The History
The Potter Valley Project was first built in the early 1900s to bring hydroelectric power and irrigation water to Mendocino and Sonoma counties. Completed in 1908, it included Cape Horn Dam on the Eel River and a diversion tunnel that carries water into Potter Valley and the Russian River watershed. In 1922, Scott Dam was finished, creating Lake Pillsbury as a year-round water supply and recreation area. For more than a century, the project has shaped the landscape, providing electricity, supporting agriculture, and creating one of the region’s most beloved lakes.
Photo: Library of Congress, Public Domain
The Issue
Removing the Potter Valley Project is not just a matter of water rights — it’s a matter of public safety and survival for the community. Without Lake Pillsbury and the water storage it provides, the region faces a heightened risk of catastrophic wildfires, a danger already made clear by two major fires in recent years that devastated the surrounding area. The reservoir is also vital for local farmers and ranchers who rely on a steady water supply to sustain their crops, livestock, and livelihoods. Losing this resource would not only put rural families at risk but also threaten the stability of the region’s agricultural economy and the safety of the community as a whole.
Photo courtesy of America Unwon
Photo courtesy of Maria Harvey
The Fight
Our fight to save the Potter Valley Project is about protecting both people and place. Community leaders, residents, and local organizations have come together to push for solutions that preserve Lake Pillsbury and the resources it provides. Members of our community have met with state and federal representatives, water agencies, and decision-makers to ensure our voices are heard at the highest levels of government. This is not just a local issue — it’s a regional challenge with far-reaching consequences. By standing together and engaging directly with those in power, we are working to find a balanced, long-term solution that safeguards our water, our land, and our future
