In Remembrance
The pandemic may have separated us from friends, family, and community, but connections are strong among those who give deeply of themselves to the rivers and wild places that nurture us. Here in the Smith River watershed, we’re grateful for the extraordinary friends and visitors that support and inspire us in so many ways. Sometimes our special friends leave us —– unexpectedly and permanently. They’re not forgotten! From time to time we will honor and remember them here.
Bill Lydgate
November 2019
A respected geomorphologist, Bill knew and worked on rivers around the West. We came to know and love Bill for his organizing of many Humboldt State University Institute For River Ecosystems adventures to the Smith River — especially North Fork float trips.
Jim Crenshaw
December 2019
As President of the CA Sportfishing Protection Alliance, Jim and CSPA provided critically important endorsements for SRA’s proposals leading to millions of dollars of restoration work for the 25,000-acre Mill Creek acquisition area.
Juniper Rose Prete
Sept 2020
River guides and journalists Juniper Rose and partner Nick Prete worked on many projects around Rock Creek Ranch. Their great work is still enjoyed by visitors —- like the tent camping platform which provides amazing views upriver and across to the terrace. They were married at the Ranch in May 2019.
Jonas Minton
June 2022
Jonas was an expert in water and river conservation — and he was also a fun-loving kayaker and prankster. While at the California Department of Water Resources, Jonas played a leading role in securing the 1981 Federal Wild and Scenic River protections for more than 1,200 miles of California rivers including the designations on the Smith River. Jonas was outcome driven and his quick wit and entertaining presence uplifted many otherwise stuffy meetings. His legacy and leadership live on through California’s clean flowing rivers and we are reminded of what people of his caliber can accomplish every day when standing on the banks of the wild and undammed Smith River.
Follow this link to watch a short interview of Jonas sharing his tips for success in public service.