CAMPAIGNS

RIVERS OF SUCCESS

A popular tenet among biologists is that "everything is connected," and nowhere does this ring more true than when one considers our river and stream ecosystems. From their headwaters to the ocean, rivers and streams are highly valued biologically, recreationally, and economically. The need to understand the ecological importance of river and stream dynamics has never been more important -- drastic changes to these river environments (e.g., water diversion, channelization, and impoundment) are occurring without our knowing the long-term consequences of such actions. FCF is addressing the aquatic resource conservation issues surrounding our flowing waters, from small headwater streams to large rivers, by spearheading a variety of efforts to raise public and legislative awareness.

PROJECTS

Riverwebs Documentary

Together with the National Science Foundation, the Japan and United States Friendship Commission, the US Environmental Protection Agency, The Japan Foundation, and the US Forest Service, FCF has assisted scientist and filmmaker Jeremy Monroe of Freshwaters Illustrated and Dr. Kurt Fausch of Colorado State University in making a unique and exceptional film. The documentary weaves the story of groundbreaking science, a personal tragedy, and the value of the stream ecosystems to both aquatic and terrestrial systems. Unique to this story is that the presentation emanates from the scientists themselves, which provides a deeper examination of their experiences and their love and appreciation of watersheds. The world-class scientists involved in the film were closely connected to the actual filmmaking; likewise the filmmakers were involved in the science. This truly collaborative approach has resulted in a more accurate portrayal of scientists as real people than seen in most science films. This approach promises to broaden Riverwebs’ appeal to a wider and more popular audience than traditional science programming.  The producers of RiverWebs are continuing their efforts to build additional educational programs using the messages in the film.  Screenings of the film have been held at the annual meeting of the North American Benthological Society and the American Fisheries Society.  To learn more, go to http://www.riverwebs.org/

Native Fish Conservation Areas (NFCAs):

A workshop convened to discuss the need and role for native freshwater fish "refuges" took place in early April in Boise, Idaho and was sponsored by Trout Unlimited (TU), the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF), and the Fisheries Conservation Foundation (FCF). The goal of the workshop was to develop a strategy for defining and potentially implementing a refuge-like concept as a tool for focusing conservation of high quality native assemblages against the backdrop of compatible uses such as angling.

Among the mileposts reached during the discussions and strategy sessions in April was agreement on the definition of a Native Fish Conservation Area (NFCA):

A network of watersheds where management emphasizes conservation and restoration for long-term persistence of native fishes and other aquatic species and allows compatible uses.

Participants agreed that the concept of an NFCA needs to be delineated from National Wildlife Refuges, Wilderness Areas, and Marine Protected Areas.  NFCAs are generally "places for native fish communities to thrive for their full range of values."  More specifically, a national NFCA system would include a network of watersheds where resource management would emphasize conservation and restoration for long-term viability of native fish communities, while identifying and allowing compatible uses. Look for further developments throughout the spring.

NFCAs Contacts:

Jack Williams (TU)
Fred Harris (FCF)
Rick Williams (FFF)

CAMPAIGN CONTACTS

Jack Williams (TU)

Email the Rivers of Success Campaign: RS at fishconserve.org