Restoration of Clear Lake Hitch Habitat and Tribal Land Repatriation

SEDIMENT REMOVAL FOR AN ENDANGERED FISH

Pinecrest is coordinating a grassroots and multi-stakeholder effort in Lake County to apply for ~$6M in State grants to restore the watershed of Schindler Creek, restore wetlands and wildlife habitat, and repatriate ancestral indigenous lands. Clear Lake Hitch (Lavinia exilicauda chi) is a critically endangered species of fish endemic to Clear Lake and was a staple of indigenous diets. Clear Lake Hitch use to spawn in great numbers in Schindler Creek although they are now nearly extirpated from this watershed. This project proposes to restore the channel and riparian corridor of Schindler Creek, restore adjacent wetland habitat, and repatriate some of these lands to their ancestral indigenous owners. We are actively soliciting additional partners and stakeholders for this project, and are currently in contact with the County of Lake, California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Redbud Audubon Society, Clear Lake Keys Property Owners Association, East Region Town Hall, Lake County Land Trust, Lake County Resource Conservation District, and Robinson Rancheria Environmental Center.