About

Us

Black background with white abstract tree-like design with curved lines.

At Yosemite Rivers Alliance, we unite conservation and community to protect and restore the three rivers that flow through the Yosemite Region—the Tuolumne, Stanislaus, and Merced.

They’re the ties that bind us from the Sierra crest to the Pacific coast. Sustaining the Central Valley farms that feed the nation; providing drinking water to millions in the Bay Area; supporting over 600 wildlife species, and creating endless opportunities for recreation.

For over 40 years we’ve led the way, creating the connection between ecology, policy, and on-the-ground action. As the longest-standing organization dedicated to this area, our advocates and restoration experts build durable partnerships to amplify our collective impact.

Together, we’ve planted over a million trees, reduced wildfire risk across thousands of acres, advanced healthy river policies, and inspired more than 40,000 young people to become environmental stewards. Our alliance continues to grow, and so does our reach. When we protect the interdependence of the rivers, forests, wildlife, and communities, we protect our future.

A man in a plaid shirt and cap is giving a tour or presentation to a group of people outdoors near a bridge. The group listens attentively, and the weather is cloudy.

A large group of about 30 people outdoors on grass, posing for a group photo under trees with a clear sky in the background.

Our

Story

A group of people wearing life jackets and swimwear standing together on rocks near a river with rushing water.

Roots in the Tuolumne. A future across the Yosemite region.

We began in 1981 as Tuolumne River Trust, a grassroots coalition of advocates who came together to protect one of California’s most iconic rivers. Over the decades, we secured major wins, such as stopping new dams, strengthening river protections, restoring wildlife habitat, replanting fire-scarred forests, and engaging tens of thousands of young people in watershed learning.

As California has changed, so have the needs of the lands and waters we serve. Hotter fires, shifting snowpack, declining wildlife, and rapid population growth all show that protecting a single river is no longer enough. The Tuolumne, Merced, and Stanislaus Rivers form a deeply interconnected system, and their health supports the well-being of millions of people, along with countless species.

In 2025, we evolved into Yosemite Rivers Alliance and expanded our mission to protect all three rivers that flow from the Yosemite region.

Our heart remains the same. Our impact now reaches farther.

A scenic view of a river flowing through a forest with tall trees and mountains in the background.

Purpose

Uniting conservation and community for a resilient future.

A woman in a park ranger uniform standing with four young girls, all smiling for the photo.

Vision

A thriving, interconnected watershed where people, wildlife, and ecosystems flow together.

People kayaking on a river at sunset, with trees along the water's edge and small boats in the distance.

Mission

To protect and restore the rivers and lands of the Yosemite Region through action, collaboration, and stewardship, so all life can thrive.

Person holding a small bottle or vial near water, possibly collecting a water sample.

Values

We care for the places that care for us. Our work is grounded in gratitude, science, and long-term responsibility.
Healthy rivers depend on healthy communities. We uplift local voices, youth leadership, and collaborative decision-making.
Forests, meadows, water, wildlife, and people are linked. Our work reflects the natural flow of the entire watershed.
We focus on solutions that endure. This includes restoring landscapes and supporting communities that are preparing for a changing climate.
Everyone deserves access to clean water, safe parks, and healthy rivers. We prioritize communities historically excluded from nature and environmental decision-making.
We turn concern into hands-on restoration, bold advocacy, and meaningful change.

Our

Team

Staff

Meet the people who work every day to keep Yosemite’s rivers flowing. Our staff includes restoration practitioners, educators, policy advocates, community organizers, field crews, and leaders in development and operations.

Board of Directors & Advisors

Our Board and advisors contribute expertise in conservation, community health, environmental justice, policy, finance, tribal relations, and nonprofit leadership. They guide our mission with clarity and care.