After a smaller race profit and a smaller contribution to the California Conservation Corps in 2006, Paddle to the Headwaters has changed the way we raise funds for stream restoration projects on and near the Eel.

This year we approached Bear River Casino and the Bear River Rancheria about sponsoring our Canoe raffle. Thanks to Bear River Casino’s support, every dollar spent on the “Bear River Raffle” for a Wenonah Spirit II canoe goes to our salmon fund and is given to CCC. We hope this will provide a larger fund for the CCC and salmon stream restoration in 2007.

Tickets for the “Bear River Raffle” are available at the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce office, Don Brown State Farm Insurance & Landmark Real estate Fortuna. Tickets will be available soon at the Bear River Casino and outdoor stores around the county. You may order tickets by calling 707-725-9261. Find out more on the raffle {link} page.

Read about previous stream work below:

    2005's Cause

Elk Creek, a tributary to the South fork Eel River, is considered by California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) one of the high priority sites in our region for restoration. The project is designed to reduce sedimentation of the creek, improve instream habitat, and restore riparian habitat for self-sustaining populations of Coho and Chinook salmon as well as steelhead trout.

The Elk Creek Salmonid Habitat Improvement Project developed in partnership by the Eel River Watershed Group (ERWIG), the California Conservation Corps (CCC’s), and a private landowner can receive funding from the Fish and game Restoration Grant Program for this local project.

Funds from Paddle to the Headwaters will provide a match for this important fish habitat restoration project. These additional funds will help pay for CCC crews to implement instream enhancement and bank stabilization sites along more than a mile of Elk Creek.


Why we believe in it.
California’s budget for this type of work has been cut drastically over the last two years and will be cut more in the future. Projects such as this have to be taken on by private landowners and community participation. Due to generous underwriting by PALCO, funds and grants from other local groups mentioned above, and your registration fee, we can raise restoration dollars for a project that will be beneficial to our community and to Northern California as a whole.

Just think of it - you get a great weekend paddling down a scenic river and proceeds go to keeping the river productive and beautiful. It’s a win-win situation!


The Project

Restoration of salmonid spawning and rearing habitat by removing stored sediment at two sites in imminent danger of sloughing into Elk Creek. The resloped banks will be planted with live willow mattressing and willow sprigs. In addition, 26 instream and erosion control structures will be constructed within the 1.3 mile project reach, with another three sites designated for willow and conifer planting for ground stability.


Who will do the work?

The California Conservation Corps are the oldest, largest and longest-running conservation corps in the world. This group has a long-standing history of restoration projects throughout California.

Their mission is to engage young men and women in meaningful work, public service and educational activities that assist them in becoming more responsible citizens, while protecting and enhancing California’s environment, human resources and communities.


Specific Tasks

CCC crews will be utilized to place and anchor logs at locations selected by ERWIG staff and DFG personnel.

The first phase will involve corps members anchoring logs and boulders at instream enhancement sites. Once complete, these sites will offer shelter for juvenile and adult fish and improve spawning and rearing habitat for salmon and steelhead.

The second phase will involve CCC crews constructing a bank stabilization structure along an eroding bank. CCC and ERWIG Staff will complete this task by further stabilizing by planting willow matteressing and sprigs.

Phase three will involve planting native vegetation to restore the creeks riparian area.

All sites will be constructed following methods outlined in the California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual.