Brief synopsis of FONR history:
FONR was founded and incorporated in 1994 in response to the Corps of Engineers proposed flood control project for the Napa River. FONR was one of the three founding members (FONR, Napa Chamber of commerce, and NV Economic Development Corp) of what became known as the Community Coalition for the Napa River Flood Control Project. Moira Johnston Block was our founding, President and avid proponent of an environmentally friendly Flood Project.
FONR, its Board and many of its members actively participated in the conceptual design of the Napa River/Napa Creek Flood Project in cooperation with the City of Napa, the Flood District, and the Corps. FONR played a key role in the development of the “Living River Principles”, which helped guide the Flood Projects design. FONR also actively helped gain community approval for the half cent sales tax to fund the “Local Share” of project costs.
FONR played a key role in the design of the Oxbow Bypass; members built a scale model of the proposed design to help the community understand what a bypass might look like. FONR helped create the conceptual design of the arced steps and performance area that now serves as the bypass flood’s energy dissipation area.
For over 20 years FONR Board members served on the Technical Advisory Panel or the Measure A Financial Oversight Committee. Numerous FONR Board members participated in the panels working on the design teams focusing on the First and Third Street bridges, the riverfront walkways and flood walls. FONR also worked closely with Harry Price in his effort to route the Napa River Trail to be along the River rather than through the parking lot as had been previously planned by the Corps. Board members will also oversee the Flood Projects completion.
The FONR mission of celebrating, protecting, and educating our community regarding the Napa River and its watershed was celebrated by our 16 Labor Day Symphonies on the River. Promoting river cleanups, educating children in their classrooms, partnering with RCD with programs, and voicing our community’s concerns regarding our river has been our job.
Currently and through the over 25 years of leadership, Bernhard Krevet and committed volunteer boards, FONR has been involved with efforts with the City of Napa and Napa County regarding the Napa River and its watershed’s planning, protecting, educating, and celebrating through:
Participation in the technical advisory panel and the financial oversite committee for the Flood Project.
Participation in the 2020 City of Napa General Plan
Tannery Bend Development and Guidelines
River Front mixed use project by Mike DeSimoni
Oxbow School, Oxbow Market and Copia Design Reviews
Stone Brewery’s riverfront gardens and outdoor areas
Westin Hotel, River Terrace Inn, and Ritz Hotel River interfaces
Napa Downtown Specific Plan
Main Street Boat dock design and preparation of a comprehensive study of a series of boat dock locations In the City’s reach of the Napa River.
Participation in the 2018 Urban Land Institute (ULI) study of the Oxbow District
Participation in the former Cinedome site and area’s Comprehensive Plan.
Partnered with the San Francisco Estuary Institute to write and publish “The Napa Valley Historical Ecology Atlas”.
Promoted and participating in Napa County Parks & Open Space District
Partnered with the City to obtain the Trancas Crossing Park, Oxbow Preserve Park, and Stanly Ranch River Access.
Promoted the Acorns to Oaks Project
Participation in Oxbow District Task Force
Participation in the City of Napa 2040 General Plan
Participation in the Napa County Groundwater sustainable Plan.
Sponsorship of the Napa Valley Museum’s “Napa River Exhibit”
Honored our Moira Johnston Block and Bernard Krevet with bronze plaques generously placed by CIA Copia property overlooking our Napa River.
Endorsement and support for the Napa Valley Ecology Center in American Canyon
Partnership with RCD on their educational programs and their fish barrier remediation project
Sponsored and participated in RCD’s Watershed Symposium
Partnership with the City of Napa and the Oxbow District’s Napa Riverline Project.