BRT Insights - WW Kayaking & Hiking

Carmel River restoration to be completed in fall 2015

"A 92-year-old dam that's been in danger of collapse for decades is slated for demolition this summer, the largest dam to come down in California history. The $83 million, 28-month tear down is prompting hopes that the 36-mile waterway once listed among "America's Top Ten Most Endangered Rivers" might someday be restored to the quiet, clear ribbon that flowed from forested mountains to the Monterey Bay." "'The irony is that people think they're living in the most beautiful place in the world, where they think they can just build and build, but they have no idea where their water comes from, and they're blind to their impact on this finite resource, the Carmel River,' said author and journalist Ray A. March, whose 2012 book 'River in Ruin: The Story of the Carmel River' documents the damage." (California's San Clemente Dam removal project groundbreaking - SJ Mercury News 21june2013 and Sacramento Bee)

"When San Clemente Dam was built in 1921, the curved arch structure was a key source of water for growing Monterey Peninsula towns. But now it's obsolete and ... its reservoir is so silted up with sand and gravel that it hasn't been used to supply water since 2002. ... construction crews on Friday were to begin a three-year, $84 million project to tear down the hulking landmark - California's largest dam-removal project ever. The work will open up 25 miles of upstream tributaries and creeks so endangered steelhead trout can return to their historical spawning grounds."
(San Clemente Dam removal project on the Carmel River - SJ Mercury News 21june2013 and Sacramento Bee)

San Clemente Dam and Carmel River Maps.

• Map book: California Maps - Atlas & Gazetteer by Delorme, 2008.

• Online map user instructions. Click and drag to reposition this interactive map.
• The tool on the left zooms in and out. Point on the red markers to see the names.
• Map=roads. Satellite=satellite map. Terrain=3D shaded topo map. Topo=topographic map.
• Full-Screen online driving map - Carmel River and San Clemente Dam.



Geographic Coordinates - Landmarks (Marker)
N 38.54118 W 122.50889 - San Clemente Dam (A)
N 36.53605 W 121.92837 - Carmel River State Beach (B)


More information:
 • San Clemente Dam Removal & Carmel River Reroute
• Carmel River Paddleboating Guide and Map - California USA.
• River and Land Conservation in California - BRT Insights.
• Carmel River bookmarks - brthomas.


Tags: San Clemente Dam, Carmel River, Carmel River State Beach, map.
Tags: California, Monterey County, Carmel CA, river restoration, dam removal.

Labels: conservation

Law would create a new National Conservation Area in Yolo, Lake, Napa and Mendocino Counties in California.

Lets support the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act (HR 5545) introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in May by U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi and U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey. This would provide National Conservation Area status for the federal lands from Lake Berryessa to Snow Mountain, tying together the Cedar Roughs Wildlife Area, Cache Creek Wildlife Area and Snow Mountain Wilderness areas. The act will bring together the three federal landowners in the area – the Mendocino National Forest, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation – to coordinate management of 319,300 acres of federal land. Pia Lopez kayaked the Cache Creek Wilderness Run to experience some of the area that would be protected in this proposed National Conservation Area. See: A conservation opportunity amid the wilds of Cache Creek - Sacramento Bee 09june2012.

Map of Landmarks in the Berryessa Snow Mountain area.

• Map book: California Maps - Atlas & Gazetteer by Delorme, 2008.

• Online map user instructions. Click and drag to reposition this interactive map.
• The tool on the left zooms in and out. Point on the red markers to see the names.
• Map=roads. Satellite=satellite map. Terrain=3D shaded topo map. Topo=topographic map.
• Full-Screen online interactive map - Berryessa Snow Mountain area.



N 39.38332 W 122.75213 - Snow Mountain Wilderness (A)
N 38.98857 W 122.54086 - Cache Creek Wildlife Area (B)
N 38.61244 W 122.32212 - Cedar Roughs Wildlife Area (C)

Contact your U.S. Congressional Representative to support HR 5545.

• US House of Representatives. Determine Your Representative via Zip+4 Code.
• ZIP+4 Code Lookup - USPS.


Additional information:
• Cache Creek and California's Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
• Trip report, Cache Creek Wilderness Run, Wild and Scenic, kayaking 22jan2006.
• California residents contact your legislators about conservation issues.
• River & Land Conservation in California - BRT Insights.

Tags: Cache Creek, Cedar Roughs Wildlife Area, Cache Creek Wildlife Area, Snow Mountain Wilderness, Mendocino National Forest.
Tags: California, National Conservation Area, Yolo County, Lake County, Napa County, Mendocino County.

Labels: conservation

Fundraiser in support of the Point Reyes Trails Trust. Celebrating Point Reyes National Seashore's 50th Anniversary. Join in via free registration to explore trails in the park through one of five challenge tracks. Help raise funds to support the park. Invite your family, friends and colleagues to pledge donations to the park upon completion of your hiking challenge.

Point Reyes National Seashore, California--April 18, 2012.

Point Reyes National Seashore Association (PRNSA) in partnership with the National Park Service announced the 2012 Point Reyes Trails Challenge today. The program is a fun and exciting way to inspire novice and experienced hikers to explore the Point Reyes National Seashore while raising funds to support critical trails and wildlife projects. This self-paced challenge is a rewarding way to both celebrate and support the park during the Seashore's 50th anniversary.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for people to get up close and personal with Point Reyes National Seashore," said Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. "The Trails Challenge will restore habitat, improve the trail system, and introduce a whole new generation to this amazing national park."


The Trails Challenge will run from June 2nd through November 1st and support the Point Reyes Trails Trust, a long term effort to restore and enhance the park's trail network. The Trails Challenge will officially begin on June 2nd, when PRNSA and its sponsors will host a celebration at the Point Reyes National Seashore Headquarters at Bear Valley. Activities will begin at 9 am, with Challenge participants and guests invited to hike, or volunteer to join trail stewardship work with National Park Service trails staff. From 2 - 4 pm all are invited to enjoy music, refreshments, and celebrate the Point Reyes National Seashore's 50th anniversary.

