RIVER

STEWARD
HANDBOOK
VERSION 3.1
(ABOVE)
Rosy Cheeks
Table of Contents
Marty Sheppard
River Steward Handbook 4

Background on Key Issues 8

(COVER)
Fall Gathering 2014 Questions to Guide Your Understanding of Fish Health 11
Campfire Session
Duncan Berry & Management in Your Homewaters

Advocacy Toolbox 12

River Steward Activities 15

Glossary of Key Terms for Wild & Hatchery Fish 16

Relevant Acronyms 21

River Steward Contact Information 22

Note Page 24

River Steward Code of Conduct 27

 RIVER
STEWARD
HANDBOOK
VERSION 3.1

edited by
Jake Crawford
Conrad Gowell
Allison Oliver
Mark Sherwood

Guided by the best-available science,

Native Fish Society advocates for
the protection and recovery of wild,
native fish and the stewardship of
the habitats that sustain them.
River Steward Handbook
What is the purpose of the River Steward Program?

The River Steward Program is an integral part of the Native Fish Society’s mission: to protect and
recover wild, native fish and steward the habitats that sustain them. The program puts knowledgeable,
committed volunteers on the ground in key watersheds to monitor and advocate for the needs of wild
fish. River Stewards are the eyes and ears of the Native Fish Society and our boots-on-the-ground.

The River Steward concept is not new. The earliest stewards, or riverkeepers, served their communities
as far back as the Middle Ages. They patrolled village streams and rivers to protect them for the benefit
of all inhabitants. The first full-time North American riverkeeper was a former commercial fisherman
turned activist hired in 1983 by the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association to identify polluters who
were breaking environmental laws. During the past 25 years, riverkeeper programs have emerged in
large urban rivers such as the Willamette River in Oregon, and classic angling rivers like California’s
Russian River. Native Fish Society’s ambition is to support a region-wide network of informed,
empowered and effective River Stewards on every watershed with wild fish in the Pacific Northwest.

Today, 89 River Stewards safeguard 4,000 stream miles and 170,000 square miles of watersheds in
Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and British Columbia.

River Stewards advocate on behalf of the wild, native fish in their watershed and provide a watchdog
presence for state/provincial, tribal and federal agencies with management authority. The purpose of
the River Stewards and the Native Fish Society itself is to make sure that fish-related governmental
policies are adopted and implemented on behalf of native fish. River Stewards work on proposed
policies with key officials from legislators to agency leaders. Once such policies are approved, the River
Stewards and the NFS closely monitor the implementation of policies and regulations to make sure
wild, native fish benefit.

Policy development and implementation for the protection and restoration of native wild fish entails
the four H’s: Hydropower, Habitat, Hatcheries and Harvest. Each of these four issues needs to be
addressed in every watershed to maintain healthy wild, native fish populations. Traditionally, emphasis
has focused on improving Hydropower dam operations – or removing dams altogether – in order that
salmon and steelhead can migrate upstream to spawning grounds and downstream to the ocean. While
the problems with the dams have not been eliminated, there have been substantial improvements. For
example, today many Columbia River dams allow water to go over the spillways rather than through
the turbines in order to help move juvenile salmon more safely through the river to the saltwater.

The second H, Habitat, is being addressed by a large number of governmental and non-governmental
groups. Today, millions of dollars are funded annually to improve salmon habitat from estuaries to
headwaters. In some rivers, dikes and channelization in their estuaries have been removed, reconnecting
floodplains and restoring ecosystem function, which has improved rearing habitats for juvenile
salmon. Thousands of miles of fencing has been built and maintained in order to keep livestock out
of spawning areas and protect riparian vegetation.

But the toughest nuts to crack have been the remaining two H’s: Hatcheries and Harvest. A number
of rivers are dam free and have excellent habitat, yet the fish are threatened by hatchery operations
(genetic and ecological impacts) and improper harvest regulations. By in large, hatcheries harm, rather
than help wild, native fish and serve only to support unsustainable harvest interests in a fishery.

Many rivers are inundated with hundreds of thousands of hatchery-reared salmon, trout and steelhead
that, in turn, imperil wild fish through disease, competition and interbreeding.

4 River Steward Handbook V. 3.1

Moreover, commercial and recreational fishermen often harvest too many wild fish due to
indiscriminate (mixed stock) fisheries. See sections 3 and 4 in the “Background on Key Issue”
chapter of this handbook on the specific types of challenges harvest and hatcheries present for
recovering wild, native fish populations.

Finding solutions to hatchery and harvest challenges are the Native Fish Society’s top priority. Native
Fish Society is one of the few independent, fact-based, groups that directly confronts our current
hatchery and harvest challenges. If you’re fortunate enough however, to steward a watershed that
doesn’t face challenges from hatcheries or harvest, then River Stewards should prioritize habitat
protection, monitoring and hydropower as focus areas.

Who should be a River Steward?

River Stewards come from all walks of life, from mechanics to lawyers to teachers to software
engineers. You don’t have to be a fish biologist to be a River Steward. But you do have to be
committed to a particular watershed and its wild, native fish.

To be an effective River Steward you need to be willing to learn about your favorite river, the
challenges and opportunities facing its wild, native fish and have an ability to interact with the key
people and groups in the watershed. As a River Steward you will identify opportunities for change,
prioritize advocacy activities, and use personal knowledge, experience, relationships and the best-
available science to motivate stakeholders and agencies to improve conditions for wild, native fish.

A River Steward needs to be not only committed and knowledgeable, but also respectful and savvy
in order to be effective. Being right is not enough – a River Steward needs to understand how
people and groups interact. River Stewards need to be able to motivate other people, groups, and
institutions.

While it is unlikely that you will always agree with local stakeholders on every issue, remember the
old adage: you can disagree without being disagreeable. As River Steward you should be able to
communicate about the issues involved. You don’t have to be a great public speaker or professional
writer, but you must be able to express your thoughts and arguments on a variety of problems and
solutions.

Finally, the “job” of a River Steward should be fun and rewarding. You will get to know a number of
like-minded wild fish advocates. You will feel a sense of accomplishment that you have helped wild
fish, the environment that sustains them, and the communities that form around them.

What a River Steward Does:

A River Steward learns to be a knowledgeable resource about their particular watershed. A River
Steward studies past and current issues related to the river and its fish. They become knowledgeable
by spending time on the water and by spending time in your home office, too. River Stewards learn
from other River Stewards, District Coordinators and staff. If you get stumped reach out – odds
are someone in the River Steward community has worked on a similar issue and their experience
can prove invaluable. Eventually, a River Steward may become the go-to expert on their particular
watershed and its fish.

A River Steward is a good listener. They ask questions, read both technical and non-technical fish-
related publications, absorb information on their river and fish and learn to organize and synthesize
this information.

River Steward Handbook V. 3.1 5

A River Steward communicates. A River Steward not only becomes knowledgeable on their river’s
issues, but also has to communicate this information in both oral and written forms.

