Brian Helsaple Biography

Brian Helsaple was well known throughout Siskiyou County and especially down the Klamath River for his involvement in helping to promote the "State of Jefferson" movement. He was the president of the State of Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and painted all the State of Jefferson Adopt-A-Highway signs on both Interstate 5 and Highway 96. He and his nephew Ross Helsaple were also responsible for painting "State of Jefferson" on the roof of a hay barn just south of Yreka along Interstate 5.

Helsaple said in previous interviews that his main goal in promoting the State of Jefferson movement wasn't for political reasons, but to draw attention to the movement's historical roots and to help identify the area with the movement. As part of this effort, he helped to create the State of Jefferson Web site and the State of Jefferson Scenic Byway along the Klamath River on Highway 96.

Helsaple was also an avid bird watcher and nature lover who helped to monitor the nesting habits of osprey and bald eagles along the Klamath River. He participated in mist netting with the Forest Service during the summer, enabling wildlife biologists to study the migratory patterns of birds such as the Willow Flycatcher along the Klamath River.

Helsaple was also a local historian, publishing several books on areas of historical interest in Seiad Valley and other areas along the Klamath River.

More to follow...