Forest Knolls, Marin County – Today, the Salmon Protection and Watershed Network, better known as SPAWN, announced the release of a new educational brochure that shows the interested public the best places to view threatened coho salmon and steelhead trout.
The brochure provides a map detailing the best sites to view salmon, provides directions and descriptions of four viewing areas, information on how to identify salmon and steelhead, and recommended viewing tips to ensure the protection of these magnificent creatures.
“Once the first heavy winter rains come, we can expect to begin seeing coho,” said Reuven Walder, Watershed Biologist with SPAWN. “This brochure will not only show people where to see salmon, but also provides proper etiquette on how to view them responsibly.”
Endangered coho salmon and steelhead trout populations are down by 90% in the Lagunitas Creek Watershed in West Marin. They enter Lagunitas Creek, San Geronimo Creek, and several tributaries through Tomales Bay to spawn after the first heavy rains of the fall in the Lagunitas Creek Watershed and enter Redwood Creek (Muir Woods) directly from the Pacific Ocean. Fish have been sighted from September to January, with spawning normally peaking in December in the Lagunitas Watershed. Steelhead trout spawn later, usually from December to February.
“We hope viewing the salmon will encourage more people to volunteer their time and resources to protecting these magnificent creatures. Volunteers, from all walks of life, are the heart of our conservation efforts,” added Walder. In fact, the new brochure was designed for free by Marin County-based graphic designer Steven Lyons.
The Salmon and Watershed Protection Network is a non-profit organization that works to protect endangered coho salmon, steelhead trout, and the creeks in the Lagunitas Watershed through education, restoration, advocacy, strategic litigation, and monitoring. SPAWN offers naturalist-led creek walks, sponsors forums, and publishes a newsletter. SPAWN also trains volunteer StreamKeepers to conduct spawning salmon surveys, monitor water quality, and lead fish rescue and relocation. SPAWN is supported by tax-deductible contributions by individuals and through grants.
To receive a free brochure, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to SPAWN, PO Box 400, Forest Knolls, CA 94933.
