What Is A River Ambassador? 

The Problem 

The South Yuba River corridor is a cherished natural resource, with over half of its land managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). However, with such vast areas to cover, State Parks Rangers face a significant challenge—they simply can’t be everywhere at once. 

Every year, more than 800,000 visitors flock to the South Yuba River State Park. The popularity of this destination, most recently fueled by social media, brings with it issues associated with safety and trash, evidenced by the thousands of pounds of liter and recycling removed during SYRCL’s Annual Yuba River Cleanup. To address this perennial issue, thirteen years ago the River Ambassador program was created in partnership between SYRCL and State Parks, aiming to prevent the South Yuba River from being “loved to death.” 

The Solution 

River Ambassadors are the heart of our solution, stepping up as volunteers to inspire and educate the community on the importance of preserving the South Yuba River. This dedicated team fosters an ethic of responsible, non-polluting use of the river by engaging visitors directly at crossings, beaches, and trails.  

Using a friendly, non-confrontational approach, River Ambassadors inform visitors about the harmful impacts of trash and dog waste, the dangers posed by broken glass, the catastrophic potential of wildfires, and the safety concerns associated with illegal parking. Their efforts ensure that everyone can enjoy the river while also protecting it for future generations. 

River Ambassadors are also on hand to provide visitors with all the supplies they need to recreate safely. Need sunscreen? Forgot your dog waste bags? Looking for a trail map? The River Ambassadors have got you covered. Their unwavering commitment to river stewardship and safety embodies the spirit of community and care that we cherish at SYRCL.  

How Can You Help? 

Now in its thirteenth year, SYRCL’s River Ambassador Program relies on dedicated and involved volunteers like you. Throughout the “river season”, SYRCL is actively recruiting River Ambassador volunteers to help us get our safety messaging out. River Ambassadors are stationed every weekend from 10am to 2pm at Bridgeport and at Highway 49 Crossing. When we have enough volunteers, we also like to have a River Ambassador presence at Purdon and Edwards Crossings.  

The unregulated flows this season due to the failures of aging infrastructure at PG&E’s Spaulding Powerhouse #1 have highlighted the safety issues associated with the unpredictability of the Yuba River. This season, River Ambassadors are needed more than ever to raise awareness of the potential dangers, stressing Stay Alert, Stay Out, Stay Alive messaging. River Ambassadors will be offering alternatives to recreating in the Yuba this summer, highlighting the new South Yuba River Trail Marker system recently installed and directing visitors to the many trails, lakes, parks, and cultural opportunities that are available in Nevada County. 

SYRCL extends its heartfelt appreciation to the business community and the dedicated volunteers who make the River Ambassador program possible. We are grateful to California State Parks for their support in creating and facilitating this program and to the South Yuba River Park Association for their ongoing assistance. We also thank Nevada County and the Yuba River Safety Cohort for their continued support. 

Together, we can preserve the beauty and health of the South Yuba River. Join us in our mission to keep this precious natural resource pristine and protected.