Thursday July 30, 2026
Water Forum —
The Water Forum has been awarded more than $10.6 million in competitive federal funding to enhance habitat for salmon and steelhead in the lower American River while expanding the scientific research and monitoring that help inform future river management decisions.
“The lower American River is one of our region’s greatest natural resources,” said Ashlee Casey, executive director of the Water Forum. “This funding allows us to continue enhancing habitat for salmon and steelhead while using science to better understand what these fish need to survive and thrive. That knowledge helps us make better decisions that benefit the river, the fish that depend on it, and the communities that rely on the river.”
The largest award—$10 million—will support the long-term maintenance, monitoring, and enhancement of habitat enhancement sites that the Water Forum has implemented along the lower American River over the past two decades.
“River habitat isn’t static,” said Erica Bishop, Water Forum Habitat and Science Program Manager. “High flows, shifting gravel, vegetation growth, and other natural processes continually reshape the lower American River. What makes the Water Forum’s program unique is that we continue monitoring these sites over time and use what we learn to make targeted habitat enhancements that provide the greatest benefit for salmon and steelhead.”