Current Issues
Coal Train Update
June 17, 2022
In the last month, there's been a flurry of activity from the federal Surface Transportation Board, entities seeking to take the Northwest Pacific Rail right-of-way from the public, and those...
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Sifting Through the Studies: Scott Dam Removal
May 4, 2022
When dams are removed, a variety of experts from engineers to hydrologists and biologists develop plans to minimize negative impacts on aquatic life. When PG&E’s license for the Potter Valley...
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KMUD The Environment Show – Exciting Times Fighting for the Eel River
May 3, 2022
KMUD: The Environment Show May 3, 2022 Every Tuesday at 7 PM Host: Tom Wheeler of EPIC Guests: Alicia Hamann, Executive Director of Friends of the Eel River and Redgie...
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Virtual Press Conference: Fisheries Groups Announce Intent to Sue PG&E for Violations of the Endangered Species Act
April 19, 2022
Friends of the Eel River, along with our allies at California Trout, Trout Unlimited, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations, and Institute for Fisheries Resources announced our intent to...
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Environmental, Fishing Groups Give 60-Day Notice of Intent to Sue Pacific Gas & Electric
April 18, 2022
For Immediate Release April 18, 2022 Environmental, Fishing Groups Give Notice of Intent to Sue Pacific Gas and Electric to Minimize Harms to Salmon Until Eel River Dams Are Removed...
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PG&E’s License to Operate Potter Valley Project Expires
April 14, 2022
Aging Eel River dams headed for license surrender and decommissioning Today, PG&E’s license to operate the Potter Valley Project (PVP) expires. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) – the agency...
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FOER and Allies Call for Interim Protective Measures Pending Decommissioning of PVP
April 11, 2022
April 11, 2022 Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20426 Re: Interim Protective Measures Pending Decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project (P-77)...
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Sifting Through the Studies: Habitat Behind Scott Dam
March 30, 2022
Chinook salmon and steelhead can’t reach hundreds of miles of their former habitat because the Eel River is blocked by Scott Dam. According to the latest research, this upper basin...
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| One of Friends of the Eel River’s long-term goals, decommissioning and removal of the Eel River dams, may soon become a reality. Click here to learn more about the two Eel River dams and what we are doing to get them removed. | Friends of the Eel River’s 2017 win at the California Supreme Court helped pave the way for a new future along the old Northwestern Pacific Rail line. Thanks to Senator Mike McGuire and many others, the right of way is transitioning into a rail-to-trail project known as the Great Redwood Trail. Click here to learn about the transition and the vision for the Great Redwood Trail. | Friends of the Eel River advocates for beneficial land-use policies and effective regulations at the county-level and encourages land owners to practices watershed stewardship. Click here to access landowner resources and learn about our advocacy. |
Eel River Fish Count Station at Van Arsdale Reservoir
2021-2022 Adult Migration Season: May 9 – June 5, 2022
June 5, 2022
Over the past month, 3 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 234 (95 Female, 90 Male, 41 Unknown, and 8 Subadult).
This month no Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 457 (181 Female, 156 Male, 36 Unknown, and 84 Subadult).
Additionally, the first adult Pacific lamprey of the season arrived on April 27th. The season total stands at 16 adult lamprey observed.
Andrew Anderson
PG&E | Aquatic Biologist