program expenditure. Four projects totaling $1,207,200 were funded this year.

Bureau of Land Management —
Lower Clear Creek Land Acquisition, Shasta Co. — $225,000
This project will acquire four private parcels (approximately 70 acres) on Lower Clear Creek in Shasta County, facilitating the Bureau of Land Management's ongoing salmonid habitat and riparian zone restoration program.

Mr. Alan Pardee, Landscape Architect — Cantara Ney Springs Connection, Siskiyou Co. — $569,000
Access on the upper Sacramento River will be enhanced by improving existing trails, constructing a pedestrian bridge over the upper Sacramento River, and acquiring an easement on Roseburg property. This will improve the linkage between the Cantara and Ney Springs units of the Cantara-Ney Springs Wildlife Area.

City of Dunsmuir —
Dunsmuir City Park Addition, Siskiyou Co. — $315,000
Over six acres of property along the upper Sacramento River, north of the existing Dunsmuir City Park will be acquired. The acquisition will protect the site from development, allow increased public access to the river, and allow for future restoration as needed.

Siskiyou County — Lake Siskiyou Watershed Specific Plan, Siskiyou Co. — $98,200
This project will create a Lake Siskiyou Watershed Specific Plan that will characterize the current state of tributaries to Lake Siskiyou, identify current and proposed land uses within the watershed, create a plan that will protect the pristine, and encourage restoration of the degraded tributaries and establish best management practices for activities in the watershed.

Trustee Council Initiatives

Regional Water Quality Control Board —
Water Quality Monitoring and Enforcement (year 4 of 5) — $142,008
Extensive monitoring will receive funding through the year 2000.

California Department of Fish and Game —
Resource Protection (year 3 of 3) — $97,426
This is the final year for the special warden position on the upper Sacramento River. The warden is responsible for enforcement activities and educating the public on the river's recovery.

California Department of Fish and Game —
Cantara Staff Funding — $732,942
Maintains existing staff support for the Cantara Trustee Council during the 2000/2001 fiscal year.

California Department of Fish and Game —
Special Events Coordinator — $54,964
The coordinator will organize special events such as kid's fishing days, and other educational opportunities in Shasta and Siskiyou counties. Public events will encourage stewardship of the natural resources injured as a result of the Cantara spill.

Thomas R. Payne and Associates —
Upper Sacramento Fishery Monitoring — $117,516
Snorkel surveys will continue to monitor the recovery of wild trout and other fish species in the upper Sacramento River during this two-year project.

Teaching Learning Network —
Trailside, Make Your Own Adventure Video — $25,000
A 30-minute special edition video segment for broadcast as part of the Trailside, Make Your Own Adventure series, will be produced. The program will focus on the upper Sacramento River, highlighting its recovery from the Cantara Spill. Distribution will be made to 296 Public Broadcast System stations for broadcast over a two-year period.

Upper Sacramento River Exchange —
Vision 2000 Project (year 2 of 4) — $159,000
Continuing to unite the community and promote appreciation of the upper Sacramento watershed, the River Exchange leads interpretive field trips, coordinates the annual River Festival with Dunsmuir schools, hosts public exchange meetings, and coordinates river clean-ups. Over 30,000 people have been served since its opening in 1997.

Mini-grant Program

The mini-grant program was developed to allow participation by those entities which had a desire to assist in the recovery of resources lost in the Cantara Spill, but didn't have staffing or finances necessary to prepare a grant application.

The Council directed Cantara Program staff to develop a mechanism for funding these smaller worthwhile efforts, limiting the program to the two counties directly affected by the spill, Siskiyou and Shasta. Each county received a portion of the $27,500 set aside for the program based on approximate percentage of affected river miles in each. The Shasta County program is administered by Cantara Program staff, while Siskiyou's funds are handled by the County Fish and Game Commission. The Council augmented the original amount of funding with a 10 percent allotment for overhead, but the administrators of both programs donate their staff time, leaving that much more to be used for grants to applicants.

During the first two years, 23 projects were funded in the two counties. Several of these contributed directly or indirectly to watershed education in local schools, while others provided enhanced fish passage, spawning habitat, and rearing habitat. Projects helped control erosion, improved access to the river, and provided training and equipment to individuals wanting to monitor the health of their local watercourses.

Awards in 1999 went to schools for propagating and planting riparian vegetation; to a local resource conservation district for conducting seminars to educate landowners about watershed restoration efforts and their water rights; and to an erosion control project on Mears Creek, a tributary to the upper Sacramento River.

 

 

Photography:

Cantara files

Bruce Deuel

Dana Lis

Craig Martz

Kalan Milhous

Steve Turek

Suzanne Turek

Upper Sacramento River Exchange

Western Shasta Resource Conservation District

Graphic Designer: Dana Lis

GIs Map: Shasta College, courtesy of Fall River Resource Conservation District

Financial Summary