Board receives update on CDFW-funded upper Russian River study; fieldwork and tribal outreach planned

Larry Walker Associates presented progress on a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) grant that funds an upper Russian River study focused on interconnected surface water and groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the Ukiah Valley basin.

Audra said the study’s near-term tasks include field reconnaissance, site prioritization using a multi-factor rubric, landowner outreach and access agreements, and installation of sensors and biological/geochemical sampling three times per year in 2026 and 2027. The team plans to focus on tributary and mainstem sites (three to four tributary locations and up to four mainstem locations) prioritized for their hydrologic and ecological relevance and practical access.

The technical team highlighted efforts to coordinate with tribal nations: it held one-on-one TAC meetings, met with the Pinoleville Pomo Nation environmental staff and presented to the Mendocino–Lake–Sonoma Tribal Environmental Partnership stream team. Audra said some tribal groups have existing monitoring data that may inform the study if tribal councils authorize data sharing.

Board members welcomed tribal engagement and underscored the need to determine data-sharing preferences and landowner access before field instrumentation begins. The technical team plans a reconnaissance trip to finalize site prioritization and follow-up outreach to secure access agreements prior to installation.

Board members did not take a formal vote on the study update; they received the report and asked staff to continue outreach and planning.