Take action to meet our water needs — without another big dam.
Have you heard about the controversial plan to build the 275-foot Centennial Dam on the Bear River?
In the 21st century, dams are a last resort because they harm the environment and have skyrocketing costs. Today, smart water managers are using sustainable and innovative solutions to meet future water needs.
We don’t need a new dam generating more polluting sprawl and traffic. Let’s work together to increase our water supply by restoring our forests and meadows, and use the water we do have more wisely.
More than half of the water in the upper Middle and South Yuba River watersheds is diverted to the Bear River.
Will they take more in the future when Centennial doesn’t fill?
Centennial Dam failed to qualify for Proposition 1 funding, thanks to our Dam Watchdogs’ efforts. But the project still is moving forward. In fact, there are dozens of ways Centennial Dam could advance right under our noses, one being NID’s new Raw Water Master Plan. Details
The NID Board recently voted unanimously to approve $500,000 to update the Raw Water Master Plan, which will dictate NID’s water management strategy for the next 50 years. SYRCL responded to this announcement by requesting a moratorium on all work and spending on the Centennial Dam. Details
The California Water Commission (CWC) officially declared the Centennial Dam project application ineligible for Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP) Proposition 1 funding. The Commissioners’ unanimous ruling came late afternoon on Tuesday, May 1, the first day of their three-day meeting focused on finalizing the public benefit ratio scores for all WSIP project applicants. Details
It’s time for the CWC to make this project officially “ineligible.” Tell the CWC to declare Centennial Dam ineligible for state funding. Take action by Friday, April 27 at noon. Details. Image: Gary Moon
Last week SYRCL, the Foothills Water Network, the Sierra Club and Dam Watchdogs rallied for the Bear River in Sacramento. Together, we sent the California Water Commission (CWC) a hearty dose of appreciation. Details
SYRCL and Foothills Water Network recently requested the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) not throw good money after bad and pull out of the running for Proposition 1 funding. Wednesday morning, NID Board of Directors refused to withdraw their application despite having received a public benefit score of zero from the state of California. However, the board did vote to not appeal. Details
Pledge to become a Centennial Dam Watchdog
We’ve assembled a strong team of Dam Watchdogs. Together, we are scrutinizing every angle of the Centennial Dam project and raising awareness of the impacts on the Yuba and Bear Rivers, water supply and wildlife.
With your help, we’ll shine a light on the project so the community knows what the dangers could be for the two watersheds.