SYRCL’s Watershed Science team is involved in efforts to foster forest resiliency to prevent future high-intensity forest fires and to catalogue the impacts of fire suppression techniques. This work is done in collaboration with many incredible partners, including volunteers as well as local, regional, and national organizations. In this article, we highlight recent support SYRCL has received for this important work. 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
We are so excited that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are elevating science with their new White House Science Team. Urging them to declare a climate crisis by signing our petition will help them to mobilize the resources needed for climate action now. Details
In August 2020, the Jones Fire ignited in the South Yuba River canyon and burned 705 acres along Rush Creek, a tributary to our Wild and Scenic South Yuba River. Anticipating that fire retardant used to contain the fire would make its way into Rush Creek and the South Yuba, SYRCL conducted first flush storm sampling during rain events in November to examine potential impacts. Details
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of our River Monitoring program. Kicking off as it typically does in March with a committed group of volunteers who monitor 35 sites around the watershed, it abruptly transitioned to a solely staff-led venture. Covering the monthly work of more than 40 trained River Monitors is a time consuming task for just a couple of people; however, dedicated SYRCL staff successfully completed the season. 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
The 2021 Wild and Scenic Film Festival has an incredible selection of films that will inspire you, take you to new places, and introduce you to new ways of seeing the world. With over 100 films to choose from over the course of 11 days, the most difficult choice will be what to watch. Details
