For more than 30 years, the Lower American River Task Force (LARTF) has provided a steady forum for collaboration focused on one of the Sacramento region’s most important natural resources. Since 1994, agencies, environmental and recreational groups, water providers, and community representatives have gathered to coordinate work, share information, and address challenges along the Lower American River (LAR) and Parkway.
Beginning in 2026, that long-standing forum will transition to a new, biannual Lower American River Roundtable (LAR Roundtable or LARRT) format, alongside two complementary venues focused specifically on flood preparedness and river science.
Why the Change: The Task Force has supported major efforts for over three decades—from shaping long-term river management and habitat enhancement plans to coordinating regional flood protection and bank protection projects along the Lower American River. In doing so, it has built trust among diverse interests and provided a consistent forum for transparent dialogue.
Today, the Lower American River landscape is shifting. The major flood risk reduction planning that shaped the LARTF’s early mission is nearing completion, and the needs and priorities of the many agencies and organizations working along the river are evolving alongside it. The river still faces a growing array of pressures, including climate change, aging infrastructure, regulatory changes, growing public use, and continued investment in flood risk reduction and habitat enhancement. The transition to the LAR Roundtable and its companion venues supports broader information sharing and connects agencies and stakeholders around these shared concerns.
Three Complementary Venues: Going forward, coordination will occur through three complementary forums, each with a distinct purpose.
- The Lower American River Roundtable, convened by the Water Forum, will meet twice per year in March and September. It will continue the Task Force’s broad information-sharing role, providing updates on flood management, resource management, public access, and other projects affecting the Lower American River corridor. Agencies, researchers, community groups, and other partners working along the river will continue to present.
- The Lower American River Flood Preparedness Workshop, to be convened by the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) and Department of Water Resources, plans to focus specifically on the regional flood protection system. The workshop will aim to provide updates on system operations and maintenance and coordination among federal, state, and local flood management partners. The inaugural workshop is anticipated in late fall 2026.
- The Water Forum will also host an annual Lower American River Science Share (LAR Science Share) each June. This session will provide a deeper discussion of fisheries, river science, and non-aquatic Parkway studies. Scientists and technical experts working on the Lower American River will lead these presentations, creating dedicated time for focused technical exchange. The annual Science Share is a new iteration of Water Forum’s previously convened Fisheries and In-Stream Habitat (FISH) Working Group.
All of these meetings will remain open to stakeholders and interested members of the public. By separating broad coordination, flood system updates, and in-depth science discussions into distinct settings, each forum can be more focused while preserving transparency and collaboration.
Looking Ahead: The first Lower American River Roundtable will convene on March 10, 2026, launching this updated structure for coordination along the Lower American River.
Upcoming meetings include:
- March 10, 1-3 p.m. – LAR Roundtable
- June 9, 12-4 p.m. – LAR Science Share
- September 8, 1-3 p.m. – LAR Roundtable
Participants who have attended Task Force meetings in recent years will continue to receive notifications about Roundtable and related meetings.
For full details, agendas, and future updates, visit https://waterforum.org/lartf/.