Alaska Cross Cultural Exploration 2015

The 2015 Alaska Cross Cultural Exploration Crew.

Last August I was blessed to be invited to be one of the mentors for 12 inner city youth and 6 military veterans on  a once and a lifetime opportunity to explore the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. This trip organized by Soul River Inc., a non-profit based out of Portland, Oregon works tirelessly to get inner city or troubled youth and military veterans out into the therapeutic open spaces of Mother Nature. With the concept of Iron Sharpening Iron, we work with the hardened solider who has come home from conflict and take their leadership skills to mentor the hardened youth who are growing through trial and tribulation in their own lives and bring them together to mentor each other as they are immersed into the great outdoors. Bringing them together help form a bond and understanding of who they are, what they have become and how they can use the enlightenment of the outdoors to find peace and an outlet to their troubles.

With the help of sponsors that included Loop USA, Simms, Rainey Flies, Orvis, Daiichi, US fish and Wildlife and many others, we were able to make this happen.

In 2016, Soul River will once again embark on another great expedition to Alaska and for a lucky few the Arctic Circle. For those of you who would like to donate you can read more here. 

Today we would like to bring to you a glimpse into what this deployment meant to the participants of this journey into themselves and the outdoors. This group, including myself am forever changed and bonded from this experience into the Alaskan Wilderness. 

Thank you and please support Soul River Inc. 

Alaska Cross Cultural Exploration Short Documentary from Soul River on Vimeo.

Big Victory for the Little Guys

Illustration By: Steve Ravenscraft

Unless you’ve witnessed them form into a giant, intimidating bait-ball, tiny forage fish are easy to miss. But scores of these species – herring, lanternfish, sand lance, saury, silverside, and smelt – have spawned a popular tagline: little fish; big deal.

Forage fish occupy the crucial midpoint of the ocean food web and are preyed upon by many species of seabirds, marine mammals and commercially and recreationally important fish such as salmon, tuna, groundfish and other predators.

This week, these fish and the people who depend on them scored a big win. Here’s what happened:

The Pacific Fishery Management Council, meeting in Vancouver, Washington, agreed to forestall commercial fishing on seven broad groups of forage fish that aren’t yet targeted. The decision means that fishing on these prey species won’t be allowed unless and until the council determines, through a scientific assessment, that any proposed forage fishery won’t harm existing fisheries for predator fish such as salmon or the overall marine ecosystem.

This landmark development recognizes the ecological importance of forage fish to seabirds, marine mammals, and the bigger fish many of us love to catch and eat (or release!).  And the decision by the Council comes after unprecedented public comment from thousands of fishing advocates like you across the West Coast and the nation.

For more on the decision and its implications, check out Paul Shively’s blog on Pew’s website.

What’s next: we’ll need to make sure this great decision turns into action. Stay tuned for more updates via Pew’s Pacific newsletter - sign up on Pew’s Pacific fish conservation page at www.pewtrusts.org/pacificfish

Winter BC Steelhead

No words needed.

Aweful Handling of Fish

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J8BI65eBT8&feature=youtu.be

This is disgusting and even more so that it was posted on You Tube!!! Sorry, could not post the embeded video.

Trout Unlimited Be Steelheaded

It's hard to imagine an organization that fills in all the gaps in the ideal world for protecting our native steelhead and salmon in the Pacific Northwest and allowed for harvest and retention or hatchery fish in some settings. Over the years I have belonged to many of them and for some reason or the other always felt at odds with one or more things within in each organization. Recently Trout Unlimited is taking a stance on this subject and is ambitious in wanted to save both native fish as well as allow harvest of hatchery fish in specific areas.

This process will be an interesting one, dealing with a region that is not fly oriented and wanting to draw from non fly anglers in order to keep a well maintained balance and perspective on our local fisheries. Trout Unlimited has always been looked down upon in this arena in regards to gear anglers who have been given a bad rap, so this will be interesting to say the least.  I am skeptical myself in many ways much like in the past, but applaud the effort and willingness to bring forth a moderate view to our fisheries close to heart. I am also excited to hear that John McMillian, NOAA Biologist and son of Bill McMillian is leading the campaign here in Washington.

Wednesday November 20th, TU will be launching this campaign with meetings in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California.  Please check them out and see what TU has to offer.

You can see each location here.

Regardless of my skepticism, I think everyone should get involved in organizations that help to protect our fish and the fisheries we hold dear. Organizations like TU, Native Fish Society, Wild Steelhead Coalition and Coastal Conservation Association all hold their place in helping to maintain and restore our fisheries.

This Week on Oregon Field Guide

This weeks edition of Oregon Field Guide introduces Chad Brown and Soul River to mainstream media. Please check out their feature Thursday night at 8:30 PM.

Wild Reverence Portland

Shane Anderson's Wild Reverence is playing at the Hollywood Theater September 28th. Please join the Wild Steelhead Coalition and pay homage to the Steelhead Gods and the rivers they swim in. Oh and enjoy a cold beverage while your at it.