Mattole Salmon Group

Headwaters Monitoring

Without rain for many months, and due to residential summer water needs, the upper Mattole has been known to go completely dry in some areas near its source.  Low water flow leads to poor water quality. This is a critical time for the young salmon, especially coho, which spend the first year of their lives in the headwater’s streams.

Using hand held water quality testing equipment, the MSG monitors water temperature, pH, and conductivity in the upper Mattole periodically throughout the summer.  Underwater fish surveys are also done to monitor the survival of the sensitive residents.  This information is used to guide habitat restoration planning and potential emergency fish rescue operations.

Did You Know?

The MSG partners with Sanctuary Forest to monitor summer water quality.  Sanctuary Forest works with local residents and resource agencies to promote water conservation and storage in the Mattole headwaters.