California is blessed with some of the most beautiful and diverse rivers in the world. From the steep creeks of the high Sierra to the broad and powerful rivers of the Central Valley, each river tells a personal story and provides a unique experience to the visitor. At Friends of the River, we believe rivers aren’t just resources — they’re treasures to protect, enjoy, and celebrate. We’re "Flowing to a Better Future", by working to change how people see our rivers and champion smart, lasting solutions for a reliable and secure water future.
Friends of the River was founded in 1973 during the struggle to save the Stanislaus River from New Melones Dam. Following that campaign, we grew to become California's statewide river conservation organization. Friends of the River is dedicated to preserving and restoring California's rivers, streams, and their watersheds as well as advocating for sustainable water management.
Friends of the River is nationally recognized as an authority on the adverse impacts of dams on rivers and ecosystems and is the most effective grassroots organization working on behalf of rivers. We have led successful campaigns for the permanent protection of many outstanding California rivers and streams - including the Kings, Kern, Merced, Tuolumne, upper Klamath, West Walker, East Carson, Sisquoc, and Big Sur Rivers, as well as Sespe Creek and Cache Creek. Friends of the River has 3,500 members, 7 staff, and a 10 member Board of Directors.
Friends of the River protects and restores California Rivers by influencing public policy and inspiring citizen action.
California’s rivers need you! The fight for rivers is not just important — it’s central to securing a healthy future for all Californians. The threats to our rivers have grown even more urgent under powerful forces pushing for more dams and reservoirs, and attempts to remove laws and regulations that have protected California’s waterways for decades.
Friends of the River is standing up to defend our California rivers through strong policy leadership, strategic litigation, and community action. We know that with conservation and smart management, we can secure a reliable water future and protect the rivers that make California thrive.
Your donation TODAY will help us expand our impact by:
1. Growing vibrant river communities across California to make our voices heard - loud and clear — in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
2. Building even stronger scientific and policy expertise to champion commonsense solutions that protect our rivers, watersheds, and communities.
3. Connecting people to rivers by inviting people to experience the wonder of free-flowing rivers firsthand — through guided rafting trips, community outings, and partnerships that inspire a new generation of river advocates.
Help us keep California rivers “Flowing to a Better Future.” Together, we can defend what makes California extraordinary.
FOR deeply values and is committed to diversity. We honor the differences among us, knowing those differences strengthen and enhance not only our experience while at FOR, but our community as well. In this way, we can utilize our diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives to create a culture of inclusion.
FOR is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available individuals in every job. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), physical or mental disability or conditions including genetic characteristics, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS Related Conditions (ARC), Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.
Organization name
Friends of the River
other names
FOR
1973
Tax id (EIN)
94-2400210
Mission Category
Environment
Operating Budget
$500,001-$1 million
Organization Need
Funding: Program, Volunteers
Local Counties Served
Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Yolo
Address
3336 Bradshaw Road Suite 335CA, US