River Stewards also work with program staff to seek external funding to support their work in each
watershed. Encouraging your friends and neighbors in the watershed to join the Native Fish Society
as members and volunteer their time and funds toward your initiatives is always a good place to start.
Accomplishments to date on the part of the River Stewards include:
• Working with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a science-based spring
and fall Chinook conservation plans for the Rogue River.
• Protecting habitat by stopping destination resorts proposed for the Metolius Basin.
• Protecting wild spawners by ending the harvest of wild winter steelhead on the North
Umpqua River.
• Unifiying local stakeholders by forming the Molalla River Alliance, which brings public and
private groups; local, state and federal agencies; and land owners together to protect and
restore the Molalla River ecosystem.
• Protecting wild steelhead in 1,000 sq. miles of Washington watersheds from the negative
impacts of hatcheries through our work with the Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife to establish Wild Steelhead Gene Banks on the Sol Duc, Wind, East Fork Lewis,
North Fork Toutle/Green, Grays and Chinook rivers.
• Protecting and creating habitat for wild, native fish by facilitating the purchase of land on the
Oregon Coast that was designated as a state park.
• Protecting threatened wild steelhead by working with biologists from the National Marine
Fisheries Service to improve low flow closures on the Mendocino and Sonoma Coast.
• Conducting watershed restoration and salmonid recovery educational presentations to more
than 500 people annually on Central Oregon Coast watersheds.
• Building local coalitions of support to secure State Scenic Waterway designation for the
Molalla & Chetco rivers, protecting 28 river miles from damming, water diversions and
mining.

The Responsibilities of a River Steward:

Effective River Steward become intimately familiar with their watershed, its wild, native fish and
develop a positive working relationship with the state, federal and tribal authorities located in your
area. River Stewards must learn about the life history of the native fish species, where their habitats
are located in the watershed, the challenges that prevent them from being healthy (limiting factors),
and their unique characteristics. River Stewards understand the measurable benchmarks for each wild,
native fish population in their watershed and track the recovery process to make sure it stays on target.
You can find these measurable recovery targets and benchmarks in the Conservation and/or Recovery
Plans developed for each species in your watershed. Ask your local fish biologist for an update.

River Stewards are resident experts on native fish conservation, working with management
agencies to apply scientific criteria for conservation of each wild, native fish population in their
home watershed. They cooperate with other groups to help fund habitat improvement projects.
River Stewards also represent the Native Fish Society at the local level in public meetings, with
news media, and before government decision makers. They communicate with the NFS’s River
Steward Program Director prior to providing public statements and provide them with any written
statements of press accounts. (See the Advocacy Toolbox Chapter for more info on how to provide
written or public testimony.)

River Stewards also work with program staff to seek external funding to support their work in each
watershed. Encouraging your friends and neighbors in the watershed to join the Native Fish Society
as members and volunteer their time and funds toward your initiatives is always a good place to start.

6 River Steward Handbook V. 3.1

How to Get Started:

First, get acquainted with your river by exploring its watershed and its fish. Put on your hiking boots,
your snorkel and mask, or your waders and really get to know the river, its fish, the riparian zone
and its uplands as well. A river is not just a conduit of water racing downhill, but a part of the entire
landscape. A healthy landscape is a healthy river. Part of understanding your landscape is getting a
map of the watershed that includes land ownership. Seek out your county planning office, regional
Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management (USA) or Ministry of Forests Lands and National
Resource Operations (CAN) office for such a map.

Second, sit down at your computer and desk. The underpinning of the Native Fish Society’s advocacy
is based on sound science, so you should seek out science-based information. Don’t be afraid to ask
“dumb” questions. Ask your local state fish and wildlife biologist about what they believe are the
top challenges facing wild, native fish in your river. The Native Fish Society mentors River Stewards
through scientific education, annual gatherings, and policy issue discussions that will help you work
with agencies and other concerned citizens. Make sure to take advantage of these opportunities.

In addition to research, you should meet with the key people and groups in the watershed, including
state and federal fisheries agencies, regional watershed councils, fishing groups, conservation groups
and private companies that impact the river, such as wood products firms and ranchers. Get to know
those key people at meetings, lunches or on the river.

Help inform our members, supporters and the public about your watershed, its native fish and the
conservation opportunities and challenges you’re facing by managing your watershed’s webpage
on the Native Fish Society website. Every single watershed with a River Steward gets a webpage
designated for your stream and conservation efforts. Utilize this page to share information, videos,
articles, and post the progress you’re making toward your conservation goals. For questions on how
to utilize your page contact River Steward Program staff.

Stewards should develop an annual report of their work. Send it electronically or via hard copy
to River Steward Program staff. In this way NFS can be fully informed of the stewards’ efforts.
Moreover, stewards are also encouraged to write articles for the biannual NFS newsletter, Strong
Runs, our monthly e-newsletter, Redd It, and for items on the NFS website.

How to Navigate Controversy:

River Stewards will inevitably have to deal with controversial issues. Resource management takes
place in socially polarized communities and often deals with complex problems. Controversy can
invigorate and enhance interest from the broader public, or it can deteriorate into personal attacks
and adversarial relationships. Remember, just because you disagree with someone on one issues
doesn’t mean that you disagree with them on all issues. For example, don’t let your differences
related to a harvest issue detract from working with them as a partner on a habitat restoration issue.

When you encounter controversy the most important step to take is to clearly establish the facts that
you base your position on. Make clear what the problem is, provide a solution, and show how it is
feasible. Focus on positive talking points (i.e. conserving fish, not preventing extinction) and, when
appropriate, agree to disagree.

River Steward Handbook V. 3.1 7

Background on Key Issues
1. The Native Fish Conservation Policy
The Native Fish Society and its River Stewards provide a grassroots presence with state/provincial,
tribal and federal agencies that have management authority over wild fish and their habitat. In the
United States, this includes NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and state fish and
wildlife departments. In Canada, this includes Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and provincial
fish and wildlife departments. In addition, in the Columbia River basin, NFS also pays close attention
to the Bonneville Power Administration and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, as
these groups fund millions of dollars for native fish recovery and the construction, operations,
monitoring and evaluation of hatcheries. Specifically, the purpose of NFS is to make sure the
government adopts and implements policies that protect and restore native fish. The word “policy”
is a critical one because a policy determines what an agency does.

Once a policy is adopted, the agency then issues rules that, in turn, control fish management
operations. Once established, policies and rules can be difficult to change. Consequently, it is vital
that NFS be involved in policy development and implementation. This is the core mission of the
Native Fish Society. NFS works with key officials from legislators to agency leaders on proposed
policies that are consistent with the needs of wild fish.

Once the policy is approved, NFS works with the appropriate agency on the detailed rules that
implement the policy. After that, NFS staff -- and River Stewards -- closely monitor the outcomes
and make adaptive changes as necessary.

2. Policy Implementation and the Four H’s

Policy development and implementation for the protection and restoration of native fish entails the
four H’s: hydro, habitat, hatcheries and harvest.

The first H is hydro and a number of governmental, tribal and private entities have improved hydro
dam operations, such as increased flows. Some dams have been removed altogether in order to
help fish passage. Native Fish Society advocates for dam removal when possible and for volitional
fish passage when it’s not. Volitional fish passage is when fish are able to swim past the barrier
under their own power at the time of their choosing. This is critical for supporting the recovery
of “self-sustaining” populations of wild, native fish as required under the Endangered Species
Act. Fish ladders where both adult and juveniles salmon and steelhead can navigate upstream and
downstream at their own choosing are examples of volitional fish passage.

The second H is habitat, and likewise many groups (such as local watershed councils, soil and water
conservation districts, Federal Agencies such as Bureau of Land Management and United States
Forest Service (US), Department of Fisheries and Oceans (CAN) and state/provincial programs
such as fish and wildlife commissions) have helped to improve habitat, such as fencing riparian
zones on salmon streams and cleaning up water pollution.