Registration is free and participants begin earning a Trails Challenge T-shirt and other premiums with a minimum of $50 in pledges. Individuals and teams can register at Point Reyes National Seashore Association (www.ptreyes.org) or call 415.663.1200 x 310 or e-mail trailschallenge@ptreyes.org for information about the program and help registering.

The Trails Challenge will encourage participants to register for one of five challenge tracks and raise money from their families, friends and colleagues, much like a "walkathon," or in this case a "hike-a-thon." Over five months, registered Challengers will raise money online as they participate in one of the following challenge tracks:
• All Park 150-Mile Challenge
• 50 Miles for the 50th Challenge
• Family Challenge
• Five Habitats Challenge
• Equestrian Challenge

Trails are the way most visitors connect with the park's unique landscapes, wildlife, and vistas. Point Reyes National Seashore Association, in partnership with the National Park Service, is establishing the Point Reyes Trails Trust with an initial five-year plan for raising $2 million. The 2012 Point Reyes Trails Challenge is the inaugural event raising funds for the Trails Trust. By improving the park's trails and protecting wildlife habitat, we will enhance how people experience and explore this wondrous place and preserve it for generations. PRNSA has received $50,000 in sponsorship that will serve as matching funds for money raised through the Trails Challenge. Our goal is to raise over $100,000 through the Trails Challenge.

PRNSA Executive Director Deb Callahan said, "We're thrilled to offer this new program giving people of all ages the opportunity to have fun, get active and help support Point Reyes National Seashore - one of the Bay Area's natural wonders."

She also stated, "We're proud to have sponsors like REI, National Parks Conservation Association, California State Coastal Conservancy and the National Park Service...our sponsors include businesses, foundations, government agencies and individuals, it really is fantastic to see so many people and organizations coming together to support the trails in Point Reyes."

Point Reyes National Seashore was incorporated into the national park system in 1962 as a symbol of our coastal heritage. Today, the Seashore needs continued support to help care for the unique natural, cultural, and recreational resources found here. This coastal gem is made up of over 80 miles of undeveloped shoreline, extensive historic pastoral lands, magnificent wildlife, and the greatest avian diversity of any National Park. It is an unparalleled outdoor classroom and playground for visitors of all ages.

Point Reyes National Seashore Association (PRNSA) was created in 1964 as a nonprofit partner to support the park. Our ongoing activities include operating three bookstores in the park and conducting environmental education programs that reach nearly 4,000 participants a year. PRNSA also raises funds for numerous restoration and enhancement projects like the Giacomini Wetland Restoration Project. With the support of friends, members, and donors, PRNSA continues the legacy of good stewardship so that future generations will enjoy the legacy we were fortunate enough to receive.

Point Reyes National Seashore Association, 1 Bear Valley Road, Bldg 70, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
E-mail: trailschallenge@ptreyes.org
Tel: 415.663.1200 x 310
Fax: (415) 663.8174

---

Point Reyes National Seashore Maps.

• PDF maps: Point Reyes National Seashore maps pdf.
• Map book: California Maps - Atlas & Gazetteer by Delorme, 2008.

• Online map user instructions. Click and drag to reposition this interactive map.
• The tool on the left zooms in and out. Point on the red markers to see the names.
• Map=roads. Satellite=satellite map. Terrain=3D shaded topo map. Topo=topographic map.
• Full-Screen online interactive map - Point Reyes National Seashore.



Additional information:
• Point Reyes National Seashore - Marin Wiki.
• Alamere Falls hiking trail, Point Reyes National Seashore - BRT Insights 14may2011.
• Point Reyes National Seashore webcam - BRT Insights.

Tags: hiking, trail, Marin County, California.
Tags: Point Reyes National Seashore, northern California.

Labels: conservation, hiking

Will this spring be our last chance to hike the trails at many of these parks?

"Want to run a state park? With the California Department of Parks and Recreation facing the prospect of having to cut $22 million from the coming year's budget, the agency is looking seriously at finding people and groups to take over the operation – or at least the funding – of parks slated for closure." (Workshops set for group interested in running state parks - Sacramento Bee 12feb2012 )

"Slowly but surely, nonprofits and local communities are exploring what they can do to keep open the 70 state parks slated to close on July 1. So far, 10 parks have been removed from the closure list. The latest is a gem in our region, the South Yuba River State Park, with a lovely canyon and covered bridge, near Grass Valley." (School kids show the state why parks should be open to all - Sacramento Bee 12feb2012 )

More about:
• Environmental Conservation Issues in California - BRT Insights.

Tags: hiking, trail, environment.
Tags: State Parks, California.

Labels: conservation

(updated 26june2011)

Removal of 5 dams and installation of fish ladders on 4 other dams is intended to improve habitat for endangered salmon.

"Here at Battle Creek, an icy stream that tumbles off Mount Lassen, state and federal agencies are spending $128 million to bring endangered salmon back to 48 miles of water blocked by dams for nearly a century. At the same time, another arm of state government is allowing clear-cut logging on thousands of acres just upstream, which some scientists say could jeopardize the costly restoration project." (Troubled waters of Battle Creek - Sacramento Bee 19june2011)

Excessive clear-cut logging results in soil erosion that destroys the fish habitat in Battle Creek.

"By law, the cumulative impacts of similar logging projects in the same area must be analyzed, but this has been circumvented by using a subwatershed system, breaking the part of the watershed that SPI owns into smaller areas using the tributaries of Battle Creek, even though they all flow into Battle Creek. This is the basis of the misuse and avoidance of the laws and rules that, on paper, were supposed to stop excessive clear-cutting from happening." (Marily Woodhouse, Battle Creek Alliance)

"by subdividing the watershed into 9 subwatersheds each of the 16 timber harvest plans has been evaluated as if it were the only project. This is illegal as well as ecologically disastrous." (thebattlecreekalliance.org)

"California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has been allowing Sierra Pacific Industries to clear-cut thousands of acres in the Battle Creek watershed. Scientists have found evidence that logging is contributing to erosion that has degraded spawning grounds in the creek. While Cal Fire officials say they've worked to buffer the creek from any logging sediment, they haven't yet analyzed the cumulative impacts of all the various clear cuts." (Editorial: Governor needs to keep pledge at Battle Creek - Sacramento Bee 21june2011)

" 'It makes no sense to be both restoring and destroying a river all at the same time – and at taxpayer expense,' said Glen Spain, regional director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermens Associations, a commercial fishing group and longtime supporter of the dam removals. .... The logging, under way mainly on land owned by Sierra Pacific Industries, complies with state law. But it occurs at a time when the state Department of Fish and Game no longer monitors affects on wildlife and aquatic habitat due to budget reductions and job cuts." (Groups ask Jerry Brown to protect Battle Creek watershed - Sacramento Bee 24june2011.)

