SYRCL’s River Ambassadors Continue to Bridge the Gap for Public Lands Agencies

Every summer, thousands of visitors flock to the Yuba to swim in its emerald waters. Employees of public lands agencies work tirelessly to keep these visitors safe and protect the spaces they enjoy. SYRCL’s River Ambassadors program, a collaboration between SYRCL and California State Parks, began in 2012 after crossings experienced this influx of visitors and State Parks underwent budget cuts.

River Ambassador volunteers dedicate their time to educating visitors about river safety and stewardship at South Yuba River State Parks crossings.

Throughout the summer, SYRCL staff and River Ambassador volunteers not only educate visitors on State Parks land, but they also speak to visitors who recreate on grounds protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency. This is because over half of the South Yuba River corridor is public land, managed by both State Parks and BLM. 

Considering the recent spending freezes and cuts in the federal workforce, the purpose behind the formation of SYRCL’s River Ambassador program – to support a public land agency in the face of budget cuts – still rings true today. With the current administration’s decisions against public lands, SYRCL needs volunteers to join us in supporting these crucial agencies now more than ever. As a community, we can come together to make sure the lands and waters of the South Yuba River remain protected despite the steps being taken by those in political power.

In the face of the current political climate, the River Ambassadors program’s importance and necessity have never been clearer. SYRCL and the River Ambassadors program will continue to support California State Parks and the Bureau of Land Management.

We hope you will join us this summer as a River Ambassador.

The River Ambassadors program cannot happen without our powerful volunteer base. Whether you can volunteer for one shift this summer or are able to offer your time every other weekend, please join SYRCL and the River Ambassador program in supporting crucial public lands agencies in this pivotal time.

The program runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

The training this year is Thursday, May 15th from 5:30-7 PM

If you cannot volunteer, please consider donating to the South Yuba River Citizens League or becoming a member. Programs like River Ambassadors depend on our donor and member base to keep operating. Your giving also supports our important meadow, forest, and riparian restoration projects which conserve the state’s water resources, sequester carbon, help mitigate wildfire risk, and provide improved habitat for sensitive native species. Donor and membership contributions additionally fund education programs which reach thousands of students annually, connecting them with nature and creating future environmental stewards in the wake of the climate crisis.

For questions about the River Ambassador program, please reach out to SYRCL’s Education and Outreach Coordinator Caitlin Martin at caitlinm@yubariver.org