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Field Journal

Earthwatch Research Expedition
Fall 2005

In the fall of 2005, I was privileged to be awarded an artist fellowship to participate in a project studying salmon in the Skagit watershed system of Washington State. Inviting artists to participate and share scientific research is an innovative concept. Earthwatch realizes that artists will be able to share project findings in different ways than traditional scientific methods, thereby reaching new audiences and further achieving their mission. The mission of Earthwatch Institute is, “to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.” They coordinate more than 130 different projects in over 47 countries. On the Salmon of the Pacific Northwest expedition we had a wide variety of creative people: photographers, writers, poets, musicians, painters, and art educators. Each person brought a different perspective and talent to the group. Follow the story below to learn more about the expedition. And keep checking back on the website-this trip fertilized the seeds of future projects. To learn more about Earthwatch, visit the links section.

Thank you to Principle Investigator Ralph Riley PhD, Earthwatch and a grant from the Ford Motor Company for making this fellowship possible.

Salmon of the Pacific Northwest 2005, Team VI

Skagit River Watershed, Washington State

The Skagit River and it’s tributaries wind through a diverse landscape - from the forests of the Cascade mountains to the rural farm communities on the shores of Puget Sound.

The Skagit watershed still has some of the best salmon runs in the state. In 2001 Earthwatch designated this area as one of their international Conservation Research Initiatives (CRI). In partnership with the Skagit Watershed Council and the US National Park Service, Earthwatch conducts research projects that address the sustainability of salmon and the human community.

“Our project is designed to improve the way we manage some parts of the landscape, so abundant salmon populations have the best chance to co-exist with humans in this valley...One of the impediments to restoring salmon habitat in the region is the difficulty of collecting good habitat data on where we should put most of our efforts and success. I designed this project to meet that need.”
- Ralph Riley
(Earthwatch Expedition Briefing)

A Diversity of Projects

We conducted a variety of field research:

- Salmon spawning surveys
- Ecosystem processes surveys in natural systems
- Pre-restoration Surveys in degraded Systems
- Post-restoration surveys in systems where restoration work had been done

It’s a Wonderful Life

Our hosts, Fran and Arn Thoreen, along with their companions, Gray Kitty and Escher dog, were excellent hosts. Arn is part of the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group, and shared with us a wealth of knowledge about the complex issues of salmon restoration.

The latest in field research attire

While they may not look sexy, the felt bottom boots, breathable waterproof booties and waders made it possible for us to stay warm and dry while conducting surveys in streams and snow.

Equipment set-up

Our days in the field were busy collecting as much information as possible. We learned to use a variety of field equipment to collect precise measurements. Here the team is setting up an autolevel to map the restored stream reach.

Data Collection

Using the autolevel to take points for three-dimensional mapping of stream channels

In the old growth plot the team measured the width, height, and age of trees for three-dimensional mapping and understanding natural habitat progression.

We aged trees by taking small core samples and counting the age rings.

Spawning Surveys

For these surveys we walked slowly upstream looking for live and dead salmon as well as reds, or egg nests. While this was the most exciting type of research, it could also be a little smelly.

Keeping Track

In the evenings we recorded our days work, planned the next days goals, and learned more about the region through presentations and discussions led by Ralph and Arn. We took turns entering the data
collected and catching up on our field journals and notes.

Wader Maximum

Wader maximum defines the point the deepest point you can enter a stream without your waders overflowing. It became such a theme that I wrote it on our van.

Over the week the team developed a strong bond. A sense of adventure, cooperation and humor infused each aspect of the expedition.

Saving salmon one at a time

In a healthy system, beaver dams help salmon by providing woody debris in streams which in turn create pools, provide cover, and keep gravel from washing away. These are all critical elements for healthy salmon habitat.

But problems occur when non-native species begin altering the landscape. As Ralph put it, “When a non-native species is introduced, it changes the relationship between native species.”

I am pictured here on top of a beaver dam covered in the non-native Reed Canary Grass. The salmon I am picking up had become exhausted swimming through the grass-choked stream channel. He did not have the energy to clear the dam and continue on his journey without assistance.

The Future of Salmon is in Your Hands

Salmon face an upstream battle in the Pacific Northwest, but their future is not hopeless. Salmon species have a chance when Everyone works together to support and restore this living icon.

Perhaps the most profound impact on restoring salmon will be the choices we make as individuals. What is one small change you can make to help future generations of salmon?