Friends of the Eel River

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

Free the Eel: Community Dinners and Comment Workshop. Two events; the first is on November 14 at 5:30 P.M. at Synapsis in Eureka, 675 Union Street. The second is on November 21 at 6 P.M. at the Mateel Community Center, 59 Rusk Lane in Redway. Free dinner! Learn about how to comment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in support of Eel River dam removal. We will provide a free dinner and live music. Please bring a side of dessert if you can. Hosted by R.O.A.R., Save California Salmon, and Friends of the Eel River.

Attend a Virtual or In-Person Comment Writing Workshop!

The 30-day comment period for PG&E's License Surrender Application is now open. Comments on PG&E's plans are due to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by December 1, 5pm Eastern. Click...
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Take Action Now: Comment on PG&E’s License Surrender Application for the Potter Valley Project

PG&E’s July 2025 filing to the official Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) docket is an important milestone on the way to removing the Eel River dams. The filing also provides a rare opportunity for the public to speak directly to FERC staff about Eel River dam…

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Scoping Comments on the Clean Water Certification for Eel River Dam Removal

As advocates for removal of the Eel River dams, we and our allies at The Native Fish Society, Fly Fishers International, American Whitewater, and The Sierra Club Redwood Chapter offered comments to...
Flows at Scotia Gauge August through October, 1984 through 2024. Flows below 130 cubic feet per second, which occurs almost every year, are shown to be excluded from the modeling.

Order Issued in Groundwater Lawsuit: Equitable Regulations Off the Table for Now

First District Court Judge Neel issued an order in the public trust groundwater lawsuit Friends of the Eel River v. County of Humboldt that appears to misinterpret the nature of the public trust doctrine and FOER’s argument that Humboldt County failed to uphold their duty…

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Tell the State Water Board: Dam Removal is a Watershed Restoration Tool

The State Water Resources Control Board, also known as the State Water Board, has several upcoming meetings in which we need members of the public like you to voice your support for Eel River dam removal! The State Water Board manages the Section 401 Water Quality…

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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