2025 Year in Review and 2026 Priorities

Dear California Water, Fish, and Community Protectors:

2025 has been a year of both inspiring accomplishments and daunting threats for the watersheds, fish, and communities supported by Save California Salmon (SCS). Even as we celebrated decades of Tribally-led advocacy culminating in the removal of Klamath River dams, SCS continued advancing other long-standing watershed protection priorities across Northern California, including dam removal and instream flow protections, while also fighting harmful water development proposals and renewed attacks from the second Trump Administration. We have also deepened our work empowering Tribal youth and families through education, curriculum development, and educator training. While the work can feel daunting at times, the hope flowing from an undammed Klamath River – for both Native youth and elders – fortifies us to keep going. We are proud to share this report on our 2025 victories and accomplishments, along with a short preview of what lies ahead. Like the salmon, we aim to build on our wins so that all of us can thrive together.

The accomplishments we achieved together are historic:

Four Klamath dams are completely gone, and salmon are rapidly returning to the Upper Basin.

The multi-year Smith River Wastewater Discharge Requirements (WDR) process for toxic lily bulb farms surrounding the estuary is nearing a likely positive conclusion.

Permanent instream flow requirements and stronger Wastewater Discharge Requirements for the Scott and Shasta Rivers are advancing, with temporary flows now legally protected while the process continues.

Eel River and Battle Creek dam removals are moving from approval to public comment and implementation, and we remain engaged in processes for other important salmon streams, including the Yuba, Tuolumne, and Feather Rivers as well as Mule, Deer, and Antelope Creeks.

Tribal Beneficial Use and racial equity in environmental decision-making are now recognized by the State of California, though implementation remains frustratingly slow.

California’s Native American Studies Model Curriculum is live, with lessons developed by the SCS team already being implemented.

Construction of the ill-begotten Delta Tunnel(s) has become increasingly unlikely, after enabling legislation failed.

Tribal land return is advancing under California’s 30x30 climate plan, with thousands of acres of land returned to the Yurok, Shasta, Tule River, and Washoe Tribes, alongside expanded co-management.

Paddle Tribal Waters Native youth successfully kayaked the entire newly undammed Klamath River, joined by their families, community members, and SCS staff along the way.

SCS Education team efforts ensured hundreds of Native youth and community members gained skills and resources to engage decision-makers and access ancestral lands and waters in ways that honor their cultures and histories.

These successes have been made possible by increasingly united and vocal Tribally led movements and by a resulting positive shift in how decision-makers perceive Indigenous justice.

Despite this progress, our work is far from finished. Persistent and emerging threats remain. Big Ag’s outsized influence continues to drive proposals such as the Sites Reservoir and weak updates to the Bay-Delta Plan, while long-term threats, including the Delta Tunnel and Shasta Dam raise proposal, repeatedly resurface. These projects directly endanger not only the Sacramento River Basin but also the Trinity River through increased diversions for Central Valley agriculture. Meanwhile, the State continues to rely on ineffective “voluntary agreements” to address chronic water overallocation and the possibility of weakening newly established protections – including the Scott and Shasta instream flow requirements – remains very real.

At the federal level, a brazenly unhinged Trump Administration is targeting people of color, trying to claw back efforts to right injustices against Native peoples, and seems hellbent on destroying our bedrock environmental and education laws to benefit corporate extraction. Multi-year processes, including the Trinity River Biological Opinion, FERC dam removal decisions, and Northwest Forest Plan revisions, have also been upended, delayed, and otherwise defiled. Budget cuts, executive orders, and political pressure also threaten youth, classroom diversity, educational opportunities, and basic human rights.

In 2025, SCS responded to these challenges with legally grounded facts, strategies, and advocacy. We strengthened internal systems, like fact-checking, legal support, and activist security, in anticipation of federal blowback, and provided increased rights-based information and training for the Tribal communities we serve. The successful removal of the Klamath dams, along with Tribal management and curriculum initiatives on the Klamath River, offers both a blueprint and an inspiration for a more just and sustainable future – but only if we can build on this monumental achievement with continued conservation, community support, and Tribal stewardship. You will find more details on this work in the report below. We hope it inspires you to continue fighting and caring for California’s salmon and the communities who depend on them.

In Solidarity,

Regina Chichizola, Executive Director

Artwork by: Natyia Whipple

Rafting through the former Klamath River Dam footprint.

MAJOR 2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY

Documented and facilitated community engagement during Klamath dam removal and restoration.

Advanced permanent instream flow protections and strong Wastewater Discharge Requirements for salmon on the Scott and Shasta Rivers.

Engaged in final dam removal approval processes for the Eel River and Battle Creek.

