The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service is cancelling this year's Salmon Festival on Saturday, October 15, 2016, due to the inclement weather predicted to occur in Northern California this weekend. Strong winds and rain are expected to sweep through the area, making conditions unsuitable for the festival. The decision is being made in advance as a courtesy to the approximately 5,000 people who attend this event, sponsors and participants.
The annual Return of the Salmon Festival at the Coleman National Fish Hatchery has been held on the third Saturday of October since 1991. At this free, family oriented event, attendees are able to view salmon, spawning operations, the salmon aquarium, wildlife, and receive natural resource information.
Although the Salmon Festival is cancelled, the hatchery will be open to the public on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The public is welcome to view fall Chinook salmon spawning operations on that day.
The Coleman National Fish Hatchery was established 1942 by Congress to mitigate the loss of historic spawning habitat caused by the construction of the Shasta dam. In addition to providing funding for the hatchery the Bureau of Reclamation assists the hatchery with environmental permitting and contracting.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/cno. Connect with our Facebook page, follow our tweets, watch our YouTube Channel, and download photos from our Flickr page.
-FWS-
