For decades, the Kern River has run dry through Bakersfield due to upstream diversions, but a historic lawsuit to restore flows has reached the California Supreme Court and could determine whether long-standing legal protections for rivers will be upheld. This critical case could help bring life back to the Kern River and set a powerful precedent for river protection across California.

One of the original founders of Friends of the River, Rob Caughlan was a driving force in the fight to protect the Stanislaus River and helped build the organization into a lasting voice for California’s rivers. A lifelong activist known for his optimism and leadership, Rob’s legacy continues to inspire the river protection movement—read Jerry Meral’s tribute to his friend and extraordinary advocate.

Ron Stork reflects on the passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a powerful Northern California lawmaker and staunch opponent of environmental protections.

Fish Over People — Friends of the River is fighting back against Executive Order 14181, which would weaken environmental protections and push more water exports at the expense of rivers, fish, and communities.

The Delta Conveyance Project moves one step away from gravy and closer to grave.

Urge the State Water Board to Set Strong New Flow Standards for Rivers and the Bay-Delta  

The proposed expansion of Pine Flat and other Valley dams is back in the spotlight, driven by political pressure despite clear limits on how much water these projects can deliver. History shows that new dams offer diminishing returns while worsening impacts to rivers, fisheries, and water quality.

Despite ongoing threats to California’s rivers in 2025, Friends of the River helped secure major wins—from pushing back against the “Triple Threat” of harmful water projects to strengthening permanent protections for wild rivers. Historic salmon returns, dam removals, and a revived river engagement program show that smart advocacy and restoration can deliver real results for rivers and communities alike.

Friends of the River Executive Director Jann Dorman reflects on a year of joy and peril while looking ahead to 2026 with a focus on building power, community, and resilience to protect California’s rivers.

Ron Stork reflects on the political power of river advocates, arguing that despite ongoing threats and losses, environmentalists have shaped California water policy in meaningful ways—and can continue to do so. Even critics, he notes, sometimes reveal that power.

Ron Stork reflects on the passing of Robert Redford, recalling a chance meeting in Washington, DC during the fight against Auburn Dam and the premiere of A River Runs Through It. A personal memory of rivers, advocacy, and lasting influence.

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.

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.

FOR experts make the case against pumping more water from the Delta 

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.