The Sacramento River Preservation Trust (Trust) was formed in 1984 in response to a variety of assaults on the natural values of the Sacramento River. In particular, a declining fishery was of concern, especially anadromous species such as salmon and steelhead. In addition, a continuing fragmentation of riparian habitat along the river was having serious impacts on both terrestrial and avian species. Through a combination of both hardball (lawsuits) and softball (education) strategies, this situation has slowly but surely been turning around. However, a truly viable ecosystem is still many years away. By becoming a Trust member, you can help bring that day closer than it might otherwise be.

The Trust has been an active partner in many of the efforts that have brought the Sacramento River back from the brink. Milestones have included the listing of both winter and spring run chinook salmon as endangered species, the creation of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge, the passage of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) and the initiation of planning and restoration efforts such as the SB 1086 process, the CALFED Bay-Delta program and the Sacramento & San Joaquin River Basins Comprehensive Study.

While there are many more players at the table now than when the Trust was founded, there is still no guarantee that many of the activities mentioned above will bear meaningful fruit. Constant vigilance will be key in ensuring long-term benefits to the riverine environment. The Trust has been such a watchdog since it began and will continue to be so in the years ahead.

Altacal Audubon Society has been a supporter of the Trust since its inception, in fact, the Trust received a significant financial contribution from Altacal that allowed the Trust to file for its tax-exempt status back in 1984. The Trust is reaching out to Altacal members now because we need to reinvigorate our membership base for the work that lies ahead. If you would like to become a member of the Trust, please contact us at P.O. Box 5366. Chico, CA 95927 or call (530)345-1865 and we will send you a Trust membership application. With membership, you will receive not only our thanks, but also a copy of the book, "Pursuing Wild Trout: A Journey in Wilderness Values," by Trust member Bob Madgic.

Being a Trust member also gives discounts on Float Trips. Here's a list of the May trips.

Saturday, May 6 - Irvine Finch (Hamilton City) to Scotty's. This is a short 3-mile run of river that is being offered in the morning to complement the 21st Annual Endangered Species Faire, which is being held all day in Chico's Bidwell Park. This float has a reduced fee of $10, with participants guaranteed to be off the water by noon.

Sunday, May 7 - Scotty's to Ord Bend. This float features lush riparian forests amidst stark evidence of the beginning of the Sacramento River Flood Control System. Many birds inhabit this 12-mile stretch of the river, including egrets, herons and neotropical migrants.

Saturday, May 13 - Mouth of Battle Creek to Bend. This float adds four miles to our traditional Jelly's Ferry to Bend route (see April 29 above). Salmon fishing season has yet to begin, so this is an excellent time to see this stretch of water without undue interruption by powerboats. It is also the day before Mother's Day, so why not give her a special treat and see what the river has to offer in return.

Sunday, May 21 - Red Bluff to Los Molinos. This trip is intended to complement the Watershed Festival being held the previous day at the Sacramento River Discovery Center in Red Bluff.