Fish Count!

Saturday December 17th saw a lively, diverse, and enthusiastic gang of over 100 people gatherered on a beautiful, clear, cold day to watch and celebrate the return of coho to the forest and the turning of the midwinter season. Highlights included – the fish, of course; a wide range of explorations and conversations in the forest, a marking of the disappearance of the northern spotted owls that used to nest and live close to the west on state forest land, and an inspiring talk by conservation elder, Neal Maine. Cold, dry weather in the preceeding weeks brought low flows in Lousignont Creek and the fear that, for the first time, living fish might not be there for the welcoming party. But the fear was unfounded and there were a good number of still fresh coho actively spawning. Photos thanks to Alice Hayes and Ted Kaye