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Wildfires Threaten Southern California’s Last Steelhead Trout Stronghold

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As wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, the ecological impact on wildlife is becoming an increasingly urgent concern. Among the areas hardest hit is Topanga Creek, a vital habitat for the endangered Southern California steelhead trout. While human lives and properties remain the top priority for first responders, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is considering emergency measures to protect this rare species from the devastating aftermath of the fires.

Topanga Creek, which flows into the Pacific Ocean between Malibu and Los Angeles, represents the last remaining spawning habitat for steelhead trout in the Santa Monica Mountains. Historically, these streams were rich in Pacific salmon and steelhead, but 20th-century dam construction cut off access to most river systems in the region. Today, Topanga Creek stands as the final stronghold for this unique steelhead subspecies, which was officially listed as endangered in 2024.

The Palisades Fire, which has scorched the area for more than a week, has left the entire river canyon charred. While the flames themselves pose a limited threat to aquatic life, the aftermath could be catastrophic. Landslides triggered by heavy rains could send debris, sediment, and charred silt rushing into the creek, suffocating nearly every fish in its path. Similar events have caused massive declines in trout populations in other western waterways, such as Colorado’s Cache la Poudre River, which experienced an 80% reduction in trout populations following the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire.

In response to this looming threat, CDFW environmental scientists are exploring a potential rescue plan for the steelhead trout. According to Kyle Evans, CDFW’s environmental scientist supervisor, biologists may hike into Topanga Creek to rescue the fish, transporting them to a secure holding facility using coolers and trucks. The plan would involve reintroducing the fish to the creek once the first heavy rains have passed and the majority of debris has been flushed from the waterway.

This type of rescue operation is not new and has been successfully implemented in other regions, but it is a complex and resource-intensive effort. CDFW is also monitoring other areas in Southern California, including trout streams in the San Gabriel Mountains, where the Eaton Fire is currently burning, and similar threats to aquatic ecosystems are emerging.

In addition to specific rescue efforts, CDFW has issued general guidance on how the public can assist wildlife during wildfire emergencies. While it is natural to want to help, CDFW stresses that wildlife should not be handled unless absolutely necessary. Animals fleeing fires may appear disoriented or vulnerable, but most are capable of finding food, water, and shelter on their own.

If you encounter injured wildlife, CDFW advises contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. Creating safe spaces, such as temporary water sources or leaving gates open for large animals, can also assist in their survival. However, CDFW urges individuals to avoid feeding wildlife, as it can cause more harm than good.

Topanga Creek’s plight highlights the broader issue of how wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, are threatening California’s wildlife. The Southern California steelhead trout is not just a symbol of the region’s natural heritage but a critical component of its ecosystem. The coordinated efforts of CDFW and other stakeholders will be essential in protecting this endangered species from the devastating effects of wildfires.

As wildfires become more frequent and severe, the need for proactive measures to safeguard both human and ecological communities has never been more pressing. Public awareness and support are crucial in these efforts. To learn more about how to help wildlife during wildfires or to support conservation initiatives, visit the CDFW website.

By taking decisive action now, we can ensure that the steelhead trout of Topanga Creek — and the rich biodiversity of Southern California — will survive for future generations.

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