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California Regional Work
In California we are spearheading some of the most innovative solutions to restore and protect our rivers seen anywhere in the country. Whether it is restoring meadows in the Sierra, which provides water for 65% of Californians, reducing flood risk and restoring rivers in the Central Valley by reconnecting floodplains, removing barriers to salmon migration, or improving dam operations on the Yuba and Bear rivers, our staff is proving that it is possible to keep our rivers healthy while getting communities the water they need.
We are also leading efforts to remove some of the state’s outdated dams. Our skillful negotiations recently helped result in an agreement to remove four dams on the Klamath River – the biggest dam removal and river restoration project ever undertaken. With global warming shrinking mountain snowpack and bringing more intense floods and droughts, our work to protect California’s rivers and fresh water is more important than ever.
FERC Dam Relicensing American Rivers brings its nationally recognized success in hydropower reform to California to rehabilitate rivers affected by hydro dams by restoring salmon runs, improving stream water levels and water quality, improving recreation opportunities and protecting watershed lands. |
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Central Valley and Bay Delta We are restoring the connection between rivers and their floodplains to protect communities from flooding, restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve California’s water supply. |
Meadow Restoration We are leading the effort in California to protect the natural benefits of healthy mountain meadows, including water supply, water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife. |
Instream Flow We are working to keep enough water in our rivers to protect river health while providing water for our communities. |
Barrier Removal Our California program focuses on removing obsolete dams and other barriers such as culverts to provide fish migration and restore more natural river conditions. |
Stormwater We are implementing and promoting “green infrastructure”, such as permeable pavement and rain gardens, keep our streams clean and flowing all year long. |
Blue Trails By promoting trails on and along our rivers, we are reconnecting communities to their local streams and fostering river stewardship. |
