COMMUNITY MEMBERS CALLED TO ACTION ..........

VOL 2
UPBEAT SALMON FORECAST WORRIES FISHERMAN .................... 3

No. 3

March 2010

SAFETY FIRST ............ 5

ADDRESSING THE NEWEST ISSUES EFFECTING THE COTTONWOOD CREEK WATERSHED

Watershed watch
Our intent is to enhance community live in Cottonwood by bringing residents, local growers bustle of their busy weeks to come check us out on Fridays this coming summer and fall. Organizers decided to hold their market on Fridays so it wouldnt compete with other markets on weekends, Curry said. To sell at one or more markets during 2010, vendors must complete the 2010 Market Application and return it to the CCWG office. Spaces are limited, so if you havent already, contact the office at your earliest convenience to reserve your spot. Community members are encouraged to visit www.ccwgrp.org to find more information and the latest updates. Farmers Market Volunteer Opportunities: The market is currently seeking volunteers and volunteer groups for the 2010 season. Contact Market Supervisor Sheri Curry at (530) 347-6637 or scurry@ccwgrp.org for more information.

FARMERS MARKET GEARS UP FOR THE 2010 MARKET SEASON

Opening Day May 7th through October 29th. Every Friday from 3-7p.m. located at 3645 Main Street, Cottonwood
The Cottonwood Creek Certified Farmers Market & Artisans Fair announced last month that it is gearing up for opening day of the markets second season. Opening day takes place from 3:00-7:00p.m. on Friday, May 7th. The market this year will be located at the new Cottonwood Creek Watershed Group (CCWG) office at 3645 Main Street, Cottonwood. The area will feature a more visible location for shoppers to find and will provide a more friendly walking area for disabled and elderly shoppers. Modeled after open-air markets across the state and country, the Cottonwood Creek Certified Farmers Market & Artisans Fair will be open May 7th-Oct 29th on Fridays from 3p.m. to 7p.m. The market will feature a diverse selection of local foods and products in an inviting, friendly atmosphere, with live music, kids activities, concessions, face painting, local Master Gardeners and much more.

and producers together in a market setting that is friendly, fun and full of quality local foods, said Sheri Curry, Market Supervisor and AmeriCorps VISTA member. We hope community members throughout the area will take a break from the

Person of the Month

SUSAN SHAEFFER, VOLUNTEER

bark and planted native grasses through the flower beds outside the office. CCWG is very lucky to have Susan and would like to thank her for her dedication and commitment to serving the community.

Susan Shaeffer is CCWGs Person of the Month for March. Susan came to us, originally from Placer County and now living in Cottonwood with her son and his family. Susan has a background in office management and bookkeeping. She has been assisting CCWG with clerical duties inside the office and also lending a very helpful hand with landscaping the office during the nice days outside. Susan has weeded, transplanted shrubs and bulbs, spread

COMMUNITY MEMBERS CALLED TO ACTION

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to change lives, including your own.
Volunteers are at the heart of non-profit work, and Cottonwood Creek Watershed Group (CCWG) is no exception. Our strength is a result of the time and effort provided by those who volunteer to serve their community. We welcome motivated and enthusiastic people who enjoy helping others, contributing to the vitality and ongoing development of the CCWG mission and local community. Shepherds Heart Food Bank is calling for volunteers to sort donations or make food packages for needy families, individuals, children, and seniors in our community. Donations are also needed from individuals and businesses that are able and willing to donate. Non-perishable food items (canned food, cereals, pastas, and the like) and all manner of baby products, from formula and baby food to diapers and wipes, are always in high demand. Paper products like toilet paper, as well as laundry and dish soap, are also needed at the Food Bank. All food donations must be unopened, and the Food Bank cannot take home-canned items or any type of medication. Onehundred percent of any cash donations the program receives goes directly to the purchase of needed food and other items. Cottonwood Creek Community Garden is also seeking individuals and groups who are interested in volunteering. The garden will be an ongoing educational project, designed to involve and engage students as well as community members in gardening and green practices. Volunteers of all levels of skill and knowledge are needed to assist in getting this exciting project off the ground. Cottonwood Creek Certified Farmers Market & Artisans Fair is returning this May and will run though the end of October. Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to become more involved in the market and to support our local food system, local farmers and local retailers. Duties will include setup and teardown, welcome people at entrance, run our EcoArts childrens booth, give out programs and count visitors and generally assist the vendors. CCWG is also in need of volunteers to help maintain the building and grounds, which includes mowing, trimming hedges and trees, pulling weeds, gardening, cleaning gutters, washing windows, vacuuming and changing light bulbs. In addition to volunteers to help in the office by handling the following tasks: answering the telephone, simple data entry, newsletter and other mailings, filing, and preparing for special events. The diverse listing of opportunities, with variable time commitments, provides options for practically anyone. Have a specialized skill and prefer to work behind the scenes? CCWG could use your help with graphic design, photography, writing or special event planning. Each of these areas offers flexible scheduling and the opportunity to use your talents to bring awareness of CCWG and its many projects to our community. And for the social butterflies among us, we would love to put you to work coordinating our market music, assisting on festival days and recruiting additional volunteers. Wherever your skills, talents and interests lie, CCWG would love to have you join our team. For more information on volunteer opportunities please contact Sheri Curry at by calling (530) 347-6637 or by emailing scurry@ccwgrp. You may also view a complete list of Volunteer Opportunities and download a Volunteer Registration form at www.ccwgrp.org/get-involved.