Yes, a number of Western rivers are, in fact, clean, free flowing and have intact habitat, yet their
native salmon and steelhead populations remain threatened.

Why? The culprits are the other two H’s – hatcheries and harvest. In many rivers, wild salmon and
steelhead populations have not improved despite efforts over the years, and in some cases those
runs are declining, often due to improper hatchery operations and inadequate harvest regulations.

Few groups -- other than the Native Fish Society -- have zeroed in on hatchery operations and
harvest regulations in relation to the needs of wild fish. Some other groups ignore these issues
because stands on such matters are often unpopular or controversial. But the very name of our
organization – the Native Fish Society – means what it says. Our purpose is to protect and restore
native fish and the habitat that sustains them.

8 River Steward Handbook V. 3.1

Many governmental agencies are not focused on native fish and biological diversity. Instead, their
collective mission is to secure funding for hatchery operations in order to maintain harvest in
commercial and recreational fisheries.

In the past native wild salmon, trout and steelhead have largely been ignored, and it was not until NFS
and other conservation groups litigated in the United States federal court under the Endangered
Species Act that government agencies were forced to pay attention. Today these agencies are
beginning to restructure their missions, but they are still reluctant to build a scientifically sound
conservation program for the needs of native fish.

It is up to NFS to hold the various agencies accountable to the needs of native fish. Just because
a court ruling or legislative directive demands that wild fish should be a top priority doesn’t mean
that the agencies implement the ruling or the directive. The NFS has to constantly encourage the
agencies to do the right thing. And River Stewards can help a play a local role in this effort.

For example, a Wild Fish Policy was adopted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
in 1978. It was never fully implemented, and in 2003 the commission adopted a similar directive
called the Native Fish Conservation Policy. Since then, NFS has said that the standards and criteria
of the conservation plans in that program should be followed for each native fish species in each
watershed. As a result, NFS has, and will continue to, champion the goals of the ODFW’s Native
Fish Conservation Policy. The Native Fish Society oversees the implementation of the state’s native
fish policies.

All four of these “H’s” need to be managed properly in order maintain healthy and productive
native fish. Even a single “H” can be enough of a stressor to jeopardize the health of a wild, native
fish population.

3: Hatchery Programs
On the surface it would appear that hatcheries are a good thing; hatchery reared salmon, for example,
would supplement wild fish and there would be more fish all the way around.
Historically hatcheries were thought to be suitable replacements for habitat. As a result, many
hatcheries were built when dams were constructed without fish passage.

But after 150 years of hatchery operations we have fewer salmon than ever before. In fact, 60% of
wild salmon populations native to the Northwest are either extinct or threatened with extinction.
Why?

Hatchery programs have not been able to stem the tide of habitat loss as once thought. Salmon
raised in captivity quickly adapt to their hatchery surroundings and lose their ability to survive in the
wild. At the same time, they contribute to the decline of wild populations by increasing competition
for food and cover, weakening genetic adaptations by spawning with wild fish, and serving as
vectors for disease. The Native Fish Society has an online resources available to River Stewards and
members at https://nativefishsociety.org/science that features the latest research corroborating the
harm that hatchery programs have had on wild fish populations.

With more and more scientific evidence demonstrating that hatcheries hurt wild fish why do we as
a society continue to maintain hatcheries?

First, the goal of the commercial and recreational fisheries is to catch fish, and hatcheries are able to
produce salmon without addressing the more difficult, root causes of the decline of wild fish. Many
state, tribal and federal fish managers favor hatcheries because their constituents are commercial and
recreational fishermen, and most of them want to catch fish, regardless of whether or not the fish
are wild or hatchery.

River Steward Handbook V. 3.1 9

Second, most hatcheries in the United States are financed through federal tax dollars because many
federal dams have blocked salmon migrations and the government has mitigated this loss by building
and operating hatcheries. As a result, those federal mitigation funds funnel a great deal of money
into the U.S. fish agencies.

Last, hatcheries are politically expedient even though they are an economic disaster. The construction
and operations of most hatcheries far outweigh the benefit of harvesting fish. Unfortunately,
taxpayers have been unaware of the true cost benefit analysis of hatcheries.

As a result, the Native Fish Society works from the premise that the best hatchery is a healthy
river. Our approach to hatchery reform is two-pronged. We actively support the increase of rivers
without hatchery programs, like the system of eight Wild Steelhead Gene Bank rivers we’ve helped
implement in Washington. Research indicates that the more separation in space that we can create
between hatchery and wild fish the better. Second, we’re working to identify and campaign to
reform the most harmful hatchery programs. Our intent is to encourage managers to redirect funds
currently allocated to hatchery production into efforts proven to increase the health, diversity, and
abundance of wild, native fish. This includes habitat protection and restoration, dam and barrier
removal, and increased fisheries monitoring and enforcement.

After years of Endangered Species Act litigation even the United States federal government has
agreed that wild, native fish come first. According to a 2009 guidance letter from NOAA Fisheries,
the protection and recovery of an ESA-listed fish population should be targeted at the population’s
native fish. That letter was sent to the state and tribal fish managers on how they should operate
hatcheries in places with ESA-listed fish. The NFS believes that this guidance letter is scientifically
sound and its recommendations should be carried out by those managing hatchery programs and
harvest regulations. The Native Fish Society believes this is also true for the management of native
fish in Canada, although no salmonids in Canada are currently listed under the Canadian Species At
Risk Act.

The Native Fish Society is closely monitoring how fish managers are implementing this guidance
policy. This is where the role of River Stewards is crucial. Talk to your local fish managers in your
watershed and ask them whether or not the agency has complied with the relevant native fish
conservation policies affecting your river.

4: Harvest
Harvest is one of the four “Hs” that impact the health of salmon and steelhead.

Harvest refers to commercial, tribal/First Nation and recreational fisheries that are based along the
rim of the North Pacific to the Continental Divide. The catch of the salmon and steelhead fisheries
accounts for millions of dollars annually. State and federal agencies regulate these fisheries, and
most of them primarily look after their constituencies and their consumptive desires.

What is the problem?

When wild populations commingle with hatchery fish the wild fish are often over-harvested.

For example, in many cases there may be thousands of adult hatchery reared salmon in a particular
run but only a few hundred wild native fish in the same run. If a large number of fish are harvested
in a fishery in that run, then the impact on the native fish can be quite harmful.

This is also true in mixed-stock fisheries such as the sockeye salmon fishery in the Skeena River,
northern British Columbia, Canada. When target stocks of sockeye overlap with non-target stocks,
such as small, distinct subpopulations of sockeye, or non-target steelhead, chinook or chum, the
unintended harvest of these populations can occur.

10 River Steward Handbook V. 3.1

What sort of harvest changes do we need to help the wild fish? Harvest must support – not harm
– the reproductive capacity of wild salmon and steelhead runs in each river.

This means that a number of life history attributes of each population needs to be determined and
maintained, such as abundance (# of fish), spatial distribution (where they are located), diversity
(how many different life histories exist per species) and productivity (how successful the fish are
at reproducing). If improperly managed, harvest impacts each one of these factors, undermining
recovery.

