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American River Earth Day CleanupSaturday, April 12th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Join PARC, the Canyon Keepers, the Auburn State Recreation Area and your river friends for the American River Cleanup and enrichment activities, at the American River Confluence on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
This year’s Cleanup will include invasive weed removal at the Confluence and along popular Confluence trails.
Sharp Metal Barbs Have Been Popping Up On The American River Parkway In Sacramento
California’s Salmon Strategy: Progress and Promise
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has released an important progress report on the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, outlining the state’s ongoing efforts to restore and protect salmon populations across California’s waterways.
A Critical Time for Salmon
Salmon populations are facing immense challenges due to climate change, drought, habitat loss, and human-made disruptions. Healthy salmon runs are vital not only for California’s ecosystems but also for the fishing industry, recreational economies, and the cultural traditions of Native American tribes. The 2024 Salmon Strategy laid out a bold plan to restore and rebuild salmon populations, and this latest progress report highlights the measurable steps being taken to achieve these goals.
Progress at a Glance
The report provides an update on 71 action items designed to improve salmon migration, enhance spawning and hatchery operations, expand habitat restoration, and secure reliable water flows. Encouragingly:
- 67% of projects are actively in development
- 26% of action items have already been completed
- Only 7% remain in early planning stages
This demonstrates a strong commitment by state agencies, tribal partners, and environmental groups to ensuring salmon populations remain resilient for generations to come.
Key Accomplishments in Salmon Conservation
Several major milestones have been reached over the past year, making significant strides in salmon recovery:
- Removing Outdated Dams – The removal of the Klamath River dams has restored natural river flow and allowed fall-run Chinook salmon to return to long-lost spawning grounds.
- Improving Salmon Migration – The Big Notch Project in Yolo County, spearheaded by the Department of Water Resources (DWR), is helping salmon navigate key migratory routes, improving their access to critical habitat.
- Building Healthy Habitats – The Salmon Habitat Restoration Prioritization Initiative (SHaRP) has received over $30 million in funding for habitat restoration projects, including floodplain improvements, riparian restoration, and spawning habitat enhancements. Projects like Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration are already adding thousands of acres of beneficial salmon habitat.
- Ensuring Healthy Water Flows – Scientists are developing new models to establish minimum flow requirements for the Scott and Shasta Rivers, setting a precedent for similar protections across the state.
- Innovative Salmon Tracking – The implementation of Parental-Based Tagging uses DNA technology to more accurately track and monitor salmon populations, ensuring better management and conservation strategies.
The Road Ahead
“California salmon are vital to our environment, economy, and heritage,” said California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “While we’ve made significant progress, there is still much work ahead to secure thriving salmon populations.”
The commitment to restoring salmon runs remains stronger than ever. With continued collaboration, investment, and scientific innovation, California is proving that a hotter, drier future does not have to mean a future without salmon.
Get Involved!
Protecting salmon requires community action and advocacy. Whether it’s supporting local restoration projects, engaging in conservation efforts, or staying informed, every effort helps ensure that salmon populations continue to recover and thrive.
Together, we can ensure a future where salmon remain a vital part of California’s waterways.
Heads Up: Temporary Highway 49 Closure Near the American River
If you’re planning a trip to the American River or the surrounding watersheds this Tuesday, be aware of a major highway closure that could impact your drive. Highway 49 will be closed for several hours between Lincoln Way and Borland Avenue in Auburn down to the El Dorado County line while crews complete important repair work.
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will be working on power lines that cross the American River Canyon, and Caltrans has announced the closure will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drivers should plan ahead, explore alternate routes, and expect some delays if traveling in the area.
While this may be a temporary inconvenience, maintaining infrastructure near the river ensures a safer experience for all who visit and appreciate this beautiful region. Stay safe, plan accordingly, and we’ll see you out on the water soon!
Crews Use New Tool To Help Fight Nutria In California’s Delta
Nutria are rodents native to South America, but they are causing a headache for crews in California.
Planned Water Deliveries Increases Following Recent Storms
On Feb. 25, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that recent storms have allowed for another increase to the State Water Project (SWP) allocation forecast for 2025.
The allocation has increased to 35 percent of requested water supplies, up from 20 percent in January based on increases in precipitation, snowpack and reservoir storage. The State Water Project provides water to 29 public water agencies that serve 27-million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland across the state.
The latest allocation forecast takes into account precipitation and snowpack conditions up to Feb. 10, prior to a cold storm that brought welcome snow to the Sierra. That snowpack will be included in future water supply calculations, along with any forecasted dry conditions ahead.
Northern California Winter Storm Forecast: Wednesday Heavy Rain, Snow And Strong Winds
Storm System to Bring Heavy Rain, Wind, and Snow to the American River Watershed
The stretch of sunny, spring-like weather in Northern California will come to an end on Wednesday as a significant storm system moves into the region, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and mountain snow.
Light snow will begin falling around 5,000 feet in the Sierra early Wednesday morning, with rain showers developing in the American River Valley and surrounding foothills.
Weather Impact on the American River Region
Local weather forcast: Alert Day for Wednesday due to hazardous conditions expected from the incoming storm. Travel along Highway 50 through the Sierra is strongly discouraged unless necessary, as heavy snowfall and gusty winds will create dangerous conditions.
Rainfall and Wind Conditions
Morning commuters along the American River Parkway and in the Sacramento area can expect scattered showers and light winds, with minimal disruptions. However, by the afternoon, rain will intensify, leading to a potentially hazardous evening commute.
The heaviest rain is expected to move into Sacramento between 4 and 5 p.m., impacting communities along the lower American River. Wind gusts may also create travel hazards and localized power outages.
By 10 p.m., widespread steady rain will taper off, but lingering showers and possible thunderstorms will persist into Thursday afternoon.
Expected Rainfall Totals
- Sacramento Valley: Over an inch of rain
- Foothills and Upper Watershed: Up to 3 inches of rain
- High Sierra: Significant snowfall above 5,000 feet, making travel difficult
Residents near the American River and its tributaries should stay alert for rising water levels and localized flooding in low-lying areas. Be sure to secure outdoor items and prepare for potential power outages as the storm moves through the region.
Aftershock Announces 2025 Lineup: Deftones, Blink-182, Korn, Marilyn Manson Among Headliners
A massive lineup of rock legends will be rolling through Discovery Park in Sacramento for Aftershock 2025.
The lineup for this year’s Aftershock festival was announced on Wednesday. More than 115 bands will be playing across the four stages from Oct. 2-5 for the festival.
Opening night honors will go to Blink-182, with All Time Low, Taking Back Sunday and Alkaline Trio also listed as top acts for the day.
Volunteers Find 19,000 Needles While Picking Up Trash Around Local Waterways
The group’s co-founders believe the problem stems from needle exchange programs that are giving away needles instead of requiring an exchange.
A volunteer organization is alerting people about the massive amount of needles they’re finding in and along Sacramento waterways.
The River City Waterway Alliance showed ABC10 a photo of more than 19,000 needles they’ve removed in the past two years.