The River Advocate is a newsletter/blog written by the team at Friends of the River.
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Higher river flow and clean water requirements for the Tuolumne were adopted by state regulators in 2018, but have been put off for seven years while water districts developed a “voluntary agreement.” This agreement would abandon needed freshwater flow increases, and replace them with habitat. A new report shows why that’s a bad idea.
The California Chamber of Commerce drops a bombshell voter initiative proposal to, in part, streamline and expedite environmental reviews of nearly any water project. If passed, the news will be bad for California rivers.
A thank-you to Rep. Nancy Pelosi for her magic congressional work to protect the McCloud River on the occasion of her pending retirement.
What’s more fun than rafting on a river? Rafting AND snorkeling with Salmon! Dive in an inside look at FOR’s recent trip down the lower American River
California Central Coast wilderness and wild & scenic river bill and Oregon Smith River NRA and wild & scenic river bill introduced. Tough Congress and Administration make passage chances poor.
California responds to federal government chaos. Friends of the River’s bill to permanently extend the state’s power to quickly add threatened national wild & scenic rivers to the state’s wild & scenic river system passes the legislature and was signed by Governor Newsom
As Congress considers bills that would weaken clean water protections, Friends of the River and partners are standing up in D.C. to defend the laws that safeguard California’s rivers and communities.
This reflection on resistance and renewal, from our Executive Director, Jann Dorman, reminds us that every effort to protect our rivers is part of a larger fight for justice, democracy, and hope.
Our salmon fisheries deserve better than a third year of closure. Restoring flows and access to habitat would make the difference.
In 2025, Friends of the River’s River Rafting Program made a strong comeback after several years of COVID and funding challenges—bringing people back to the water and reigniting the spirit of river advocacy.
A federal court ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to fast-track its review of endangered species protections for white sturgeon, a victory for Friends of the River and allies fighting to safeguard one of California’s most ancient fish.
The Pacheco Dam proposal joins a series of failed Prop 1-funded projects, as soaring costs and logistical challenges leave millions of taxpayer dollars available for other water solutions.
With AB-43 passed by the California Legislature and awaiting the Governor’s signature, the state is preparing for “ill winds” from the federal government by ensuring California can protect national wild & scenic rivers from potential threats.
SB-72, a bill recently passed by the Assembly, sets unrealistic water storage and conservation targets that could create major headaches for California rivers if signed into law.
We honor retired California State Senator John Burton for his crucial role in protecting the South Fork Yuba River through the passage of SB-496.
California’s legislature blocked Governor Newsom’s trailer bills, preserving public participation and preventing fast-tracking of the Delta Tunnel, Voluntary Agreements, and Sites Reservoir that threaten rivers and the Bay-Delta.
California’s legislature is considering two major water proposals that could reshape the state’s rivers. SB72 sets a goal of adding 9 million acre-feet of new water capacity by 2040 — potentially reviving 1950s-era dam visions — while ACA11 would divert billions from the state budget to fund water infrastructure projects, threatening rivers and ecosystems across the state.
Friends of the River is opposing a proposal to extend Yuba River water transfers, warning that reduced spring flows are harming salmon, steelhead, and the Bay-Delta ecosystem. Experts stress that restoring natural spring flows is critical for fish survival and habitat health.
The State Water Board’s draft update to the Bay-Delta Plan favors “Voluntary Agreements” that would weaken freshwater flow requirements, threatening fish, wildlife, and the health of the Bay-Delta ecosystem. Friends of the River is urging the public to speak out and demand enforceable flow standards before the September 29 comment deadline.
The El Dorado Irrigation District is proposing a new upstream water diversion on the South Fork American River that could remove up to 17,000 acre-feet of water annually, potentially threatening whitewater recreation, river ecosystems, and the local economy. Friends of the River and partners are pushing back, highlighting flaws in the environmental review and urging the public to stay engaged as the proposal moves forward.
The American River has a turbulent history with failed dam projects, from the 1964 Hell Hole Dam washout to the infamous 1986 Auburn Dam coffer dam collapse, both leaving behind destruction and political battles. While the Auburn Dam remains unbuilt, the river’s future is still uncertain, and its story is far from over.
The Sites Reservoir price tag has ballooned to nearly $7 billion—over 50% more than previous estimates—raising serious doubts about the project's affordability and benefits. As costs soar and promised public benefits vanish, it’s clear that California deserves better water solutions than another bloated and outdated mega-dam.
The "Big Beautiful Bill" quietly opens the floodgates to billions in taxpayer subsidies for controversial dam and canal projects in California. While pitched as infrastructure, these projects could devastate rivers like the Sacramento and San Joaquin—benefiting powerful water districts at public expense.
Water contract conversions are quietly reshaping control over California’s rivers and water supply. A recent court ruling has cleared the way for permanent water repayment contracts under the 2016 WIIN Act—reducing oversight, consolidating power, and raising serious concerns about long-term environmental impacts.
The Turlock and Modesto Irrigation Districts are advancing a massive water grab that would raise dams, build new reservoirs, and claim nearly all remaining unappropriated water from the Tuolumne River. These sweeping plans threaten river flows, recreation, ecosystems, and the future of California’s largest San Joaquin River tributary.
AB 43, sponsored by Friends of the River, would permanently extend the state’s authority to protect federally designated wild and scenic rivers. With strong momentum and no formal opposition so far, the bill now heads to the Senate floor for a final vote.
Meet Dr. Devon Pearse, FOR’s New Lead Scientist; from whitewater kayaking to decades of fisheries research, Dr. Devon Pearse brings deep experience, passion, and scientific insight to Friends of the River. Learn more about his journey and why he’s excited to advocate for California’s rivers.
Planning a trip to one of California’s rivers? Whether you're rafting, swimming, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, it's essential to know how to stay safe and protect the river environment. These 10 river etiquette tips will help you and your family enjoy a safe, respectful outdoor adventure—while keeping California’s rivers clean, healthy, and thriving for future generations.
Here’s the scoop on how the new Proposition 50 Congressional districts could affect our efforts to protect five important Central and Northern California boating rivers.