The Nature Conservancy and NMFS

NMFS is partnering with scientists and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to apply population analyses with the TNC Conservation Planning tool for salmon and steelhead recovery plans in the Domain.  The final product will provide the framework for prioritizing restoration actions based on species needs and habitat potential.  Overview of the TNC Conservation Planning tool can be found at:  http://www.nature.org/aboutus/howwework/cbd/. 

NMFS North Central Domain is currently partnering with TNC to use the CAP tool to develop the threats assessment for Central California Coast coho salmon, Central California Coast steelhead and California Coast Chinook.  The threats assessment will be augmented with the TRT products and modeling of historical habitat capability and productive capacity, current habitat capability, watershed conditions and potential biological responses of the species to focused restoration actions.  Salmon and steelhead population response, under different management actions (levels of restoration), will be investigated using meta-population analysis.  The basis for this analysis is the characterization of individual populations and their dynamics with the range.  Meta-population analyses will consider the current distribution of dependent and independent populations identified by the TRT, diversity strata of the populations, and the likely future distribution of populations (under alternative recovery actions) and their interdependent contribution to the viability (and delisting) of the species. 

The final product is expected to describe future potential of habitats to support salmon and steelhead populations, distinction and prioritization between and within populations for recovery efforts and the linkages between recovery actions and responses of populations across the range of the species.

Sonoma County Water Agency

The work is being funded by Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA).  Link to press release regarding the money from SCWA to NMFS for recovery planning http://www.scwa.ca.gov/.

California Department of Fish & Game

NMFS will also work closely with California State Fish and Game and their recently adopted Recovery Strategy for Coho Salmon as federal recovery plans are developed.  Link to DFG Recovery Strategy for Coho Salmon

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/nafwb/CohoRecovery/RecoveryStrategy.html

5-Counties Salmon and Roads Program

In 1997, the Counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Siskiyou, and Trinity agreed to collaborate on a proactive, positive response to the federal listings of salmon as Threatened species by forming the Five Counties Salmonid Conservation Program (5C). The goal was to seek opportunities to contribute to the long-term recovery of salmon and steelhead in Northern California. The objectives were to evaluate options for improving County plans, policies, and practices to provide or improve salmonid habitat; to identify areas where Counties might be vulnerable to challenges under the Endangered Species Act (ESA); and to upgrade training programs and monitoring and reporting procedures.               

 others that we will provide on call

California Coastal Conservancy/Casitas Municipal Water District 

NMFS has worked closely with the California Coastal Conservancy, the Casitas Municipal Water District, and the California Department of Fish and Game to provide effective fish passage at the Robles Diversion on the Ventura River.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Ventura County Watershed Protection District 

NMFS is currently working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Ventura County Watershed Protection District, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and on a plan for the removal of Matilija Dam on Matilija Creek, and tributary to the Santa Clara River.  (See web-site).

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission/United Water Conservation District 

NMFS is currently work with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the United Water Conservation District, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the State Water Resources Control Board to develop fish flow and fish passage provisions for Santa Felicia Dam on Piru Creek, a tributary to the Santa Clara River.

05/22/2008