SRF's Up!

One of the biggest issues we've identified in the Headwaters, as well as across the basin, is access - keeping and improving what we have, restoring access that's been taken away, and establishing a common-sense set of guidelines to ensure that we have a consistent approach to the public's right to access the river from public land, private landowner rights, and a comprehensive understanding of how access and salmon recovery are linked.

Bottom line - there must be a direct nexus to salmon recovery. We need to identify if a real problem exists, the benefit to cost ratio, and then create a plan/program that includes assessment, outreach/education, and adaptive management.

Currently, SRFB (referred to as "Surf Board") doesn't allow funding to be used to improve access. However, through the Recreation and Conservation Office (http://www.rco.wa.gov/grants/index.shtml) there may be funding for improving access.

The deadline for 2015 funding is March 13th - this is a short time away, but the first steps are a two-page document that I've previously shared that we can complete, and apply for SRFB funding for the first two components - assessment and outreach/education. Implementation of a project plan must include a design (this should be easy, there are BLM and WDFW access areas that use a design similar to what we're advocating for in the upper river, think of Roza, Ringer Road).

This is worth our time and effort to work at as a conservation goal for the future - improving access on both public and private land is a key to TU's conservation mission: 

TU has a basic approach to its conservation strategy. First, we use the best available science to protect headwater spawning habitat for trout and salmon. We reconnect tributaries with their rivers to ensure resilience, and we restore waters where development has impacted trout and salmon and the opportunity to fish for them. Second, we sustain our work on the ground by:

• Using the best science to drive conservation priorities
• Promoting and maintaining a strong legal and regulatory framework to protect fish and fishing opportunity
• Connecting with passionate anglers who want to give back to the resource they value so much
• Increasing our ability to engage TU members in conservation by training, educating and building a strong community of angler advocates
• Connecting with generous donors and helping them give to the fish they cherish and the places they love
• Helping members connect and communicate with one another via our website, TROUT Magazine and the TU Blog

Thank you for your support and getting involved in the Headwaters, we're working diligently to develop our strategy and tactical plans for 2015 to engage TU members and volunteers in the community in cold-water conservation.

On behalf of your recently appointed Board of Directors,

Derek Young

President, YRHTU Chapter

derek@emergingrivers.com