NW Fish Passage (Annika Fain)

In this episode, Annika interviews Savannah Smith and Ebony Welborn, marine scientists and founders of Sea Potential. Sea Potential is a program that connects BIPOC youth to marine environments and maritime industry. Savannah and Ebony talk about what motivated them to study marine science, join EarthCorps, and start SEA Potential. They provide insight about some ideas about what businesses can do to make workplaces more inclusive. Also, they talk about their vision for the upcoming years and programs they are developing to work with youth. Enjoy!  

In this episode, Annika Fain interviews Karin Strelioff. Karin is the Conservation Programs Manager with the Thurston Conservation District. She specializes in marine shoreline stewardship, green stormwater infrastructure, PNW native plants, and conservation focused land management. Karin talks about her motivation, conservation districts, Shore Friendly, and provides advice to young professionals. Learn more at nwfishpassage.com. Enjoy!

In Episode 24 of NW Fish Passage, Annika Fain interviews Kayeloni Scott. Kayeloni is an enrolled Spokane Tribal Member with strong Nez Perce ancestry. From 2017-2022, she served as the Communications Manager for the Nez Perce Tribe, then American Rivers as the Communications Director for the Northwest Region for over a year. She has continued her work with the Nez Perce Tribe, providing communications consulting on Lower Snake River issues, is a co-producer for Covenant of the Salmon People, and was recently appointed as Executive Director for the Columbia/Snake River Campaign. She plays a critical role in advocating for the four lower Snake River dams. In this episode she shares her experience growing up with salmon, why salmon are important to her, the Nez Perce creation story, Covenant of the Salmon film, and Children of the Setting Sun. Websites mentioned in this episode can be found on the nwfishpassage.com website.   Enjoy!   

https://columbiasnakeriver.com/

https://www.salmonorcaproject.com/

https://covenantofthesalmonpeople.com/media

https://settingsunproductions.org/

In this episode, Annika interviews Courtney Baxter, Program and Communications Specialist for The Nature Conservancy. For over three years she has been a strategic communicator for Floodplains by Design.  Floodplains by Design is a public-private partnership designed to re-think how we manage our river floodplains, and better prepare for flooding exacerbated by a changing climate. She talks about many exciting programs she is involved in and the need for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in conservation organizations. Also, she provides advice for people who may be interested in a career in Conservation Communication. Enjoy!  

In this episode, Annika interviews Emily Howe, an aquatic and estuarine ecologist at The Nature Conservancy of Washington.   She holds a Ph.D. from the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington, with a focus on estuarine restoration and food web ecology in tidally-influenced ecosystems.  Emily’s work integrates across ecosystem boundaries, investigating how landscape configuration and management shapes cross-boundary relationships for food webs, organisms, and ecosystem processes.  She is currently working at the nexus of forest management impacts on snow, stormwater pollution and green infrastructure, and freshwater and marine restoration ecology- all with an eye towards the impacts of climate change.  

Enjoy!  

In this interview our guest, Anna Toledo, talks about shoreline restoration efforts in Island County. She includes background on why bull kelp, forage fish, and removing bulkheads are critical for salmon restoration. She discusses the Shore Friendly mini-grant program, as well as other restoration the Marine Resources Committee and the County have been involved in. Anna talks about ongoing monitoring efforts of forage fish at Cornet Bay and other sites around the Island. Enjoy!   

In this episode, Annika Fain interviews Debra Lekanoff, a Washington State Representative. Debra represents the 40th legislative district and is currently the only Native American woman that serves in the Legislature. She is part Tlingit, salmon people, and part Aleut, seal people, from Southeast Alaska, and has lived in the Skagit Valley for over 20 years. She has over 20 years of government experience and has brought people together to collaborate on many issues. Debra talks about what salmon and the natural environment mean to her. She presents critical ideas about conservation and creating a common baseline for restoration. Debra provides advice on how scientists and engineers can interact more effectively with the public. Also, she talks about legislation that will benefit generations to come. Enjoy!  

Annika Fain, hydrologist and owner of Fain Environmental, hosts Episode 1 of NW Fish Passage podcast. She talks about her motivation for starting the NW Fish Passage podcast and partnership. Annika presents a brief background on the Culvert Case and fish passage concerns.  In upcoming episodes, she will be interviewing people about their motivation and involvement in collaborative efforts to perform habitat restoration. Enjoy!