Road map, topographic map and satellite map - Battle Creek watershed.

• Click and drag to reposition this interactive map. Map user instructions.
• The tool on the left zooms in and out. Point on the red markers to see their names.
• Map=roads. Satellite=satellite map. Terrain=3D shaded topo map. Topo=topographic map.
• Full-Screen Maps - Battle Creek Restoration Project.



Geographic coordinates - landmark name (red marker on map).
N 40.51806 W 121.67667 - Viola, CA (A)
      - click on Satellite button and zoom in to see clear cut areas.
N 40.43516 W 121.86999 - Manton, CA (B)
N 40.41977 W 121.96060 - Wildcat Dam (C)
N 40.39572 W 121.88370 - Inskip Dam (D)
N 40.40095 W 121.96884 - Coleman Dam (E)
N 40.40199 W 122.12952 - Dam (F)
N 40.39781 W 122.14600 - Coleman Fish Hatchery (G)

Previous posts at BRT Insights:
• Dam Removal and Salmon Restoration on Battle Creek, California - BRT Insights 30aug2008.
• Dam Removal on Battle Creek could help reverse our salmon crisis - BRT Insights 31march2008.

For more information:
• Battle Creek Watershed Conservancy - Salmon & Steelhead Restoration Project.
• US Bureau of Reclamation - Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Project.
• Battle Creek Alliance.
• California Department of Fish and Game.
• National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Region - Salmon & Steelhead.
• California River Conservation & Water Supply Policy.
• Battle Creek Directory - Recreation & Conservation. Websites for the Battle Creek watershed. Display options - alphabetical 100. See section 1=kayaking-canoeing, 2=rafting-tubing, 3=environment-conservation, 4=fishing, 5=hiking-camping, 6=other-resources.

Tags: river, dam removal, habitat, environment, river map, river guide, clear-cut, timber harvest.
Tags: salmon, steelhead, dam removal, river restoration, Battle Creek, Shasta County, Tehama County, California.

Labels: conservation

 

SPAWN's Second Annual Summer Salmon Institute for K-12 Teachers - July 18 - 22, 2011

• For more information see: Summer Salmon Institute 2011 - organized by SPAWN.

• SPAWN's FREE Summer Salmon Institute Highlights the Connection of Local Watersheds to Ocean Health.

• A continuing professional development program in environmental education for K-12 teachers.

Contact: Carrie Sendak Watershed Biologist Salmon Institute Coordinator (415) 663-8590 ext 109 carrie@spawnusa.org

Salmon Protection And Watershed Network PO Box 400 . Forest Knolls, CA 94933 Ph. 415.488.0370 . Fax 415.488.0372 (www.SpawnUSA.org)

For Immediate Release: May 25, 2011

Marin County, CA- The Salmon Protection and Watershed Network (SPAWN) is offering a unique professional development training in partnership with NOAA's Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program to teachers throughout the San Francisco Bay area for a second year. Focused on salmon as the connection between oceans and inland watersheds, the Summer Salmon Institute combines expert instructors with standards-based curriculum to provide teachers the skills and tools to connect students to their watersheds year-round.

A large, threatened Steelhead smolt getting measured before it heads out from Lagunitas Creek to the ocean.

The Summer Salmon Institute consists of a FREE, five-day workshop from July 18-22, 2011. Teachers can also choose to earn up to 3.5 Continuing Education Units (CEU) from an accredited university (Dominican University of California) and stipends are available for educators working in Title One schools.

Classroom and field training are located in beautiful West Marin and include exploring creeks, redwoods, and other wild places within the Lagunitas Creek Watershed. This year the Institute welcomes back several participants from last year to have in-depth discussions about how they implemented watershed experiences for their students. Presentations with natural resource professionals from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Park Service, Marin County Open Space, and Tomales Bay Watershed Council will share expertise in marine and fisheries biology, watershed restoration, and water quality and conservation. Field training in restoration techniques, native plant identification, rainwater harvesting and constructing rain gardens, aquatic invertebrate monitoring, and performing salmon audits at your school will be administered each afternoon. In-depth, standards-based curriculum materials will be distributed daily with a focus on ocean ecology, the natural history of coho salmon, and how water and land-use practices affect the health of inland watershed and coastal marine ecosystems. Last year's Institute was a huge success and brought over 30 teachers and environmental educators from the Klamath to the San Lorenzo Rivers together to learn about salmon conservation. "I was so inspired by the institute leaders and their dedication to such a cause, it's motivating for me to bring the ideas back to my school and community" said John Sierra, high school teacher and one of last year's Institute participants.

2010 Salmon Institute participants learning about water quality on San Geronimo Creek, the only undammed headwaters of Lagunitas creek and home of up to 50% of the Coho spawners found in the watershed.

"The Salmon Institute supports teachers in drawing the connections for students between our watersheds and ocean ecosystems and trains teachers in effective salmon and watershed restoration and monitoring techniques" said Carrie Sendak, SPAWN's Watershed Biologist and Institute coordinator. "It will focus on salmon as the headwaters to sea connection but will also provide educators with the tools to develop their own "Meaningful Watershed Experience" to students in their own watersheds. Between the field training and classroom lectures, the Institute will provide an in-depth experience of the issues and actions needed to improve watersheds, oceans, and salmon."

