Salmon Public Outreach & Education 2013

The CTUIR Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) utilized PCSRF funding to provide education and outreach on how the DNR is working to protect, restore, and enhance the Tribe’s First Foods which include Water, Salmon, Deer, Cous, and Huckleberry –for the perpetual cultural, economic, and sovereign benefit of the CTUIR. The goal was accomplished by utilizing traditional ecological and cultural knowledge and science to inform the public about population and habitat management goals and actions, and natural resource policies and regulatory mechanisms.

The CTUIR education outreach coordinator was successful in reaching out to over 5,500 people through the three events, six workshops and presentations at 13 area schools. There were 250 volunteers that participated in throughout the events.

Salmon Expedition Series

The Annual Make a Splash: Salmon Expedition was held in 2015 in partnership with the Walla Walla Community College’s (WWCC) Environment Center as a co-host. PCSRF funding sources supported 2015 event expenses, bussing of students, and supply costs. Teachers prepared students academically in the class on related subjects before and after the event. Students rotated through all stations related to water, salmon, deer, and cous /huckleberries where staff such as Fisheries and Habitat Biologists, Plant Ecologists, Education Outreach Specialists, and other representatives taught students about their specialties. Students learned how they can take part to protect natural resources by making responsible choices. After the presentations, teachers were provided with activity and informational packets from their presenters on that specific topic. 800 students participated. The CTUIR staff visited 13 schools and presented to 800 students. Six workshops for the general public received 3,200 participants.

Salmon Walk

The Salmon Walk was held on August 1, 2015, at the Tribes July Celebration Grounds. The event showcased DNR’s First foods mission and goals, and promoted natural resources, ecological connections, wellness and focuses on public education. The event was designed to challenge the community to participate in physical race events such as walking, hiking, running, and cycling. The event continued to showcase migratory salmon, restoration and accords efforts and DNR’s efforts to restore all First Foods and how they relate to one another. The event also promoted the tribe’s partnership throughout its ceded territories and beyond to include salmon and all First Foods related restoration and management efforts. There were over 18 Natural Resource related booths and children’s activities. Information booths of partners and outside organizations included cooperating agencies and landowners. 1,000 Salmon Walk flyers were created, in addition to poster and radio advertisements for the event. It was estimated that there were 400 participants at the event, which was an increase of ~100 from 2014.

Return to the River

The Return to the River Salmon Festival, celebrating the homecoming of the salmon to the Walla Walla Basin, was held on May 30, 2015, at Walla Walla Community College. It showcased the unique partnerships with the Tribe, community college and other groups within the region. These partnerships are created to restore multiple aquatic species and restore their habitats within the Walla Walla basin and beyond. The celebration included informational booths where CTUIR Fisheries staff and our partners interacted with participants, informing them about salmon restoration in the basin, future needs and successes of the monitoring and tracking the salmon’s journey. Tribal staff also discussed current recovery projects to restore salmon runs and habitat within the basin and educate the local public. 1,000 Return to the River flyers were created, in addition to poster and radio advertisements. There were around 350 participants.

Species that would benefit from the CTUIR’s DNR outreach program include federally ESA listed summer steelhead and bull trout, reintroduced spring Chinook and Pacific lamprey, as well as inland redband trout and margined sculpin, listed as vulnerable under Oregon’s Sensitive Species rule. By educating the public about ESA species there will be gained support for habitat restoration projects and fish protection. Through education outreach efforts within the school’s students return home and share information with parents and family. This sharing of information supports restoration efforts by making others become aware of what their children are learning and hear about their natural environment. By conducting education outreach the tribe gains public support and works to create stronger partnerships for salmon restoration and to continue to create future projects.