Good Morning All,

 

You signed on to this petition to
support Southern California steelhead in the Santa Ynez River. This petition has been used to move the needle and to motivate power holders to take action to save the species. Now is time to voice your support directly to the California Fish and Game Commission. I can say from having attended FGC meetings for the past three years  – I am always amazed at how much impact public comments have on the FGC Commissioners. They know CalTrout will be there saying Act Now. But when 5 or 10 people show up (log on – it’s virtual) and demand they take action to prevent the loss of this incredible species, you can see them accept the gravity of their responsibility.

 

Next Thursday - April 18 – the FGC will provide an opportunity for the public to express comments before voting on whether to list Southern steelhead as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (Instructions below). This will provide further protection for this critically endangered species.

How to Join:

Where?
To provide public comment, you can join the meeting virtually via Zoom or at the in-person location. 
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85095560390  
In-person: San Jose Scottish Rite Center, 2455 Masonic Drive, San Jose, CA 95125 

Here is the meeting agenda and further instructions on how to join the meeting via Zoom.

When?

Thursday, April 18, 8:30AM - The meeting starts at 8:30am with agenda item #11. The petition to list Southern steelhead under California’s Endangered Species Act (CESA) is agenda item #22. The agenda does not designate specific times for each item. We will send another email on April 18 during the meeting as agenda item #22 approaches for those who do not wish to sit through the entire meeting.

How do I provide a comment?
When item #21 concludes, Commission staff will open the queue for those that wish to give public comment on item #22. Folks who have joined the meeting online via Zoom will then have a few minutes to use Zoom's "raise hand" feature to indicate their desire to speak, and staff will compile a speakers list.  
 

 
 

What to Say:

This is an opportunity to speak from the heart and express why Southern steelhead matter to you and your community. You can also use the style of our example comment below. Please limit your comment to one minute. 

Example Public Comment: 
I urge you take immediate action today to designate the Southern California steelhead as endangered under California’s Endangered Species Act. Without further protections, we risk losing this iconic native species forever. These fish are crucial for ecosystem health, and they are vital to watershed health. Listing them as endangered is essential to ensure their survival and the prosperity of California's rivers and communities. The science is clear – these fish face extinction without full protection. This is unacceptable. You must act today.   

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting as we all show up to support further protection of Southern steelhead! 
 

 

Thank you,

 

Illuminate Conservation 

nate@illuminateconservation.com