Salmon populations are in peril throughout the Pacific Coast. Coho salmon along the Central Coast of California are listed as federally endangered under the Endangered Species Act and have become extinct throughout the majority of coastal streams. The Institute will take place in the Lagunitas Creek Watershed in Marin County, just 25 miles from San Francisco, which supports the largest remaining population of the endangered Coho. "Teachers will have an opportunity to view first-hand healthy habitat the salmon need, and also the real threats that are threatening their survival, while learning ways to create experiential learning opportunities for their students in their own watersheds, said Sendak.

The Lagunitas Creek watershed in Marin County contains some of the best remaining spawning and rearing habitat for coho salmon and is just 20 miles north of San Francisco. SPAWN has led habitat restoration, watershed monitoring, environmental education, and grassroots action in this watershed for over ten years.

To receive registration information for the Summer Salmon Institute or get involved with any of the many volunteer activities, contact Carrie Sendak at (415) 663-8590 x109 during weekday business hours or visit Salmon Institute 2011.

* There is a fee for continuing education credits and is paid directly to Dominican University.

"I am an anadromous fish, I only have the wish, To swim with the whales,
Come back with my scales, And still have a tail to swish!"
- By Brandon, Quail Hollow Elementary

Carrie Sendak
Watershed Biologist
Salmon Protection and Watershed Network, SPAWN
9255 Sir Frances Drake Blvd.
Olema, CA 94950
phone: 415-663-8590, ext.109


More about:
• Salmon Spawning in Lagunitas Creek, Marin County CA - BRT Insights.
• Coho Salmon at Samuel P. Taylor State Park - SF Wiki.

IceRocket Tags: environment, education, conservation, Lagunitas CA, Marin County, California.
Tags: teacher, training, workshop, k-12, coho salmon, Lagunitas Creek, San Geronimo Creek.

Labels: conservation

Relicensing of McCloud Dam provides a rare opportunity ensure that this public resource is managed for the benefit of all people who wish to enjoy it. Please write letters or emails in support of water flow restoration & conservation of the wild and scenic McCloud River.

Guest Author: Dave Steindorf, California Stewardship Director, American Whitewater.

American Whitewater has been working for three years to get improved flows on the McCloud River, quite possibly the best class III/ IV wilderness run in California. In order for this to become a reality we need your support! We need to get letters off to the Forest Service and other agencies ASAP to show that whitewater boaters are interested in the McCloud River. The agencies have proposed a flow schedule that we are happy about. This flow schedule mimics the natural hydrograph by having high flows in the spring. These flows will provide two months of good boating in an above normal year and one month in a below normal water year.

Unfortunately, some of our angling brethren are not happy about this flow schedule because these flows could cut into some angling days. They have been engaged in a scorched earth letter writing campaign to all of the resource agencies. In their letters they are saying how more water will destroy the fishery and the usual nasty stuff about whitewater boaters. We desperately need to let the agencies know that there is another side to the story. Please write a letter today and tell them the following:
* Why the McCloud River is special to whitewater boaters. (25 miles, class III/IV, wilderness, etc).
* Why a natural flow regime with high spring flows makes sense and meets the needs of whitewater recreation and the river.
* You can also speak to the fact that the McCloud River was boatable 365 days a year before the dam was built. Bringing back a few days a year is not too much to ask.
* If you like to fish you can also speak to this balance from an angling perspective and that the angling groups that they have been hearing from do not represent all anglers.
* Ask for a written response.

Please send your letters to:

Ms. Victoria A. Whitney Deputy Director Division of Water Rights California State Water Resources Control 1001 I Street, 14th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 Email: VWHITNEY@waterboards.ca.gov	Tristan Leong Environmental Scientist State Water Resource Control Board 1001 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Email: TLeong@waterboards.ca.gov
J. Sharon Heywood Forest Supervisor Shasta-Trinity National Forest 3644 Avtech Parkway Redding, CA 96002 Email: sheywood@fs.fed.us	Mr. Gary Stacy Regional Manager Northern District California Department of Fish and Game Redding, California 96001 Email: GStacey@dfg.ca.gov

See below: the American Whitewater letter and a letter from AW ambassador Sage Donnelly. Please encourage others to write letters as well. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Dave Steindorf, California Stewardship Director, American Whitewater
4 Baroni Drive, Chico, CA 95928
Office 530.343.1871 Cell 530.518.2729

---

BR Thomas letter in support of McCloud River restoration:

Sent via separate emails to: Ms. Victoria A. Whitney, Tristan Leong, J. Sharon Heywood, & Mr. Gary Stacy.

McCloud River - I support restoration of natural water flows.

I support restoration of natural water flows in the McCloud River. A flow schedule that mimics the natural hydrograph by having high flows in the spring will be good for the environment, good for the wildlife and good for whitewater paddleboating recreation. Healthy ecosystems, fishing opportunities and whitewater paddleboating opportunities can all coexist under natural river flow regimes. Paddleboating is one of the best ways for people to enjoy this beautiful river canyon. It seems only fair that paddleboaters should be able to enjoy the river for a few weeks every year, while the lower flows that the fishermen prefer are still available for many months per year.

I would appreciate a reply with your thoughts on these issues.

---

American Whitewater letter in support of McCloud River restoration:

November 16, 2009

J. Sharon Heywood
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
3644 Avtech Parkway
Redding, CA 96002

Re: McCloud/ Pit Relicensing

Dear Supervisor Heywood,

American Whitewater is a national river advocacy organization dedicated to the preservation protection and enhancement of America's Whitewater Rivers. American Whitewater has also been extensively involved with the relicensing of FERC hydroelectric projects across the country. In California, American Whitewater has participated in over twenty relicensing and signed six settlement agreements. We fully understand the challenging task that faces resources agencies, such as the Forest Service, in working to bring an appropriate balancing between the various uses of these river systems including, power generation, recreation and ecosystem needs.

Natural river systems do an amazing job at providing for a variety of needs. Healthy ecosystems, angling opportunities and whitewater boating opportunities all coexist under natural flow regimes. The Cal Salmon, Rogue River and Upper Sacramento River, are all classic examples of how well all of these interests can be met on one river.
Hydropower generation and the water that it extracts from river systems certainly put additional strains on the other uses of the river. The McCloud River has ninety percent of its water removed for hydropower. What is more important is that natural flow patterns have been replaced with a flat line flow below the dam that is only interrupted for relatively short periods when the dam spills during wet years. While this flow pattern works well for the needs of power production it has not worked well to meet the other ecosystem needs of the river or provide whitewater recreation opportunity.

