Community Outreach

Educational outreach efforts for the FRCRM are ongoing.  In October of 2005 a two-day Feather River Headwaters Festival engaged community members with presentations, booths, hands-on activities, outings, and a stewardship willow-planting project to raise awareness about the Feather River watershed.  In the spring of 2006 a storm drain stenciling event was held in the local community of Portola.  All drains in the community were stenciled with the message:  "Dump no Waste, Drains to the Middle Fork Feather River", in an effort to remind people to keep paint, oil, and other chemicals and debris out of storm drains.  Since then every community in upper watershed has had their storm drains stenciled or signage has been posted around the areas.  Creek clean-ups are also held in each community every few years.

Additionally, the FRCRM participates in numerous community events such as the Sierra-Plumas County Fair, Children's Faire, and the Plumas National Forest's Spanish Creek Fishing Derby, and Fall Fest each year using an interactive watershed model that demonstrates where water goes and how different land uses (agriculture, industry, urban development, etc.) affect water quality, and demonstrating the use of macro invertebrates as indicators of water quality.  The FRCRM also periodically submits press releases on water quality issues, to educate the community on wise land use practices, and holds bi-annual watershed tours.  

The FRCRM has developed several Feather River Watershed educational outreach materials including:

• A landowner brochure on natural stream channels, their function, restoration of degraded channels, and beneficial management practices to keep streams healthy.  
• An illustrated map of the Upper Feather River Watershed, used by sixth grade students during the Plumas To The Pacific program and for public distribution.
• Vinyl decals promoting Clean Water Starts Here in the Upper Feather River Watershed.
• Upper Feather River Watershed rack cards that provide quick reference for watershed facts and stewardship opportunities.
• Clean Water Starts Here tattoos.

Feather River Watershed Maps are available for $5.00 at the following locations: