A look back at 1970s California reveals a familiar story: ambitious plans to dam and divert rivers colliding with environmental limits and economic reality. In this reflection, Friends of the River’s Senior Policy staffer Ron Stork shows how past debates—and decades-old warnings—still echo in today’s fights over rivers, climate, and California’s water future.

A new draft permit adds stronger protections—but the Sites Reservoir project still threatens river flows, water quality, and wildlife. This update breaks down what’s improved, what’s at risk, and why the fight isn’t over.

A historic March heat wave triggered one of the fastest snowpack declines ever recorded in California—accelerating runoff, shrinking water supplies, and putting rivers at serious risk. In this deep dive, FOR’s River Restoration Hydrologist, Greg Reis breaks down what happened, why it matters, and how current water management is failing to protect rivers in a warming climate.

Dams and reservoirs are a hidden source of powerful greenhouse gas emissions—and California isn’t even counting them. Friends of the River is calling on state regulators to close this gap, and you can help by signing our petition to hold dam operators accountable.

Last month, Friends of the River staff traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for stronger protections for California’s rivers—meeting with members of Congress and joining a nationwide coalition working to expand Wild & Scenic River designations.