Friends of the Eel River

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

Scott Dam, part of the Potter Valley Project, was built around a massive boulder nicknamed "The Knocker." This boulder was thought to be bedrock until it moved during construction.

How Many Ways Can the Potter Valley Project Fail?

The Eel River dams will never produce hydropower again. The unreliable water supply they allow to the Russian River will fail as geology and physics proceed. Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E)...
Water spews out of Scott Dam on a cold day.

Approving PG&E’s Flow Variance Request Will Avoid Catastrophe on the Eel River

Nearly every year for the past decade, PG&E has requested permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, to adjust diversions at the Potter Valley Project from the Eel River into the Russian River. This is because the Project has failed in nearly…

Eco News Report airs Saturdays at 10 A.M. on K. HUM 104.7 or on your podcast app.

The Big One — EcoNews Report #275

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) warns that when we experience the next Cascadia subduction zone earthquake, land near the coast may rise or fall significantly over a short period of time — think plus or minus five…

Reviewing Donald Trump's first 100-ish days on the EcoNews Report, which airs live on Saturdays on K. HUM 104.7 or on your podcast app. Brought to you by the North coast Environmental Center, the Environmental Protection Information Center, Humboldt Waterkeeper, and Friends of the Eel River.

Reviewing Trump’s First 100-ish Days — EcoNews Report #273

Presidents often set a “first 100 days” agenda, when, fresh from their inauguration, they have the most political power and influence in their term. The first 100 days is not only a benchmark to measure success but a preview for how they hope to govern for the rest…

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Regional Farm Bureaus Seek to Halt Eel River Dam Removal

Turning a blind eye to serious safety and reliability concerns, as well as questioning a private company’s business decision, the Farm Bureaus of Marin, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino Counties have...
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.

Subscribe to our mailing list

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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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