Friends of the Eel River

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

The cover of The Winter 2026 issue of The Osprey's headline: Administration Puts Eel River Dams Removal Process on Ice.

Eel River Dam Removal Becomes MAGA Target

    By Scott Greacen | Originally published in Issue No. 111 of The Osprey.   As 2025 drew to a close, the big news on California's Eel River was U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke...
The Eco News Report airs live on Saturdays at 10 A.M. on K. HUM 104.7 or on your podcast app. The show is brought to you by the North coast Environmental Center, the Environmental Protection Information Center, Humboldt Waterkeeper, and Friends of the Eel River.

Trump Spikes Climate Regulations — EcoNews Report #307

On February 12, the Trump Administration rescinded the Obama-era “endangerment finding,” a legal recognition by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that greenhouse gas emissions were harming and would further harm health and human safety. This endangerment finding…

The larger of the two dams in the PG&E Potter Valley Project.

FOER Comments on PG&E’s License Surrender Application

Across a broad range of potentially affected resources and interests, PG&E’s License Surrender Application lays out substantial evidence that removal of the Potter Valley Project dams on the upper mainstem Eel River will more than meet FERC’s “broad public interest” test for decommissioning hydroelectric facilities.

The exterior steps of the Humboldt County Courthouse.

FOER Statement on Appeal of Friends of the Eel River v. Humboldt County

Friends of the Eel River (FOER) has moved to appeal the Humboldt Superior Court’s September ruling denying our claim that Humboldt County has a duty under the Public Trust doctrine to consider the...
A map of Indigenous languages of Berryessa Snow Mountain. The Eco News Report airs live on Saturdays on K. HUM (104.7) or on any 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.

Exploring the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument — EcoNews Report #299

This week on the Econews Report, we’re joined by Marc Hoshovsky and Bob Schneider, two of the authors of the new book Exploring the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, which will be published...
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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