FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2025
Contact: Kara Glenwright – kglenwright@caltrout.org – 714-794-4986
Regional Partners Sign Historic MOU on Eel River Recovery
Regional partnership supports Eel River dam removal, fisheries recovery, and continued water supply for Russian River communities
Sacramento, CA – Today, California Trout joined Round Valley Indian Tribes (RVIT), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Humboldt County, Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission (MCIWPC), Sonoma Water, and Trout Unlimited in signing a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance a water diversion agreement associated with Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project. The agreement marks a critical step in the recovery of the Eel River and its once abundant salmon fishery.
“This MOU represents years of collaboration and tough negotiations,” said Curtis Knight, CalTrout Executive Director. “Our hope is that this agreement sets the standard on how to manage aging infrastructure and modernize water management while prioritizing the health of ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.”
The announcement follows PG&E’s release of a public draft License Surrender Application on January 31, 2025, outlining the removal of both Scott and Cape Horn dams on the Eel River as part of its license surrender and decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project. PG&E is removing the dams because they lose money, no longer generate electricity, and present a seismic safety risk.
Today, CDFW committed $18 million toward the partnership, directing $9 million to the design and capital costs of modernizing the old diversion and building the New Eel-Russian Facility (NERF) and a parallel $9 million as initial support for the MOU’s envisioned Eel River Restoration Fund. The funding is in recognition of Californians coming together to solve a century-old conflict and to support the rural counties, Tribal government and conservation goals outlined in the MOU.
“This historic pledge demonstrates the power of regional cooperation and shared commitment to problem-solving,” added Redgie Collins, CalTrout Legal and Policy Director. “The future of California’s fish, water, and people rely on solutions like this—ones that integrate environmental priorities, tribal sovereignty, and water security. We’re especially grateful for the leadership of Round Valley Indian Tribes, Congressman Huffman, and CDFW Director Bonham in this effort.”
The deal details how Russian River water users can continue to divert water, without harming the recovery of salmon species on the Eel River. It commits the parties to support the removal of the last two dams on the Eel River, which will make it the longest free flowing river in the state. It outlines how Round Valley Indian Tribes will hold senior water rights on the Eel River, while receiving payment of up to $2M a year.
Other key provisions of the MOU include:
- The flow schedule for diversions from the Eel River to the Russian River that is ecologically protective, designed to meet performance metrics, includes continuous real time monitoring, and allows for adaptive management;
- All water rights not destined for delivery will be permanently dedicated in stream in the Eel River;
- A water diversion facility designed to mimic a free-flowing Eel River;
- An initial term of 30 years, with a conditional second 20-year term; and
- A unified joint commitment to support the completion of the water diversion facility and restoration projects in the Eel River through mutual support of state, federal, and philanthropic fundraising efforts.
In parallel with the MOU and dam removal efforts – and with funding support from CDFW – CalTrout published the Eel River Restoration and Conservation Plan. Developed by CalTrout, Applied River Sciences, and Stillwater Sciences, and in partnership with the RVIT and the Wiyot Tribe fisheries programs, the Plan will create a roadmap of holistic restoration and conservation actions in the Eel River watershed. The Plan will help ensure that restoration investments in the Eel River are collaborative, efficient, and effective.
###
About California Trout
California Trout is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to revitalizing waters for resilient wild fish and a better California. Through science-based advocacy and restoration and community engagement, CalTrout protects and restores the state’s freshwater ecosystems for fish and people alike.
Statement from the California Salmon and Steelhead Coalition:
Historic Agreement Paves the Way for Eel River Restoration and Water Security
Sacramento, CA – Today, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by a tribal nation and key stakeholders, marking a major step toward restoration of the Eel River and recovery of its salmon runs while also supporting long-term water security for communities in the Russian River watershed. The agreement supports the removal of two aging Eel River dams as part of PG&E’s decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project which will open over 288 miles of river to historic salmon runs and enable projects to provide water supplies for Russian River communities.
The MOU, signed by Round Valley Indian Tribes (RVIT), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Humboldt County, the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission (MCIWPC), Sonoma Water, and California Salmon and Steelhead Coalition members California Trout and Trout Unlimited, establishes a collaborative framework supporting dam removal, ecosystem restoration, and future water diversions through a proposed diversion operated by the Eel-Russian Project Authority.
“This agreement represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of California’s great salmon and steelhead rivers,” said Charlie Schneider, Senior Project Manager for California Trout.
The Potter Valley Project is a financial burden on PG&E ratepayers and will be dismantled as part of the utility’s license surrender proposal to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. In the MOU, the parties agree to support the removal of these dams and establish funding mechanisms for ongoing restoration efforts, including a dedicated Eel River Restoration Fund to improve critical salmon and steelhead habitat. Additionally, the agreement paves the way for a modernized water diversion at the site of Cape Horn dam to support farms and communities in the Russian River.
“This is a model for balancing environmental restoration with water security,” said Matt Clifford, California Director for Trout Unlimited. “We are demonstrating that it is possible to remove outdated infrastructure, restore native fish populations, and meet the water needs of local communities through creative, cooperative solutions.”
The agreement also acknowledges the historic role of the Round Valley Indian Tribes in the region, transferring associated water rights to the Tribes and enabling them to lease water to Russian River interests while prioritizing the ecological health of the Eel River.
“Removal of obsolete dams and restoring historic salmon habitat while improving water supplies for local farms and communities is a landmark achievement for the people of California,” said Monty Schmitt, Senior Project Manager for The Nature Conservancy. “By working together, we are not only reviving an imperiled river system but also ensuring a sustainable future for all who rely on this water.”
###
About the California Salmon and Steelhead Coalition
The California Salmon & Steelhead Coalition is a strategic partnership between The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and California Trout to restore salmon and steelhead rivers on California’s North and Central Coasts. We coordinate on science, on-the-ground projects, and local and state policy that advance our mission.
