South Yuba River Citizens League

In 2024-25, syrcl's watershed science program was fully engaged in fish and habitat studies on the lower yuba river and meadow restoration projects at the yuba headwaters. Also, it provided scientific input into regulatory processes that affect river flows in the yuba basin. The watershed science program includes the education program which brought educational presentations on water conservation and fish habitat to schools in nevada county and surrounding counties. River monitoring, another component of river science, entered its 24th year, and continued to monitor the water quality of the yuba river using volunteer citizen-scientists to collect data so that any potential threats could be detected. Each year, more than 80 river monitors collect high quality data at nearly 40 sites.

The river people program engages the entire watershed community to become involved as volunteers through river ambassadors, river restoration & monitoring, the wild & scenic film festival, special events, and the yuba river cleanup. This program continues to coordinate one of the largest river cleanups in california with more than 800 volunteers. To promote responsible citizen stewardship of the yuba, our river ambassador program connects 10,000 visitors over the 12 weekends in the summer at several river crossings near popular swimming areas along the south yuba river state park. River ambassadors, who are specially trained volunteers, educate the public and assist with promoting fire-safety, recycling, and litter prevention. This was the 13th year of this project, and it continues to raise public awareness that visitors need to "pack out what they pack in."

River policy