Eel River Native Plant Network

The California State Coastal Conservancy has issued a notice of exemption for grant funding to Friends of the Eel River to support the Eel River Native Plant Network Project, which aims to build regional capacity for native plant production and habitat restoration in anticipation of the removal of the Scott and Cape Horn dams on the Eel River. This project focuses on Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties and includes establishing a coordinated network to assess, organize, and expand native plant sourcing for watershed restoration, developing a feasibility report and strategic plan, hosting community meetings and seed harvesting trainings, and creating a dedicated website to support outreach and collaboration. The initiative is timed to align with the anticipated ecological recovery following the surrender of hydropower license P-77 by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, ensuring that native vegetation efforts are ready to support natural river and riparian system regeneration. The project is managed by Amanda Townsel of the California State Coastal Conservancy, who serves as the primary point of contact for inquiries and coordination. The funding notice was posted on November 26, 2025, and reflects a forecasted grant opportunity under the agency’s broader mission to protect and restore California’s coastal and inland natural resources. The project does not require formal environmental review under the exemption, allowing for swift implementation as key restoration windows open following dam removal. The initiative emphasizes community engagement, local expertise, and long-term ecological resilience through native plant deployment, positioning the region as a model for post-dam landscape recovery in Northern California.