Friends of Gualala River Protecting the Gualala River watershed and the species living within it
Friends of Gualala River (FoGR) is an all-volunteer organization, so your donations are used expressly to help with our mission to protect the Gualala River, its watershed, and the plants and animals that live there.
As you will read in our President’s message, we have had some legal setbacks. That said, in preparing for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) lawsuit, your donations allowed FoGR to pay scientists to study the river and the endangered species that live in and along side of it. A study of the eDNA in the river showed the presence of Northern Steelhead, and at the confluence of the North and South Forks, a small amount of Coho Salmon DNA was found.
An expert in California Red-legged Frogs was hired to provide testimony to their presence. A hydrologist was also retained and his scientific report shows how sediment in the river is adversely affecting it and the endangered species that reside in it.
Even though FoGR lost the ESA suit, mainly because the court deferred to the public agencies, the efforts put forward for the suit are not in vain. We are gathering scientific knowledge that can help us in the future to continue with our mission. And your donations have made this happen. Thank you.
