South Yuba River Public Safety Cohort

The Cohort is a multi-agency working group of federal, state, local, and community stakeholders that coordinates public safety and law enforcement in the South Yuba River corridor. Now in its fifth year, the Cohort has been effective at identifying solutions to some of the area’s toughest challenges related to increased visitation.

Initiatives Achieved by Cohort

• Increasing support for the River Ambassadors, the partnership between South Yuba River Citizen's League (SYRCL) and State Parks that puts volunteers at each river crossing to help pick up trash and greet river visitors with friendly reminders about visitor etiquette using the pack-in and pack-out philosophy, waste disposal, and assistance coordinating with first responders in the event of emergencies
• Placement of emergency call boxes at three of the river crossings so far – Purdon, Edwards, and the 49 Crossing – with more to come. Just two weeks after it was installed, the call box at Purdon helped save a life in a domestic violence incident. 
• Increased parking fines, parking enforcement, and parking-related signage to prevent visitors from creating hazards by parking illegally. Vehicles parked outside of designated areas can block emergency vehicle access and, if parked on dry vegetation, risk igniting a wildfire. 
• Keeping the river wild and scenic with educational efforts aimed at recreating responsibly and providing river safety through the loaner life jacket program where visitors can borrow a lifejacket for the day and Keeping wildfire risk low by making campfires and BBQs illegal at and near the river. 
• Helping to develop travel alerts for the Go Nevada County tourism site with the continued development of communications and messaging in support of sustainable tourism and recreation.
• Keeping individual guests apprised of the geography of the area and rules through visitor bandanas that provide folks with how to respect the Yuba. 

Overall, the Cohort and Nevada County wishes everyone visiting the South Yuba River a safe and enjoyable experience, with reminders that the Yuba is for everyone. 

Interested in getting involved in the Cohort?

Contact Erika Seward. 

Volunteer to support the River through South Yuba River Citizens League

Visit Volunteer • SYRCL (yubariver.org) to learn about becoming a river ambassador, river monitor, invasive plant removal, and many other ways to give back to the Yuba.