October 1, 2000
On another beautiful, late-summer weekend, we found ourselves under
the majesty of old-growth Douglas fir along the pristine South Fork
of Bear Creek (upper Mattole watershed): joined together for the
third annual Coho Confab. Begun as a vision of long-time restoration
advocate Richard Gienger, the Confab continues to grow into an
amazing learning and networking opportunity for all working for (or
just plain interested in) the protection and restoration of Coho
salmon and the health of their watersheds.
The Confab attendees twisted together willow branches to create a
"living" erosion-control wall, learned forest ecology while enjoying
a Sanctuary Forest hike to the infamous ancient tree Big Red,
frolicked in the cold, deep pools of Bear Creek while learning to
identify small fish fry, visited restoration work sites, learned the
basics of geographic information systems (GIS) mapping, and relaxed
in the beautiful Nadelos BLM campground.
During an informative discussion, "Restoration in Our Watersheds,"
five panelists described the projects they had participated in or
were in the process of completing. A mouthwatering meal followed,
including fresh grilled salmon for all, and the entertainment began.
As one long-time salmon activist replied when asked why he worked so
hard to save the salmon: "Because we want to eat them!"
Trees Foundation would like to thank Anne Seaquist for organizing
another successful weekend, the workshop leaders-Richard Gienger,
Gary "Fish" Peterson, Maureen Roche, Georje Holper, Jeremy Wheeler,
Mike Vollmer, and Fiona Burgess-as well as the panelists, including
David Simpson and Sterling McWhorter, and nighttime entertainers Seth
Zuckerman, Chris Skyhawk, and Francine Allen. Big thanks go to Amy
Shadwell, the kitchen queen, Tracy Thiele, and the others who helped
cook and prepare and clean the site. Finally, Trees thanks the
attendees for their commitment to Coho running wild. We look forward
to gathering again next year!
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TOC for Forest & River News, Fall 2000