In a major environmental restoration project, two barriers were removed from Jalama Creek, allowing Southern Steelhead to swim up the creek. … “Southern California Steelhead are highly endangered,” said Larra Riege, Restoration Manager at the Dangermond Preserve. … ”Removing these barriers, these ghost dams and the other barrier, removing old infrastructure that’s not serving any purpose anymore, being able to take them out and then let nature take its course is really satisfying.” … Researchers are preparing their first survey to see if the steelhead are discovering that the once-blocked creek is again open for fishy business. The conservancy is looking at additional projects to clear fish passage barriers on Jalama Creek tributaries, to give the fish even more breeding and living space.

Other habitat restoration news:

• California Trout: News release: CalTrout acquires key Elk River land parcels, returns historic site to Wiyot Tribe for cultural restoration
• Times Standard (Eureka, Calif.): CalTrout acquires Elk River parcels for restoration, returns land to Wiyot Tribe
• National Law Review: Blog: ESA habitat rule change sparks federal-state environmental clash
• San Diego Union-Tribune: Opinion: Restoring our coastal canyons and wetlands is crucial​