Matt Stoecker ready to float his backpack and survey gear through a deep gorge pool while studying the wilds of Sespe Creek.

Stoecker Ecological was formed in 1998 after encouragement from my professors and internship director to seek funding of my thesis project with U.C. Santa Barbara’s Biology Department. This project described how a Geographic Information System (GIS) could be used in conjunction with field surveying and unique prioritization methods to aid in the recovery of steelhead trout in Southern California. In 2000, the California Department of Fish and Game and the Wendy P. McCaw Foundation jointly funded the two-year project that was completed in collaboration with a local non-profit group. Two friends and fellow UCSB alumni, Shaw Allen and Nikolai Ferrell, joined SE in 2000 to complete this first company project, Steelhead Assessment and Recovery Opportunities in Southern Santa Barbara County, California 2002.

Scuba assisted underwater habitat assessment and steelhead population photo-documentation ensures obtaining thorough and accurate information without capturing or harming the fish.

Following this initial study, a variety of state and federal agencies as well as non-profit groups and consulting firms have contracted us to conduct similar habitat and fisheries assessment and recovery projects in watersheds such as the Arroyo Seco, San Francisquito Creek, Santa Maria River, Sisquoc River, Santa Ynez River, Santa Clara River, Ventura River, and other coastal streams in California. Fittingly, my older brothers Jim and Doug Stoecker, as well as my dad Bob, also joined the team on several of these projects and brought full circle a cognizance of adventure, investigation, analysis, and ecosystem restoration that I was taught early on in life. Working on these projects with friends and family while exploring and helping to protect our amazing streams, wilderness areas, and even urban environments has been a rewarding experience. I hope this website’s project descriptions, reports, and photos provide the scientific information and inspiration to help with the restoration and protection of our natural heritage.

A refreshed Doug Stoecker emerges from a successful steelhead trout count on the upper Sisquoc River.

Shaw Allen ascending from a deep pool and steelhead count.

Stoecker Ecological is committed to minimizing our impact on the planet by using biodiesel as a transportation fuel source, using recycled materials as much as possible, utilizing non-capture fisheries population surveying methods, and promoting ecologically sustainable restoration planning and design. Since 2005 we have used over 1,100 gallons of B99 Biodiesel (mostly from recycled oil sources) traveling to and from, and while working on, every company project.  We also volunteer time, equipment, and donate a portion of annual income to non-profit groups working to preserve our watersheds, wildlands, and communities.

These have included:

• Acterra
• Alameda Creek Alliance
• American Rivers
• Arroyo Seco Foundation
• Beyond Searsville Dam
• California Trout
• Carpinteria Creek Watershed Council
• Community Environmental Council
• Friends of the River
• Northeast Trees
• Rincon Creek Watershed Council
• Rocky Mountain Institute
• Salmon River Restoration Council
• Salmonid Restoration Federation
• San Francisquito Watershed Council
• Smith River Alliance
• South Yuba River Citizens League
• The Nature Conservancy
• Union of Concerned Scientists
• Ventana Wildlands Project

Thanks for visiting!

Matt Stoecker

Biologist/Owner
Stoecker Ecological
Matt@StoeckerEcological.com
(650) 380-2965

P.O. Box 2062 Santa Barbara, CA 93120

3130 Alpine Road, Suite #288-411 Portola Valley, CA 94028