We understand that this current flow regime has also provided the maximum number of days for wading based angling and some anglers are upset at the prospect of having this change. While we agree that wading based angling is a very important use of the McCloud River it is by no means the only interest that should be considered in the balancing that must be done as part of this relicensing. For American Whitewater’s part we have acknowledged this angling use by not advocating for flow releases specifically for whitewater recreation. It has been our view from the beginning of this relicensing process that a flow schedule that mimicked natural flow patterns would bring ecosystem improvements as well as provide for whitewater recreation.
We believe that the flow proposal crafted by Forest Service Staff and the other resource agencies meets all of these needs. This flow schedule, which has high flows in the spring that gradually taper off, is similar to other flow schedules that have been adopted on FERC projects on other rivers including the North Fork Feather and the San Joaquin.

The McCloud River is a truly amazing resource that deserves protection. The river journey from McCloud Dam to Lake Shasta is one of the most beautiful river trips in California. We hope that you will support your staff in insuring that all forms of recreationist will have access to this fabulous resource.

Sincerely,
Dave Steindorf
California Stewardship Director
American Whitewater

---

Sage Donnelly letter in support of McCloud River restoration:

November 16, 2009

J. Sharon Heywood
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
3644 Avtech Parkway
Redding, CA 96002

McCloud River

Dear Supervisor Heywood,

My name is Sage Donnelly and I am nine years old. I have been whitewater kayaking since my Dad put me in a tandem kayak with him when I was two. Kayaking with my Mom and Dad is my favorite things to do.

I am hoping to boat the McCloud River some day. It sounds like just the kind of river that I would like, very beautiful and not too difficult. Because it is a long trip, 25 miles, I think it would be a great over night river trip.
I understand that some fishermen are not happy with having whitewater boaters on the McCloud River. I think it is unfair of them to expect to have the McCloud River, or any river, all to themselves. I think they need to learn how to share.

I think the people that you work with understand that the McCloud is an important river and should be shared. I think they are also trying to do what is best for the fish, frogs and other river creatures. I think that having flows that are more natural will help them and make it so I can kayak with my family.

Sincerely,
Sage Donnelly
Carson City, Nevada

---

More about McCloud River & California River Conservation issues:
• River Conservation & Water Supply Policy Issues in California - BRT Insights.
• McCloud River has been protected in the California State Wild and Scenic Rivers Program.
• McCloud River wild & scenic whitewater paddleboating guide - BRT Insights.
• McCloud River Upper Run trip report, BRT Insights July 28, 2007.
• McCloud River Recreation & Conservation Directory. (Sort alphabetically. 1&2=paddleboating, 3=conservation, 4=fishing, 5=camping-hiking, 6=local-info)

IceRocket Tags: McCloud River, river, environment, river restoration.
Technorati Tags: California, river, river conservation.

Labels: conservation

Please write emails to help maintain access to the river for the Coloma to Greenwood class II whitewater paddleboating run.

California State budget problems have led to a proposal to close some State Parks. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is a critical river access point for the popular Coloma to Greenwood Whitewater Run on SF American River. The proposed closure of this park could block access to a very popular whitewater river run that is very heavily used by class II paddleboaters and paddleboater training programs.

"Marshall Gold Park is on the closure list - and the only way we can change it is by making noise NOW. As boaters, not only will we lose general access, bathrooms and parking, but any sort of put-in will be extremely difficult, if not impossible. Go to Keep Sutter's Mill Open! for who to write and some talking points. Tell the folks at the State Capital that closing Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (Yep, thats' the full name) is NOT ACCEPTABLE. Even if it wasn't a put-in, California statehood started with the Gold Rush and the Gold Rush started at Sutter's Mill. It's just wrong to close the park." (Marilyn on CFS Listerver)

Where to Send Letters. Please send letters or emails to Governor Schwarzenegger, Ruth Coleman Director of California State Parks, and your California State Legislators.

Sign The Online Petition - Save California State Parks from closure. Express your support for California State Parks!! "During these hard economic times there isn't very much the general public can do for weekend retreats or vacations. The one thing that does remain inexpensive is camping and exploring California's wonderful State Parks. Now Gov. Schwarzenegger wants to close 220 of the 279 California State Parks. Something must be done. If you want to save these wonders of nature then please sign this petition and pass it on to those you know."

More about California State Park closure and River Conservation issues:
• Marshall Gold State Historic Park closed to all raft & kayak put-ins until Memorial Day 2010.
• Fight State Parks Closures - California State Parks Foundation.
• California residents contact your legislators about State Park closure issues - BRT Insights.
• SF American River Recreation & Conservation Directory. (Sort alphabetically. 1&2=paddleboating, 3=conservation, 4=fishing, 5=camping-hiking, 6=local-info)
• River Conservation & Water Supply Policy Issues in California - BRT Insights.

IceRocket Tags: river, environment.
Technorati Tags: California, river, river conservation.

Labels: conservation

Support full funding of the National Streamflow Information Program by contacting your representatives in the U.S. Congress.

Streamflow gages are critical for planning whitewater paddleboating trips, but also for all of the government agencies and businesses that manage, conserve or utilize our water resources.

"Dozens of critical sensors tracking temperamental Central Valley rivers could blink out next year because of California's budget problems. Some of the sensors, known as streamflow gages, have operated for more than 100 years, providing vital real-time data on river elevation and flow volume that are vital to flood safety, environmental protection and water supply." Vital Central Valley water sensors at risk from budget cuts - Sacramento Bee 04aug2009.

List of 54 stream flow gages in California that are threatened with discontinuation after October 2009. California Threatened Streamgages - Office of Surface Water usgs.gov.

ChrisS wrote "some USGS California gauges ... scheduled to be discontinued ... The ones of biggest concern to paddlers appear to be the Smith, SF Eel, Mill Creek, Deer Creek, Butte Creek, NF Yuba below Goodyears ..." Discontinued gauges California 2009 - Dreamflows Bulletin Board 02aug2009.

