The Health of
Eastern Sierra Trout Streams
with Mark Drew, Ph. D.
Senior Fisheries Scientist
California Trout
7:30 p.m., Thursday, September 8th, 2016
Pasadena Casting Club Clubhouse & Pool
Lower Arroyo Seco Park
Hot Creek. The Owens River. The East Walker. These trout streams are the waterways which have bound together the generations of the Pasadena Casting Club for the better part of a century. Like spawning trout, these waters are the magnet which draw us back to the region, year after year without fail. The Eastern Sierra trout streams have faced numerous challenges over the decades, some manmade, others natural. As opposed to us forming personal opinions based merely on the success of our most recent fishing trips, what is really happening up there, and what are the longer term trends we need to be aware of? And, most importantly, is there anything we can do to improve our beloved waters?
No one is more qualified to render such an opinion than a serious scientist, one who lives up there and whose full-time job is studying our trout streams on our behalf.
Mark Drew, Ph.D., has been a senior fisheries scientist with California Trout since 2007, stationed in Mammoth Lakes, the epicenter of our sacred territory. As the Sierra Headwaters Program Director, his job is researching and understanding the fish, their habitat, and all the factors affecting the ecosystem. A large dose of the position is also understanding the politics of competing stakeholders, from the owners of the water rights to the local tourism industry.
Mark’s current work with CalTrout focuses on Sierra headwater meadows, and on Eastern Sierra water resources and climate change policy, planning, and management. Here is his description of the reason for these projects:
Sierra Nevada headwaters provide roughly 60% of California’s domestic water supplies, are home to the majority of California’s inland native trout species and are critical to supporting local and downstream economic livelihoods. However, Sierra Nevada headwater areas are also one of the most degraded regions throughout this vast landscape. Throughout the eastern Sierra, including Owens River geography and the Mono Basin, water resources are managed to support healthy aquatic ecosystems and wild trout populations that are resilient to climate change and to support regional communities. The challenge is to balance supply and demand for both fish and communities.
Mark holds a B.S. in Forestry and Natural Resources Management from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, an M.A. in International Development Policy from Stanford, and a Ph.D. in Forest Resources and Conservation from the University of Florida. Mark Drew received the Herb Troebner Conservation Award from PCC in December 2015.
Join us for a fascinating look at our favorite waters from a new perspective on Thursday, September 8, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Casting Club Clubhouse in Lower Arroyo Seco Park. There will be plenty of time for Mark Drew to field any question you may have. Directions for newcomers can be found at our website, http://www.pasadenacastingclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=727848&module_id=93358. Non-members are welcome at this event and no RSVP is required.
Seymour Singer
Program Chair