The Tuolumne River Trust has changed its name to the Yosemite Rivers Alliance, expanding its mission to include additional watersheds north and south of the Tuolumne. The announcement was made by Executive Director Patrick Koepele in an email on Tuesday. The organization also highlighted upcoming events focused on spawning salmon.
“Our new name reflects the truth our work has always shown,” Koepele said. “The well-being of one river depends on the health of the surrounding land, forests and communities, too.”
For 44 years, the group has worked to protect the Tuolumne River from diversions by local irrigation districts and San Francisco. With its new name, the nonprofit will now include efforts for the Merced River—which also begins in Yosemite National Park—and the Stanislaus River, which originates partly in Emigrant Wilderness. The organization has previously helped reduce wildfire risks in lower parts of the Stanislaus watershed.
Staff members operate out of a Modesto branch office to engage local residents with activities such as paddling trips and hikes along calm stretches of river and within Tuolumne River Regional Park. Other staff are based in San Francisco and Sonora offices, where they advocate for increased water releases into rivers, water conservation, and groundwater recharge.
Founded in 1981 as the Tuolumne River Preservation Trust, it played a role three years later in securing wild-and-scenic status for a section above Don Pedro Reservoir—halting plans for further dams serving regional irrigation districts and San Francisco.
“This change isn’t just about a name — it’s about embracing the scale of what’s needed to meet today’s challenges,” Koepele said. “Wildfire, drought and declining salmon runs don’t stop at watershed boundaries, and neither can we.”
The rebranding coincides with annual salmon migration events. Returning salmon lay eggs before dying; their offspring will seek shelter before heading out to sea next spring. Last year, restoration took place near La Grange; earlier projects were completed at Dos Rios Ranch.
Upcoming events hosted by Yosemite Rivers Alliance include:
– Nov. 7: Keep Yosemite Flowing Launch Party and Trivia Night at Bear Tent Brewing in Jamestown.
– Nov. 8: Stanislaus River Salmon Festival at Knights Ferry Recreation Area.
Tickets have sold out for Paddle with the Salmon on the Tuolumne near La Grange.
Further information is available at yosemiterivers.org.
