SYRCL’s State of the Yuba 2026: Celebrating 25 Years Wild & Scenic

April 15, 2026 | Miners Foundry, Nevada City | Open House: 5:30 PM | Speaking Program: 6:30 PM | Free and open to the public 

Join the South Yuba River Citizens League for our annual State of the Yuba event — a free, public report to the watershed community and an invitation to take action for the river. 

This year’s event holds special significance. On January 1, 2026, the South Yuba River marked 25 years of protection under California’s Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. We’ll celebrate this milestone and honor the community that made it possible while looking ahead to the work that keeps the river wild, scenic, and resilient. 

We’ll also address recent challenges facing the watershed, including the penstock failure at the New Colgate Powerhouse in February and SYRCL’s response to this infrastructure disaster. 

What to Expect 

Each spring since 2013, SYRCL has hosted State of the Yuba to report on the condition of the river and share our vision for the future. This year’s program at the Miners Foundry in Nevada City will feature updates on: 

• Current watershed conditions and water quality monitoring 
• The 25th anniversary of Wild & Scenic designation and what it means today 
• SYRCL’s response to the New Colgate Powerhouse failure and ongoing monitoring efforts
• Meadow restoration, salmon habitat projects, and forest health work 
• Education programs connecting young people to the watershed 
• Policy advocacy protecting clean water and river flows 
• Volunteer and engagement opportunities for 2026 

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact directly with SYRCL staff and ask questions about all our programs during the open house starting at 5:30 PM.

The speaking portion of the program begins at 6:30 PM. 

Honoring Our Community 

SYRCL will recognize the people and organizations that make our work possible by honoring: 

• Volunteer of the Year 
• Sponsor of the Year 
• Partner of the Year 
• Environmentalist of the Year Scholarship Award Winner (announced by SYRCL’s Education Department) 

These awards celebrate the community commitment that has protected the Yuba River for decades and continues to drive our work today. 

A Year of Challenges and Resilience 

The past year has tested the Yuba River watershed in significant ways. The penstock failure at the New Colgate Powerhouse on February 13, 2026, released approximately 400 acre-feet of water in a sudden flood, destroyed much of the facility, and sent massive amounts of sediment into the river. SYRCL’s Watershed Science team responded within 18 hours, collecting water quality samples and documenting impacts to salmon populations. 

At State of the Yuba, you’ll hear directly from our science staff about what we learned from this event, how the watershed is recovering, and what it means for long-term river health. 

You’ll also learn how SYRCL is building watershed resilience through meadow restoration, forest health partnerships, and climate adaptation projects that help the Yuba withstand future challenges. 

Celebrating 25 Years Wild & Scenic 

On January 1, 2001, 39 miles of the South Yuba River earned permanent protection under California’s Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. That designation didn’t happen by accident. It happened because ordinary people — swimmers, anglers, families, and activists — organized, advocated, and refused to accept that dams were inevitable. 

Twenty-five years later, that same community spirit continues. SYRCL’s State of the Yuba is an opportunity to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together and commit to the work ahead. 

Get Involved 

The State of the Yuba event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about SYRCL and find out how you can get involved in stewarding this magnificent river. Whether you’re a long-time member, a river lover exploring how to take action, or someone curious about SYRCL’s work, this event is for you. 

Discover volunteer opportunities with restoration projects, river cleanups, and community science monitoring. Learn about education programs connecting students to hands-on watershed stewardship. Explore policy campaigns protecting clean water and river flows. Find the pathway that matches your passion and capacity. 

Event Details 

• What: State of the Yuba 2026  
• When: Tuesday, April 15, 2026  
• Where: Miners Foundry Cultural Center, 325 Spring Street, Nevada City, CA 95959  
• Time: Open House 5:30 PM | Speaking Program 6:30 PM  
• Cost: Free and open to the public  

The Miners Foundry is a historic venue in downtown Nevada City with accessible parking and facilities. This is our first year hosting State of the Yuba at this location, providing more space for the growing community that cares about the Yuba River. 

Looking Forward 

The South Yuba River has survived threats before because people refused to stay silent. From stopping dams in 2001 to responding to infrastructure failures in 2026, the constant has been community commitment to this watershed. 

SYRCL’s State of the Yuba is where that community comes together to celebrate victories, acknowledge challenges, and chart the course forward. 

Join us on April 15th. Learn about the river. Meet the people protecting it. Discover how you can be part of the next chapter. People can save a river. Join us and be part of the proof.