Help Restore Eel River Whitewater (CA): Comment on Dam Removal by Dec. 19

As the federal review begins on removing two obsolete dams from the Eel River in northwestern California, whitewater enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to speak up for restoring this remarkable river and securing public access once the dams come out.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is now accepting public comments on PG&E’s License Surrender Application for the Potter Valley Project—the first step toward removing Scott and Cape Horn dams on the Eel River and restoring it as the longest free-flowing river in California. This is our opportunity to revive a river degraded by dams and diversions, bring back whitewater runs unseen for a century, and secure public access as part of dam removal.

Please take a moment to submit a comment supporting dam removal and public access. Comments are due by 2 PM on December 19 (Pacific time).

Help Secure Access to the Undammed Eel River

Removing these two obsolete hydropower dams will restore a river altered for more than a century, support the recovery of river health and fisheries, and reveal long‑lost whitewater reaches where reservoirs once stood.

American Whitewater has already submitted detailed comments to FERC. 

Now FERC needs to hear your support for Eel River dam removal, public access, and consideration of river recreation as part of the process.

How to Comment

(Tip: FERC's comment interface is old‑school and easiest to use on a computer.)

• Go to: ferconline.ferc.gov/quickcomment.aspx.
• Fill in your info then check your inbox for an email then click the link in it to submit your comments.
• Enter docket number P-77-332 click Search, and then the blue + sign.
• Write your comment then click Send Comment.

Key Points For Your Comments

Speak from the heart and in your own voice about what the Eel River means to you. Here are some suggestions:

• I support prompt removal of Scott and Cape Horn dams, which have long limited river access and recreation opportunities.
• Dam removal must include public river access to newly restored reaches, including put-ins and take-outs near the former Scott Dam site to serve the Upper Main Eel, Rice Fork, and Pillsbury runs, as well as downstream of the Cape Horn dam site.
• The removal process must provide safe, clear river passage at both dam sites and address any hydropower-related river hazards.
• FERC has required recreation and access measures in other major dam-removal proceedings, such as on the Klamath and White Salmon, and should do so here as well.

Example Comment (please personalize)

“I support removing Scott and Cape Horn dams and restoring a free-flowing Eel River. As a river enthusiast, I believe it is essential to provide public access to the newly opened river reaches, including access near the former Scott Dam site for the Upper Main Eel, Rice Fork, and Pillsbury runs, as well as downstream of the Cape Horn Dam site. Dam debris should not be left in the river channel, and any project‑related river hazards should be mitigated. The Potter Valley Project eliminated river recreation opportunities and limited public access for a century, and these impacts should now be addressed. Please follow Commission precedent from other dam removals and require appropriate public access and recreation measures as part of the final surrender order.”