Protecting Mount Shasta’s Watersheds

I attended the first of three presentations on Mount Shasta watersheds last night at the Weed Mercantile Mall in Weed. Several representatives from local non-profit agencies, local companies, and government agencies described the groundwater and surface water characteristics of the Shasta Valley watershed, the McCloud River watershed, and the Upper Sacramento River watershed.

Moderated by environmental education expert Meadow Barr, the presentation was an interesting and informative mix of science and policy, with a major focus on protecting water resources and local fish poulations, and restoring riparian and meadow vegetation.

Hikers need to pay attention to water. Many of our favorite hikes travel along streams, and we want the waterways healthy and vibrant. Of course, many hikers also fish and thus have a special interest in helping streams. The presenters discussed the current situation of Coho and Chinook salmon in the Shasta River and the threats facing redband trout in the McCloud area.

One of the presenters, Dr. Rene Henery of the Upper Sacramento River Exchange, has created an excellent on-line slide presentation of Mount Shasta’s watersheds. Also visit the Protect Our Waters site for more information and to get involved. (For information on the controversy surrounding water bottling plants, and specifically the proposed Nestle plant in McCloud, visit Stop Nestle Waters.)

The presentation will be repeated two more times:
October 1, 6-8 p.m. at the McCloud Mercantile, 241 Main Street in McCloud.
October 2, 6-8 p.m. at the Brown Trout Gallery, 5841 Sacramento Avenue, in Dunsmuir.
For more information call California Trout at 926-3755.

Wherever you live, wherever you hike, pay attention to your watersheds and help protect them.

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