Kristina Rylands and Dr. Molly Stephens. Pushing the Imagination: First Steps at Salmonid Reintroduction in Two Iconic Watersheds – The Local Grape

By david

Events, Science on Tap

Kristina Rylands and Dr. Molly Stephens. Pushing the Imagination: First Steps at Salmonid Reintroduction in Two Iconic Watersheds

22 Sep

The Local Grape presents, Science on Tap. In partnership with the UC Cooperative Extension, University of California, Agriculture & Natural Resources Featuring, Kristina Rylands and Dr. Molly Stephens. Pushing the Imagination: First Steps at Salmonid Reintroduction in Two Iconic Watersheds Imagine a Merced and Tuolumne River so teeming with steelhead and salmon you could nearly "walk across the river on the backs of so many fish." This is not folklore but the experience of locals within our lifetime. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has determined that in order to recover listed populations of salmon and steelhead in the Central Valley, reintroduction to high elevation habitats with abundant cold water is necessary. Currently the NMFS is working with a new consortium of NGOs, tribes, and government agencies-including Mariposa's Upper Merced River Watershed Council (UMRWC)-to evaluate the feasibility of reintroducing steelhead and/or spring-run Chinook salmon to the upper Tuolumne and Merced Rivers. Join UMRWC's Kristina Rylands and Molly Stephens to talk about how to go beyond our wildest imaginings and overcome challenges for this type of reintroduction while building partnerships with a diverse coalition of interest groups. September 22nd, 2025 5:30 pm Free Admission The Local Grape 5021 CA-140 Mariposa, CA 95338 Concessions: Cheese boards and paninis will be available for purchase during the event from The Local Grape! Mission: Science on Tap brings regional scientists together with Mariposa community members to share the joy and urgency of recent discoveries— from the outermost reaches of space and time to the everyday laboratory in our backyards.