All whitewater boaters and river lovers should contact their federal legislators to support full funding of the National Streamflow Information Program (NSIP).

Jim Kolva, Office of Surface Water, wrote in an email to Brendan "Two of the streamgages on your list (10296000 and 11383500) are part of the designated National Streamflow Information Program. You can find out more about this program at this URL: http://water.usgs.gov/nsip/. Basically the program is designed to provide a "backbone" network of federally funded streamgages so that local budget woes do not threaten continued data collection. Currently NSIP is funded at about $20 million but full funding would cost about $140 million/year. You could contact your Congressman and Senators and urge full funding of NSIP." Discontinued gages - boof.com, the california whitewater community forum.

"U.S. Geological Survey's National Streamflow Information Program ... operates and maintains approximately 7,500 streamgages which provide long-term, accurate, and unbiased information on streamflow to meet the needs of many diverse users." National Streamflow Information Program - usgs.gov.

The link below provides information about how to contact your legislators to express your support for full funding of the National Streamflow Information Program (NSIP). In the midst of a drought it seems wrong to economize on collecting the data needed to efficiently manage our precious water supplies. California residents contact your legislators about water supply policy issues - BRT Insights.

More about paddleboating trip plans and water supply policy issues:
• Whitewater River Kayaking Trip Plans & Trip Reports - BRT Insights.
• River Conservation & Water Supply Policy Issues in California - BRT Insights.

IceRocket Tags: river, environment.
Technorati Tags: California, river, river conservation, environment, water policy, water supply.

Labels: conservation, trip

Restoration of this Sacramento River tributary creek is vital for preservation of our salmon & steelhead fisheries.

"National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a wake-up call on the dangers facing the Central Valley's salmon ... it found that the ways the state and federal water projects operate threaten the survival of endangered chinook salmon and steelhead, and it required that they change their policies. The changes the agency envisions include finding ways to get the fish around the dams and other barriers that currently stop them as they migrate upstream to spawn." (It's not only fish vs. people - Sacramento Bee 29june2009.)

The National Marine Fisheries Service is working towards "restoration of winter- and spring-run salmon above Shasta Dam on the Sacramento River, and steelhead above Folsom Dam on the American River. Combined, the fish transit order is considered the biggest of its kind in U.S. history. Making it happen presents huge financial and engineering challenges. Costs could exceed $1 billion at a minimum – more than 10 times the original construction cost of both dams." "Other experts argue there are cheaper ways to rescue the salmon populations. Among them is the volunteer group Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead. It has worked quietly over the past year to remove small obstructions on Auburn Ravine, a little-known tributary of the Sacramento River." (Restoring fisheries above Folsom, Shasta dams faces high hurdles - Sacramento Bee 22june2009.)

Restoration of spawning habitat in creeks may be the most cost-effective method for preservation of California's valuable salmon fisheries.

SARSAS (Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead) is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization, whose goal is to work collaboratively & cooperatively to modify the twelve man-made barriers & six plus beaver dams on the Auburn Ravine making the creek passable for fish. Their mission is to restore salmon & steelhead spawning habitat along the entire length of Auburn Ravine Creek. See the Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead blog for news about their work.

Map of Auburn Ravine - tributary creek of the Sacramento River.

Auburn Ravine originates south-west of Auburn, CA (A)
Crosses Hwy 65 in Lincoln, CA (B)
Joins the Sacramento River at Joe's Landing. (C)
DoubleClick or point on the red markers (A, B, etc.) to see their names.
Click on the Topo button and zoom in on the map to see where Auburn Ravine flows.

• Instructions for online interactive topographic river maps & road maps.
• Full-Screen River Map - landmarks on Auburn Ravine.

Additional information:
• Salmon Recovery Planning - National Marine Fisheries Service Northwest Regional Office.
• Dam Removal and Salmon Restoration on Battle Creek, California - BRT Insights.
• California River Conservation & Water Policy - BRT Insights.
• Auburn Ravine Creek Directory - Conservation & Restoration. Websites for Auburn Ravine watershed. (Sort alphabetically. dates=news-articles, 3=environment-organizations, 6=local-websites)

Tags: Auburn Ravine, river conservation, environment, water policy, Sacramento River, salmon.

Labels: conservation

River conservation protects water quality, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.

A. Amargosa River (Inyo and San Bernardino Counties, Bureau of Land Management)
B. Bautista Creek (Riverside County, San Bernardino National Forest)
C. Cottonwood Creek (Inyo County, Inyo National Forest)
D. Owens River, Upper (Mono County, Inyo National Forest)
E. Palm Canyon Creek (Riverside County, San Bernardino National Forest)
F. Piru Creek (Los Angeles County, Angeles and Los Padres National Forests) (Santa Clara River tributary)
G. San Jacinto River North Fork and Fuller Mill Creek (Riverside County, San Bernardino National Forest)

Map of Wild and Scenic River locations.

• Instructions for online interactive topographic river maps & road maps.
• See below for full screen road maps & topographic maps.

Full-Screen River Map - Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Names & coordinates of landmarks displayed above (A, B, etc.) - DoubleClick or point on the red markers.

More information:
• Wild & Scenic Piru Creek! - Gary Valle's Photography on the Run 30march2009.
• Fuller Mill Creek video - desertmountains 14may2008. This video shows the beauty of the creek.
• Historic Wild and Scenic River Bill Heads to President's Desk - CommonDreams 25mar2009.
• Act protecting Riverside County public land on way to president - Press-Enterprise 25mar2009‎.
• California Rivers Protected in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Program - 04oct2008.
• River Conservation in California - BRT Insights.

Tags: California, river, river conservation, Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Labels: conservation

Eagles and the fish that they feed upon both require good flows of clean water in the California Delta and Sacramento River.

This Caltrans webcam overlooks an eagle nest with three eggs/eaglets located adjacent to the Sacramento River, enabling us to see a part of nature that is normally out of sight for ground-based observers. "Bald Eagles mainly eat fish. About 90% of their diet consists of live or dead fish." (Information about eagles - Caltrans) Survival of these eaglets will depend upon the ability of the adult birds to find enough food.

