Cannabis farmers helping save salmon

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Cannabis farmers helping save salmon 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞

Sediment Reduction Project

Grow Clean, Grow Green

What’s Going On?

Working with farmers to stop erosion at the source.

By repairing failing roads, crossings, and slopes, we’re keeping sediment out of rivers, protecting salmon, frogs, and turtles, while safeguarding clean water for communities across Northern California.

 
 

Scope of Work

The Sediment Reduction on Cannabis Farms in Priority Northern Watersheds Project focuses on reducing harmful sediment inputs in some of Northern California’s most important salmon-bearing rivers — the Mattole, South Fork Eel, Eel, Mad, and Trinity Rivers.

We plan to:

  • Partner with at least 40 landowners on current or former cultivation properties;

  • Assess and develop plans for 200 sediment source points, such as eroding roads, failing crossings, or unstable slopes; and

  • Implement restoration at 100 of the highest-priority sites to maximize ecological benefit.

These efforts directly benefit some of California’s most at-risk aquatic species, including:

  • Southern torrent salamander;

  • Coastal tailed frog;

  • Foothill yellow-legged frog;

  • Northwestern pond turtle;

  • Coho salmon (Southern Oregon–Northern California Coast) – Threatened;

  • Chinook salmon (California Coastal) – Threatened; and

  • Steelhead (Northern California Winter & Summer runs) – Threatened.

By addressing erosion at its source, we’re restoring clean water and resilient habitat for fish, frogs, turtles, and rural communities.

 

Project Overview

When rural roads and slopes erode, tons of fine sediment are carried into rivers and creeks. This sediment smothers salmon spawning grounds, degrades habitat for frogs and turtles, and reduces water quality for people and wildlife alike.

By teaming up with cultivators, restoration experts, and community partners, we’re fixing the root causes of sediment pollution. From stabilizing slopes and re-vegetating bare soil, to upgrading culverts and reconnecting streams, our goal is to keep soil where it belongs—on the land—and restore clean, cold water flows for fish, farms, and rural communities.

This project is part of the California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Cannabis Restoration Grant Program, which invests in solutions that protect waterways while supporting farmers who want to do it right.

Why It Matters

Sediment is the #1 pollutant in Northern California rivers. Keeping it out of streams means healthier ecosystems, safer communities, and more resilient farms.

  • Clean water & habitat – Less fine sediment means healthier spawning gravels and rearing habitat for salmon, frogs, turtles, and other wildlife.

  • Community safety – Better drainage and erosion control reduce road failures, improve emergency access, and lower maintenance costs.

  • Working lands – Practical fixes help landowners keep roads serviceable while protecting streams, wetlands, and drinking water supplies.

 

What We’re Doing

Partnering with Farmers

We’ve enrolled farmers and landowners whose roads, ponds, or slopes need fixes. Each site was reviewed for eligibility and prioritized based on ecological benefit, readiness, and landowner commitment.

pLANNING & DESIGN

Our team develops restoration plans for each site, including field visits, erosion control measures, and engineering designs. Every project plan is reviewed by technical experts and approved before work begins.

On-the-Ground Restoration

Once plans are approved, we put them into action: repairing roads and culverts, stabilizing slopes, decommissioning failing ponds, restoring streams, and planting native vegetation. Licensed contractors and biologists oversee construction to ensure it’s done right.

Environmental Protection

Each project includes natural resource surveys, biological assessments, and cultural resource reviews to make sure restoration work protects sensitive species and complies with California environmental law.

Native Plant Nursery & Revegetation

To support long-term success, we’re building a native plant nursery. This nursery will grow genetically appropriate local plants used to revegetate disturbed sites, restore habitat, and stabilize soils.

pARTNERS

Cannabis for Conservation works with a trusted team of experts to deliver this project from start to finish Flowra, Northpoint Consulting Group, Native Ecosystems Inc., and Margro Advisors. Together, these partners bring the experience needed to turn restoration plans into real improvements for streams, salmon, and rural communities.

Funded by

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife – Cannabis Restoration Grant Program

 

Get Involved

Stay connected as this project moves forward and as new opportunities open up:

  • Join Our Email List – Be the first to hear about upcoming workshops, webinars, volunteer events, and future opportunities to participate.

  • Landowners – While enrollment for this project is closed, you can complete our Restoration Interest Form to be considered for future projects.

  • Partners & Funders – Interested in supporting ecological restoration in Northern California? Contact us to collaborate or donate to CFC’s mission (link to GiveButter)

 

Contact

Questions about the Sediment Reduction Project? Email info@cannabisforconservation.org or call 707-630-3144.