Smith River Alliance Inc

Coastal Programs: Phase III of the Pacific Shores Preacquisition Feasibility Study is underway to acquire potential public acquisition of properties from willing sellers in the Pacific Shores subdivision in Del Norte County. Pacific Shores is a 1,535-lot subdivision, undeveloped save for the roads that were constructed subsequent to the subdivision in the 1960s and some unpermitted campsites. The subdivision lies adjacent to Lakes Earl and Tolowa, approximately four miles north of Crescent City in Del Norte County, and lies in the Smith River plain. In addition, we are preparing a feasibility study of habitat restoration opportunities in the Elk Creek watershed. The study will assess river hydrology and geomorphology and will identify specific restoration opportunities that will enhance fish and wildlife habitat, fish passage and community resilience by improving ecosystem processes and function in the watershed. Finally SRA operates a vibrant coastal clean-up program which attracts a significant number of volunteers annually dedicated to cleaning our beaches.

General Programs: SRA is a leader in the campaign to expand permanent protections for the headwaters of the Smith in OR. The Smith River is one of the crown jewels of the National Wild and Scenic River System with over 300 miles of the Smith are included in the National Wild and Scenic River System, created in 1964 to protect outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, for preservation in a free-flowing condition. SRA continued work with the Smith River NRA Collaborative which is a joint venture between the Six Rivers National Forest, Elk Valley Rancheria, the Tolowa Dee-ni Nation, Del Norte County, Del Norte Fire Safe Council, local and regional environmental groups. These partners to promote and implement forest and aquatic restoration and management on the Smith River NRA. In partnership with the Big-Foot Trail Alliance we helped to launch a multi-county environmental education program serving youth.