[env-trinity] Farewell Robert Franklin

[Tom Stokely]

Farewell Robert Franklin
http://www.tworiverstribune.com/2011/03/farewell-robert-franklin/ 



Robert Franklin. / Photo courtesy of Hoopa Valley Tribal Fisheries Dept.

20 Years of Service to the Hoopa Valley Tribe
Press Release / Hoopa Valley Tribal Fisheries Department


He grew up in Hoopa, almost literally.

For over 20 years Robert Franklin worked for the Hoopa Valley Tribe as a hydrologist for the Fisheries Department.

“It was so much more than just a job,” he said. “I feel like I grew into adulthood here.”

He will visit the Trinity River again to visit, but his professional work on its waters will end March 25 when he closes the door to his office. Destination: Sauk Suiattle territory, a one hour drive northeast of Seattle, Washington.

Washington state is another stop on Franklin’s gradual migration north. Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, Franklin moved to the North Coast to attend College of the Redwoods. From there he transferred to Humboldt State University where he changed his major as often as rock stars change hairstyles. He settled on a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and went on to earn a Master’s degree in natural resources watershed management.

His first brush with Hoopa was in August of 1978. A Eureka resident at the time, Franklin asked some friends which rivers in the area offer the best fishing opportunities. The Trinity was named, but the Eurekans advised against visiting the reservation labeling it a ‘dangerous’ place.

Despite their warning, Franklin found himself on the bank of the Trinity River, fishing rod in hand. Just after putting in below the Highway 96 bridge, the river took him around a bend and his eyes were drawn to three young men waving their hands obviously tying to gain his attention.

“The guys didn’t seem angry, but they clearly wanted me to pull the boat over. So I did,” Franklin said.

Franklin happened to be canoeing down the Trinity River during the Jump Dance, a Hoopa world renewal ceremony, and the young men merely saw him and wanted to invite him for dinner.

“I’ve only experienced that kind of welcoming one other time in my life,” he said. “It was a special experience, being welcomed and joining the Hoopa people for dinner during a sacred time. There is a generosity here. Many people are extremely generous in ways that are very personal and important.”

Fast forward to August of 1989. After earning his master’s degree and six months of phone calls to the Hoopa Tribe, Franklin was hired by the Fisheries Department as a hydrologist.

He was instrumental during the decades it took to develop the Trinity River Flow Evaluation, which led to the reallocation of Trinity River water back into the Trinity River under the 2000 Record of Decision.

“Robert has truly been an invaluable asset to our Department,” Fisheries Director, Mike Orcutt said. “Robert’s efforts in the Tribe’s long term efforts to restore the Trinity River are truly priceless and his zeal and personal commitment to the Tribe will be hard to replace. I wish him well in his future endeavors. He will always have a place in my boat when he returns to visit the area.”

Franklin, an avid recreational fisherman is sad to leave the jewel he has helped protect and restore for the past 20 years, the Trinity River, but thrilled to continue service for west coast tribal nations. And, his new home is a fisherman’s paradise.

“There’s so much water up there. My son and I can probably go on a fishing adventure every weekend for at least two years at a new site each time,” he said.

He won’t be fishing the entire time. His new job is to manage the Sauk Suiattle Tribe’s Fisheries Program, a department in the early stages of development by the small tribe of 200 members.

“The highlight of my time in Hoopa was the people,” Franklin said. “I love that there are so many people gathered together with so much love for the land, rivers, mountains and nature. There are many people I admire here and many people I will miss greatly.”

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