The mission of the Eel River Watershed Improvement Group (ERWIG) is to improve instream and related watershed habitat conditions in the Eel River basin, and surrounding California coastal basins, to benefit native stocks of salmon and steelhead. Our primary goals are to provide organizational and technical assistance to landowners & managers, to develop local watershed action plans, and to implement specific projects which will benefit salmonids. ERWIG is an incorporated non-profit, charitable class corporation, comprised of Eel River interest groups.
How ERWIG
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Why the Community Needs ERWIG |
Historical land use and unstable geology, combined with human-caused and natural events, have created a growing demand for environmental restoration on the North Coast. However, a vital link was missing between private landowners who would like to address areas of concern on their property and organizations with the resources, funding, and technical abilities to make the work happen.
That’s where ERWIG comes in. We take a moderate, open-minded approach to restoration, allowing us to work with individuals and organizations from all industries and walks of life. The focus of our work is keeping salmonid populations and their habitat healthy and thriving. With open communication between private landowners, restoration groups, government organizations, and prominent industries, we can make a positive impact on our streams and the amazing native fisheries that depend on them. |
ERWIG collaborates with landowners, private companies, resource agencies, state and federal agencies and fellow non-profits in order to improve habitat conditions for salmon and steelhead. ERWIG serves as a bridge between landowners and agencies, providing the path for restoration funds to reach the streams that need improvement. To do this we develop proposals, secure funding and all necessary permits, contract with local companies and organizations to do the work and make sure all requirements of the funding source are met.
Funding for restoration projects comes from a variety of entities, the most important of which is the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Fisheries Restoration Grant Program. In order to make sure future generations continue environmental restoration ERWIG partners with AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Program for Creek Days and other environmental education events. |