Report from the Field RIVER NAME
PROJECT
STATE
t
New Projec
>>
New Effort for Fish and Birds on a Revered Spring-fed River Beneath ancient lava flows in northern California, a series of massive, underground springs give rise to one of the West’s most revered trout streams: the Fall River. Unlike most rivers, which collect rain and snowmelt above ground, the Fall River is born from a powerful underground aquifer, which delivers cold, consistent flows to the river even during periods of drought. As California faces a drier
future, the Fall River is a critical source of fresh water that feeds the Sacramento River system with nearly a billion gallons of cold flows each day. Against the backdrops of Mount Lassen and Mount Shasta, the Fall River meanders
lazily down the broad Fall River Valley, beckoning trout anglers from far and wide. Even when air temperatures heat up in summer, the river’s big, wild rainbow trout thrive in the year-round 50-degree water, nourished by abundant, big bugs that flourish in the volcanically enriched system. The Fall River and its associated wetlands are also important for migrating birds. Located on the Pacific Flyway, the fertile valley draws multitudes of ducks, geese, raptors and other migratory birds. In 2019, Western Rivers Conservancy set out to protect a vital reach of the Fall River, a 1,158-acre ranch that adjoins the Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park in the heart of the Fall River Valley Important Bird Area. Throughout 2019 and into 2020, we worked with the community and with local and state agencies to explore ways we might conserve this outstanding property. If we are successful, our efforts will protect four miles of the Fall River and three miles of the Tule and Little Tule Rivers, two major tributary streams, while setting the stage to rejuvenate the ranch’s extensive wetlands and waterfowl habitat. We will also create new, compatible public access to the river, which is as well known for its lack of access as it is for its blue-ribbon trout. All told, this effort will be a tremendous boon for the river, its worldclass fishery, its stunning array of bird life and for everyone who has the opportunity to visit this rare, spring-fed treasure.
WRC launched a new effort to protect outstanding riverland habitat along the renowned Fall River, the largest spring-fed river in North America and a cold-water lifeline for birds, fish and other wildlife. westernrivers.org
23