Culvert Case references:

https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060079295

https://kingcounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=c05a11b0b4134336a427b325cb1606a1

http://www.klgates.com/scotus-affirms-ninth-circuit-culvert-case-06-15-2018/

https://nwtreatytribes.org/federal-judge-issues-permanent-injunction-in-culvert-case/

https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/data/tools/geoportal/?config=fish-passage-barriers

In this episode, April McEwen, River Restoration Project Manager at American Rivers, talks about the Middle Fork Nooksack Fish Passage Project and other Pacific northwest dam removals that occurred during the summer of 2020 to restore over 100 miles of habitat. She emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration to make these successful projects. She worked closely with the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, City of Bellingham, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Lummi Nation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Puget Sound Partnership, NOAA Restoration Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Resources Legacy Fund, and Long Live the Kings to bring the Middle Fork Nooksack project to fruition after two decades of attempts. April talks about challenges and successes, as well as the importance of ongoing monitoring. She also provides inspiring and encouraging words for young professionals. For a before and after photo of the Middle Fork Nooksack dam removal and more websites mentioned in this episode, please visit: nwfishpassage.com. Enjoy!

In this episode, Karen DuBose, Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Coordinator at Skagit County Public Works, talks about her work with the County looking for poop in the water and coordinating with many different organizations. She spearheaded the “Poop Smart” campaign for Skagit County that is focused on keeping water clean for people, pets, agriculture, and fish and wildlife. Karen talks about challenges and successes, as well as funding that is currently available for homeowners that need septic system inspections. Additionally, she talks about the ambient monitoring program and new ways of identifying the sources of fecal bacteria She also provides advice for young professionals. For information on resources mentioned in this episode, please visit: https://www.nwfishpassage.com/podcast/ Enjoy!  

#Poopsmart #fecalcoliform #nwfishpassage

In this episode our guest, Robbie Mantooth, talks about Ennis Creek, a once productive salmon stream in Port Angeles. Robbie and her husband, Jim Mantooth, who live adjacent to Ennis Creek, founded Friends of Ennis Creek with the goal of working for better fish habitat and better spawning areas in this creek. They have led numerous walks along the creek and other educational and restoration projects. Robbie and Jim work closely with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, which had an ancient village alongside the stream. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this Episode:

·      Ennis – A Creek Worth Saving, produced by John Gussman: https://vimeo.com/429119876

·      Ennis Friends facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EnnisFriends/

·      Currents newsletter available on facebook and on request from ennis@olypen.com

In this episode, Brian Stewart and Glen Kalisz talk about habitat connectivity – providing a connected network of habitats to allow for the safe movement of wildlife. Brian Stewart is a Cascades to Olympics Program Coordinator at Conservation Northwest and Glen Kalisz is a Habitat Connectivity biologist at Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Brian and Glen provide insight about the importance of connecting habitat and working collaboratively in these efforts. They talk about some of the biggest challenges and rewarding projects they have worked on. Also, they provide advice to young people interested in pursuing careers in habitat connectivity. For Web Resources mentioned in this episode visit nwfishpassage.com. Enjoy! 

In this episode, James Rasmussen, a Duwamish Tribal member and the superfund manager with Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition (DRCC)/Technical Advisory Group (TAG), talks about the history of the Duwamish Tribe and the Duwamish River Superfund Site. For over 30 years, he has been an important advocate in environmental, habitat, and community issues along the Duwamish River. He talks about many of the sites along the river where cleanup is being done. Also, he provides information about the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps program and a new Maritime High School in the community. For information on resources mentioned in this episode, please visit: https://www.nwfishpassage.com/podcast. Enjoy!  

In this episode, Annika Fain interviews Rena Priest. Rena Priest is an enrolled member of the Lhaq'temish (Lummi) Nation. She served two years as Washington State's 6th Poet Laureate (2021-2023). Her work has been recognized with awards and fellowships from the Allied Arts Foundation, Academy of American Poets, Indigenous Nations Poets, University of Washington Libraries, and Nia Tero. She is the author of three books and editor of two anthologies, including I Sing the Salmon Home: Poems from Washington State. Learn more at nwfishpassage.com and renapriest.com. Enjoy!  

In this episode, Annika interviews three people involved in the Coldwater Connection Campaign. Mara Zimmerman, Executive Director for Coast Salmon Partnership and Foundation; Luke Kelly, Washington Coast Restoration Project Manager at Trout Unlimited, and Jess Helsley, Wild Salmon Center Washington Program Director. These three are working together to prioritize the removal of barriers on the western Olympic Peninsula and reconnect blocked habitat over the next 10 years. They talk about their role in the Cold Water Connection Campaign, as well as the importance of monitoring, working together, and how everyone can get involved. For Web Resources mentioned in this episode visit: nwfishpassage.com. Enjoy the episode!  

Episode 2 of NW Fish Passage is an interview with Kit Crump, a Co-Lead Entity Coordinator for Snohomish County and the Stillaguamish Tribe. Kit Crump has been involved in habitat restoration efforts to improve salmon habitat in southern California and the Salish Sea for over 20 years. In this episode, Kit talks about habitat restoration projects he is currently involved in, including Trafton Floodplain Restoration and Chatham Acres Side Channel Reconnection. He also talks about ongoing monitoring efforts and prioritization of culvert replacement and removal. Enjoy! 

