The devastation felt in the wake of recent fires that have ripped through our beloved mountain communities has been almost too much to fathom. And as we are only at the beginning stages of comprehending this immense loss, we, like many, are also taking our first steps into the collective healing process
Topanga Creek, one of the last strongholds for endangered fish in the Santa Monica Mountains, was in the direct path of the Palisades Fire. The riparian corridor and water quality of the stream have been decimated from the town to the ocean – over 4 river miles of critical habitat. There are two endangered fish species that call this ravaged creek home – tidewater goby and steelhead trout. Luckily through this devastation, we have found there is a way for us to help.
Our trained biologists went into Topanga Lagoon and Creek to capture and transfer sensitive fish. USFWS, CA State Parks, Los Angeles County Lifeguards and Dept of Beaches and Harbors are helping coordinate a tidewater goby rescue. Fish will be held at the Aquarium of the Pacific and Heal the Bay Aquarium until we can safely move them back home.
Partners at CDFW & NMFS supervised our teams to coordinate a trout rescue near the end of January.
However we do not possess funding to carry out either of these unique efforts.
If you have the means, the RCD is asking for donations to help fund these rescues. It will cost roughly $10,000 to complete DNA analysis on impacted gobies and $10,000 to cover the catch, transfer and care of sensitive fish. We anticipate a cost of ~$5,000 to cover the food and aquarium costs. You can donate directly by clicking the button below. Any additional funding we recieve will support unexpected costs incurred during the fish rescues, costs to find these fish a new home, and wildland restoration within impacted woodlands.
If you are not in a position to donate financially, we will be looking for helping hands to restore sensitive habitat soon. Be sure you keep an eye on our social media (@rcdsmm) or join our mailing list for future updates.
Or mail your tax-deductible contribution to:
RCD of the Santa Monica Mountains
4505 Las Virgenes Rd, Suite 215
Las Virgenes, CA 91302
*Make checks payable to: RCDSMM
The RCDSMM can receive tax deductible donations under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 170 (b) and 170 (c) (1). This section says that contributions to a governmental entity are deductible. The RCD may accept all forms of contributions including, but not limited to, gifts, property, cash, stocks and securities.