Friends of the Eel River

Working for the recovery of our Wild & Scenic Eel River, its fisheries and communities

467K Pano capeHorn

Comments on PG&E’s Draft License Surrender Application

The recent commenting period on PG&E's draft license surrender application is the latest step in the long process of evaluating the best options for decommissioning the Potter Valley Project....
The new Eel-Russian facility preliminary design features Cape Horn Dam removed, fish barrier removed, unimpeded fish passage, Van Arsdale Reservoir drained, a free-flowing Eel River, a new fish screen, and a reconfigured diversion tunnel entrance that will be buried behind a new retaining wall. Located at the former Cape Horn dam, the diversion tunnel will be located before the removed spillway and pump house. Fish screens will be inside a debris cage, and the fish ladder entrance will be removed along with the fish barrier.

An Agreement for Post-Dam Removal Diversions From the Eel

Just a week after PG&E’s draft plan for dam removal was made public, so too was a plan for post-dam removal diversions from the Eel to Russian River.

Scott dam and Cape Horn dam are the subject of this week's Eco News Report. Listen to the show on Saturdays at 10 A.M. on K. HUM (104.7) or on your podcast app. The Eco News Report is brought to you by the North coast Environmental Center, the Environmental Protection Information Center, Humboldt Waterkeeper, and Friends of the Eel River.

A Deal for the Eel? — EcoNews Report #264

This week on the EcoNews Report our host Alicia Hamann from Friends of the Eel River talks about the flurry of recent developments on Eel River dam removal. On January 31 PG&E released their...
Cape Horn Dam by Bureau of Reclamation

PG&E’s Draft Dam Removal Plan Finally Released

PG&E released their draft license surrender application on Friday, January 31. This is the latest step in the long process of evaluating the best options for Eel River dam removal. Following the...
Trump pictured in black and white sitting at his desk surrounded by executive orders. Dissecting Trump's first week on the Eco News Report, Saturdays at 10 A.M. on K. HUM 104.7 or your podcast app. This show is brought to you by the North coast Environmental Center, the Environmental Protection Information Center, Humboldt Waterkeeper, and Friends of the Eel River.

Dissecting Trump’s First Week — EcoNews Report #262

EcoNews Report #262: Dissecting Trump's First Week This episode originally aired February 1st, 2025.   President Trump has entered his second term with a wave of executive orders and other...
Misty Eel River

The Eel River

The Eel River, one of California’s major waterways, is known for its scenic beauty, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities. It faces environmental challenges, yet efforts by communities and organizations, such as Friends of the Eel River, aim to restore and protect its vibrant ecosystem for future generations.

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Eel River Fishing

Current News

Friends of the Eel River’s pivotal role in covering and addressing news items that impact the Eel River, including organizing cleanup events, advocating for public access, and engaging in environmental regulation efforts, is crucial for the preservation and restoration of the river’s ecosystem and community engagement. Their work ensures the health and accessibility of the river for future generations.

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Eel River Dam

Core Programs

Friends of the Eel River’s commitment to decommissioning PG&E’s Potter Valley Project, advocating for the Great Redwood Trail, and ensuring sustainable land use, including effective cannabis regulation, is vital for restoring salmon habitat across 250 miles and safeguarding the Eel River ecosystem.

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Eel River Animated Map

The Wild & Scenic Eel River

The Eel River watershed drains 3,684 square miles of California’s rugged North Coast eco-region. This magnificent river system includes not only the south, middle, north, and main stem forks of the Eel but also the Van Duzen River. The Eel River has both State (1972) and Federal (1981) Wild and Scenic River designations, which protect more than 350 miles of its waterways from additional damming and ensure that environmental concerns rank at least equally with development and industry.

How you can support us

There are many ways you can support our efforts toward the recovery of the Wild & Scenic Eel River, its fisheries, and communities!

Make a one-time or monthly recurring donation

Shop for FOER merchandise using our online store

Lend your voice to protect the Wild and Scenic Eel River.

There are many ways to volunteer and help our efforts.

Eel River Bend

Stay up-to-date on important news and events that affect the Eel River.

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Contact Us

Membership forms and other printed material may be mailed to:

Friends of the Eel River
PO Box 4945
Arcata, CA 95518

Email: foer(at)eelriver.org

Phone: (707) 798-6345

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