Restoration means the re-creation of something lost. The rich ecological abundance and diversity of the Yuba River watershed has been partially lost to a variety of anthropogenic (human-caused) impacts. Hydraulic mining has been the single largest impact, but dispersed mining and other land uses have contributed a variety of impacts including introduction of heavy metals, and invasive exotic species. While actual restoration is not always acheivable, some level of remediation or habitat rehabilitation can be effective in restoring ecological function or protecting sensitive species.

With the assistance or leadership of volunteers, SYRCL is actively engaged in erosion control, exotic weed removal and planting of riparian plants. We also work with land mangement agencies in planning more challenging restoration projects, such as road decommissioning and mine land remediation. FERC relicensing provides a complex set of opportunities for restoration.

The Rehabilitation Program on the Lower Yuba River involves developing specific project concepts and designs following a variety of assessments (geomorphic, riparian, etc) to inform project selection and funding. For more information, see Lower Yuba River Rehabilitation FAQs (2009).