The South Fork Eel watershed spans over 1,600 square miles in Northern California and is a critical habitat for threatened and endangered species such as coho salmon and steelhead trout. The region receives high amounts of precipitation, with an average of 80 inches per year. Snowpack in the region plays a crucial role in maintaining surface water levels throughout the year. The watershed is also home to several reservoirs, including Lake Pillsbury and Lake Mendocino. Water quality in these reservoirs is impacted by high levels of sediment and nutrients from agricultural runoff. In recent years, the region has experienced severe drought conditions, leading to decreased water availability and impacts on the local ecosystem. Additionally, the area has seen an increase in wildfires, which threaten both human communities and natural habitats.