Continued legal and administrative challenges to Sites Reservoir and the Delta Tunnel water rights.

Submitted comments, hosted rallies, and organized Tribal panels supporting Sacramento and Bay-Delta flows.

Testified in support of strong WDRs and participated in permit drafting to stop toxic pollution from lily bulb farms in the Smith River estuary.

Hosted four Klamath dam removal field trips for middle and high school students from Klamath and Trinity Rivers.

Hosted or co-hosted six Indigenous science camps, including two at the Klamath dam removal sites, one at Crater Lake, and three at Sumêg on the North Coast.

Co-hosted the Klamath River Salmon Protectors Canoe Camp as part of the Salmon Festival.
Hosted the 4th annual Trinity River Cleanup in Hoopa, with the Hoopa Valley Tribe.

Hosted nine raft trips for Native youth across the American, Eel, Klamath, and Trinity Rivers.

Co-hosted three on-river events with Rios to Rivers and Paddle Tribal Waters for the youth-led First Descent of a free-flowing Klamath.

Co-hosted and presented at the Free Rivers Symposium, where Klamath youth and elder leaders spoke to an international audience of dam-impacted communities.

Hosted or co-hosted three traditional canoe events, including Paddle Tribal Water’s final day at the mouth of the Klamath and events with Native Health in Native Hands and the Round Valley Tribe on the Eel River.

Supported schools across three counties in hosting California Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Native American History Month lessons and events.

Completed six lessons for the California Model Native American Curriculum and supported several curriculum celebrations and educator trainings.

Created and hosted several public commenting and watershed lessons, both online and in-person.

Continued uplifting California Native youth and women leaders through Women’s History Month, Native History Month, and other educational and social media initiatives.

Photo of Salmon in the Klamath River by: Paul Wilson

OUR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA VISION:

HEALTHY WATERSHEDS AND EMPOWERED COMMUNITIES

Save California Salmon focuses on protecting and restoring the Klamath, Trinity, Smith, Eel, Sacramento, and Bay-Delta watersheds, as well as the Northern California coast. Our core mission – to support and resource Tribal and other river-dependent communities in Northern California in advocating for watershed and fisheries protection from an Indigenous and environmental justice perspective – remains unchanged. We recognize that ensuring climate resilience and thriving ecological health requires the return of land to Tribal stewardship, and that community leadership development is integral to success. Through our education programs, we emphasize community and youth empowerment to foster healthy, happy, and active lives while applying Indigenous sciences and restoration practices.

We envision communities that are successful in creating meaningful change, actively enjoying their environment, and engaging in traditional practices. To achieve this vision, our Policy, Education & Youth, Media & Communications, and Engagement programs are deeply interconnected, each contributing in unique ways to our shared mission.

Plants bloom in the upper Klamath Basin.

POLICY PROGRAM:

ACTION FOR WATER JUSTICE AND SALMON

To restore salmon and healthy watersheds, SCS prioritizes removing dams, halting new dams and diversions, implementing strong pollution controls, returning Native lands and waters to Tribal stewardship, and reintroducing fire to ecosystems. Our efforts encompass watershed-wide restoration and climate action, and focus on revitalizing traditional foods and essential watershed processes like estuary and floodplain functionality. We also champion land return and Tribal co-management of state and federal lands. In 2025, our initiatives once again concentrated on the Klamath, Eel, Smith, Trinity, Sacramento, and Bay-Delta watersheds. We:

Retained Emergency Flow Protections and Advanced Permanent Ones: Legislation we supported ensures curtailments on the Scott and Shasta Rivers to protect instream flows remain in place until permanent regulations are finalized in 2026. We also have been advocating for flow protections on key tributaries for spring- and winter-run salmon on the Sacramento River.

Fought Sites Reservoir and the Delta Tunnel: We continued opposition to the proposed 14,000-acre Sites Reservoir through community organizing, water rights protests, expert testimony, challenges to public funding, legal action, and media outreach.

Advocated for a Strong Bay-Delta Plan and Opposed Voluntary Agreements: Supported and organized communities around science-based flow decisions to restore ecosystem health and protect Tribal Beneficial Uses while opposing voluntary agreements that weaken safeguards.

Advanced the Removal of Thirteen Dams: Continued advancing dam removal plans for the Eel River and Sacramento River tributaries, including Battle and Butte Creeks. We submitted comments and organized community engagement for FERC’s Potter Valley (Eel River) license surrender process.

Supported Salmon Reintroduction: Supported the successful effort to reintroduce winter-run Chinook above Shasta Dam (McCloud River, with the Winnemem Wintu) and Oroville Dam (Feather River).

