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Letters to the Editor

Dear Estuary,

In your February article on the proposed listing of steelhead trout, you mentioned that biologists consider the steelhead to be an "umbrella species" , providing, through its listing, protection for other species which inhabit the same streams. I would like to concur with that designation and provide one example from the South Bay.

Historically, steelhead migrated up several streams and the Guadalupe River in great numbers providing sustenance for local Native Americans and early Spanish settlers. Flourishing within these same waterbodies were substantial numbers of other fish, reptile and amphibian species. One species in particular, the California red-legged frog was as prevalent in South Bay streams as the steelhead. But as the Santa Clara Valley became more populated, dams were built and streams were straightened and lined with concrete to provide flood control protection. Non-native species such as bullfrogs, bass, and perch competed with red-legged frogs for dwindling riparian resources.

Just as steelhead populations have suffered from the destruction or alteration of rivers and streams, so too have its neighbors such as the red-legged frog. Although the red-legged frog received protection under the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species last year, the added listing of the magnificent steelhead will undoubtedly provide supplimental habitat protection measures for red-legged frogs as well as for the myriad other species which depend upon wetland and riparian habitat. Additionally, resource managers would for the first time have broader regulatory support for watershed-based planning efforts. It's just a shame that we have to wait until these species are on the brink of extinction before we recognize the tragedy of their loss.

Michael Rigney
Coyote Creek Riparian Station

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