ACTION ALERT
Stand Up for Yosemite's Rivers:
Defend the Merced River Today!
Tell the State Water Board to Protect and
Restore the Merced River
The Merced River—sister to our beloved Tuolumne—is at a critical crossroads, and we need your voice to help protect this iconic waterway. The State Water Resources Control Board has released a draft Water Quality Certification that could significantly improve the health of the Merced River, but we need your support to make it happen.
Powerful agricultural interests are pushing back hard, and there's pressure on Governor Newsom to weaken these protections.
The Current Situation
The Merced River's water quality certification process is slightly ahead of the Tuolumne, making it a crucial precedent for the T’s future. New Exchequer Dam on the Merced River (which forms McClure Reservoir) is currently going through its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing process. Under the Clean Water Act, this requires a Water Quality Certification (WQC) from the State Water Resources Control Board.
The State Water Board has drafted a Water Quality Certification with improved flow requirements, mandating increased water releases from the dam into the lower Merced River. This is essential for the river's survival. However, Merced Irrigation District (Merced ID) strongly opposes the draft WQC and is pushing for very modest flow increases, preferring to focus primarily on river restoration projects instead of addressing the fundamental issue of inadequate water flows.
If the State Water Board doesn't stand strong and issues a weak water quality certification for the Merced, it does not bode well for the Tuolumne, where the State would likely also cave and issue a weak WQC for our river. There are concerns that Governor Gavin Newsom may pressure the Water Board to weaken the certification, as Water Board members are appointed by the governor.
Supporting the Merced River is supporting the Tuolumne River! The outcome of this process will directly influence what happens on our river. By standing up for the Merced today, you're helping create a positive precedent that will benefit the Tuolumne tomorrow.
The Merced River has been so heavily diverted that stretches run completely dry in some years. Despite this devastating reality, Merced Irrigation District claims to be a "good steward" of the river while fighting against requirements to leave more water in the river.
Why This Matters
The Tuolumne and Merced Rivers form the heart of the Greater Yosemite Region. These vital waterways flow past some of America's most treasured landscapes—Half Dome, El Capitan, Tuolumne Meadows, and Wapama Falls. They provide incredible recreational opportunities including whitewater boating, fishing, and hiking, while supporting iconic wildlife species like Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and vast flocks of migratory waterfowl.
Unfortunately, both rivers face similar challenges:
Both are dammed and diverted to supply water to farmland and cities
Both are currently undergoing Federal hydropower relicensing
Both require water quality certification from the State Water Resources Control Board
The situation on the Merced River has become particularly dire:
The river's salmon and steelhead populations are barely existent anymore and on the verge of disappearing entirely
So much water is being diverted that in some years, the Merced runs completely dry
Recreational opportunities, which provide access to nature for many under-resourced communities, have been severely impacted
Take Action: Send an Email in 5 Minutes or Less
Step 1: Download the email template or copy below
Step 2: Personalize your email (makes it more effective!)
Start by introducing yourself briefly
Mention why you care about rivers, especially the Merced River
Make it clear RIGHT AWAY that you SUPPORT the draft Water Quality Certification
Step 3: Send to State Water Board: WR401Program@waterboards.ca.gov
State Water Resources Control Board
Division of Water Rights – Water Quality Certification Program
Attn. Bryan Muro
WR401Program@waterboards.ca.gov
Step 4: Contact Governor Newsom
Call Governor Newsom at: (916) 445-2841
or send him a message at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/
Step 5: Contact and share with your local state and federal representatives:
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Subject: I SUPPORT the Draft Water Quality Certification for the Merced River
Dear State Water Resources Control Board,
My name is [your name] and I am [brief introduction - are you a recreationist, angler, concerned citizen, etc.?]. I'm writing to express my strong SUPPORT for the draft Water Quality Certification for the Merced River.I care about the Merced River because [briefly share why you care - do you visit Yosemite? Do you fish or boat? Do you care about wildlife?].
The fact that the Merced River runs completely dry in some years is unacceptable for a river that flows from Yosemite National Park. The draft Water Quality Certification is a critical step toward fixing this problem by requiring more water remain in the river.
I urge you to:
Maintain the improved flow requirements outlined in the draft WQC
Resist pressure from Merced Irrigation District to weaken these requirements
Recognize that restoration projects alone cannot save a river that has no water
Remember that the Merced's native fish populations are on the verge of disappearing entirely
The State Water Board has a responsibility to protect our public trust resources. Please stand firm and finalize the Water Quality Certification as drafted.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City, State]
Stay Connected and Spread the Word!
Please share this action alert with friends, family, and on social media. The more emails the State Water Board receives in support of the draft WQC, the better our chances of securing healthy flows for the Merced River.
Thank you for standing with the Tuolumne River Trust as we fight to protect Yosemite's rivers!