River conservation is needed to restore fish populations in the Sacramento River and California Delta.

Fish populations in the Sacramento River and California Delta have collapsed to dangerously low levels in recent years. Eagles and humans both like to eat the salmon that spend part of their lives in the Sacramento River. The west coast fishing economy has been devastated by the recent ban on commercial and sport fishing for salmon, but this is necessary in hopes of preventing the fish from going completely extinct. (Mendocino coast rocked by closure of salmon fishing - Sacramento Bee 20april2008)

"Although last year officials with the Bush and Schwarzenegger administrations claimed that “ocean conditions” spurred the collapse, a coalition of recreational, commercial fishermen, Indian Tribes, conservationists and independent scientists pointed to increased water exports from the California Delta, declining water quality and other freshwater habitat problems as the key factors in the collapse." (Another Year of No Salmon Fishing off California Coast - Indybay 13mar2009)

River Conservation Directory.

• Sacramento River Conservation & Recreation.
• California Delta Conservation, Recreation & Water Policy.
(Sort alphabetically. Section 1=whitewater, 2=rafting, 3=conservation, 4=fishing, 5=camping-hiking, 6=local-info)

Additional information:
• Eagle nest webcam on Sacramento River - Friends of the Lower Calaveras River.
• California River Conservation & Water Policy - BRT Insights.

Tags: river conservation, environment, water policy, Sacramento River, California Delta, salmon.

Labels: conservation

California Water Supply Policy, Flood Protection & River Conservation.

• After the Last River has been Poisoned.... 27dec2008.
• Klamath River Dam Removal, Klamath County Oregon & Siskiyou County California - Dec 2008 Update.
• California's Wild and Scenic Rivers System 09oct2008.
• California Rivers Protected in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Program - 04oct2008.
• USA Wild and Scenic Rivers Act - celebrate the 40th anniversary of the legislation - 03oct2008.
• Dam Removal and Salmon Restoration on Battle Creek, California.
• Tuolumne River Conservation August 2008 Update.
Guest author: Peter Drekmeier, Tuolumne River Trust.
• Virtual River is the best source for California Water Supply of the Future 27june2008.
• California needs a smarter water supply policy to survive the drought and secure our future 15june2008.
• California needs innovative, aggressive water supply policy solutions for the future 01june2008.
• Chinook Salmon are thriving in Butte Creek - Butte County, California USA 27may2008.
• Protect the Tuolumne River - Stop the SFPUC Water Grab 24april2008.
• Celebrate Earth Day - demand more government action for river conservation and salmon restoration 21april2008.
• California residents contact your legislators about water supply policy issues 10april2008.
• California Delta water crisis can be solved by exporting less water to southern California 08april2008.
• More support for habitat restoration and recreational access in the California Delta 04april2008.
• Dam Removal on California's Battle Creek could help reverse our recent west coast USA salmon crisis 31mar2008.
• Support habitat restoration in the California Delta 25mar2008.
• Water is life, but many people around the world lack this basic necessity 21mar2008.
• Grand Canyon Adventure - 3D movie playing at IMAX theatre in Sacramento California.
• River lovers in California need to fight back against the destruction of our rivers 02march2008.
• Oppose the Peripheral Canal - Delta Conveyance plan for the California Delta 28feb2008.
• Will Gov. Schwarzenegger build the Peripheral Canal by executive order? 28feb2008.
Guest author: Joe Canciamilla, StopTheCanal.org.
• Peripheral Canal - California Delta Update 26feb2008.
Guest author: Joe Canciamilla, StopTheCanal.org.
• Restore the Klamath River - Feb 2008 Update 11feb2008.
• Klamath River restoration blocked by Warren Buffet's PacifiCorp 28jan2008.
• California Rivers and Streams: The Conflict Between Fluvial Process and Land Use (book review) 21jan2008.
• Klamath River Basin Restoration Proposal Released for Public Review 19jan2008.
• America's Wild and Scenic Rivers - National Geographic Society.

2007 Insights - River Conservation, Water Policy & Flood Control.

More about: California River Conservation and Water Supply Policy.

Labels: conservation

"Only after the last tree has been cut down, only after the last river has been poisoned, only after the last fish has been caught, only then will you find that money cannot be eaten."
Cree Indian Prophecy (found at Nature Alley by Nature Ali)

More about:
• River Conservation and Environmental Restoration in California - BRT Insights.
• Whitewater River Boaters' Philosophy & Quotes - BRT Insights.

Tags: river conservation, environment, whitewater, river quotes, river.

Labels: conservation, philosophy

Non-binding agreement could lead to removal of 4 obsolete Klamath River dams by year 2020.

Help restore salmon habitat, eliminate toxic algae that grows in the reservoirs and improve water quality on the wild & scenic Klamath River!!

"Four dams on the Klamath River that have blocked salmon runs upstream to their spawning areas may be removed in the year 2020 under an historic agreement among federal, state and corporate parties. Dam removal will re-open over 300 miles of habitat for the Klamath's salmon and steelhead populations and eliminate water quality problems such as toxic algae blooms caused by the reservoirs. The federal government, the state of California, the state of Oregon and the PacifiCorp electric utility Thursday announced an Agreement in Principle to remove the four dams as part of a broader effort to restore the river and revive its ailing salmon and steelhead runs and aid fishing, tribal and farming communities."
(Four Klamath River Dams May Be Removed to Benefit Salmon - ens-newswire 19nov2008. )

"The dam removal agreement would also support a $1 billion environmental plan that would restore fish habitat and guarantee water and low-cost electricity for farmers, who could also continue using federal wildlife refuges for farming. The deadline for the agreement is June 30, 2009. The federal government would next study whether dam removal would be feasible and cost-effective."
(Awaiting Klamath River Dam removal - Indian Country Today 01dec2008. )

"An Agreement in Principle was reached last week that could lead to the eventual removal of four dams along the Klamath River. The nonbinding AIP involving PacifiCorp, the Federal Government, the State of California and the State of Oregon was announced during a teleconference last Thursday, Nov. 13.
It is the initial phase of a process, which, if it follows its charted path, could see the removal of Iron Gate, Copco 1 and 2, and J.C. Boyle, beginning by the year 2020. The AIP provides a framework for establishing transfer of the dam from PacifiCorp to a government designated Dam Removal Entity, as well as setting up a time line for signing the final agreement."
(‘Historic’ Klamath River dam removal decision - Mount Shasta Herald 19nov2008. )

Obsolete Klamath River Dams proposed for removal by year 2020.