Unfortunately, in the past, (and in some instances today) harvest is focused on maximization. The
Native Fish Society is not against harvest. But we advocate harvest practices that are sustainable. In
other words, we seek healthy, productive, and diverse populations of wild fish that can be harvested
in perpetuity. In doing so, harvest would be regulated to maintain spawner abundance and diversity.

To address a harvest challenge, a River Steward needs to know the harvest levels in its watershed for
each fish population. Second, the steward – and the NFS staff – should determine if a particular
harvest regulation should be changed. If so, the steward should collect the scientific, social and
economic information needed to build a persuasive case in order to change the harvest rule. For
example, a harvest change that has been successful in many places is the requirement to use barbless
hooks to limit catch and release mortality. But remember, the harvest proposals and changes should
be based on the needs of the fish, and not on a particular fishery—recreational, tribal/First Nations
or commercial.

Generally, River Stewards should not advocate a particular fishery – such as commercial or
recreational. Harvest rules and regulations should be based on the needs of fish, not fishermen.

Questions to Guide Your

Understanding of Fish Health
& Management in Your Homewaters

1. Are the salmonid species in your watershed healthy? To determine this, collect information on
each species’ productivity, diversity, abundance and spatial distribution.

2. What is the carrying capacity of your watershed? How many fish can the habitat in your watershed
support? Contact your state/provincial regional district biologist to learn what the carrying capacity
is for each species native to your watershed.

3. Once you know the carrying capacity of your watershed we need to ensure that all of the habitat
is being used by wild fish -- does your watershed have a spawner abundance objective? How many
adult spawners are needed to keep the run healthy? Contact your state/provincial biologist to learn
about spawner abundance objective.

4. Related to spawner abundance objectives, does current harvest management impede wild fish in
your watershed? For example, do recreational anglers hook more wild fish than fin-clipped hatchery
fish during a particular run? If the run is composed primarily of hatchery reared fish, then there
might be a problem for wild fish.

5. How many hatchery fish are spawning with wild fish in your watershed (pHOS: percent hatchery origin
spawners)? NOAA Fisheries recommends that no more than 5 percent of the spawning population be
hatchery-reared fish. The natural stray rate for wild fish is less than one percent per brood.

River Steward Handbook V. 3.1 11

6. Hatchery-reared fish that naturally spawn in a watershed negatively impact the reproduction of
wild fish, even if a hatchery uses native broodstock fish. Does your watershed provide some type
of separation between the two types of fish? If not, why? One of Native Fish Society’s primary
goals is to make sure that fish management policy and actions deliver wild spawners and exclude
hatchery-reared spawners.

7. What is the nutrient enrichment goal for your watershed? Decomposing salmon provide nutrients
vital for ecosystem function (they feed hundreds of plants and animals). For coho salmon, the
estimate is 200 spawners per mile. A natural nutrient enrichment goal per watershed (wild salmon
spawning and dying) is more important than relying on the human-powered distribution of hatchery
fish carcasses.

8. How does the habitat impact the productivity of wild, native fish? Habitat is organized like links
in a chain that support the life history requirements of the fish. If a link is broken the fish cannot
complete their life cycle; if a link is damaged the population’s reproductive capacity is reduced.
Habitat investments provide a greater benefit when they address the limiting factors of the habitat
for each species affected.

9. With this information develop conservation goals for each species with targets for productivity,
diversity, abundance, spatial distribution, spawner escapement, pHOS, mechanisms for separating
wild and hatchery fish, nutrient enrichment, and habitat protection. Keep track of your progress
toward these goals.

Advocacy Toolbox

The Native Fish Society has developed a multitude of tools to enhance the effectiveness of the River
Steward Program. Some of these tools include regional contact lists, up to date science libraries,
information on organizing and attending field trips, trainings, action alerts and media outreach,
access to a network of experienced stewards, regional coordinators to organize larger efforts among
stewards, a website to showcase and communicate your work, and full time staff members to assist
your efforts. Below are a few tips and guidelines to take full advantages of these tools:

How to Develop Key Contacts:

Protecting and enhancing wild fish includes a host of governmental and non-governmental
organizations. Virtually all of these groups have websites, which may be helpful. Search engines,
such as Google can be a tremendous aid when you are in search of specific scientific or contact
information. Utilize, and build upon, regionally curated contact lists held by regional coordinators.
In the back of this handbook you will find a roster of River Steward contact information, we also
encourage you to add key contacts in the notes section of this handbook. Keeping a well organized
local contact list and to-do list are key to staying active and organized as a River Steward.

Additionally, look for other advocates from the following partner organizations that might be
involved in your area. In the United States, this includes:

• American Whitewater
• American Rivers
• Trout Unlimited
• Pacific Rivers
• Wild Fish Conservancy
• Audubon

12 River Steward Handbook V. 3.1

How to Increase your Understanding Through Research:

The first place to go for research on wild fish is Native Fish Society’s Science Library, where peer-
reviewed scientific literature is available. Found on our website at nativefishsociety.org, our science
pages contain a wealth of information and it is constantly updated. In addition, look to your local
library, the Bonneville Power Administration’s library and other websites on the various state/
provincial and federal agencies. Much of this information is not available on a spoon-fed basis,
so you may have to dig for it, but that can be challenging and fun. Reach out to program staff or
regional coordinators if you are looking for something specific. Also, conducting keyword searches
on Google Scholar for research articles can be very helpful.

How to Attend and/or Organize a Field Trip

One of the easiest ways to get involved is to attend and/or organize a field trip. Getting on the
ground can illuminate successful solutions, or emphasize the ongoing problems to native fish
decline. Either way, having direct experience will strengthen your ability to advocate. Sign up on
partner websites, such as local watershed councils, for updates and opportunities, and relay those
opportunities to staff so others can also become notified. If you want to lead a field trip, reach out
to staff so they can help put together a press release, including information on who, when, where,
what, and why.

How to Reach the Media:

Reach out to traditional and non-traditional media so that you can broaden your message. Sometimes
you may want to initiate a press release on the part of a particular proposed action. Other times, the
media may come to you asking for answers on a particular issue.

Either way, be straightforward and honest with the media representative. Don’t try to spin the issue.
In many cases, the reporters will have had little experience on the issue and you should help them
with background if they are interested. Talk to the Native Fish Society River Steward Program
Director about media relations, too. You should provide an additional contact at NFS.

If you want to write a press release, see the suggestions below on how to write comments on
government proposed actions. In addition, write a first sentence on who, what, where, when and
how. Keep the release to less than 300 words.

Blogging and Social Media:

Blogging and social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook can be an effective way to
advocate for wild fish and spread your message to other passionate anglers and fish conservationists.
A number of River Stewards have active blogs. Blogs, such as “the Osprey” can be ready by thousands
of people per month and is a good example of how effective this form of communication can be.

The easiest blogging platform is Blogger (blogger.com). Setting up a blog at Blogger is free and
easy. If you do setup a blog, contact NFS to have us list it on our Steward’s blogging page. Twitter,
Facebook, and Instagram are also useful platforms for advocacy, and are free as well.

