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Don Stehsel, Jr. founded the the Fisheries Resource Volunteer Corps (FRVC)  in 1994, beginning in the San Bernardino National Forest. As the membership grew the FRVC expanded into the Angeles 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 backpack, hike, hunt or just enjoy the forests. All you need is a willingness to see the forest stay as pristine as you found it.
We work with the Forest Service, helping with various projects during the year, such as the Jenks Lake Fish Festival for kids, selling Adventure Passes, restoration of historic buildings, repair and replace damaged Forest Service signs, tree planting and the removal of graffiti, illegal fire rings, trash, recreational dams and invasive plants.
We also work with the California Department of Fish & Game, assisting with electro fishing, aquatic insect studies and collecting fish DNA samples, providing information for stream management, while learning more about the streams we patrol. We also collect water samples for monitoring water quality, conduct stream surveys to monitor the streams environment, collect angler surveys from the DFG
angler survey boxes and repair and replace angler survey boxes and signs.
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 be trained 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 new volunteers. If this is something that 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 Training and sign the Volunteer Agreement
3. Complete the First Aid - CPR and FRVC Training Programs.
4. Participate in a minimum number of activities and stream patrols each year
5. Become proficient in the use of the Forest Service radio and with the FRVC operating procedures
If this sounds like something you would like to do, please contact us at our "Contact Us" page.
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