The YESS Program- A Natural Success

Submitted by Sheryl Wilkins, Scott River Watershed Community Outreach Coordinator

“The 2023 Youth Environmental Summer Studies (YESS) program is one for the books! I feel incredibly grateful to have spent 6 weeks with these inspiring young adults.”

According to YESS Supervisor, Shannon Wedgley,

A summer of hard work and bonding began in the majestic Marble Mountains. The crew’s first tasks included improving wildlife habitat at Big Meadows by thinning and piling Alder encroaching conifers and repairing wildlife guzzlers on Forest Service land.

Using time-tested tools from the Scott River Watershed Council’s Tool Kit, great headway was made in habitat creation, gravel surveys, stream analysis, and groundwater monitoring. The invasive Marlahan Mustard took a big hit as the tenacious crew plowed through a variety of areas in Scott Valley. And, the second week of a six-week program concluded with a visit to the Yreka Community Garden where the young group learned about permaculture and community health from a wise man known as ‘Flik’.

Identifying fish and improving cold water refuge – a crucial habitat to the lifecycle of the beloved salmon, kicked off the third week and concluded with the Salmon River Restoration Council doing invasive plant species removal.

Week four included enhancing pre-established Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) and conducting Alder transact and groundwater surveys at Meek’s Meadows.

The final two weeks were spent in the woods and on the river sleeping under the stars. A ‘Zero Electronics’ policy was implemented during the first week while backcountry trails were cleared and spare time was spent building forts, playing cards/games, and bonding in old-fashioned style.

The grand finale of the summer was the participation in the historical Salmon River Salmon Survey Dive – the largest of its kind in the world followed by a well-earned Klamath River rafting trip.

“I’m so proud of these young adults, I could not have asked for a better crew. The YESS season was an enlightening experience for all of us. Their bright attitudes, playful nature, and willingness to work hard are a testament to their character and are a feather in the cap of their generation. I feel confident that with continued support by the community through programs like this, we can feel good about passing the torch to these highly inspirational young adults,”

stated YESS Supervisor, Shannon Wedgley.

• Nature’s Kitchen: Local Organic Cafe Closes, Legacy Continues
  As the chapter closes on nearly five decades of full-service organic dining, with the final day of cafe service on October 31st, the staff and owners offer a heartfelt message:  “Our customers have enriched our lives. We had a good run.” After nearly five decades of serving organic, made-from-scratch meals, Nature’s Kitchen, a beloved fixture… Read more: Nature’s Kitchen: Local Organic Cafe Closes, Legacy Continues
• Measure W: Balancing Control, Independence, and Practical Challenges
  Siskiyou County voters are facing a crucial decision with Measure W, which proposes changing the County Auditor-Controller position from elected to appointed. This measure has sparked a debate that touches on complex issues of governance, independence, and practical realities. The discussion gained momentum after the county enacted Measure 22-07 in March 2022, an urgency ordinance… Read more: Measure W: Balancing Control, Independence, and Practical Challenges
• SisQ Arrest – Bookings Report October 7th – 14th, 2024
  Well, well, well, looks like Siskiyou County is giving Las Vegas a run for its money in the “What Happens Here, Stays Here” department! From the looks of this arrest report, the local motto might as well be “Come for the nature, stay for the bail hearing.” It seems the county’s hottest nightclub is the… Read more: SisQ Arrest – Bookings Report October 7th – 14th, 2024
• the Obituary of Donald Dean Meek
  Don Meek was born in Yreka, California, to Gerald & Marvel Meek. The youngest of seven children, he was raised in Scott Valley, where he resided until joining the military. As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, he got his first taste of the world as an Army Motor Transport Operator in Europe at… Read more: the Obituary of Donald Dean Meek
• OPEN LETTER: VOTE NO ON MEASURE “W”
  APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR-CONTROLLER BY BOARD OF SUPERVISOR The voters are being asked AGAIN by our Board of Supervisors to change the selection for the Auditor-Controller’s position from an elected position to an appointed one.  Why you should vote NO ON MEASURE “W”: (1) The Auditor-Controller is an independent, non-partisan elected office.  By making this an appointed position… Read more: OPEN LETTER: VOTE NO ON MEASURE “W”