Impenetrable.
“Bradbury Dam was built in an area of The Santa Ynez River that cut off two thirds of the Southern Steelhead’s suitable spawning ground.”— Russell Marlow, California Trout.
According to data from California Trout, the leading fish conservation group in California, “Southern Steelhead populations are in danger of extinction within the next 25-50 years.”
Lake Cachuma and Bradbury Dam. Photo: Eric Foote
The “Bygone” Series; a call to action to save the Southern California Steelhead.
Bygone #1 96" x 60" Acrylic on Wood Panel. Available
Bygone #2, Sold. Prints Available.
Michael Irwin, "Bygone 1", 2020 47” x 78” | Acrylic on wood panel $7,500
Michael and Nathan Irwin, "Axiom" , 2023 47” x 60” | Acrylic on wood panel $6,500
Michael and Nathan Irwin, "Indicator", 2023 47” x 78” | Acrylic on wood panel $7,500
Michael and Nathan Irwin "Habitat", 2023 47” x 78” | Acrylic on wood panel $7,500
Michael Irwin "Vernal Pool", 2023 47” x 78” | Acrylic on wood panel $7,500
Michael and Nathan Irwin "Fleeting", 2023 48” x 72” | Acrylic on stretched canvas $6,500
Bearing a striking resemblance to their freshwater cousins, the Rainbow Trout, with hues of green, silver, and pink, a steelhead is a remarkable fish. Steelhead are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater, spend part of their adult lives in the ocean, and return to the rivers and streams where they were born to lay their eggs. Because of this interconnection between fresh and saltwater habitats, these fish are also an indicator of the overall health of a watershed.
The Santa Ynez River was historically the most productive steelhead river south of San Francisco. Tens of thousands of Southern California Steelhead would make the 65 mile trip up the Santa Ynez River from Surf Beach, to their spawning grounds above Red Rock. As Santa Barbara County grew larger and needed a reliable water source, Gibraltar (1920), Juncal (1930), and Bradbury Dam (1953) were built. The construction of Bradbury Dam blocked 2/3 of Southern Steelhead’s spawning habitat on The Santa Ynez River and has decimated their population.
There are now fewer than 500 Southern California Steelhead left in all of the watersheds of Southern California.
Bygone # 2. 96” x 60” Acrylic on Wood Panel. Sold
The “Bygone” Series was created to raise awareness about the Southern California Steelhead. This species is teetering on the brink of extinction and we need to save their habitats before they are gone forever.
Because these fish are inextricably linked to the health of our ecosystems, if they go extinct it means that our watersheds are dying. Southern California Steelhead have a distinct population segment that extends from Santa Maria to Tijijuana and these fish need healthy watersheds across Southern California in order to survive. This species survival is linked to the health of all of our watersheds in Southern California, whether you live in Downtown Los Angeles or San Diego.
Bygone #3. 40” x 60” Acrylic on Wood Panel. Sold
You can help Save the Southern California Steelhead by:
Signing the petition requesting migratory access for steelhead over Bradbury Dam and sufficient flow in the Santa Ynez River.
Donating to California Trout, The Environmental Defense Center or the The South Coast Steelhead Coalition
Writing to the CDFW Fisheries Service to tell them you want to see them listed under the California Endangered Species Act
We donate a portion of the proceeds from each piece of art that we sell to the organizations that are fighting to save the Southern California Steelhead
These paintings have raised $9100 dollars to support California Trout and the work they are doing to restore watersheds across the state.
The Endangered Species in our Backyard - More on the Southern California Steelhead.
The Endangered Species in our Backyard - More on the Southern California Steelhead.
The Santa Ynez River, historically a stronghold for Southern California Steelhead. Click here to learn more about the Santa Ynez River and the steelhead that call it home. Photo: Eric Foote
Bradbury Dam and Lake Cachuma at sunrise. Video: Eric Foote