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Stephen Carr Hampton's avatar

Having lived and birded in Davis, Putah Creek, and the Yolo Bypass for 30 years, I know this story well. It's all true. The lawsuit for water flows was key. And it was the testimony of UC Davis fish expert - the fish god of California - Peter Moyle, that was critical. And since then so many have been involved in turning this ag ditch back into the river it once was, and in reconnecting it to the ocean. I've seen mink down there when the salmon are running. It's really crazy to say "the salmon are running" about Putah Creek, but it's true!

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Amanda Royal's avatar

Yes, hoping for some increase in the number of fry that make it out to the ocean. I forgot to link to this story about the latest research showing some of those returning salmon are indeed born in Putah Creek: https://earthhope.substack.com/p/lost-salmon-turn-wild-in-restored?utm_source=publication-search

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Shawn's avatar

Thank you for reminding us that we have the possibility of resurrecting these places.

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Amanda C. Sandos's avatar

I love this story SO much. Thanks for sharing it again, Amanda. Keeping the community between them. I cried. Also, I laughed so hard at the fluffing and most of all, the things some Americans do for fun! LMAO!

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Amanda Royal's avatar

Aw!

Thanks for being here, Amanda : )

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Aida Brunell's avatar

Bravos and thanks for this interesting overview.

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Amanda Royal's avatar

Thank you!

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Leslie Rasmussen's avatar

Amanda, this is such a wonderful story, I'm glad I caught it on this round. Streamkeeper is a magical word and this tale of meeting people where they are and moving forward inspires. I think Max Stevenson must have studied people as much as hydrology and biology. I loved his community building of keeping the stakes holders at the table until they see the common humanity and begin to creatively make solutions they can all embrace and defend. I hope there will be more stream keepers in California's future.

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Amanda Royal's avatar

Thank you, Leslie! Streamkeeper is indeed a magical word, and I wonder if we ought to have one for every river and stream in the country.

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Leslie Rasmussen's avatar

Yes, we ought and meanwhile let's hope.

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Mike Stein-Prairie Fire Found.'s avatar

Inspiring!

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Amanda Royal's avatar

Thank you!

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rena's avatar

Enjoy your adventure!

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Amanda Royal's avatar

heading to the museum and bean today!

we got rained on yesterday but we Californians love warm rain : )

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rena's avatar

Yay! Have fun!!

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