Engaged in Advocacy and Education: Co-hosted rallies, public comment events, and Tribal panels to advocate for salmon in Sacramento and San Francisco, and against voluntary agreements; representing Indigenous water rights in legal proceedings, and promoted dam removal on the Eel River.

Fought for Just Climate Solutions: Worked toward equitable climate solutions that respect cultural and environmental priorities, with a focus on the Land Back aspects of California’s 30x30 Plan. We also pushed back against false and harmful climate solutions, including submitting comments opposing the Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch project, which would convert hundreds of acres of Sacramento Basin riparian lands, forests, and Native American cultural resources into an industrial solar farm over Tribal objections.

Pushed for Racial Equity and Tribal Representation: Worked to reform water rights and Natural Resources Agency, state, and Regional Water Board racial equity policies. We also made advances in incorporating Tribal Beneficial Use definitions into plans on the North Coast, but encountered resistance in the Bay-Delta Plan.

Opposed Federal Rollbacks: Submitted comments and supported public engagement opposing planned Trump Administration rollbacks of the Roadless Rule, Northwest Forest Plan, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.

Protected Impaired Waters & Tribal Uses: Commented on the State Water Board’s 303(d) list of impaired waters to:

1. Support listings of Butte Creek, Mill Creek, the Eel River, Trinity River, Klamath River, Scott River, Shasta River, and Smith River; 2. Urge corresponding TMDL amendments and Waste Discharge Requirements to address these impairments; 3. Call for greater focus on Tribal beneficial uses and support of Tribal EPA listings; and 4. Recommend additional listings for the McCloud River and permanent protections for Medicine Lake and the Smith River.

Capacity: Hired a new Science and Policy Director and Central Valley Advocate to increase our policy engagement capacity.

Students engaged in hands-on activities at SCS’ Indigenous Science Camp.

SUPPORTING INCLUSIVE AND EMPOWERING EDUCATION:

TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Our Education and Youth Programs focus on developing culturally relevant curricula for schools and empowering Native youth, communities, and educators. We provide culturally based activities, resources, and skills that support their roles as caretakers of the environment, their communities, and their cultures. We also offer free, enjoyable, and culturally enriching outdoor activities while encouraging participants to become the next generation of water protectors. In 2025, we:

Native American Studies Model Curriculum: Developed new lessons rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge, restoration, and advocacy for California Native American rights and the environment, and supported teacher trainings and conference presentations. These lessons will be implemented statewide.

Supported Schools: Supported schools in four counties by providing presentations and hosting three events for California Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Native American History Month.

In-Classroom Activities: We delivered more than 20 presentations and teaching sessions using our Indigenized TEK curriculum.

Supported Clubs: Provided resources and guidance for one recurring Water Protector Club and two Art is Activism Clubs focusing on Native American youth, artists, and water protectors.

Organized Educational Field Trips: Facilitated nine Klamath dam removal and salmon spawning field trips, along with several coastal educational trips.

Supported Key Events: Participated in and supported the Klamath-Trinity Fish Fairs, Success in Both Worlds event, a youth field trip to the College of the Redwoods career fair, Firewise Day, and WaterWise Day.

Engaged in Klamath Dam Removal and Restoration: Partnered with Tribes and NGOs to bring videos, presentations, and on-site lessons about dam removal and restoration into classrooms.

Hosted Online Water Protection Series: Offered virtual lessons on public comment, advocacy, and water law, with a focus on the Bay-Delta, Klamath, and Trinity Rivers.

The Indigenous Science Camp at Sumêg Village.

EMPOWERING YOUTH:

LEARNING ABOUT AND CELEBRATING CULTURE, WATER PROTECTION, AND RIVERS

Indigenous Science Camps: Hosted or co-hosted five camps engaging youth in environmental stewardship.

Raft Trips: Organized nine raft trips for Native youth on the Trinity, Eel, Klamath, and Feather Rivers.

Canoe Camp: Hosted a traditional canoe camp.

Hikes: Launched a new project with two coastal hikes centering TEK.

Hands-On Learning: Provided youth and families opportunities to explore TEK and dam removal firsthand. This included providing educational programming and event support for the Klamath Salmon Run, Run for Salmon, Canoe Camp, two acorn-processing events, a dogbane cordage workshop, a hazel stick-gathering workshop, and an obsidian-working workshop.

Hosted Educational tables/events/presentations at: Hoopa Valley Tribe’s Sovereign Days, Humboldt Cal Poly Big Time, Yurok Tribe’s Salmon Festival, and the MMIW Conference.

