Descending from the forested mountains and canyons of northwestern California, the Smith River flows cold and clear. This rugged watershed provides a wealth of biological resources, including anadromous fisheries of national importance. The excellent steelhead fishery of the Smith River is considered the only remaining healthy stock of anadromous salmonids in California (Huntington et al. 1996). Furthermore, this is the only major river in California that remains free of dams. The Smith River flows through majestic redwood forests and is known as the "crown jewel of the wild and scenic river system."
Although the Smith River is beautiful and productive, our participation and cooperation with nature is needed to maintain the beauty and productivity of the river and its resources. Since the 1850s, the landscape has undergone extensive and unprecedented changes due to human activities. Many ancient forests, especially old growth redwood forests, have been converted to young forests or other uses. Many ecosystem components have been reduced or eliminated including frequent low-intensity wildfire, grizzly bears, and wolves. The salmon runs have declined. We are challenged to address environmental problems including:
If we hope to meet these challenges, we should strive for better understanding of environmental conditions and trends. Further, in order to apply this understanding, we also need to apply decision making methods that incorporate ecological knowledge. Knowledge of the historical context of the river system is necessary in order to discern human influences on the system, influences that sometimes extend over many years and decades. This report discusses the historical and ecological context of the fisheries of the Smith River watershed and suggests methods for pursuing restoration of the Smith River and its fisheries. This report does not describe an entire restoration strategy because successful restoration requires involvement of all concerned parties in the planning stages. A restoration strategy created and imposed by outsiders is not likely to succeed. This report intends to provide information and suggestions that will help concerned parties create a detailed restoration strategy. This report has the paradoxical task of making the most specific possible recommendations to meet conservation goals while still leaving as much flexibility as possible for community self-determination to meet important social goals. Through application of these proposed methods by concerned parties, it is certainly possible to create a restoration strategy for the Smith River that will integrate scientific recommendations, the needs and expectations of the public, and the constraints of responsible stewardship. This is essential if we hope to maintain environmental quality for our children, grandchildren, future generations, and other forms of life.
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