California Department of Fish and Game, Ft. Bragg
306 E. Redwood Avenue
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-1346 (LeDoux-Bloom)
(707) 964-1492 (Gallagher)
Mentors:
Cynthia LeDoux-Bloom, Associate Marine/Fisheries Biologist
Mentor Biography
cledoux@dfg.ca.gov
Sean Gallagher, Associate Marine/ Fisheries Biologist
Mentor Biography
sgallagh@dfg.ca.gov
Current Members:
Jenny Johnson
Member Biography
Robyn Swan
Member Biography
Site Description:
Members perform field studies to evaluate fish habitat in stream running through the coastal redwood forest watersheds, using methods in the DFG California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual. Duties include channel typing, habitat typing, electrofishing, spawner surveys, data entry, standardized report writing, and monitoring of implementation and effectiveness of fishery restoration projects. Members also provide community outreach services and educational opportunities for students in local classrooms.
For more information about the project Sean Gallagher and members are conducting, as well as photos and mentor expectations of members,CLICK HERE.
Time members spend on each of the following tasks at their site (WSP trainings and mandatory events not included in this breakdown):
Monitoring - 5%
Restoration - 5%
Field Surveys and Data Collection - 45%
Report Writing and Data Entry - 15%
Lab Work - 0%
Education - 15%
Outreach - 15%
Member comments:
"I have been entranced by the natural beauty at my fingertips here in Northern California, especially the Mendocino Coast, and it continues to serve as one of the greatest classrooms ever. Being a part of AmeriCorps WSP has given me a renewed and enhanced energy to continue on my path of being a steward of this earth and all that call it home."
- Harmony Gugino, year 13 member
Mentor comments:
"The DFG programs in Fort Bragg offer unique opportunities to participate in cutting edge, on-going salmonid population research and watershed assessments across spatial scales. This WSP site is for members who aspire to be biologists."
- Cynthia LeDoux-Bloom, year 13 mentor
For a sample calendar of WSP member duties at this site, click HERE.
U.S. Forest Service - Redwood Sciences Laboratory (RSL)
Note: Year 14/ 2008 Redwood Sciences Lab (RSL) members will spend the first 3 months of their term at the Caspar Creek Experimental Watersheds in Fort Bragg performing field work monitoring the network of streamgages and performing field surveys before joining the Arcata staff for duties as described under that placement site listing. Housing for the 3 months in Ft. Bragg is available at the Forest Service barracks.
802 N Main St.
c/o Jackson State Forest
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-1067
(707) 961-1169 (fax)
USFS RSL Webpage
Mentor:
Liz Keppeler, Hydrologist
Mentor Biography
ekeppeler@fs.fed.us
Current Members:
Monica Scholey
Member Biography
Site Description:
Members will participate in the world-renowned Caspar Creek Experimental Watershed Study-- longterm research investigating the effects of forest management on stream hydrology, erosion and sedimentation, and channel condition: [LINK: http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/topics/water/caspar/] Primarily an investigation of physical processes, this project takes a detailed look at the interaction of multiple watershed processes that determine the quality and character of the stream ecosystem. This site is best suited to those having a keen interest in physical science and those who are considering graduate school and want to learn more about how the scientific process is applied in the real world. Primary duties include monitoring and maintaining a network of 21 streamgaging stations using state-of the art electronic dataloggers and hydrologic sensors, documenting erosion and channel changes, and limited labwork processing water samples. Members work closely with Forest Service hydrologic technicians and are almost always in the field-- rain or shine. Be ready for plenty of fresh air and vigorous exercise amid redwoods of the Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Members also serve in local schools and work with environmental educators, from the local parks systems and conservation organizations, both in the classroom and on fieldtrips.
WSP Member Mai Kobayashi collecting data at one of RSL's throughfall interception stations.
Time members spend on each of the following tasks at their site (WSP trainings and mandatory events not included in this breakdown):
Monitoring - 70%
Field Surveys and Data Collection - 10%
Report Writing and Data Entry - 0%
Lab Work - 5%
Education - 10%
Outreach - 5%
Member comments:
"If you love working outside in all kinds of weather and have an interest in applied science, then this site is perfect for you. The Mendocino coast is breathtaking and there are inspiring things to be found in these parts if you look past the surface...and below, above, sideways and sometimes while standing on your head!"
- Monica Scholey, year 13 member
Mentor comments:
"I’ve been a WSP mentor since 1995. I’m impressed with the dedicated and idealistic people who seek out WSP. I appreciate their diverse geographic and educational backgrounds and enjoy introducing them to the unique north coast environs. Also, I take pride in their accomplishments in the community—especially their contributions to the youth."
- Liz Keppeler, WSP mentor 1995 - present
For a sample calendar of WSP member duties at this site, click HERE.
Volunteers helping to remove invasive plants during a WSP member-led restoration project.
