A Note from Rebekah:
As someone who has recently joined the Mother Lode River Center team, I’m excited to share my first blog post with you. This season, I’ve learned so much about the significance of river conservation and the critical work that organizations like Friends of the River are doing to protect our waterways.
What is River Conservation
It’s funny how life works. Growing up just 25 minutes away from Mother Lode River Center in Georgetown, I never really considered the rivers that surrounded me. While I loved being outdoors, rafting and kayaking weren’t part of my world, and river conservation was completely off my radar. I had no idea people were currently fighting for the Klamath Dam Removal. It wasn’t until I moved away and later returned to the area as an adult that I discovered the magic of rivers.
That realization came to me during the summer of 2020. While the world was mostly shut down, the river in my backyard was still flowing. I took every chance I could to raft and kayak on the South Fork of the American River. But even then, I didn’t fully grasp why we were able to enjoy it—let alone the battles that had been fought to protect it.
A few years later, I was job hunting, unsure of where I wanted to go next. One random phone call connected me to Mother Lode River Center where what started as a simple interview quickly turned into a conversation about something much larger: river conservation. I learned that Mother Lode isn’t just a rafting company—it’s part of a mission to protect rivers alongside organizations like Friends of the River (FOR).
Who is Friends of The River
FOR has been at the forefront of preserving rivers like the South Fork of the American River and many others across California. Whether it’s preventing destructive dams or advocating for free-flowing rivers, their work has been essential to keeping these natural waterways alive. Without their efforts, along with other groups like the American River Conservancy, the South Fork would not be the river we know today. It hit me that these rivers don’t stay protected on their own. They remain free because of people who care enough to fight for them. This realization marked the start of my journey into understanding the importance of river stewardship, not only in my own backyard, but for all rivers. While it can feel overwhelming to think about, I chose an exciting time to learn about river conservation, especially with the recent removal of the Klamath Dam. This significant victory was made possible thanks to the Indigenous communities who have fought tirelessly for their river.
The Impact of the Klamath Dam Removal on Indigenous Rights and River Health
You might have heard about the Klamath Dam removal but didn’t fully grasp its significance—honestly, I didn’t either until I began my journey at Mother Lode River Center. As I learned more about this monumental project, I learned about the deep connections between the local Indigenous communities—the Yurok Tribe, Hoopa Tribe, Karuk Tribe, and Klamath Tribes—and the rivers that are so vital to their cultures.
The Klamath River is so much more than just a waterway; it holds the history and traditions of these tribes. The removal of the dams, which had blocked salmon from swimming upstream for over a century, means these vital fish can now return to their natural spawning grounds. This change really highlights why river conservation is so important.
What’s even more inspiring is that this project is the largest dam removal in U.S. history and represents a significant step toward ecological restoration and justice for Indigenous peoples. This victory honors those communities and advocates who fought so hard for it, showcasing the strength of their leadership in protecting our rivers and restoring balance to the ecosystem.
Get Involved in River Conservation
Everyone can contribute to these important efforts. Elevating Indigenous voices by educating ourselves about their rights and histories is vital. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check out this informative video Undammed: Amy Bowers Cordalis and the fight to free the Klamath | Patagonia Films. Additionally, getting involved with organizations focused on river conservation, such as Friends of the River: Efforts to Protect the Klamath Ecosystem and American Rivers: Improving Klamath River Health, can truly make a difference.
Supporting River Conservation: Friends of the River Fundraiser at Camp Lotus
I had the opportunity to attend a Friends of the River fundraiser at Camp Lotus with my boss, the owner of Mother Lode River Center and other staff. The event brought together passionate river lovers, creating a sense of victory following the recent Klamath Dam removal. Jann Dorman, Executive Director and Board Chair of FOR, reminded us that the journey doesn’t end here; there are always ongoing efforts needed for river conservation. Being part of this dedicated community reinforces the importance of protecting our waterways. As we all continue to learn and grow in this mission, it’s inspiring to have the support of organizations like Friends of the River and Mother Lode River Center, motivating us to take collective action for our rivers.
Celebrating Community: Get Outdoors Day at Mother Lode River Center
The day after the Friends of the River fundraiser, we hosted our Get Outdoors Day/Open House at Mother Lode River Center. This event was all about bringing families, friends, and fellow nature enthusiasts together. It was the perfect opportunity for newcomers to experience the river center, including our ropes course, zipline, and other high elements. 
A huge shoutout to our amazing staff for making the day so enjoyable! If you missed Get Outdoors Day, don’t worry—be sure to follow us for updates on more fun events and opportunities to get outside and create lasting memories with us at Mother Lode River Center!
Questions: Klamath Dam Removal
Q: Why is the Klamath Dam removal significant?
A: It allows salmon to return to their spawning grounds and restores ecological health, representing a victory for Indigenous rights and river conservation.
Q: What role does Friends of the River play in conservation?
A: FOR advocates for the protection of California’s rivers, preventing destructive dams and promoting free-flowing waterways.
Q: How can community events help in river conservation?
A: They raise awareness, foster community engagement, and promote activities that encourage people to connect with and protect local waterways.
Sources for More Information: Klamath Dam Removal
- American Rivers: Revitalizing the Klamath River American Rivers: Improving Klamath River Health
- Friends of the River: Removing the Klamath River Dam Friends of the River: Efforts to Protect the Klamath Ecosystem
- Mother Lode River Center Conservation Efforts and Partners MaLode Stewardship