UPBEAT SALMON FORECAST WORRIES FISHERMAN

AS REPORTED BY PETER FIMRITE OF THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
A surprisingly optimistic projection Thursday that nearly 250,000 salmon will spawn in the Sacramento River system next fall has created a dilemma for fishermen who crave the opportunity to reel in some chinook after a two-year fishing ban: They're worried that they might contribute to the demise of the species. The National Marine Fisheries Service predicted that 245,483 fall run chinook salmon will spawn in the Sacramento and San Joaquin river systems later this year, opening the door to the possibility that ocean fishing of the chinook will be allowed in California and Oregon. The forecast came as a surprise given that the lowest number of chinook salmon in recorded history made their way up the Central Valley river system last fall, a situation that fisheries experts called an environmental and economic catastrophe. Not only that, but the 39,530 fall-run chinook that spawned in the once-thriving river fell well short of the 122,000 chinook that the fisheries service - this time last year predicted would show up. It was enough to make some fishermen wonder about the validity of the forecasting process, especially when the projections are used to determine whether commercial fishing will be allowed. "I don't think anybody in this room wants to contribute to the extinction of a species even though we know fishing didn't contribute to the problem," said Chuck Cappotto, 64, a Bodega Bay fisherman who was one of dozens of commercial and recreational fishermen to attend the annual California Department of Fish and Game meeting in Santa Rosa, where the projections were announced. Water diversion blamed Most fishermen blame state and federal water regulators for large increases in diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to farmers between 2004 and 2007 that they claim sucked baby salmon into the giant pumps. They are angry at Sen. Dianne Feinstein for her recent proposal to divert even more water by lifting existing regulations put in place to help fish populations recover. All of which puts the suddenly high projections of salmon returns in question, according to Zeke Grader, executive director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations. "We want to really look at these numbers and see if we are on the safe side because we are complaining about water diversions and we don't want to be guilty of the same thing that they are guilty of," Grader said, referring to the demise of the salmon. "This raises more questions than it answers. Everybody is looking at this and scratching their heads and trying to figure out what is the right thing to do." For thousands of years, chinook salmon, known scientifically as Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, were a crucial source of sustenance for Native Americans, but dams, irrigation and pollution depleted the resource after Europeans arrived. Still, the Central Valley fall run of chinook in September and October has for decades been the backbone of the West Coast fishing industry. The local salmon, also known as king salmon, traditionally make up 90 percent of the salmon caught in California and 60 percent harvested in Oregon. At its peak in 2002, 769,868 fish spawned in Central Valley rivers. The big fish pass through San Francisco Bay and roam the Pacific Ocean as far away as Alaska before returning three years later to spawn where they were born in the Sacramento River and its tributaries. Last year, however, was the second year in a row of record low numbers. In 2008, 64,456 laid eggs in the river and 87,940 spawned the year before that. It is the worst three-year period in the watershed since records were first compiled in the 1970s, biologists said. Limited fishing likely The forecast for next fall is based mostly on the percentage of 2-year-old salmon that returned early to the river system last year. About 9,000 of these so-called jacks were counted last year compared with about 4,000 the year before. It is an indication, according to biologists, that more fish are coming back this fall. The Pacific Fishery Management Council will hold meetings in March and April to decide whether fishing will be allowed, but indications now are that there will at least be some limited angling.