In this episode, Austin Rose and Eleanor Hines from Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) talk about the goals and projects of the MRC. Austin Rose is the MRC Staff and Planner at Whatcom County Public Works. Eleanor Hines is the MRC Chair and North Sound Baykeeper, Lead Scientist at RE Sources for Sustainable Communities. They discuss challenges and successes related to the many MRC projects including Forage Fish Surveys, Bull Kelp Monitoring, Water Quality Monitoring, and Pilot Olympia Oyster Restoration. Also, Austin and Eleanor present ideas about how to get involved and increase diversity in the environmental field. Enjoy the episode!  

In this episode, Annika Fain interviews Gabe Ng. Gabe is a Fish Passage Design Manager for the WSDOT NW Region Fish Passage Program. He is passionate about improving the environment and collaborating with a variety of people and disciplines. Gabe provides insight into important aspects of fish passage. Annika and Gabe discuss their experience in the fish passage realm and future opportunities. Gabe also provides advice to young professionals.  Website links that are mentioned in the podcast are located at nwfishpassage.com and below. Enjoy!

·         (WSDOT) Fish Passage summary and link to annual report maps, and videos: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/protecting-environment/fish-passage

·         SR542 Squalicum Creek to Bellingham Bay Fish Passage:: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-542-squalicum-creek-bellingham-bay-fish-passage-complete-november-2023

·         SR542 Squalicum Creek Construction (August 3, 2023) - SR 542 Squalicum creek to Bellingham Bay Fish Passage project timelapse, part 1 (youtube.com)

In this episode, Dr. Marisa Litz, lead of the Coast Ecology and Life Cycle Monitoring Unit focused on Pacific Salmon and Steelhead at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). She shares her academic journey from a B.S. in Anthropology to a M.S. and PhD. in Fisheries. Her graduate studies were supported by the NOAA Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI). Dr. Litz provides inspiration to many people and is a great advocate for more diversity in science. During the past year, she has continued to mentor, inspire, and is very involved in Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS). Links to these organizations are available at nwfishpassage.com/podcast. Enjoy the episode!  

In this episode, Brian Footen, president and co-founder of EarthViews talks about his motivation for starting EarthViews (formerly FishViews) in 2013. Prior to co-founding the company, he had served as a Fish Research Biologist for over 20 years. Earthviews vision is to connect people to critically important aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. EarthViews has developed technology to bring 360 interactive virtual tours of these critical areas for federal, state and local resource managers as well as recreational enthusiasts. For information on resources/websites mentioned in this episode, please visit: https://www.nwfishpassage.com/podcast. Enjoy!

In this episode, Emily Derenne, habitat restoration specialist at Skagit County talks about the recent – August 2020 – culvert removal at Maddox Creek and the immediate return of fish upstream. She discusses a recent Skagit Basin Barrier Culvert Analysis and the importance of prioritization and monitoring. She talks about the importance of working with landowners on bank stabilization and other projects. Emily presents information on upcoming culvert replacement projects. Also, she provides great advice to young environmental science/habitat restoration professionals. Enjoy!   

In this episode, Liz Schotman, talks about her experiences working at Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots activist network dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people. She supports Washington's 5 volunteer-run Surfrider chapters in their efforts to improve our water quality, stop plastic pollution, and fight climate change through programs like the Blue Water Task Force and Ocean Friendly Restaurants. For information on resources mentioned in this episode, please visit: https://www.nwfishpassage.com/podcast. Enjoy!  

In this episode, April McEwen, River Restoration Project Manager at American Rivers, talks about a variety of dam removal projects she is involved in. She discusses projects she has done since our last podcast about the Middle Fork Nooksack Fish Passage in 2020 (Episode 7).  She talks in detail about the Barrel Springs and Kellogg Creek dam removal projects. April talks about the importance of partnerships and collaboration in both of these projects. Barrel Springs was completed last summer in Skagit County, Washington. This project involved removing a 12-foot-tall dam and providing access to a natural cold-water springs. The Kellogg Creek Restoration and Community Enhancement Project will include removing a dam that blocks 14 acres of habitat in Milwaukee, Oregon. NOAA has awarded 15 million federal infrastructure grant to the Kellogg Project for stream health, salmon, transportation, and access to nature. For more websites referred to in this episode please visit: nwfishpassage.com. Enjoy!  

In this episode, Annika Fain interviews Darrell Gray. Since 1995, Darrell has been a project manager at Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA).

The NSEA team enhances river, creek, and riparian habitat while educating people of all ages to provide Pacific salmon and Steelhead the best chance at survival. Since 2005, Darrell has facilitated the removal of 132 culverts that were partial or full barriers to fish passage and opened up over 160 miles of upstream habitat. He is excited about upcoming projects that will open up many more miles of upstream habitat. He encourages people to follow your passion and be persistent.  Enjoy!