The Oroville City Council on Oct. 7 approved a letter to the governor seeking state assistance to address illegal dumping, encampments and damage to Feather River salmon spawning habitat.

Miss Mera (city staff) briefed the council on recent cleanup efforts and said city crews and partners spend hundreds of staff hours each month removing debris and human waste from riverbanks and islands. She said multiple stakeholders—including the Department of Water Resources, Fish and Wildlife, State Parks, the Hope Center and Jordan Crossing—have participated in cleanup planning and removals.

“This corridor is suffering environmental impacts that affect salmon spawning areas and the community’s ability to safely use the river,” Miss Mera said. She presented a draft letter asking the governor’s office for assistance and outlined the possibility of designating the river corridor as a city park if state help is not forthcoming.

Councilman Weber described the stretch between the two bridges as a vital spawning area and urged a strong response, recounting hostile encounters crews faced during cleanups and the amount of human waste and debris found on the island. Vice Mayor Smith noted a pending state-level stormwater standard discussion and recommended that the city craft the request carefully and be mindful of upcoming state requirements.

Councilmember motioned to approve the draft letter with the change that all council members sign the final letter. The motion passed on roll call (6 yes, 1 absent). Staff will send the letter and continue coordination with state and local partners.

Councilmembers and staff also discussed longer-term options, including pursuing designation of the river corridor as a park and seeking federal or state grants to fund sustained cleanup and habitat-protection work.