River Steward Handbook V. 3.1 13

 How to Write Comments on Proposed Governmental Actions:

Below are some key points for creating a written comment to a governmental agency on a proposed
policy relating to wild fish in your watershed.
• Below are some key points for creating a written comment to a governmental agency on a
proposed policy relating to wild fish in your watershed.
• First, discuss the issue and comment opportunity with River Steward Program staff.
• Clearly address the individual, agency and present the exact proposed action.
• The first paragraph should be a summary of your argument. Following the summary
paragraph you can elaborate on your message, but don’t be long-winded. Keep it to two or
three pages.
• Base your argument on facts, not opinion. Facts include scientific, legal, or economic analyses.
• Provide alternatives to the proposed action. Advance your proposal by asking questions.
• Don’t be overly technical in your writing. Your writing should convey that you are
knowledgeable but not a know-it-all. Avoid jargon and acronyms.
• Be yourself. Write in your own words, not the words of someone else.
• Your comments should not appear to be a mass mailing.
• Make it clear that you are familiar with the location and the issue. Mention if you live on or
near the watershed
• Conclude with a summary of your critique of the proposed action.
• Review your comments with River Steward Program staff.
• Send your comments to the agency both electronically and hard copy.

Public Testimony
The first time that you testify before a governmental hearing, you may be nervous, so organize and
rehearse your comments in advance. Here are a few things to consider on how to testify:
• First, discuss your testimony with the River Steward Program Director or the staff person
in your area.
• Always, always be polite and be yourself.
• Learn to summarize your message. You may know volumes about the particular issue, but
the hearing officer or chairman doesn’t have an hour to listen to you. Hone your key argu-
ments. Practice at home on how to articulate your position in two minutes. Then elaborate
it and say it in five minutes.
• If you want, you can elaborate your testimony in written form and give the clerk a copy to
him or her for the record.
• Remember who your audience is and tailor your message. In some cases, the audience may
be fish biologists and so they will be the experts and not you. At other times, the audience
may know very little about fish, so you may be the expert.
• Make it clear who you are and that you are a Native Fish Society River Steward. Make it clear
that you live and work in the watershed and that you are familiar with it and the people in the
area. If you have lived in the area for years, include that.
• Sometimes humor can be effective, but don’t try to be a comedian.
• If a panel member asks you a question and you don’t know the answer – don’t make it up!
Tell the person that you will get back to him or her.
• Be constructive. If you are providing comments in opposition, suggest an alternate solution
• Stick to the facts, not opinions.

14 River Steward Handbook V. 3.1

River Steward Activities
Here are a few ideas about specific activities you can seek out as River Stewards. Our staff and River Steward
community have experience with all of these activities and can provide training and information.

Public Comments Compliance Monitoring

Testimony at public meetings Endangered Species Act
Written submitted electronically or by mail Native Fish Conservation Policy
Angling regulation changes Wild fish escapement
pHOS

Data Collection Boots on the Ground

Spawning surveys, redd counts River Cleanups
Snorkel surveys, presence /absence Monofilament Recycling Tube Placement
Water temperature and water quality monitoring Lead Watershed Tour
Water Typing Prevent Habitat Degradation
Support Habitat Restoration

Community Events Service Roles

Host Film Showings Serving on Advisory Boards
Conservation Themed Gatherings Stakeholder Working Groups
Host Science Night at Local Pub Stakeholder on Conservation and Recovery Planning
Salmon Watch Collaborate with other groups as fish/area representative
Outreach and Education

Common Threats to Look for in Your Watershed

• Overharvest: Catch and release mortality, by-catch, mixed stock fisheries

• Hatchery Interactions: Genetic introgression, ecological competition, high stray rates

• Resource Extraction: Logging, mining, gravel extraction

• Infrastructure Development: Dam building, road building, water withdrawal, wastewater discharges

• Invasive Species, Parasites/Disease

River Steward Handbook V. 3.1 15

Glossary of Key Terms for Wild & Hatchery Fish
1. Abundance. A measure, or relative index, of the number of fish that represent the size of
a salmonid population or of a component of the population expressed as numbers of fish. For
anadromous populations, this number is normally expressed in terms of adult spawners and is
compiled by monitoring and evaluation of fish populations over time.

2. Adfluvial. Fish that spawn in tributary streams where young rear from 1 to 4 years before
migrating to another lake or river system, where they grow to maturity.

3. Anadromous. A fish that is born in freshwater, spends its life at sea and then returns to freshwater
in order to spawn.

4. Asynchronous. The populations of salmonids are not having peaks and declines in abundance
at the same time.

5. Biological Diversity. The variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes of
which they are part; including genetic and ecological diversity within species, between species and
of ecosystems.

6. Broken links. The interruption of habitat connections across the full range of a species’ life
history. When one of section of the watershed is impaired (from headwater tributaries to the
estuary and ocean) the productivity of the species will be impacted and reduce its success.

7. Carrying Capacity. An estimate of salmon productivity based on available habitat.

8. Conservation Hatchery Program: The use of artificial propagation to conserve genetic

resources of a fish population at extremely low population abundance, and potential for extinction,
using methods such as captive propagation and cryopreservation.

9. Conservation Limit. River specific spawner abundance objective (Atlantic salmon mgt. – Canada).

10. Density Dependent Mortality. Competition among rearing juvenile salmonids causing lower
smolt yield.

11. Depressed. Means below an established goal, such as fish production or escapement, shown in a
management plan or below the level of production or escapement that the Commission determines
to be an optimal level.

12. Distribution. Distribution refers to identifying the spawning, rearing and migration areas, as
well as an understanding of the life cycle of wild fish and when they occupy these areas.

13. Domestication. The genetic and behavioral adaptation of salmonids when they are spawned
and reared in an artificial environment. Hatchery fish perform better in the hatchery environment
than wild fish, but have poor performance in the natural environment compared to wild fish.
Hybrids between hatchery and wild fish have an intermediate performance in both environments.
Domestication selection in a fish hatchery can cause a 20% reduction in fitness in the first generation.
Those that survive best in a hatchery environment are the ones that can deal, for whatever reason,
with hatchery conditions. But the same traits that help them in the hatchery backfire when they
return to a wild river, where their ability to produce surviving offspring is much reduced.

16 River Steward Handbook V. 3.1

14. Equilibrium Abundance. Average maximum number of spawners a population can sustain
given the habitat capacity and natural mortality.

15. Escapement. A numerical threshold for the portion of a stock or group of stocks that is
protected from harvest and allowed to spawn to meet management objectives and perpetuate the
stock.

16. Fitness. The relative reproductive success of a fish, equal to the average contribution to the
gene pool of the next generation.

17. Genotype. The combination of genes possessed by an individual.

18. Hatchery-origin. Fish that have been incubated, hatched or reared in a hatchery or other
artificial production facility regardless of parentage.

19. Home Stream Theory. Dr. Willis Rich in the 1930s based on tagging individual salmon. At
the time it was believed that salmon returned to streams to spawn randomly, but Rich’s work shows
that they return to their home stream to spawn and said that management on that basis is necessary
to avoid depletion of salmonids.

20. Inbreeding Depression. Reduced biological fitness in a given population as a result of

inbreeding, or breeding of related individuals. Population biological fitness refers to its ability
to survive and reproduce itself. In general, the higher the genetic variation or gene pool within a
breeding population, the less likely it is to suffer from inbreeding depression.

21. Integrated Hatchery Program. A hatchery program in which a high proportion of wild
individuals are incorporated in the hatchery broodstock each generation, maintaining genetic
similarity of wild and hatchery stocks, but potentially resulting in greater reproductive interactions
between the two and impacts on reproductive success.

