Salem, OR - December 20, 2001 --

On Wednesday, noted outdoor photographer Dan Callaghan presented Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber with a limited edition print that was created by Dan and the North Umpqua Foundation. The print shows wild steelhead holding in the Bend Creek pool of Steamboat Creek, the North Umpqua's main tributary.

"The North Umpqua Foundation has been working hard to protect the basin's wild fish, and to preserve and improve the ecological conditions for the watershed," Callaghan said, in presenting the Governor with print number one of the limited edition run of 250. "With one of our initiatives, the FishWatch program, we've retained a man named Lee Spencer to protect the fish in the pool that's featured on the print from poachers, and to educate visitors on the fish's lifecycle. I hope you and your family can make it up to Steamboat Creek- your son will love it."

Governor Kitzhaber, who counts the North Umpqua among his favorite fly fishing haunts, indicated that he would love to visit next fall, when up to 500 fish will hold in the pool before moving upstream to spawn. To show how much the North Umpqua means to him, the Governor led Dan and a group from the North Umpqua Foundation to his private office, where two of Dan's photographs of the river are prominently displayed.

The Conservation Edition prints, which are matted to include a Green Butt Skunk tied by Callaghan, the fly's originator, are available from the North Umpqua Foundation for a tax deductible donation of $250. For more information, go to the How To Help page or call 541-498-2230.

For information on how you can help preserve this wonderful river please email us or write to:
The North Umpqua Foundation
P.O. Box 238
Idleyld Park, OR 97447-0238