Building Resilience Together: The Future of the Russian River Watershed
Before European settlement, the watershed was home to numerous Native American tribes, including the Pomo, Wappo, and Miwok. These communities sustainably managed the land and water, relying on the river for fish, plants, and transportation. Their stewardship practices, such as controlled burns and careful harvesting, helped maintain the watershed’s ecological balance.
In the 19th century, Russian fur traders established settlements near the coast, giving the river its current name. American settlers followed, transforming the landscape through logging, agriculture, and urbanization. Over time, the watershed became a vital resource for farming—especially vineyards—and for the growing populations of Sonoma and Mendocino counties.
Today, the Russian River watershed is a critical environmental and economic resource. It supplies drinking water to over 600,000 people, supports agriculture, and draws nearly a million recreational visitors annually. The region faces new challenges, including climate change, drought, floods, and the need to protect endangered species and water quality.