22. Integrated Hatchery Strategy. A broodstock management strategy where the intent is for
returning adults of wild- and hatchery-origin to be reproductively integrated to form a single,
composite stock. This requires wild-origin adults in the hatchery broodstock, and hatchery-origin
adults may spawn naturally with wild salmonids. Evaluation of this hypothesis indicates that the wild
population is harmed reducing reproductive success by 20 – 40% and by removing wild spawners
to support the hatchery program.

Challenges: It has been conclusively shown in recent research programs that both
segregated and integrated hatcheries have productivity, genetic, ecological and mixed
stock fishery impacts that are harmful to wild stocks in a one-year program, and this
prevents their use for recovery.

23. Iteroparous. The ability of a fish to spawn multiple times. (Ex: steelhead)

24. Lamba. Increase in population growth.

25. Life history. In addition to the life cycle of each wild fish species, life history refers to their
strategies for survival.

River Steward Handbook V. 3.1 17

26. Limiting Factors. In biology, limiting factors are resources or environmental conditions
that limit the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or population of organisms.
Examples of biological and physical limiting factors for wild fish include, but are not limited to,
water temperature or availability, habitat degradation, predation, harvest, competition, and access to
spawning grounds.

27. Local Adaptation. Because salmonids return to their natal streams to reproduce and where
their progeny rear, the fish become adapted to the ecological conditions of their natal habitat and
their fitness is high. Transplanting populations, i.e. hatchery fish, and strays are not adapted to the
stream and survival rates are lower than native, wild populations.

28. Natural-Origin. Fish that are produced by spawning and rearing in the natural habitat, regardless
of parentage.

29. Natural-origin Broodstock. These are natural-origin fish that are used in a controlled
environment for hatchery production.

30. Optimum. Means the desired fish production level as stated in management plans or set by
specific Commission action.

31. Out of basin stock. These are a stock of fish that are not indigenous to the watershed they
are being released, and are often used to provide harvest-oriented fisheries in segregated hatchery
programs. Also called Stock Transfer, a management program that moves fish among watersheds
for harvest fisheries. Scientific evaluation recommends a stock transfer policy be adopted by fishery
agencies, but it has not been adopted because it impedes management flexibility to provide fisheries
even though it increases risks to native wild fish populations that are locally adapting to their home
watersheds.

32. Outbreeding Depression. Occurs when offspring from crosses between individuals from
different populations have lower fitness than progeny from crosses between individuals from the
same population.

33. Phenotype. Any characteristic of an organism that is determined by the organism’s genes,
genotype and the environment.

34. Philopatry. The tendency of an organism to stay in, or return to, its home area. The causes of
philopatry are numerous, but natal philopatry, where animals return to their birthplace to breed, is
probably the most common form. The term “philopatry” derives from the Greek ‘home-loving’,
and migratory species that demonstrate site fidelity: reusing stopovers, staging points, and wintering
grounds.

35. Production. The number or pounds of fish raised in a hatchery or resulting from natural
spawning and rearing in freshwater, estuarine, or ocean habitats; also used in reference to harvest.

36. Productivity. Productivity refers to the maximum survival rate, and relates to the birth, growth
and death rates of a population of fish. Productivity in fish is often measured through biological
indices such as fish density or biomass, and is used to measure habitat quality and capacity.

18 River Steward Handbook V. 3.1

37. Population. A group of fish originating and reproducing in a particular area at a particular time,
which do not interbreed to any substantial degree with any other group reproducing in a different
area or in the same area at a different time.

38. Recruitment. A representation of the number of new juvenile fish reaching a size or age that
meets a reproductive stage or can be targeted for exploitation. In fisheries specifically, recruitment
typically refers to the age a fish can become a viable target for the commercial, subsistence, or sport
fishery for a given species.

39. Reproductive success. The number of juvenile offspring (less than a year old) produced by a
reintroduced adult. Relative reproductive success is typically used to compare hatchery-origin fish
relative to wild-origin fish when both groups are allowed to spawn in the wild.

40. Residualism. The failure of some hatchery-reared salmonid juveniles to out-migrate as smolts
with the rest of their cohort. Residualized steelhead may adversely affect natural fish populations
through predation, predator attraction and competition. Since the purpose of hatcheries is to
produce adult fish for harvest, Residualism reduces the adults available for harvest, increases the
cost per adult harvested, and contributes to genetic and ecological impacts on wild, native fish.
To combat residual impacts on wild fish the fishery agencies promote sport harvest of hatchery
residuals, which also has an impact on wild, native fish from angling mortality.

41. River Specific Management. Management adult spawner abundance designed for each river
with egg deposition objectives.

42. Segregated Hatchery Program. A hatchery program in which only hatchery individuals are
used in hatchery broodstocks and greater domestication selection may occur (including intentional
selection to alter spawn timing of hatchery stocks to reduce expense of hatchery production by
producing smolts in a year or less). It is assumed that earlier spawning timing of hatchery fish
will minimize reproductive interactions between hatchery and wild steelhead. However, evaluation
shows that this goal fails to reduce genetic and ecological impacts to wild steelhead.

43. Segregated Hatchery Strategy. A broodstock management strategy where the intent is for the
hatchery stock to have no reproductive interactions with wild stocks. Also referred to as an Isolated
Hatchery Strategy.

Challenges: It has been conclusively shown in recent research programs that both segregated
and integrated hatcheries have productivity, genetic, ecological and mixed stock fishery impacts
that are harmful to wild stocks in a one-year program, and this prevents their use for recovery.

44. Smolt-to-adult Returns (SAR). Refers to the number of returning adults as a percentage of
smolts released, and is an indicator of relative reproductive success for a given population.

45. Stock. A group of fish within a species substantially reproductively isolated from other groups
of the same species.

River Steward Handbook V. 3.1 19

46. Stray Rate. Straying is natural for anadromous salmonids and is important for colonizing
habitats such as rivers where dams have been removed. It is also important to the genetic health of
locally adapting populations. Natural stray rates are <1% to <3%. For hatchery fish stray rate refers
to the proportion of straying adults into the natal habitats of native fish, resulting in a negative
impact. Measuring the percentage of Hatchery Origin Spawners (pHOS) is a tool for determining
the stray rate of a hatchery population and the potential genetic and ecological impact on native
wild salmonids.

47. Straying. This is the tendency of salmon and steelhead to utilize waterways they are not natal to
for spawning or rearing. It is natural, and low numbers of strays per generation may be important
genetically. Natural stray rates are less than 1 to 3 %, but stray rates of more than that have no
scientific justification. However, in order to justify hatchery operations, the fishery agencies have
adopted stray rates of 10% or more. Hatchery steelhead and other salmonid adults that stray to other
locations rather than return to their release site may spawn with natural fish, and thereby reduce the
fitness of the natural population through genetic and ecological impacts such as competition for
food and space. Stray hatchery fish in non-natal streams and releases of hatchery fish to watersheds
through stock transfers and off site releases contributes to the loss of natal species’ reproductive
success. In addition, on the Columbia River transporting juveniles by barge or trucks downstream
of dams increases stray rates, especially for steelhead.

48. Supplementation. The release of hatchery fish to augment the numbers of naturally
returning fish. Often, the goal of supplementation programs is to increase the abundance of a wild
population rather than only producing fish for harvest. Evaluation points out that supplementation
with hatchery fish contributes to genetic and ecological impacts to the native population and wild
population rebuilding is not proven.

