SYRCL’s 2025 River Ambassadors: What We Learned At The Yuba 

Now that the traditional River Season has wrapped up, we’re proud to reflect on another impactful summer with SYRCL’s River Ambassador Program, now in its 14th year. Our dedicated volunteers continue to keep the Wild & Scenic South Yuba River safe and welcoming, through outreach, education, and stewardship. 

Keeping Rivergoers Safe 

Partnering with California State Parks and partially funded by Nevada County, our trained River Ambassadors were stationed every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Highway 49 and Bridgeport Crossings. With friendly, non-confrontational engagement, they helped visitors navigate: 

• River safety and hidden dangers beneath deceptively calm waters. 
• Extreme fire risks that exist in the Yuba River Canyon. 
• The public health hazards of trash, glass, cigarette butts, and pet waste. 
• The consequences of illegal parking on emergency access. 

As Daniel Elkin, SYRCL’s Communications & Engagement Director, reminds us, “There is never a safe time to swim at the river. Slippery rocks, broken glass, and extreme fire danger all increase risk. Visitors should always be extra careful.” 

Facing the Numbers: Engagement That Matters 

This year’s River Ambassadors made an impact: 

• 36,407 people encountered: up slightly from 34,980 during the 2024 river season 
• 8,827 meaningful interactions: a 34% increase over last year 
• First-time visitors nearly doubled: River Ambassadors counted 1,710 first-time visitors in 2025 vs. 882 in 2024 
• Broader reach: River Ambassadors interacted with more out-of-town visitors in 2025 vs. 2024, and more from Sacramento and the Bay Areas. River Ambassadors also noted a rise in Spanish-speaking interactions 

A Cleaner River: Better Behavior, Real Results 

SYRCL’s River Ambassadors also serve as stewards of the landscape, picking up litter and hazards. Some notable trends compared to last year are: 

• Trash collected: 7,055 pieces — steady year over year 
• Cigarette butts removed dropped from 1,009 (2024) to 599 (2025) 
• Dog waste removed fell from 431 to 181 

These trends demonstrate that some of our messaging is resonating. Smokers and dog owners are being more mindful. 

2025 River Ambassador Takeaways 

2025 demonstrates that when education and care go hand in hand, communities grow stronger. Our River Ambassadors continue to show that: 

• Rivers are safer when visitors are informed. 
• Cleaner riverbanks reflect community responsibility. 
• New visitors — when welcomed well — often become active stewards of the river. 

Thank you to every Ambassador who volunteered and to California State Parks. We would also like to thank the California State Parks Foundation and Nevada County, who support this essential program.