Buy Local At

BECOME A FAN OF CCWG ON FACEBOOK AND WIN!

BECOME A FAN OF CCWG ON FACEBOOK DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH AND YOU WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING FOR A $25 WAL-MART GIFT CARD.

Look CCWG up on Facebook by searching for Cottonwood Creek Watershed Group. For more information contact CCWG by calling (530)347-6637 or by emailing scurry@ccwgrp.org.

Cottonwood Creek Certified Farmers Market & Artisans Fair May 7th-October 29th Every Friday 3-7pm 3645 Main Street
3

SAFETY FIRST
AS REPORTED BY THE FORESTLAND STEWARD
Did you know that chainsaws can produce a level of noise that can affect your ears after only 15 minutes? Other common forestry equipment, such as power brushcutters, sawmills, and skidders and loaders can also cause severe hearing damage. Forestry is not for the faint-of-heart. Many forestry activities routinely expose you to health and safety risks. These include natural risks (e.g., steep and broken terrain, exposure to the elements and climate extremes of both hot and cold, wildlife and insects, poison oak, hazard trees) as well as occupational hazards (e.g., accidents from equipment and falling trees; long-term damage to hearing; neck, shoulder, and back strain; vibration and other physical stress; and repetitive stress injury). The solutions to many of these dangers are obvious: good safety practices, training, and common sense. Good Safety Practices According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more people are killed while felling trees than during any other logging activity. One of the first steps to protect yourself is to use safety equipment at all times. These include: Protective shoes - sturdy boots with non-slip soles, steel toes, and high tops. Safety helmet/hard hat - an approved safety hard hat that is properly fitted. Gloves - based on the work, suitable gloves should consider the need for protection from chainsaw cuts, thorny material, and cold/wet conditions. They should be sturdy and non-slip. Safety chaps/trousers - chaps made for chainsaw use can help prevent injury. Ear protectors - ear muffs or ear plugs to protect your hearing.

Safety glasses - non-fogging, vented face screen or safety goggles to prevent injury from flying chips or a chain. Visors

In addition, wear snug-fitting clothing that allows for freedom of movement. Avoid any loose material such as sleeve cuffs, cuffed pants, scarves, loose long hair, jewelry, or a skirt. A few more safety tips for chainsaw users Training You need to develop the skills to use equipment, such as chainsaws, safely. That takes time and commitment. You can: Take a professional training course. Work with someone who is highly experienced. Read books or watch videos to learn the basic skills. Practice on easy jobs until your skills improve.

Common Sense In the common sense category, you should first of all be aware of your physical and mental state, and know your limitations. Are you clear-headed and alert, have you eaten well, and are you well -hydrated? Your physical/mental condition can make the difference between quick wits to avoid an accident and an unnecessary injury. You need to be prepared and able to react correctly in the case of an emergency or unexpected occurrence. In addition, be aware of your surroundings, including weather conditions (especially wind), terrain, wildlife, buildings, vehicles, power lines, livestock, and other people. Never work alone when felling trees. In case of an accident you need someone to help or who can summon help. Know your limitations. If the job is too much for your abilities, hire a professional.

Make sure that the chain is not in contact with anything before starting the engine. Do not let the saw rest on your leg or knee while you start the engine. Do not drop start the chainsaw. Always maintain control by standing securely, holding the saw firmly, and taking your hand off the trigger between cuts. Keep the handles dry and clean. Be sure your body is clear of the natural path the saw will follow when the cut goes through. Never straddle a log to make a cut. Always shut off the engine before setting the chain down, even when retreating from a falling tree. Make sure the saw is off and the chain stopped before making any adjustments or repairs. Do not run the saw indoors.

