Southern Steelhead Coalition

This project provided a forum for conservation groups working to coordinate efforts to implement multi-benefit, process-based ecosystem projects as informed by the southern steelhead recovery and management plans in the Santa Clara watershed and to expand these efforts to the Santa Ynez watershed. The Project expanded Tribal participation in the coalition and supported tribes in proposing priority projects that could be awarded through opportunities within the federal infrastructure bill. The Project leveraged the expertise of its member organizations to expand capacity and achieve milestones for steelhead recovery. The Project performed public outreach that engaged greater regional community in southern steelhead recovery efforts.

Benefits: increased communication, coordination between organizations to advance watershed restoration projects; greater level of community engagement on issues critical to steelhead recovery, including water infrastructure development, land use decisions, awareness about steelhead ecologic requirements in two watershed identified as critical to the long term survival on an imperiled species; support regional groups to plan and implement restoration activities and public events.