It has been almost two years since Nevada County legalized commercial cannabis cultivation, and important changes to where and how people cultivate cannabis have occurred. We are seeking feedback from both local residents to learn more about the ways in which grows are impacting you and your area and from cannabis cultivators regarding the licensing process so we can better understand what barriers exist to coming into compliance. Details
Forests of the Sierra Nevada have evolved with fire, as is evident in Sierran tree species characteristics, landscape scale fire histories, and the cultural history of these forests. Now, these same forests face the consequences of over a century of fire suppression that has resulted in a buildup of fuels and, in the worst cases, high-intensity wildfires that burn tens of thousands of acres. With great effort, decision-makers and stewards of the land are working to restore fire to the landscape in a way that supports fire resilient ecosystems and reduces the risk of high-intensity wildfire. Details
In the Sierra Nevada, a diversity of meadow and wetland types offer the opportunity to admire beautiful and fascinating plants from spring through fall. Learn more about how the geomorphology and hydrology support that diversity. Details
On January 14th, SYRCL released its annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival action letter. The action, which asserts that the Climate Crisis is a California water crisis, asked the incoming Biden Administration to declare a climate emergency during their first 100 days in office. Details
California State Parks Foundation announced today that it has awarded $135,000 in grants to 15 parks and park partners to help parks recover from the devastating 2020 wildfires. Details
Our beloved Yuba River once supported massive runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead that served as a keystone species that supported ecosystems from the Sierra to the sea. Legend says that the fish runs were so dense in the Yuba River that one could run across the water on the backs of salmon! Details
SYRCL and Friends of the River recently sent a letter to the National Marine Fisheries Service to compel the agency to craft a watershed-wide solution to save the threatened species native to the Yuba Watershed, including Spring-run Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and green sturgeon. The letter demands a new biological opinion, presenting compelling evidence that harm caused by the Corps’ dams, compounded by increased harm from climate change, is responsible for the dramatic decrease in Yuba River fish populations. Details
Rivers Lab, SYRCL’s monthly scientific report book club, will return on February 25th and will occur on the fourth Thursday of each month through June. We will continue to meet online via Zoom until it is safe to convene in the SYRCL conference room. Details
Aaron Zettler-Mann recently stepped into the role of Watershed Science Director, taking the helm of our science department and its many projects throughout the watershed. Learn more about Aaron and if you see him around town, please offer him a warm welcome (from a safe distance). Details
Check out our new trailer and then join us on seven virtual adventures, and explore a different ecological, cultural, or historical aspect of the fall Chinook salmon run, right in the backyard of our own Yuba River. Details
