Harmony in The Eel River Basin follows the path of The Age of Nature series by asking similar questions
about this local watershed and the surrounding forest ecosystem's health. The film looks at how to improve
biodiversity and return the streamflow on the Eel. There is a discussion about forest management, including
the reintroduction of using controlled burns on public and private lands to manage the forest better.
Local experts with extensive knowledge of the Eel River Basin guide viewers through this watershed and
provide answers on how to be stewards to the land. All have a common goal to reshape the public
consciousness around the Eel River and encourage active participation and communication with all who care
for the natural world.
We hear from:
Ernie Merrifield, a Wailaki descendant and environmental advocate, talks about his ancestors' knowledge of
resource management and his perspective on what the natural world means for life on Earth.
Patrick Higgins, with the Eel River Recovery Project, who has worked for years on all aspects of the Eel River.
He not only appears in the film but played an extensive role in the shaping of it.
Yana Valachovic, County Director – Forest Advisor for the UC Cooperative Extension on the north coast, who
grew up in the Eel River Valley. She still calls this area home and has very insightful observations around
resource management, informed by her extensive knowledge.
Tim Bailey, a Project Specialist for the Watershed Research and Training Center, who has a passion for forest
health and watersheds.
Lucy Andrews, a Ph.D. Candidate in Environmental Science, who shares her extensive knowledge of land
management.
KEET will show a rebroadcast-on Tuesday, December 22 at 8:30 p.m. and you can stream it at KEET.org.
Harmony in the Eel River Basin is produced with a grant from PBS and The Age of Nature Series.