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.
We regret to announce that we must again cancel the Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival, set for Feb 12, 2022. Uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, facilities maintenance and the drought required we skip another year.
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, but the Visitor Center is still closed. Look for a Fall reopening. 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 at Lake Sonoma has ended and guided deer hunting slots for 2022 have sold out. Please click here to be redirected to our hunting page for further information on upcoming seasons. The fall pig hunting season will open in November. All proceeds go to the Friends of Lake Sonoma to support the lake and its educational programs.
Brad Sherwood, chairman
Rick Herbert, vice chairman
Joe Brandt, treasurer
John Granatir, secretary
Directors: Dora Azevedo, Nikki Baxes, Harry Bosworth, Skip Brand, Jayson Collard, Donna Meier, Marshall Turbeville, Kasey Wade, Jim Wilmes and Burrell Wyle.
Directors Emeritus: Gordon Amrein, 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