The Eel River is the third largest river system in California. In 1981, the Eel River and its major tributaries were designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers. Recently, the Eel was identified as one of the most endangered river systems in the United States. Ninety-five percent of the Wild and Scenic main stem is in unprotected private ownership along the river's 150-mile course from the Cape Horn Dam to the Pacific Ocean. Significant public lands along the main stem are primarily limited to the Humboldt Redwoods State Park and the Eel River Wildlife Area north of the estuary managed by the California Department of Fish and Game.
A Wilderness Preserve System linked
By a National Wild and Scenic River
"Eventually,all things merge into one, and a river through it....
I am haunted by waters." - Norman Maclean
These preserves will preempt logging and the ever-increasing residential conversion of wild lands. They will help protect over 75 mammal species and over 400 bird species found in the watershed. The Eel River Emerald Necklace project will promote landscape connectivity and complement existing efforts to restore the salmon fisheries. The Wildlands Conservancy's education program will increase awareness of conservation issues associated with the Eel River Watershed, and Conservancy land stewardship will serve to convince officials that they have a private sector partner dedicated to the river's restoration.
This great western river deserves a landscape protection program as inspiring as the ancient redwoods on its banks and the spectacular landscapes that rise from its shores. The Wildlands Conservancy’s goal in establishing the Eel River Emerald Necklace is to acquire a system of preserves along the 120-mile stretch of the Eel River between Dos Rios and the Pacific. Ideally, these preserves and protected public lands will be within a day’s hike or canoe trip from each other, and have a landing and a campground. In years to come, these preserves will make each river trip a journey back in time.