River Cleanups and Art Contests: Hosted youth-focused river cleanups and art contests on the Klamath and Trinity Rivers.

Conducted Listening Sessions: Two in-person and one online centering Native youth input to improve programming.

Wellness Benefits of Dam Removal: Began documenting the wellness benefits of dam removal, restoration, and advocacy on Native communities’ health.

Advocacy Training and Engagement: In cooperation with our Policy Team, held trainings on providing testimony and submitting comments for the Eel River Dam Removal and Bay-Delta Plan decision-making processes. Also co-hosted an Indigenous youth field trip to the State Capitol with the Yurok Tribe.

Environmental Awareness Hike & Plant Identification.

COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Program Growth: Communications and Outreach Coordinator support expanded communications capacity, increasing press coverage, community engagement, and collaboration with Education and Policy Departments. Social media following and engagement continued to grow.

Educational Publications: Filmed and published three curriculum videos in collaboration with the Education Team.

Educational Videos: Continued supporting Swiftwater Films’ documentation of Klamath dam removal; launched a “Did You Know” environmental concepts social media series; worked with Water Protector Clubs to support youth-led videos; and filmed SCS policy trainings for public distribution.

Highlighting Native Women, Youth and Heritage: Promoted stories and events through Save California Salmon’s Newsletter, California Water Justice News (twice annually), Women’s History Month and Native History Month activities, and online videos.

Media Outreach: Coordinated media outreach for dam removal, flow issues, and critiques of federal attacks on Northern California waters and Indigenous cultural fire practices.

Klamath River Tribes and SCS co-hosted Indigenous Science Camp at the former Iron Gate Reservoir

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026:

Right now, the SCS team is immersed in developing our 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. Expect to hear more about how this plan will refine and focus our approach in early 2026. But don’t expect us to reinvent the wheel. Looking ahead, SCS will continue to build on the achievements and progress of our team and communities. Core priorities for the coming year will likely include, but are not limited to:

COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMING:

Host additional Klamath River dam removal celebrations in the spring and fall, and expand community field trips, dinners and workshops in the Eel River and Battle Creek dam removal areas.

Create 2nd-4th grade curriculum and introductory lessons on watersheds, forests, oceans, and an Introduction to Native Studies for the Statewide Native American Studies Model Curriculum.

Host a Youth Water/Land Protector Conference in addition to water skills trainings.

Hold community and in-school public commenting and media trainings on the North Coast and in the Central Valley in cooperation with our Policy and Communications staff.

Expand Coastal (primarily Del Norte and Mendocino Counties) and Sacramento Valley field trips, events, and lessons/curricula.

Host at least two multi-day camps based on traditional salmon camps and inter-Tribal skill sharing.

Implement achievable recommendations from Fall 2025 Youth Listening Sessions.

Complete the study plan and outline for a mental health study on the community benefits of active engagement in dam removal and restoration, and secure dedicated funding for an in-depth report.

Hire additional staff to support Central Valley and summer events.

Refine internship and fellowship programs to maximize experiential professional development for secondary education students and recent graduates.

POLICY ADVOCACY AND ENFORCEMENT:

Host a Salmon Plan/Water Justice forum in the Central Valley and publish a status report.

Challenge unethical and likely illegal Sites Reservoir funding and water quality plans.

Hold online and in-person trainings on FERC and Section 401 certifications and engagement in dam removal decision-making processes.

Comment on and solicit community engagement in Eel River dam removal decisions.

Engage in the Smith River WDR decision process to ensure meaningful outcomes.

Continue advancing Battle Creek dam removal and Sacramento tributary instream flow processes.

Engage in Scott and Shasta WDR and flow processes.

Evaluate potential legislative opportunities for 2026 and engage with partners and decision-makers to seize opportunities to advance water and educational justice.

Engage in, and possibly litigate, the Trinity River Biological Opinion.

Engage in legal action related to the Sites Reservoir Section 401 and 404 permits.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA:

Undertake major website updates, including improving accessibility of education, curriculum, and action alert pages.

Revive online video series and podcasts.

Continue growing social media presence to ensure Northern California communities are informed and engaged in the decisions and processes that impact their environment and lives.

Host additional art and writing contests, expand California Salmon News distribution, and increase diversity of submissions.

Host media trainings for communities.

Indigenous Science Camp near the Former Klamath Dam Removal Site

Together, we are making tangible progress, but the fight is far from over. We need your support more than ever as we continue this important work. We encourage you to stay engaged and, if you can, to consider making an end-of-year donation to support our mission.

We need your support and input. Let us know what you want to see more of. We will be taking comments on 2025 planning early in the year and coordinating community events and projects throughout the year.