South Coast Chapter #923
Origins and Mission:
The South Coast Chapter got its start in south Orange County in 1989. Our area, with its dry arid climate, urban watersheds and intermittent water, may seem like an odd place for coldwater fishery conservation. May 6, 2015, The South Coast Chapter of Trout Unlimited was reorganizing to include the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. We are now the largest chapter in the state with over 2,500 members. The founding and leadership of George Sutherland, who had been involved with TU in other states, helped launch the chapter. He had heard about the historic steelhead fisheries on San Mateo and San Juan, talked to the local old-timers who once fished these waters and saw the old, amazing photos, proving the abundance of steelhead that once lived here. He had a vision that, with the right comprehensive strategic plan, that these waters could once again support a southern steelhead fishery. George has worked tirelessly to carry out this plan, some small steps, and some big steps. |
SCTU's current leadership continues to inspire and carry forward our mission to Protect, Connect, Restore, and Sustain our Resources.
Current Board: President: William Preston Bowling Vice President: Ban Luu Secretary: Robert Blankenship Treasurer: Karen Barnett Board member: George Sutherland Board member: Jim Burns Advisory members: State Parks: Luis Rincon Youth: Miranda Robin Contact board members at [email protected] |
Mission:
• Promote fishing and fishing opportunities
• Expand fishing to urban communities
• Stewardship through public engagement
• Restore where development has impacted trout and salmon
The healthy steelhead is a symbol of healthy watersheds, clean water and ultimately, a clean environment.
And, that—is our ultimate goal.
• Promote fishing and fishing opportunities
• Expand fishing to urban communities
• Stewardship through public engagement
• Restore where development has impacted trout and salmon
The healthy steelhead is a symbol of healthy watersheds, clean water and ultimately, a clean environment.
And, that—is our ultimate goal.
SOUTHERN STEELHEAD TROUT (ONCRHYNCHUS MYKISS IRIDIUS)
In southern California, we are all used to hearing about the trout and salmon fishing in the Sierras, the northern coastal waters and the northern half of the state in general. It is generally assumed that there is little to no freshwater wild fish residing in southern California urban waters, that they have been extirpated, and are extinct.
Not true. Those two words are the driving reason the South Coast Chapter exists. Over the last 10 years or so, the southern Steelhead has been mounting a comeback, back to their ancestral migratory spawning watersheds. Our work as a local grassroots group has focused on local stream restoration in two watersheds; San Mateo Creek, an undammed, unspoiled watershed and the San Juan/Arroyo Trabuco Creek watershed, which travels mainly in urban, populated areas. We are expanding our experience into the Los Angeles River restoration. All of these creeks were historic steelhead fisheries and were prevalent until the late 1940’s.Development, water diversion and agriculture have taken their toll on these watersheds. Today, the political winds have shifted and there is a growing movement among non-governmental organizations as well as the regulatory agencies to restore and
preserve these waters back to their original form.
In southern California, we are all used to hearing about the trout and salmon fishing in the Sierras, the northern coastal waters and the northern half of the state in general. It is generally assumed that there is little to no freshwater wild fish residing in southern California urban waters, that they have been extirpated, and are extinct.
Not true. Those two words are the driving reason the South Coast Chapter exists. Over the last 10 years or so, the southern Steelhead has been mounting a comeback, back to their ancestral migratory spawning watersheds. Our work as a local grassroots group has focused on local stream restoration in two watersheds; San Mateo Creek, an undammed, unspoiled watershed and the San Juan/Arroyo Trabuco Creek watershed, which travels mainly in urban, populated areas. We are expanding our experience into the Los Angeles River restoration. All of these creeks were historic steelhead fisheries and were prevalent until the late 1940’s.Development, water diversion and agriculture have taken their toll on these watersheds. Today, the political winds have shifted and there is a growing movement among non-governmental organizations as well as the regulatory agencies to restore and
preserve these waters back to their original form.
Come join us, get involved, see what a difference a local grassroots group can make.
Join Trout Unlimited
Trout Unlimited National
Today TU is a national organization with about 300,000 members and supporters organized
into more than 400 chapters and councils from Maine to Montana to Alaska. This dedicated grassroots army is matched by a respected staff of lawyers, policy experts and scientists, who work out of more than 30 offices nationwide. These conservation professionals ensure that TU is at the forefront of fisheries restoration work
Our Mission
To conserve, protect and restore North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.
Our Vision
By the next generation,Trout Unlimited will ensure that robust populations of native and wild coldwater fish once again thrive within their North American range, so that our children can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters at the local, state and national levels
Today TU is a national organization with about 300,000 members and supporters organized
into more than 400 chapters and councils from Maine to Montana to Alaska. This dedicated grassroots army is matched by a respected staff of lawyers, policy experts and scientists, who work out of more than 30 offices nationwide. These conservation professionals ensure that TU is at the forefront of fisheries restoration work
Our Mission
To conserve, protect and restore North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.
Our Vision
By the next generation,Trout Unlimited will ensure that robust populations of native and wild coldwater fish once again thrive within their North American range, so that our children can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters at the local, state and national levels
Come join us, get involved, see what a difference a local grassroots group can make.