TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. — The Friends of Squaw Creek (FoSC) organization is offering a free forum open to the public about the biology of Squaw Creek, March 28, 6 p.m. at the Squaw Valley Public Services District meeting room, 305 Squaw Valley Road. Join fisheries biologist Ian Chan; Northern California Field Director for Trout Unlimited David Lass, and principal of Sound Watershed Mike Liquori for discussion on Squaw Creek’s historic and current status, along with opportunities for future environmental improvements. There will be a public question and answer session.

Ian Chan, local fisheries biologist, working for Garcia and Associates, performed a fisheries assessment of Squaw Creek in 2011 as part of the proposed Village development baseline analysis. He has also conducted the 2010 and 2012 benthic macroinvertebrate bioassessment for Squaw Creek’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) calculation on behalf of Placer County. He will present historical information regarding the Squaw Creek fishery as well as an overview of recent data representing the current status of aquatic resources in Squaw Creek.

David Lass, Northern California Field Director for Trout Unlimited, also assessed Squaw Creek using the Meadow Restoration Fish Analysis Tool (MRFAT). He will present the results of his study and help us look to future opportunities to improve the fish habitat of Squaw Creek

Mike Liquori, principal of Sound Watershed, has been studying Squaw Creek since 2005. He is currently working under a State Water Board grant with Placer County advancing restoration concepts for Squaw Creek from the confluence through the meadow. He will share his experience and ideas that will guide improvements for a healthier creek.

Friends of Squaw Creek (FoSC) is a grassroots organization in Squaw Valley that originated in April of 2002 in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listing Squaw Creek on its 303d list of impaired streams due to excessive sediment as well as community alarm perceiving reduced stream flows and loss of fish population. FoSC brings together landowners, businesses, jurisdictional agencies, and private citizens dedicated to enhancing the Squaw Creek watershed. Visit http://www.squawcreek.org.