“Supplementation is the use of artificial propagation in an attempt to maintain or increase

natural production, while maintaining the long-term fitness of the target population and keeping
the ecological and genetic impacts on non-target populations within specified biological limits”
(Regional Assessment of Supplementation Project)

49. Viable Population. Do not consider any population with fewer than 500 individuals to be
viable, regardless of its intrinsic productivity. A self-sustaining population of fish with fewer than
500 individuals are at a high risk for inbreeding depression and a variety of other genetic concerns.

50. Watershed. A watershed is the land that water flows through on its way to a stream, river, lake
or ocean. No matter where you stand on land, you are in a watershed.

20 River Steward Handbook V. 3.1

Relevant Acronyms

BACI Before and after control impact

BY Brood Year
CWA Clean Water Act
CWT Coded-wire tag
ESA Endangered Species Act
DPS Distinct Population Segment (refers to steelhead populations)
EMAP Environmental monitoring assessment program
ESU Evolutionarily Significant Unit
HE Heterozygosity – the total genetic variability
HGMP Hatchery Genetic Management Plan
HSRG Hatchery Scientific Review Group
MVP Minimum Viable Population
NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service
Ne Effective breeding population (the number of successful spawners)
Nb Successful breeding individuals by brood year
pHOB The percentage of hatchery-origin fish used as hatchery broodstock
pHORs The percentage of hatchery-origin recruits. The number of HORs
equals the sum of HOS + HOB + hatchery-origin fish intercepted
in fisheries.
pHOS The percentage of hatchery-origin fish spawning naturally.
PNI The proportion of natural influence in a breeding population.
pNOB The percentage of natural origin fish used as hatchery broodstock.
pNOS The percentage of natural origin fish spawning naturally.
PVA Population viability analysis
R/S Adult recruits per spawner
RRS Relative Reproductive Success
QET Quasi extinction threshold represents abundance of adults that
funcationally indicates extinction. This is set at 50 adult spawners per year
and based on concerns about loss of genetic diversity and demographic
stochasticity.
SAR Smolt to adult ratio
SAS Smolt to adult survival
VSP Viable Salmonid Population

