Academic Tour

From 2001-2004, Environmental Defense and its partners undertook a variety of efforts to address the needs and potential opportunities for improving flows in northern California's Bear River, among the most heavily-manipulated and environmentally-neglected rivers in our state. The pages in this section summarize key findings through the end of 2004, including efforts to ensure that the needs of the Bear River will continue to be addressed as part of a comprehensive regional portfolio of conservation initiatives for the Bear, Yuba, and American River water management systems.

As you take this academic tour of the Bear River, you'll discover more about the Bear River, like:

• Setting — location and importance of the Bear River and its watershed
• Flow needs and challenges — how the flow of the Bear affects anadramous fish, wildlife habitats, and other ecological issues, including mercury methylation
• Strategic responses to challenges — plans and progress (through 2004) to improve Bear River flows
• Recommendations — reaching a shared vision of watershed needs

Begin your tour with the Bear River's setting …