Mission

Fly over Elder and Cedar Creek watersheds, key tributaries of the Eel River, with Senator McGuire Staff, EPIC, CalTrout, Trout Unlimited, CalWild, Friends of the Eel River, Wildlife Conservation Board, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and county officials.

These two pristine tributaries feed into the South Fork Eel River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River. From the air, these watersheds reveal a rare glimpse of intact ecological function: dense forests, cold, clean headwaters, and rich riparian corridors that are critical for salmon and steelhead recovery.

These creeks represent some of the most unspoiled water bodies remaining in the Eel River watershed. Their clarity and connectivity to the broader river system make them vital refuges for native fish and countless other species that depend on cold, flowing water. Protecting headwaters like Elder and Cedar is a key strategy for climate resilience and long-term watershed health.

The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is now considering designating these waters as Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRW) as part of their Triennial Water Quality Basin Plan Update. If approved, this designation will provide strong protections under the Clean Water Act, ensuring the water quality in these streams is maintained for generations to come.

We are honored to provide an aerial perspective on this important moment for watershed protection. Thank you again for flying with us.

Click for photos from the flights and geo-referenced flight photos