2013 Fish Count
South Fork Smith River — August 16-17, 2013
The Smith River Alliance invites all swimmers and wild fish enthusiasts to participate in the 2013 Fish Count. Help track the abundance of California’s healthiest population of coastal cutthroat trout! We will also be on the lookout for the rare summer steelhead and spring Chinook salmon, as well as suckers, rainbow trout, lamprey, and herps. Participating snorkelers will experience wild fish in their native habitat, and also enjoy the unsurpassed beauty of the Smith River while floating among the canyon walls and searching within the clear water.
This event contributes to an annual program monitoring summer populations of adult fish in the Smith River. Training and leadership will be provided. Data collection is coordinated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service.
Training and coordination will take place at Rock Creek Ranch, ideally situated on the South Fork Smith River. Camping is available to participants beginning the afternoon of August 16 and ending the morning of August 18.
The nearest motel and store is located in Hiouchi, 10 miles away. Children are welcome, but only good swimmers older than 18 may participate in the count. Please leave your pets at home.
Friday Training: An “entry-level” river snorkeling and fish identification workshop will be held on Friday from 1:00-5:00 pm. This training is fun and is required for all new participants who want to collect data on Saturday. Experienced fish snorkelers are encouraged to help with the workshop and improve their skills. PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED MATERIALS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.
Saturday Schedule:
8:00 am — Registration begins
9:00 am — Instructions and Team Assignments
9:30 am — Safety and Equipment checks
10:00 am — Depart Rock Creek Ranch in carpools
5:00 pm — All data and equipment returned — BBQ begins!
What to Bring: Mask and snorkel, full body wetsuit (5m is best), dive hood, gloves, booties, and flexible fins for those with experience using them. The SRA has a gear cache to supplement, and materials can also be rented in Crescent City or Arcata. Small durable pack with lunch, water bottle, and sunscreen. Bring camping gear, and most importantly, musical instruments, stories, and talents!
Food: Bring high energy snacks, potluck items for Friday and Saturday, and lunch for each day. BYOB/ice. A full kitchen and BBQ will be available each day. Breakfast and dinner entree are provided on Saturday.
Directions: Rock Creek Ranch is located 8 miles up South Fork Road, off Highway 199, 12 miles northeast of Crescent City and 7 miles west of Gasquet. The driveway for Rock Creek Ranch is located immediately after the signs for five small streets (Madrone, Cedar, Oak, Pine, and Fir) and will be marked.
Please RSVP to Rachel McCain at rachel_mccain@nps.gov. Like us on Facebook, too! More information and details will be provided to confirmed divers as we get closer.
Volunteers are needed for surveys, kitchen prep/cleanup, and shuttles.
See you in the water!
