Here's an update from Gary Reedy about the fish count:

Important information for Smith River Fish Count 2009 (the 10^th Annual!!):
1) Road Closures --Construction on South Fork Road will be stopping traffic for up to 4 hour periods on Friday July 24 --- with possible (but unlikely) 1 hour closures on the 25th. To reach Rock Creek Ranch on Friday the 24th, you will want to get up South Fork Road between 8 - 9 am, during the noon hour, or after 5 pm. So, come on Friday no later than 1:00, or miss the training and come after 5. If you can't come Friday night, you may have a one-hour delay on Saturday, so please plan accordingly. (I need to know of any expected Saturday arrivals asap).

2) Sunday Surveys -- Due to potential access limitations on Saturday, we are encouraging participation in a second day of fish counts on Sunday. These surveys are optional, of course, and may be more strenuous.

3) Cost -- The Smith River Alliance relies on donations from participants to cover costs associated with coordination, training, community food for the event, and Rock Creek Ranch. We are asking for $25/night (or what you are comfortable contributing) for a camping/use fee. However, this volunteer event will not be cost prohibitive, so please contact me about service trade options, if you are unable to contribute a night/use fee.

Gary will not be available to respond to emails past Sunday July 19. Come as you can. Gary's email is gary DOT reedy AT gmail DOT com

For emergencies or last-minute coordination, messages can be left for me at 707 954-0254 (Rock Creek Ranch).

This year's fish count has absolutely no government or foundation financial support -- it's volunteer all the way.  More information is here.

South Fork Smith River — July 25, 2009

The Smith River Alliance invites all swimmers and wild-fish-enthusiasts to participate in the 2009 Fish Count. Come help us track the abundance of California's healthiest population of coastal cutthroat trout — big fish in every pool! We will also be on the lookout for the rare summer steelhead and spring Chinook salmon, some of which are seen every year. Participating snorkelers will experience wild fish in their native habitat, and also enjoy the unsurpassable beauty of the Smith River while floating among the canyon walls and searching within the clear water.

This event contributes to an annual program monitoring summer populations of adult fish in the Smith River. Training and leadership will be provided by experienced participants. Data collection is coordinated with the California Deptartment of Fish and Game and the U.S. Forest Service.

Training and coordination will take place at Rock Creek Ranch, ideally situated on the South Fork Smith River. Camping is available to participants beginning the afternoon of July 24 and ending July 26. Donations requested for camping and food items provided.

The nearest motel and store is located in Hiouchi, 10 miles away. Children are welcome, but only good swimmers older than 12 years may participate in the count. Please do not bring your dog.

Friday Training: An "entry-level" river snorkeling and fish identification workshop will be held on Friday from 1:00-5:00. This training is fun and is required for all new participants who want to collect data on Saturday. Experienced fish snorkelers are encouraged to help with the workshop and improve their skills.

Saturday Schedule:
8:00 am — Registration begins
9:00 am — Instructions and Team Assignments — Don't be late!
9:30 am — Safety and Equipment checks
10:00 am — Depart Rock Creek Ranch in carpools
5:00 pm — All data and equipment returned — BBQ begins!

What to Bring: Mask and snorkel, full body wetsuit and dive hood. Wetsuit gloves are recommended for all but the tough, hot-blooded type. Booties with soles, or wetsuit socks and shoes to swim in Flexible fins are recommended for those with experience using them. Small durable pack with lunch, water bottle, and sunscreen. Bring camping gear, including lantern and solar shower, if you have one.Musical instruments!

Food: Bring high energy snacks for a lunch, breakfast, beverages, and cooler with own ice. Pasta and red sauce will be provided for Friday dinner. Bring bread, salad, sides, etc. Saturday BBQ will be available. Bring grill items and potluck dishes.Kitchenware and outdoor kitchen provided.

Equipment: Please come prepared. Wetsuits, hoods, masks and snorkels may be rented at Pacific Quest Dive Center in Crescent City. Call them at (707) 464-8753. The Smith River Alliance has limited equipment that we use to supplement gaps or inadequacies.

Directions: Rock Creek Ranch is located 8.0 miles up South Fork Road which starts at Highway 199, 12 miles northeast of Crescent City and 7 miles west of Gasquet. South Fork Road crosses the Middle Fork, then the South Fork, then turns up the South Fork canyon. The driveway for Rock Creek Ranch is located immediately after the signs for five small streets (Madrone, Cedar, Oak, Pine, and Fir) and will be marked.

Please RSVP by email before July 20 to: gary DOT reedy AT gmail DOT com

See you in the water!