Latest Newsletter Donate Home About Education Events Access Parks Contact Programs Get Involved TED MARTIN FAMILY GRANT The Board of Directors of the Kings River Conservancy is pleased to announce the continued support, through the Central Valley Community Foundation, of a substantial Ted Martin Family Grant. The monies will go to support and expand three innovative Conservancy programs. The first Conservancy project is the Rainbow Trout Improvement Project that seeks to restore the genetically superior strain of trout that once populated the river. Fifty years ago the Kings River was rated as one of the 'best ten trout rivers in the Western United States'. These funds will go to fully improving the fish incubating facility strategically located just downstream of Pine Flat Dam. This will allow for the selection and purchase of trout eggs with the goal of eventually producing the most adaptive, best suited eggs for the Kings River. "We are excited about this generous gift," said board member Hank Urbach. "The Conservancy has always supported the Kings River Fisheries Management Program and we are gratified that the Ted Martin Family and the Central Valley Community Foundation shares this vision. This is the best example of a partnership to benefit the river and fishery for all users." Other funds from this continued support will be used for the Conservancy's Invasive Species Removal Program along the Kings River to restore the riparian habitat. As is the case with almost all western rivers, the Kings Corridor contains a variety of invasive species that alters the habitat along the river. The first part of the project was to remove an estimated 25 acres of invasive species. This continued support insures the effectiveness of the project for maintenance and spraying. Finally, the Martin Family continues to contribute to augment the Frank Jones Memorial Warden Enforcement Fund. This will go a long way to help the Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reach their goal of funding the enforcement program at a consistent level, promoting the river's fishery. On hearing of the grant award, Conservancy Vice President John Gray commented, "This is the first major private grant received by the Conservancy and it will complement past grants received from several public and governmental agencies. Ted Martin has long supported the rivers of the area and this grant will continue that legacy and allow us the privilege of helping to fulfill the Martin Family desire to preserve and protect the Kings River." 559-787-9500 kingsriverconservancy@gmail.com 2019 Kings River Conservancy Proudly Created by ChurchKey Media P.O. Box 1550 Reedley, CA 93654