California’s State Water Resources Control Board is considering another “emergency drought” regulation on farmers and ranchers in Scott Valley for 2025—despite the fact that the Scott hasn’t experienced drought since April of 2023. Meanwhile, the Water Board is considering a permanent regulation that will likely limit irrigation when flows in the Scott River fall below certain levels. Water Board staff are currently determining what those minimum flow levels should be. Staff will present their recommendations to the Water Board members in November of 2025.
Who we are
We are farmers, ranchers and concerned residents of Scott Valley, a small mountain valley in Siskiyou County, far-northern California. Our multi-generational farms and ranches are the fabric of our small, vibrant community of roughly 7,000 people.
The Scott River, which runs the length of our valley, is a major tributary to the Klamath River, and is the largest contributor of coho salmon to the Klamath. Agriculture and fish habitat thrive side by side in beautiful Scott Valley.
We want to sustain this stewardship, our community and our heritage.
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Theodora Johnson
6th Generation Scott Valley Cattle Rancher
“Scott Valley is a beautiful place, and our roots are deep here. My family will never find a better place to call home. We formed this Alliance so our home won’t be replaced by a subdivision.”
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Lauren Sweezey
Scott Valley Hay Farmer
“The facts are in our favor. We just need to get them in front of the right people. Since 1969, our ranch has been run and owned by my family, I want the future to continue that way.”
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Sari Sommarstorm
Retired Watershed Consultant and Scott Valley tree nursery owner
“Not enough credit is given to Scott Valley’s farmers and ranchers for their conservation efforts. Our alliance champions our unsung success at increasing our coho population numbers.”