Northern Mendocino Ecosystem Recovery Alliance
Our Mission
Restoring, protecting, and strengthening the ecosystems and communities of Northern Mendocino County through collaborative action, science-based stewardship, and inclusive community engagement.
Who We Are
The Northern Mendocino Ecosystem Recovery Alliance (NM-ERA) is a collaborative community-based organization dedicated to the long-term recovery, health, and resilience of the ecosystems and communities of Northern Mendocino County, California.
Born from the urgent need for coordinated action following devastating wildfires and ongoing ecological challenges, NM-ERA brings together residents, landowners, tribal communities, scientists, nonprofits, and government agencies to work collectively toward a shared vision of ecological and community well-being.
Our Mission In Action
Building Resilient Ecosystems & Communities Together
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Forest Health & Wildfire Resilience
Promoting science-based forest management, fuel reduction, and fire-adapted landscapes to protect our communities and wildlands from catastrophic wildfire while restoring ecological health.
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Watershed Restoration
Restoring and protecting the vital watersheds of the Eel River and its tributaries, ensuring clean water, healthy riparian habitats, and sustainable water resources for salmon, wildlife, and communities alike.
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Community Collaboration
Fostering inclusive partnerships between residents, tribal nations, agencies, and organizations to build community capacity, share knowledge, and ensure that recovery efforts reflect the diverse voices and needs of our region.
“We envision a Northern Mendocino County where healthy, fire-resilient forests, clean watersheds, and thriving biodiversity support vibrant, connected communities for generations to come.”
— NM-ERA Vision Statement
Our Guiding Principles
How We Work
🔬 Science-Based Approach
We ground our work in the best available science, integrating ecological research, climate data, and traditional ecological knowledge to guide restoration priorities and measure outcomes.
🌱 Ecological Integrity
We are committed to restoring and maintaining the ecological integrity of our forests, waterways, and wildlife habitats, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living systems in our region.
👥 Inclusive Engagement
We center equity and inclusion, ensuring that all community members—especially those historically marginalized, including tribal communities and rural residents—have a meaningful voice in shaping our shared future.
🔄 Long-Term Commitment
Ecosystem recovery is a generational endeavor. We are committed to sustained, adaptive management that evolves with our landscapes and communities, building lasting resilience against future challenges.
Key Focus Areas
Where We Focus Our Efforts
🔥 Post-Fire Recovery & Landscape Restoration
Following the devastating wildfires that have impacted our region, NM-ERA coordinates comprehensive recovery efforts including erosion control, reforestation with native species, habitat restoration, and long-term monitoring of ecosystem recovery trajectories. We work to transform post-fire landscapes into opportunities for ecological renewal.
🐟 Salmon & Aquatic Habitat Recovery
Northern Mendocino’s waterways are home to threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead populations. NM-ERA supports stream restoration, fish passage improvement, riparian buffer enhancement, and water quality monitoring to help recover these iconic species and the aquatic ecosystems they depend on.
🏘️ Community Resilience & Preparedness
Strong communities are resilient communities. NM-ERA invests in community preparedness programs, defensible space education, emergency planning, and local capacity building. We connect neighbors, share resources, and create pathways for all community members to contribute to our collective safety and well-being.
🌿 Biodiversity & Native Species Conservation
Northern Mendocino County hosts extraordinary biodiversity, from ancient redwood groves to rare plant communities. NM-ERA works to protect and restore native habitats, combat invasive species, and support the full web of life that makes our region ecologically unique and irreplaceable.
Join the Alliance
Whether you’re a landowner, a concerned resident, a tribal member, a scientist, or simply someone who cares about the future of Northern Mendocino County—there’s a place for you in NM-ERA. Together, we can restore what has been lost and build a more resilient future.
