This is just one post in the Water & Wildlife Category

Fish debate: UWCD reports history of stocking streams

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on November 17, 2008 at 6:21 am

From the Ventura County Star, this commentary written by Kimberly Bowers, a historian working for United Water Conservation District, which disputes the claim that steelhead trout naturally populated the Santa Clara River. At issue is whether UWCD must fix or rebuild the fish ladders around the Vern Freeman Diversion:

When United Water Conservation District hired me in 2007 to compile a history of steelhead trout in Ventura County, I thought it would be a three-month project. Yet, here I am, more than a year later, still finding materials relating to steelhead and other types of trout. I’ve gathered volumes of information about steelhead trout, and I’m pleased to present to Ventura County residents important information about this endangered species.

I have prepared a report that provides a fascinating look at how people at the turn of the century managed the fish and game resources in Ventura County. My report is posted on United Water’s Web site.

One hundred years ago, trout fishing in local streams was considered phenomenal, but there is a part of the story that has not been widely told. Local streams were being systematically stocked because of declining fish populations. The decline can be attributed to overfishing, droughts, water use, forest fires and oil pollution.

Read more from the Ventura County Star by clicking here.

November 17, 2008 · Filed Under Water & Wildlife

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