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The Nature Conservancy Secures a Stronghold for Endangered Coho

Klamath basin ranch is a potential “silver bullet” to restore salmon runs

Mt. Shasta, California — March 17, 2009 — Today The Nature Conservancy announced the protection of the 4,543-acre Shasta Big Springs Ranch in Siskiyou County, California, which will have a resounding impact on salmon, steelhead and other important species throughout the Klamath basin. As climate change progresses, the area could also become one of the last and best strongholds for coho and other salmon species in California.

“If there exists a ‘silver bullet’ for restoring the lower Klamath’s endangered coho population, this could be it,” said Henry Little, project director for The Nature Conservancy in California. “Whereas most other rivers in the state are warming and becoming less suitable for salmon, the Shasta River likely will remain cold and thus provides a unique opportunity for us to bring this species back from the brink.”

The Shasta Big Springs Ranch contains two important Klamath River tributaries: the Shasta River and Big Springs Creek. The Klamath River was once the third most productive salmon river on the Pacific coast of the lower 48 states. The Shasta River and Big Springs Creek, whose water originates from Mt. Shasta’s glaciers and remains a cool 52–54o F throughout the year, provide salmon and steelhead with ideal conditions for spawning and rearing in both winter and summer.

“This is a prime example of how conservation supports a healthy and prosperous California,” continued Little. “ Protecting key places like the Shasta Big Springs Ranch will help restore fish runs and ultimately could help revive California’s salmon fishery as an important source of wild, locally caught salmon.”

The Conservancy’s restoration of the ranch will improve fishery habitat for up to 20 miles downstream. Additionally, if current negotiations amongst a number of public and private parties are successful and plans to remove four of the six major dams on the Klamath River proceed, the Shasta Big Springs Ranch could also serve as the natural nursery for re-establishing populations of coho and other salmon species in the upper Klamath.

The Nature Conservancy purchased 4,136 acres of the 4,543-acre ranch. The Conservancy also purchased a conservation easement on the remaining 407 acres. The owner will continue to reside and conduct a ranching operation on the 407-acre segment of the property while the Conservancy conducts habitat restoration. The acquisitions, which were made with private funds, protect 2.2 miles of Big Springs Creek, as well as the additional three miles of salmon and steelhead habitat along the upper Shasta River.

“In the face of climate change, it’s essential that we continue to invest in projects that will protect our natural resources for generations to come,” said California’s Secretary for Natural Resources Mike Chrisman. “I applaud The Nature Conservancy’s work to restore northern California’s vital salmon runs at the Shasta Big Springs Ranch.”

In addition to supporting coho salmon, restoration work on the Shasta Big Springs Ranch also will provide habitat for other struggling species, including the Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, Pacific and Klamath River lamprey, Western pond turtles, greater sandhill cranes, bank swallows, neo-tropical migratory birds and bald eagles.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.