DEFENSIBLE SPACE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

A defensible space of 100 feet around your home is required by law.
We all have a responsibility to take the necessary measures to protect our homes. When homes are close together, that responsibility can extend to our neighbors. In this article I outline some things that every homeowner should do to greatly reduce the risk that their home will perish in the next wildfire. Most of California is periodically visited by wildfires. In fact, after tens of thousands of years, the ecology of the area has adapted to fire. Many plants and trees in our area require scarification, or the heat of a fire, in order to germinate. Preparing your home and property to survive a major wildfire is an annual chore. If you skip a year, or have never thought about it, the task can be daunting. Dont get discouraged. Think about dividing everything that would be nice to do from what must get done. Divide the tasks over several years. This year tackle the most critical items and start a long term plan for the rest of the items. There are also a number of contractors that you can hire to help with brush clearance and other tasks that may need to be done. If possible, give a helping hand. Sometimes, given the way property lines are laid out, it is important to collaborate with your neighbor. Let them know what you are doing, enlist their help, and dont forget to lend a helping hand to our seniors and others that might need a strong back.

Re/Max Top Properties

KEN ROBISON
605 Main Street Red Bluff, CA 96080 (530) 527-1111 ken@kenrobison.com

Staff Brynn Nolan Executive Director Sheri Curry AmeriCorps VISTA Keith Hackney AmeriCorps VISTA Christy Marroquin Bookkeeper Board of Directors Jim Curry President Jim Busher Vice President Louise Wilkinson Secretary Judy Huddleston Treasurer Ronald Myers Director

The lumber-hauling heydays at Cottonwood 1897 and 1898 were the years. In 1897, hundreds of wagonloads of lumber - usually consisting of from four to sixteen horse-pulled wagonloads in a wagon "train", loaded with lumber, were being hauled into Cottonwood monthly for shipment out on the railroad. In 1898, from ten to twelve million board feet of lumber was being hauled annually into the Cottonwood Railroad Depot for shipment. These were the lumberhauling heydays. Ten and twelve horse teams could be seen parading up and down Cottonwood streets any hour of the day, bells ring-a-lining on the lead horse. And, of course, the saloons, the hotels, liveries, blacksmiths, and horse traders were all prospering. To view more from Dottie Smith, visit her blog on Redding.com - http://blogs.redding.com/dsmith

Open Monday-Saturday 6:00am-3:00pm 3640 Main Street Cottonwood, CA 96022 (530) 347-0599

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Contact CCWG to find out how. (530) 347-6637

ABOUT US The Cottonwood Creek Watershed Group (CCWG) is an organized association of landowners, residential home owners, business owners, and other private parties. The groups goal is to work together to maintain, conserve and restore a healthy and productive Cottonwood Creek Watershed. CCWG will work to preserve the environment, private property and water rights, and the economic resources of Cottonwood Creek Watershed through responsible stewardship, liaison, cooperation and education.

UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 6th - Conversations on Water. Topics Include, Bay Delta Conveyance Plan and Dual Conveyance System. Located at Grace Covell Hall, University of the Pacific in Stockton from 9:00am12:00pm. This is a free event. For more information email info@greatvalley.org. MARCH 10th-13th Sundial Film Festival. For more information visit www.sundialfimfestival.com MARCH 11th - CCWG Board Meeting located at 3645 Main St., Cottonwood at 5:30pm. MARCH 16th - Taking Advantage of the Growing Green Economy: Real People. Real Solutions. Real Opportunities! Workshop. Located at the Sacramento Convention Center from 9:30am-4:00pm. For more information email info@greatvalley.org. MARCH 17th - St. Patricks Day MARCH 20th - Resources for Farmers, Ranchers, and Workers Community Workshop. Located at Hill Country Health and Wellness Center, 29632 Hwy 299E, Round Mountain, Shasta Co. From 9:00am12:00pm. MARCH 27th - 18th Annual Shasta County 4-H Poultry Show at Shasta College Farm from 8:00am-4:00pm. For more information contact Leeann Stearns at (530) 226-0413

A PUBLICATION OF: Cottonwood Creek Watershed Group

PRDUCED BY: Sheri Curry

P.O. Box 1198 3645 Main Street Cottonwood, CA 96022 Office (530) 347-6637 Fax (530) 347-6346 www.ccwgrp.org info@ccwgrp.org