Friends of the Eel River

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

Water spouts out of Scott Dam on a grey day.

Letter to FERC: Reduce Diversions to the Russian River Before Reducing Eel River Flows

There are many rules that PG&E must comply with in managing the Potter Valley Project. One of those is a set of rules outlining how much water can be diverted to the Russian River, both under their contract with the Potter Valley Irrigation District, and to help Sonoma…

This week's episode of the Eco News Report features the Eel River Watershed Community Meeting on Saturday, September 27 from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. at the Gene Lucas Community Center in Fortuna. That's 3000 Newburg Road B in Fortuna. This show airs live on Saturdays at 10 A.M. on K. HUM (104.7) or on your podcast app, and is brought to you by the North coast Environmental Center, the Environmental Protection Information Center, Humboldt Waterkeeper, and Friends of the Eel River.

You Should Attend the Eel River Community Meeting — EcoNews Report #290

On this week’s episode of the EcoNews Report we discuss restoration planning in the Eel River with a rockstar team of restoration experts. Your host Alicia Hamann of Friends of the Eel River is joined by Kaydee Boozel from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife…

Dinner, entertainment, and an auction at Friends of the Eel River's 30 year Anniversary Celebration. This event will be on Saturday, September 6 from 5 to 8 P.M. at the Fortuna River Lodge. Buy tickets online at foer-30.eventbrite.com

Celebrate 30 Years of Eel River Advocacy

You are invited to join fellow Friends of the Eel River supporters to celebrate 30 years of successful advocacy for our beloved river and all its inhabitants. Enjoy a catered dinner by Cassaro's...
The Eco News Report airs live on Saturdays on K. HUM (104.7) at 10 A.M. or on your podcast app, and is brought to you by the North coast Environmental Center, the Environmental Protection Information Center, Humboldt Waterkeeper, and Friends of the Eel River. Overhead view of Scott dam taken by Eco Flight.

The Next Big Step Toward Eel River Dam Removal — EcoNews Report #285

PG&E recently tendered its License Surrender Application and Decommissioning Plan for the Potter Valley Project to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This plan details when and how PG&E plans to tear down its two dams on the Eel River. And since an agreement has…

Scott Dam

How to 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…

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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