River Steward Handbook V. 3.1 21

 2018 River Steward Program Contact Information
RIVER STEWARDS
Johnson Chris Nooksack Ferndale WA 98248 360-224-0522 chrisjhnsn8@gmail.com
Johnson Ken Skagit Bellingham WA 98228 360-319-7806 kjsteelhead@gmail.com
Knapp Jonathan Stilliguamish WA 360-848-6900 jonknapp@valtox.com
L'Hommedieu Alan Sandy Brightwood OR 97011 503-622-4289 alan.lhommedieu@gmail.com
Lacey Dave Hunter Creek Gold Beach OR 97444 541-373-0487 davejlacey2010@gmail.com
Lees Jeremy Tualatin River Portland OR 97214 503-752-7375 captbeardo@gmail.com
Lemke Jena Salmonberry Portland OR 97230 971-533-5861 jenalemke@gmail.com
Lent Steve Washougal Beaverton OR 97007 503-750-7633 stevenlent@mac.com
Levin Bryce Snohomish Everett WA 98201 425-870-9020 brycealevin@gmail.com
Lund Matt Siletz McMinnville OR 97128 503-930-6140 matthew.lund0@gmail.com
Margulis Bob Yakima Seattle WA 98102 206-276-3705 bobmargulis@gmail.com
Mathis Michael Snake River Lower Hell's Canyon Spokane Valley WA 99206 509-999-9474 michaelmjmathis@comcast.net
McConnaughey John Washougal Washougal WA 98671 503-580-2465 JohnM@etcEnvironmental.net
McCoy Dave Snoqualmie Seattle WA 98116 206-708-7250 dave@emeraldwateranglers.com
McMahon Crystal Sycan Chiloquin OR 97624 541-226-8685 crymcm@gmail.com
McQueen Matt Klickitat Hood River OR 97031 925-451-4299 4mcqueen@gmail.com
Megill Ed Skagit Deming WA 98244 360-510-0483 ed@cascadesfly.com
Menaul Chris Green / Duwamish Seattle WA 98136 206-399-1143 menaulc@gmail.com
Mendes Matthew Warm Springs River Warm Springs OR 97761 541-460-1411 tugsthedrug@gmail.com
Metzdorff Mark Lower Deschutes Tigard OR 97224 303-681-5905 mtmetz@outlook.com
Miles Spencer Nestucca / Tillamook Bay Rivers Portland OR 97202 971-400-3444 spencer@spencermiles.org
Mills Bart Johnson Creek Portland OR 97236 503-901-4186 bartonltd@yahoo.com
Miranda Ed Wood / Williamson / 7 Mile Klamath Falls OR 97601 541-892-0900 CALLS ONLY
Moser Marshal Williamson Chiloquin OR 97624 541-880-4629 marshalmoser@gmail.com
Peirce Daniel Hood Parkdale OR 97041 541-399-3677 dbpeirce@me.com
Perrault Andrew Klickitat Hood River OR 97031 541-645-0583 maperrault@yahoo.com
Petersen Dave Lower Deschutes Bend OR 97702 541-389-1770 dave@merrill-osullivan.com
Petrowski Stanley South Umpqua Tiller OR 97484 541-825-3070 petrowski.stanley@gmail.com
Revel Dustin Lower Eel Arcata CA 95521 530-921-1563 dr.riverdrifter@gmail.com
Reygers Eric East Fork Lewis Battle Ground WA 98604 360-907-4480 ereygers@gmail.com
Ricketts Russ Wenatchee Leavenworth WA 98826 509-881-7799 riversnorkel@gmail.com
Robinson Jake Coos Bay Coos Bay OR 97420 541-941-1822 yankeecreekforestry@gmail.com
Rogers Terre Molalla Molalla OR 97038 503-577-3161 terrerfly@gmail.com
Ross Brent McKenzie Eugene OR 97402 541-953-5968 brentross@gmail.com
Rowell Nick Clackamas Oregon City OR 97045 949-547-3818 hunt4steel@gmail.com
Sheppard Marty Sandy Maupin OR 97037 503-819-4035 littlecreekjd@earthlink.net
Sheppard Mia John Day Maupin OR 97037 541-419-2105 guides@littlecreekoutfitters.net
Sherman Joyce Salmonberry Lincoln City OR 97367 541-614-1252 joyce@rivergraphics.biz
Shoemaker Eric Necanicum Portland OR 97232 503-866-0181 eshoemaker@traskgroup.com
Small Jason South Sound Tribs Olympia WA 98502 253-380-2583 jasoncsmall76@gmail.com
Smith James Hunter Creek Gold Beach OR 97444 801-979-0881 kettleballing@gmail.com
Sohl Bryan Rogue / Umpqua Ashland OR 97520 541-890-3848 bsohlmfm@mac.com
Stangeland Mark North Umpqua Grants Pass OR 97526 541-738-1867 riverflyguide@gmail.com
Steinberg Sal Van Duzen Carlotta CA 95528 707-768-3189 steinberg.sal@gmail.com
Stonebraker Keith Clearwater Lewiston ID 83501 208-305-3732 k.stone@centurylink.net
Thomas David McKenzie Eugene OR 97404 541-505-7213 davethomas1939@gmail.com
Tronquet Peter Yaquina, Siletz, Rogue South Beach OR 97366 541-867-7740 pjtronquet@aol.com
Weber Walt Lower Columbia Tribs Chinook WA 98614 360-777-8295 walt.weber@outlook.com
Willison Scott Stilliguamish Bellingham WA 98229 360-224-4043 scott@cascadesfly.com
 2018 River Steward Program Contact Information
STAFF AND DISTRICT COORDINATORS
Last Name First Name Watershed City State/Province ZIP Phone Pref. Email
Crawford Jake River Steward Program Director Ashland OR 97520 720-253-8485 jake@nativefishsociety.org
DeRoy Doug North Oregon Coast Portland OR 97202 310-893-4689 dougderoy@gmail.com
Derry Tom Molalla Molalla OR 97038 503-919-8940 tom@nativefishsociety.org
Fairbrother Jennifer Campaign & Columbia Reg. Dir. Canby OR 97013 541-602-0696 jennifer@nativefishsociety.org
Gowell Conrad Director of Professional Advocacy McMinnville OR 97128 971-237-6544 conrad@nativefishsociety.org
Kannry Samantha Redwood Coast Hydesville CA 95547 707-497-9165 skannry@gmail.com
Oliver Allison British Columbia Hazelton BC V0J 1Y5 604-698-6325 allison@nativefishsociety.org
Sherwood Mark Executive Director Gold Beach OR 97444 303-898-8988 mark@nativefishsociety.org
RIVER STEWARDS
Last Name First Name Watershed City State/Province ZIP Phone Pref. Email
Adelsberger-Nichols Christie Sprague / Lost Klamath Falls OR 97601 541-973-4466 christie.adelsberger@gmail.com
Allen Tyler Zigzag Gladstone OR 97027 503-998-9537 tyler@rajeffsports.com
Allred Ryan Klamath Medford OR 97504 541-951-4892 ryallred@gmail.com
Ames Barrett Clackamas Portland OR 97214 540-239-5828 barrettames@gmail.com
Andras Jim Bear Creek Tribs Talent OR 97540 530-722-7992 andrasoutfitters@me.com
Andras Rachel Bear Creek Tribs Talent OR 97540 541-535-3459 andrasoutfitters@me.com
Appleton John Grand Ronde La Grande OR 97850 541-663-6094 pvtapple@yahoo.com
Atlas William North Puget Sound Vancouver BC V6J 2E7 778-938-6883 wiatlas@gmail.com
Baker Rowan Tillamook, Forest & Marine Policy Portland OR 97202 503-960-8288 watershedfishbio@yahoo.com
Baumer Scott 15 Mile Lake Oswego OR 97035 503-680-1260 scott.baumer@gmail.com
Berry Duncan Salmon Otis OR 97368 206-697-0204 duncan@fishpeopleseafood.com
Bobbit Bradley South Puget Sound Olympia WA 98501 612-220-0625 bbobbitt01@gmail.com
Bourdon Sunny Chetco / Smith Brookings OR 97415 970-219-8662 sunny.bourdon@gmail.com
Bronstein Adam Metolius Sisters OR 97759 541-410-1309 adam.bronstein@gmail.com
Call Ed North Puget Sound Kingston WA 98346 360-981-2948 eacall@comcast.net
Carpenter Dave North Santiam Lyons OR 97358 503-798-8340 dave@oregonoutdoorexcursions.com
Chione Andrew Yamhill Newberg OR 97132 630-618-0035 andrewchione@yahoo.com
Crayne Brice Toutle Vancouver WA 98664 360-430-2201 brice.crayne@gmail.com
Daughters Chris McKenzie Eugene OR 97401 541-342-7005 caddiseug@yahoo.com
Day Derek South Puget Sound Olympia WA 98506 206-914-1599 derek.r.day@gmail.com
Derry Tom Molalla Molalla OR 97038 503-829-6208 tom@nativefishsociety.org
Donahower Peter Fifteenmile Creek Wilsonville OR 97070 503-314-9217 peter@nativefishsociety.org
Downing Dane MF & NF Eel / Black Butte Covelo CA 95428 707-227-6208 downingdd@yahoo.com
Dunham Pat John Day Pendleton Or 97801 541-276-1469 pdunham@wtechlink.us
Evens Scotty Salmon River Neotsu OR 97364 971-221-6913 scotty@westwind.org
Fergusson Ian Salmonberry Portland OR 97212 503-288-2025 ian.fergusson@comcast.net
Fortino Paul White Salmon River Husum WA 98623 503-789-7990 paultfortino@gmail.com
Gee Dave Hood Hood River OR 97031 503-701-4112 davegee@gorge.net
Gehr Charles Rogue Talent OR 97540 541-621-3650 cdgehr@yahoo.com
Goebel Jason Washougal Camas WA 98607 612-865-6277 jason.goebelmn@gmail.com
Goodman-Campbell Gena Upper Deschutes Bend OR 97702 541-330-2638 gena@onda.org
Hickman Jeff Nehalem Hood River OR 97031 971-275-2269 hickman.steelhead@gmail.com
Hirano Todd Wind Springfield OR 97478 541-852-1306 toddhirano@yahoo.com
Holloway Ty Umpqua Springfield OR 97477 541-915-9425 holloway.ty88@gmail.com
Homeyer Mark Snohomish / Skykomish Issaquah WA 98029 206-240-3542 m.homeyer@comcast.net
Huston Paul Nisqually Yelm WA 98597 360-486-4587 paul_huston14@yahoo.com
Igou Kellen Winchuck Smith River CA 95567 541-944-6135 kjigou@gmail.com
 Notes

24 River Steward Handbook V. 3.1

 Notes

River Steward Handbook V. 3.1 25

Notes
River Steward Code of Conduct
As a River Steward you are a representative of the Native Fish Society and wild, native fish. As such,
it is your duty to act professionally and respectfully. The role of a River Steward includes being a
researcher, monitor, communicator and advocate. Success for wild fish involves winning the trust
and support of people from all walks of life. It is not just what you say that matters, but how you
say it.

Always remember to speak with the River Steward Program Director about any major policy changes
or proposals. As the River Steward Program continues to grow, it is critical that River Stewards work
collaboratively to be successful.

If disputes arise among River Stewards, we encourage you to be charitable and peacemaking for the
sake of our shared value of wild fish. Conflicts that cannot be resolved between stewards should
be brought before the River Steward Program staff whose responsibility it is to mediate the dispute
and help seek resolution.

Congratulations & Welcome Aboard

By reviewing the River Steward Handbook and serving as a River Steward you are connecting with
a regional network of knowledgeable advocates dedicated to improving conditions for wild, native
fish. In doing so, you join the long tradition of Americans working to forge positive environmental
change in our diverse watersheds. Communities look to leaders like you to tackle complex issues
with compassion, ensure science guides decision-making, and to mentor the next generation of
River Stewards. We hope the tools and information contained in this Handbook help you share
ideas, collaborate with partners, and form lasting relationships that ultimately sustain native fish long
into the future.

And one last thing…Conservation happens for a place, enjoy the watersheds you advocate for. At
the Native Fish Society we are incredibly proud of you for being involved.

(BACK COVER)
Night Snorkeling
Mark Caffee
“Activism is the rent you
pay for living living on
the planet.”

- Bruce Hill