Friends of the Eel River comments on FERC Office of Public Participation

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) asked for our input on development of their new Office of Public Participation, so of course we didn’t hold back. Engaging with FERC and extracting the information necessary to advocate for river protection in an informed manner has always been an onerous task. We hope that FERC takes our … Read more

Help Guide FERC’s New Office of Public Participation

Way back in 1978 Congress amended the Federal Power Act to include an Office of Public Participation (OPP) under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The OPP was given the mandate to coordinate assistance to members of the public intervening in FERC proceedings, as well as provide reasonable compensation for costs of intervening. However, it … Read more

Friends of the Eel River Force FERC to Comply with the Endangered Species Act 

Cape Horn Dam at high flows requiring closure of the fish ladder.

 There’s a proposal to remove the fish-blocking Scott Dam on the Eel River but looming problems still remain. Cape Horn Dam, just downstream of Scott Dam, technically allows for fish passage through its fish ladder–but that’s only when the ladder is properly functioning and the trouble is that fish often can’t use the ladder because it … Read more

FOER Supports Proposed Railbanking of NCRA’s Line from Willits North

The North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA) has submitted reports to the Surface Transportation Board in support of its proposed railbanking of the Northwestern Pacific Rail line from Willits north to Eureka. This includes branches of the line in Samoa, Korblex, Carlotta, and Blue Lake. Friends of the Eel River submitted comments to the Surface Transportation … Read more