Impact Report 2023

Our Organization

Rooted deeply in our over 40 years of history, the Tuolumne River Trust has been a symbol of a profound connection between nature, community, and commitment. Our journey started from a coalition of rafters, kayakers, and advocates and is a testament to the power of collaboration. Today, as we look back at our triumphs, it's our rich legacy that shapes our present, propelling us toward another 40 years of environmental stewardship.

  • We protect and restore the majesty of the Greater Yosemite Region, fostering a thriving sanctuary for all.

  • Our ambition paints a picture of a region abundant in biodiversity, suitable for recreation, and protected for future generations.

  • For over four decades, we've consistantly interweaved education, advocacy, and restoration, focusing our efforts to protect the three vital watersheds of the greater Yosemite regions: the Tuolumne, Merced, and Stanislaus.

  • We create resilience for wildlife and neighboring communities impacted by wildfire in the Greater Yosemite Region.

  • In the Central Valley we champion youth education, promote access to recreation, empower youth to advocate for environmental justice and drive community centered policy solutions.

  • In the Bay Area our policy work advocates to improve river flows, educate the public that their water comes from the Tuolumne River, and champion's policies ensuring the watershed's enduring health.

  • As we move forward, our history remains a beacon, guiding us in our mission to preserve, restore and celebrate the Tuolumne River and the greater Yosemite region.

Our team, a diverse mosaic of advocates, educators, conservationists, community leaders, and so much more, reflects the essence of the river we cherish – dynamic, resilient, and deeply interconnected.

Drawing strength from our rich legacy, each member contributes unique expertise, guiding our efforts to preserve the Tuolumne for generations to come.

Get to know the people behind the Trust. 

Our Team

100%

BOARD PARTICIPATION

66%

FEMALE STAFF

100%

OF STAFF BELIEVE THEIR WORK HAS AN IMPACT

Hear from our Executive Director, Patrick Koepele

As we pause to reflect on another impactful year at the Tuolumne River Trust, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride.

Guided by our longstanding mission, vision, and values, our 2023 journey is a testament to the power of collective effort, the endurance of our cause, and the unwavering spirit of those who believe in the importance of protecting and restoring our ecosystems.

  • Scroll to learn about our key accomplishments in 2023

  • Planted over 420,000 seedlings

  • Reforested 2,600 acres

  • Completed 10,000 acres of botanical surveying

  • Engaged over 500 volunteers in 3,443 hours of habitat restoration

  • We engaged 198 participants in our Tuolumne River Adventure Club events and activities, 140 of those participants were new to the program

  • 18 high school students from Modesto participated with the All Children Thrive Modesto Park Youth Committee

  • We hosted River Fest, our first ever benefit festival in San Francisco

  • We procured an additional $7 million towards 3,000 acres of reforestation

  • We maintained over 25 miles of trails

  • and so much more...

Our Volunteers

Heroes don't always wear capes; sometimes they wear mud-streaked boots. Our volunteers, new faces, and seasoned hands alike, have tirelessly worked towards bettering forest health, rejuvenating habitats, and weaving our communities even closer.

Habitat Restoration Program:

48

Volunteer Events

505

Total Volunteers

182

First-time Participants

3,442

Total Volunteer Hours

Forest Health

Our Forest Health program is deeply committed to bolstering the resilience of the Greater Yosemite Region’s Forests. In 2023, we made considerable strides in achieving our mission. A total of 4,000 acres underwent mechanical fuel reduction, while we successfully planted 420,000 seedlings across 2,600 reforested acres. Our team grew stronger with the addition of four new staff members, and we extended our survey reach to 10,000 acres. We also procured an additional $7 million, which will facilitate the reforestation of an extra 3,000 acres.

Habitat Restoration 

This year, we made remarkable progress in our Habitat Restoration program. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of 505 volunteers, we managed to host 48 events, maintain over 25 miles of trail, and remove 500 pounds of trash. Our most significant achievement was the planting of 4,128 trees, contributing immensely to the diversity and richness of our forest ecosystem. As we look to the future, we remain committed to preserving and enhancing our beautiful, natural spaces.

Education and Community Engagement

We worked with 18 high school students from Modesto on our Park Equity initiative and engaged 198 participants in our Tuolumne River Adventure Club events. A highlight was the launch of our ACT Modesto Park Equity StoryMap and bilingual Park Survey, enhancing the reach and accessibility of our work.

Among our participants, many had their first experience with outdoor activities, such as canoeing, camping, and fishing. These memorable experiences foster deeper connections with nature and emphasize the importance of our collective responsibility to preserve it.

Advocacy 

Since 1981, the Advocacy Program at the Tuolumne River Trust has protected the Tuolumne River, aiming to reverse damage and maintain ecological balance. In 2023, we intensified our campaign via key policy proceedings: the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's dam licensing and the State Water Board's Bay Delta Plan update. In April, the US Supreme Court rejected challenges against the State Water Board's authority, strengthening our cause.

Partnering with organizations like the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, we championed higher river flows. We also sought to commit our water rights to instream flow and faced challenges resolutely, prioritizing the river's long-term health.

Embracing diversity, inclusivity, and indigenous stewardship, we are committed to creating a thriving river ecosystem for all.

  • During my childhood, I was never able to experience the joy of outdoor activities such as camping, canoeing, or simply appreciating the beauty of nature. It took me years to learn these skills and enjoy the outdoors. Even to this day, I am still learning. This is why the Tuolumne River Trust is crucial in educating, advocating, and restoring the Tuolumne; they help create opportunities for people to recreate outdoors.

    Jose Borroel

  • With your support, TRT educates hundreds more students, just like my son, and help them see the value of being leaders in their community and taking action to protect and restore their neighborhoods.

    Shanyn Avila

  • We truly appreciate TRT’s stewardship to protect and restore historical populations of Chinook salmon and Central Valley steelhead to the Tuolumne watershed. Fishing for these species in a healthy river system is a fly fisher’s dream…a dream TRT can help realize for future generations.

    Jeff and Diane Wilson

  • I have been a supporter of the Tuolumne River Trust for over a decade. Initially promulgated by Peter Drekmeier and from his idea an organization was born. This organization has grown significantly and today is a respected voice for the Tuolumne River watershed. It has been wonderful to see a grassroots organization with a modest beginning bloom to what it is today. It is an effective advocate through political action that has gained respect from its piers. Well done! Keep forging ahead, the job is far from being over!

    William E. Reller

  • We are privileged to have such a great resource in our community that flows through our riverside neighborhoods. I care about the Tuolumne of selfish reasons because I want my children and great grandchildren to enjoy a beautiful river that runs through out neighborhood.

    Homero Mejia

  • The Tuolumne is more than just a source of the wonderful water that gives us life. It is also the life sustaining habitat for a host of creatures, and I tend to see the T itself as a living thing. TRT seeks to foster this living thing, and all the living things it supports. We do this by advocating on the river's behalf, educating people about its role in our lives, and restoring the watershed.

    Bart and Nancy Westcott

  • Through our multifaceted education programs, we are empowering future generations of environmental stewards and activists.

  • We advocate for better water policies to ensure a future where political powers understand that we are not above our outside of the natural world, but part of it.

  • We build resilience and balance back into the greater Yosemite ecosystems through our strategic restoration projects.

  • We organize recreation opportunities so that all people have the chance to experience the joy of exploring the sweeping vistas, rolling hills, and roaring rapids of the Tuolumne Watershed.

Looking Forward: Our Vision for the Greater Yosemite Region.

As we look to the future, one thing is certain: We will continue working to ensure that the Tuolumne River watershed is protected, restored, and resilient for generations to come.