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- Russian River Confluence Team

Russian River Watershed Association: The Power of Partnership

We checked in with the Russian River Watershed Association to talk stewardship, education, and impact. Here’s what they shared.

“One thing people might not realize about the Russian River watershed is that while we are all dependent on it, its future is reliant on the coordination of dozens of community organizations, nonprofits, Tribes, special districts, cities, counties, state and federal agencies, universities, landowner organizations, industry groups, and volunteers. The more we all work together to keep the Russian River and its tributaries clean and functional, the better chance our precious watershed will continue to provide clean and reliable water for food, drink, habitat, and recreation.”

“Right now, we are most excited about continuing our student engagement programs that connect with students of all ages. Our educational placemats teach little ones about different species in the watershed, the importance of cleaning up litter, and storm drains, and you can find them in restaurants throughout the watershed. Our child education program with Sonoma Water expands on these topics in the classroom. Lastly, our High School Video Contest gives high schoolers the freedom to use their creativity to turn these concepts into PSAs they are passionate about. Together, these programs build awareness and a sense of stewardship in the next generation.”

“Remember that we are all part of the Russian River watershed, and everything we do makes a difference. The options are endless: use less toxic fertilizers or pesticides, clear local storm drains, use less single-use plastic, pick up after your pets, and more. You can also expand your impact by talking to others about why it’s important to you and how positive actions benefit others.”

The Russian River Watershed Association is a collaborative program supported by the cities and counties within the watershed boundary. To learn more about how you can help the Russian River, use the interactive watershed map, explore Russian River Friendly Landscaping, visit the website, or follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

Hear from Your Neighbors: The Russian River Telemetry Study

For many of our watershed partners, real-time water monitoring can reduce reporting burdens and improve water management in our watershed. In this short video, local participants share why they joined the Russian River Telemetry Study and what they hope to learn. The State Water Board’s Telemetry Research Unit (TRU) is working closely with participants to address concerns about accuracy and privacy for real-time water data.

The TRU, in collaboration with the Russian River Confluence and the Russian River Regional Monitoring Program, recently explored through the creation of a transition plan how the telemetry network could continue past the study period.

Looking ahead, this work points toward a future where shared, real-time data can support both individual landowners and watershed-wide decision-making. By building trust in the technology and co-developing solutions with local partners, the telemetry network has the potential to streamline compliance, inform more responsive water use, and strengthen coordination during critical periods like drought. As conversations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that any long-term approach is practical, equitable, and shaped by the needs of the people who rely on the Russian River every day.

California’s Dismal Snowpack and What It Means for the Russian River

You may be hearing that California is in a “snow drought” this year. In the Sierra Nevada, snowpack is far below average and in many places already gone. Currently, the California snowpack is roughly 14% of what is usually is at this time of year, partially due to an extremely warm March.

So what does that mean for the Russian River?

Unlike other parts of the state, the Russian River does not rely on snowpack for its water supply. Our system depends on rainfall and local reservoirs. As of early April, Lake Mendocino was sitting at 85,167 acre-feet of storage, about 87% of its target storage, while Lake Sonoma reads 262,905 acre-feet, nearly 100% of its target storage.

Local water supply conditions are in good shape right now, but the loss of snowpack elsewhere in California still matters here, and it could be early warning signs for a future rain drought. Snowpack normally acts like a natural storage system, releasing water slowly over time. With less snow, more water runs off earlier in the year, and less is available later in the summer and fall. That shift has ripple effects across the state, including:

• Higher wildfire risk, with smoke that can reach the Russian River watershed

• Drier rivers and streams, affecting fish and habitat

• Greater pressure on water systems statewide during the dry season

• More variable conditions that make water management and planning more challenging

So, even though we do not depend on snow directly, changes in snowpack across California still shape the conditions we experience locally.

April: Russian River Stewardship Calendar

Questions or Comments? Reach out to info@russianriverconfluence.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @RussianRiverConfluence!