The goal of the River Science Program is to provide scientific information where it is most vitally needed to support the protection and restoration of the Yuba River watershed. The program involves monitoring, research, data analysis, watershed assessment, education, advocacy, and lots and lots of collaboration.

River Science at SYRCL consists of five program areas:

River Monitoring
Citizen-based projects, including monthly water quality testing, to monitor the health of the Yuba River and tributaries.

Watershed Assessment
Addressing critical questions about the condition and management of the Yuba watershed “ such as Mining “ through field investigation, as well as the gathering and assimilation of organized information.

Climate, Water & Biodiversity
Promoting understanding and actions which support our community and ecosystem’s resilience to climate change and water shortages.

Cooperative Management
Engaging resource management entities for the protection and restoration of the Yuba River watershed.

Restoration
Developing and implementing scientifically supported projects which protect biodiversity and restore watershed health.

The River Science Program operates with three staff scientists trained in watershed science, hydrology, fisheries and stream ecology. SYRCL scientists work with a network of associates including personnel from resource agencies, research scientists from universities, and consulting professionals who often donate their time to SYRCL. While the pursuit of science is necessarily objective, many scientists are passionately interested in the Yuba River.

SYRCL scientists commonly work within collaborative processes where they can promote the development of effective studies and projects. Despite the onerous meeting schedule, they remain committed to citizen-engaged monitoring and community education, projects at the heart and origin of the River Science Program.