The Friends of Lake Sonoma is a cadre of volunteers that supports the interpretive and educational programs managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Sonoma. Due to federal budget shortfalls, we also provide funding to help maintain the park and keep key facilities -- including the Milt Brandt Visitors Center -- open to public access. We welcome your help -- financially through monetary and in-kind donations or through your service as a park volunteer!
The Ranch at Lake Sonoma is one of the top recommendations on Trip Advisor. Seeing Lake Sonoma on horseback is just fantastic. The views are splendid and the experience is first-class. Be sure to bring your camera. This is an opportunity to see the park like you've never seen it before! Check out the details at theranchatlakesonoma.com or just click here to be redirected to the ranch's website.
The 2023 Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival will be held on the grounds of the Milt Brandt Visitor Center at Lake Sonoma on Saturday, Feb. 11. Barring any new restrictions for COVID-19, we plan to have a full day of fish, fun and festivities! If you would like a booth for your business or non-profit, please continue to the Steelhead Festival page on this website for links to booth applications.
Lake Sonoma, which was closed under County of Sonoma order due to Covid-19 restrictions, has reopened, but sections of the park are still not accesible due to the residual effects of the Walbridge Fire, the drought and general maintenance issues. Boat access to the lake is via the Public Boat Ramp only. The Milt Brandt Visitor Center parking lot is open for boat inspections, and the Visitor Center is now open Friday through Sunday. Liberty Glen Campground is still closed. For safety, have a face mask handy and honor social distancing. Keep all of us healthy and safe.
Pig hunting season (archery only) is just around the corner. Lake Sonoma has authorized feral pig hunts starting November 11, running through March 19, 2023. Property passes for the hunting season can be purchased at the Milt Brandt Visitor Center, Lake Sonoma Resort & Marina, West Coast Archery and Turra's Backroom Archery. Click her for a link to more details.
Skip Brand, chairman
Rick Herbert, vice chairman
Joe Brandt, treasurer
Nikki Baxes, secretary
Directors: Dora Azevedo, Nikki Baxes, Jayson Collard, Donna Meier, Brad Sherwood, Marshall Turbeville, Kasey Wade, Jim Wilmes and Burrell Wyle.
Directors Emeritus: Gordon Amrein, Harry Bosworth, Linda Clapp, Paul Finn, Dave Harmeson, Tony Pettis, Phil Pinto, Arnold Santucci, Ken Screechfield, Richard Thomas
The Friends of Lake Sonoma is recognized as a non-profit cooperative association under section 501 (c) 3 of the United State Internal Revenue Service tax code. Our tax identification number is 94-2260679. We operate on a fiscal year from January 1 to December 31. Monetary and in-kind donations to the Friends of Lake Sonoma are considered to be tax deductible, unless limited by law.
The Friends of Lake Sonoma relies on strong partnerships with key govenmental agencies and businesses, including:
United States Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District
Sonoma Water
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Sonoma County Tourism
Back Country Horsemen of California -- North Bay Chapter
Sonoma County Bowmen
United Flyers of Sonoma County
Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley