Conservation Starts With You
Record low fish counts, low water, extreme droughts, heat, and fires worry the angling community. So much of the west is experiencing warmer temps, which means closures to fishing in the summer. A significant lack of precipitation like rain and snow means low to dry rivers and reservoirs in the summer and fall months. And in Central Oregon, we are not immune to the changes in climate and conditions.
As anglers, we depend on healthy fish populations, rivers, and riparian areas so we can go and do what we love, fly fishing! But sadly, so many rivers, reservoirs, and the fish that call them home are in need of some major help.
Take steelhead on the Lower Deschutes, for example. Steelhead numbers are drastically disappearing and are now listed as Threatened on the Endangered Species Act. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, passage counts of summer steelhead at Bonneville Dam from July 1 through Aug. 26 are the lowest since counts began in 1938.
In 2013 at the Shears Falls Fish Trap along the Deschutes, 158 wild steelhead were counted in September. In 2021 at the same place during September, only 15 were counted. These numbers are devastating!
So why are steelhead numbers dwindling? Sure, there's a lot we don't know about Steelhead, their migrations, and what they need to thrive. However, humans certainly aren't helping. Damns, overfishing, human-caused climate changes, and pollution are wiping out steelhead.
So what can we do? How can we help steelhead and other fish? And how do we protect our rivers?
Whether it's saving steelhead on the Lower Deschutes, fighting for water rights, advocating for clean water, dam removal, or restoration, there are simple actions that you and I can take today that will make a difference for the future.
And the great news is, we can take action as individuals on the water, on the streets, and at home to help protect our waters and fish.
On the water and at home, use best practices. Catch and release, proper fish handling, grip and grin the right way, and for the love of god, pack out your trash! Be a trout habitat defender and protect their habitats in the water and out.
At home, you can take action by using less water. Xeriscape, turn off faucets, check plumbing for leaks, or collect rainwater. Not only will this conserve precious water, but it will save you money on your water bill.
#conservation. For some folks, social media is a great tool to bring awareness about an issue to a large audience. Yes, it can also be destructive and very opinion-based, but it can bring an issue you're passionate about to light if used the right way.
Fish porn and positivity on social media is always fun, but next time you post a pic of your redband rainbow you caught on the Lower Deschutes, take a few words and talk about the lack of steelhead. Or remind your friends that even though Steelhead fishing is off-limits right now (so leave the swing gear at home), you can still have a blast trout fishing in October.
Use your voice and call your elected officials! Call your elected representatives and make your voice heard. Calling versus an email or a social media post is taken much more seriously and is way more effective. Calling might sound intimidating, but it's not, and it takes only a couple of minutes.
Here are some simple tips for calling your local elected officials…
Be direct and respectful. Tell them the issue you're calling about, restoration, dam removal, water rights, etc. And always be polite and respectful. This is not social media where we get fling poo at each other. Instead, show respect, this goes a long way.
Be prepared. Write down what you want to say and keep it short, direct, and sweet.
Time to call your representative. And don't worry, you're not going to speak directly to them; instead, you'll talk to an aid. Aids get these calls a lot, and it's nothing new to them, so there's no reason to feel awkward or like you're wasting time.
Now it's time to talk, and there are some things to remember. Always state your name, the reason for calling, and if you're a veteran, let the aid know. Here's a sample script you can use.
"Hello, may I leave a message for (official's full name)?"
Yes, I'm ready to take your message.
"Hello, my name is (your first and last), and I'm a voting constituent from (town & zip code). I'm an angler and calling to ask (representative's name) to support or vote against (issue/law). I'm for/against this issue because (keep this short and to the facts)…. And I'm asking you to vote yes/no. Thank you for listening and considering my request and support."
Use your words. An email to an elected official is still helpful and can be done from the convenience of your computer. Emails are similar to phone calls as far as what to say, but you might find they can be less intimidating or more convenient than a phone call.
Here's a sample script for an email.
Subject: Constituent comment on (issue)
Dear (Elected Official)
Hello, my name is (your first and last), and I'm a voting constituent from (town & zip code). I'm an angler and calling to ask (representative's name) to support or vote against (issue/law). I'm for/against this issue because (keep this short and to the facts)…. And I'm asking you for your support and to vote yes/no.
Sincerely, (your name)
Not sure who your representatives are or how to contact them? Here is a fantastic website that easily allows you to find your elected officials based on your address, myreps.datamade.us. Not only will there be a list of names, but you'll also have access to contact info, including a phone number and email address. So simple!
Take the issues public. Show up to events like protests or public meetings so you can be loud and proud.
Public meetings are conducted by a state or local governing body to discuss or decide any matter. And you guessed it, the public is welcome. Public meetings engage, inform, and are open for discussion.
ODFW, for example, holds public meetings and these meetings give you, the voter and angler, a chance for your voice to be heard in person about issues you care about.
Vote like our rivers depend on it! Because they do. Please get out and vote during elections and stand up for our environment. It's easy to get caught up in the drama and pardon my french, but the bullshit of politics, but please vote! Each vote sends a message to our political leaders, corporations, and neighbors that we are concerned and taking a stand in what we believe is right.
Help those who are helping the cause. Here are some nonprofits and organizations doing some fantastic work to protect our rivers, oceans, and fish. And with your time, donations, signatures, calls, and action, you can support them in the fight.
Oregon Natural Desert Association
The moral of the story, take action! Whether it's sharing on social media, signing a petition, calling your local elected officials, or always packing out your trash. Every action has a reaction, for better or worse, so let's choose better and protect our homewaters, our trout, environment, and our passion for fly fishing.