• Online map user instructions. Click on the Topo button to see the topographic map.


Full-Screen Map of Klamath River dam locations.

Markers on the map above show the locations of the dams (A, B, etc.).
Point or DoubleClick on the red markers to see their names.
• JC Boyle Dam (Klamath County, Oregon) (A)
• Copco Dam no. 1 (Siskiyou County, California) (B)
• Copco Dam no. 2 (Siskiyou County, California) (C)
• Iron Gate Dam (Siskiyou County, California) (D)

For more information:
• Step taken toward removing Klamath River dams - SF Chronicle 14nov2008.
• Progress toward removing Klamath River dams - currycountyreporter 26nov2008.
• Klamath River gets national attention - Triplicate.com 29nov2008.
• A framework for Klamath River dam removal - Times-Standard 22nov2008.
• Supervisor reacts to Klamath River dam removal plan - Mount Shasta Herald 26nov2008.
• Farmers evaluate Klamath River agreement to remove four dams - cfbf.com 26nov2008.
• Klamath River - National Geographic Magazine dec2008.
• Restore the Klamath River, Feb 2008 Update - BRT Insights.
• Klamath River Conservation & Watershed Restoration Directory. - environment, commercial fishermen, Native Americans, agriculture, & news. All of the organizations involved in the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement.
• California River Conservation and Watershed Management - BRT Insights.

Tags: Klamath River, Wild and Scenic Rivers, dam, river conservation, water supply, water policy, watershed.

Labels: conservation

There is considerable overlap between the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Program and the USA National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program.

Wild & Scenic River locations - protected in California's Program.

1. The California State Wild and Scenic Rivers Program includes all of the California rivers protected under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers program. (American River, Eel River, Klamath River, Salmon River, Scott River, Smith River, Trinity River, Van Duzen River). See the map of USA National Wild & Scenic Rivers in California.

2. California's Wild and Scenic Rivers System also protects some additional rivers not included in the federal program.
• River map user instructions.
• Full screen river map - see below.

Full-screen map: California State Program - Wild & Scenic River locations.

* Albion River (N 39.24249 W 123.73189) (A).
* Cache Creek (N 38.92099 W 122.32122) (B).
* Carson River (N 38.71579 W 119.76351) (C).
* Deer Creek (N 40.18897 W 121.53171) (D).
* Gualala River (N 38.66702 W 123.30128) (E).
* McCloud River (N 40.95922 W 122.21569) (F).
* Mill Creek (N 40.30611 W 121.51583) (G).
* South Yuba River (N 39.29273 W 121.19263) (H).
* West Walker River (N 38.52279 W 119.48001) (I).

Additional information:
• Wild & Scenic Rivers USA National Program protects 15 California rivers and many of their tributaries.
• California River Conservation & Water Supply Policies - BRT Insights.
• Trip report, Cache Creek Rumsey Run, Wild and Scenic, kayaking 05july2008.
• Trip report, Cache Creek Wilderness Run, Wild and Scenic, kayaking 22jan2006.

Tags: river, river conservation, Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Labels: conservation

The National Wild & Scenic Rivers Program protects 15 rivers in California, including many of their tributaries. The list below includes all of the primary 15 rivers (•) and only a few of the protected tributaries (*) that are well-known for kayaking. All of these rivers are also protected in the California State Wild and Scenic Rivers Program.

Wild & Scenic River locations - California.

• River map user instructions.
• Full screen river map - see below.



Full-screen map: National Wild & Scenic River locations in California.

• American River - Lower (N 38.63670 W 121.22174) (A).
• American River NF (N 39.10076 W 120.92495) (B).
• Big Sur River (N 36.24417 W 121.68129) (C).
• Black Butte River (N 39.72843 W 122.94341) (D).
• Eel River (N 40.35773 W 123.92012) (E).
      * Van Duzen River (N 40.48907 W 123.62629) (F).
• Feather River MF (N 39.81500 W 120.38286) (G).
• Kern River NF (N 35.79296 W 118.45081) (H).
  Kern River SF (N 35.84641 W 118.21508) (I).
• Kings River (N 36.83818 W 118.87503) (J).
• Klamath River (N 41.92936 W 122.44314) (K).
      * Cal Salmon River (N 41.25690 W 123.32325) (L).
      * Scott River (N 41.76440 W 123.01864) (M).
      * Wooley Creek (N 41.38930 W 123.41629) (N).
• Merced River (N 37.65488 W 119.88513) (O).
• Sespe Creek (N 34.55846 W 119.26393) (P).
• Sisquoc River (N 34.82483 W 119.98242) (Q).
• Smith River (N 41.79531 W 124.05775) (R).
• Trinity River (N 40.72479 W 122.80144) (S).
      * New River (N 40.86394 W 123.45792) (T).
• Tuolumne River (N 37.83677 W 120.05362) (U).

I have kayaked on parts of 10 different Wild & Scenic rivers in California (American-Lower, Eel, Van Duzen, Feather MF, Klamath, Merced, Smith, Trinity, New, Tuolumne).

Additional information:
• Wild and Scenic Rivers in California - Additions to the USA National Program 27mar2009.
• Wild and Scenic Rivers, California - Public Lands Information Center.
• River Conservation & Water Supply Policy in California - BRT Insights.
• USA Wild and Scenic Rivers Act - celebrate the 40th anniversary- BRT Insights 03oct2008.
• Trip report, Trinity River Wild & Scenic, kayaking class III, 29july2007.
• Trip report, American River Wild & Scenic, kayaking class I+ by moonlight, 30june2007.

Tags: river, river conservation, Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Labels: conservation