SPAWN, the Salmon Protection And Watershed Network, based in West Marin County?s Lagunitas Creek Watershed, is happy to report that winter 2001-02 was good for Coho. A near-record 284 ?redds? (nests) were laid throughout the Watershed.

Adequate rainfall usually means a good Coho run, but the rain?s timing also greatly influences the success and location of redds. With a weak creek flow, Coho can?t jump barriers to swim upstream. This year most of the rainfall came at the Coho migration peak, and the fish easily passed culverts that have blocked prior migrations.
SPAWN has also assessed these barriers? impacts and prioritized repairs. As funds can be found, we will repair these salmon and steelhead migration barriers. (For a copy of the study, contact SPAWN.)

SPAWN started fish rescue and relocation efforts four years ago, since many of our streams go dry every summer. This summer SPAWN rescued 2,028 Coho and 570 steelhead, more Coho than in any previous year, all above culverts that normally block Coho.

The Lagunitas Creek Watershed is home to Coho salmon and steelhead trout, which give birth, grow, and return to die in our creeks. While fish populations have dropped from historic highs, SPAWN and community members are working to restore them and protect their habitat. Come help with our restoration programs or visit this winter to see the magnificent Coho spawn! Call 415/488-0370 for info.


More Updates

• March, 2003 Update
  

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