faq’s

A watershed is a crucial area of land that channels rainfall, snowmelt, and runoff into rivers, lakes, and streams, sustaining vibrant ecosystems and communities.

The Baduwa’t River watershed, however, is facing increasing threats from rampant road construction, unsustainable water diversions, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change. As these pressures mount, our watershed suffers degradation, leading to pollution of the river, disruption of vital habitats, and the contamination of drinking water for much of Humboldt County. This deterioration not only jeopardizes the health of local wildlife and fish populations but also diminishes our community's ability to enjoy recreational activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

The Baduwa’t Watershed Council is committed to making a difference. We focus on educating business leaders and community members about the urgent need to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific land management practices. Our mission is clear - to restore and protect our watershed, ensuring a thriving river ecosystem for future generations.

By understanding the rich history of the Baduwa’t River, we empower ourselves to take action and safeguard its future. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our environment and community. Join us in this vital work!

Baduwa’t means ‘life source’ for the Wiyot Tribe.

The Wiyot, Whilkut, Nongatl and Lassik were the original inhabitants along the river, with the Wiyot occupying the lower Baduwa't basin. The Wiyot People survived and thrived, with the other tribal groups nearly annihilated by White settlers during the 1860s. The river was erroneously named “Mad” during an incident that occurred in December 1849, when the leader of  a U.S. military reconnaissance team, Josiah Gregg, expressed his anger at the other seven members when they abandoned Gregg  to go eat a clam dinner prepared for them by a Wiyot family.  It was in this fit of anger that Josiah Gregg erroneously named the river Mad. Now, after 175 years it is time to Reclaim the name Baduwa’t.  

The Baduwa't River Watershed is approximately 100 miles long and drains about 500 square miles of coastal hills in Humboldt County, California. The river's headwaters are in the Coastal Range near South Kelsey Ridge, in Trinity County. Mountain range elevations are from 6,000 feet at the headwaters to 3,000 feet along the western ridge.

The watershed consists of the Upper Baduwa't River (which begins at the upper headwaters and empties into Matthews Dam on Ruth Lake); the Middle Baduwa't River (which extends from Matthews Dam downstream to the confluence of Cowen Creek); and the Lower Baduwa't River (running from Cowen Creek through the estuary to the Pacific Ocean.  

Today, the river provides groundwater recharge for agricultural water supplies and is free-flowing for 85 percent of its length. It is the source of drinking water for approximately 65% of Humboldt County’s population. 

The river flows through and around a mix of unstable rock and sediment. Surrounding vegetation is coniferous forest (Douglas Fir, Spruce, and Redwood) toward the coast, while upland and interior are mixed hardwood forest, grassland, and in some areas riparian canopy. Much of the old growth forests have been cut down, resulting in old growth forests footprint representing less than 2% of what was once historically present.   

The river supplies the drinking water for 90,000 residents in Humboldt County. A majority of residents drink the water. It is also a source for recreation, including: swimming, kayaking, fishing, and more.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Please consider donating $10 or more to help protect and restore the Baduwa’t watershed for future generations. Go to our Donate page to help us continue our vital work. Be a part of a legacy.

You can also volunteer when we have planned clean up days. Just go to our Contact page and let us know what you are interested in doing.