Headwaters

Terrain in the head waters is hard with low occurrences of landslides.  The headwaters provide important habitat for all three species of Mattole salmonids.  Water temperatures in the headwaters are consistently lower than much of the mainstem of the Mattole, making it ideal habitat especially for juvenile coho.  Recently however, due to extended dry seasons, forest transpiration, and human water extraction, water levels in the headwaters have dropped to critical levels.  Many streams that have consistently held water throughout the year are starting to dry up during the dry season.  One explanation is the lack of groundwater.  The MSG is currently developing projects aimed at restocking groundwater and ensuring water abundance in the headwaters during the entire year.