Don Stehsel, Jr. founded the the FRVC in 1994, beginning in the San Bernardino
National Forest. As the membership grew the FRVC expanded into the Angeles
National Forest and within recent years to the Los Padres National Forest. Each
forest has specific areas and streams that are patrolled by members. Although the
FRVC was started by fishermen, we have seen an interest from others that enjoy the
outdoors. Now we have volunteers that like to hike, hunt, backpack or just enjoy the
forests. All you need is a willingness to see the forest stay as pristine as you found it.
The FRVC supports the California Department of Fish & Game to help determine
the health of the streams. This is done through fieldwork, such as electro-fishing to
collect data of native species and resident rainbows by weighing and measuring the
fish and returning the fish back to the streams. We also help with aquatic insect
studies providing information for stream management. In addition, we collect water
samples on selected streams to monitor water quality, when requested by the
Department of Water Resources and Water Quality Board.
The FRVC is also there when things don't go as planned. With Forest Service radios we can call for help for injured hikers. All FRVC volunteers are trained and proficient in the use of the Forest Service radio. We are also required to betrained in First Aid and CPR. We can give minimal First Aid, but for more extensive injuries we can call in for
professional help with the Forest Service radio. When a hiker is lost we give
directions to where the trailheads are or how far their intended destination
may be.
The FRVC is always looking for volunteers.
If this is something you may be interested in doing, these are the requirements:
1. Have an interest in volunteering to make a difference on our streams.
2. Complete the Forest Service Volunteer, First Aid - CPR and FRVC Training
Programs.
3. Be an active member of the FRVC and participate in six stream patrols
each year.
4. Become proficient in the use of the Forest Service radio.
If this sounds like something you would like to do, please contact us at our "Contact Us" page. 
