The Truckee Donner Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy and The Trust for Public Land – working together as part of the Northern Sierra Partnership – announced the permanent protection of 2,914 acres of outstanding wildlands north of Donner Summit on June 29, 2020. The acquisitions include a spectacular sub-alpine lake, mixed conifer forests, aspen groves and the watershed that protects the meadows and fens of the lower Carpenter Valley, which the partners conserved in 2017.

The conservation partners led a two-year, $14-million campaign to acquire high-priority private inholdings east of the Sierra Crest, including Frog Lake, Red Mountain and Carpenter Ridge. The acquisitions build on more than a decade of targeted conservation investment in this iconic landscape by the partners that has protected Lower Carpenter Valley (2017), Castle Valley (2016), Crabtree Canyon (2016), Webber Lake and Lacey Meadows (2012), Johnson Canyon (2012), Independence Lake (2010), Cold Stream (2009) and Perazzo Meadows (2008). Together these acquisitions have transformed the once-fragmented landscape of the Tahoe National Forest into a contiguous network of publicly accessible, protected lands covering approximately 140,000 acres in the northern headwaters of the Truckee River.

“These were virtually the last big pieces we needed to conserve the spectacular northern headwaters of the Truckee River,” said Lucy Blake, President of the Northern Sierra Partnership, which has worked with its partners to mobilize an unprecedented level of support for conservation and restoration in the region.
“Protecting this breathtaking landscape will safeguard critical habitat for wide ranging mammals such as black bear, wolverine, Pacific marten, mountain lion and gray wolf that need connected habitat for movement and migration, especially in response to climate change. We are also protecting the headwaters of Prosser Creek, a key tributary of the Truckee River which is the primary water source for Reno and western Nevada,” said David Edelson, Forest Program Director for The Nature Conservancy.

“This is a thrilling acquisition that felt like a dream 10 years ago,” said John Svahn, associate director of the Truckee Donner Land Trust. “The opportunities to explore this seldom-visited stretch of the Sierra, to spend the night at Frog Lake – it’s an incredible landscape we are excited to share with the public.”

“This newly connected landscape will inspire people to explore the outdoors while providing other species increased resilience to a changing climate,” said Markley Bavinger, Sierra Program Manager for The Trust for Public Land. “During the current pandemic we have seen how important open spaces are for everyone's mental and physical wellbeing. This work helps to heal people while also repairing a legacy of checkerboarded ownership in this region."

Frog Lake (elevation 7,600 feet), which sits in a glaciated basin beneath towering Frog Lake Cliff, has been owned by members of the Smith family since they purchased it from the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1930s. The Truckee Donner Land Trust plans to retrofit the Smith’s historic stone hut into a convivial year-round gathering spot for visitors to Frog Lake, including guests staying in one of four new low-impact backcountry huts the Land Trust plans to install at the lake.

The acquisition of Red Mountain and Carpenter Ridge protects lands adjoining recently preserved Lower Carpenter Valley and the U.S. Forest Service’s Sagehen Experimental Forest. Previously owned by Sierra Pacific Industries, the lands will now be owned by the Truckee Donner Land Trust and the U.S. Forest Service and open to public access.

In addition to building huts to expand opportunities for backcountry skiing, the partners plan to construct a 15- to 20-mile trail connecting Donner Summit near Castle Peak to Frog Lake, Red Mountain, Lower Carpenter Valley, Carpenter Ridge and Independence Lake. The multi-use trail, which will not be completed for several years, will create outstanding new opportunities for the public to explore and enjoy the wild beauties of the Truckee River watershed.

More than 370 individuals and foundations contributed close to $7.5 million to fund the project, with the balance of the funding provided by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund ($3,200,000), the state Wildlife Conservation Board ($2,700,00), and the California Natural Resources Agency ($890,000).


https://www.truckeedonnerlandtrust.org/news-events/frog-lake-red-mountain-amp-carpenter-ridge-successfully-conserved

June 17, 2020--  The Senate passed a major public lands bill on Wednesday, voting to set aside hundreds of millions of dollars each year for conservation efforts.

The Great American Outdoors Act, which passed in a 73-25 vote, would permanently provide $900 million in oil and gas revenues for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which helps secure land for trails and parks. The legislation will also put $6.5 billion toward addressing a maintenance backlog at national parks.
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“Permanent LWCF funding will help improve access to public lands, including providing important access for hunting and fishing opportunities, and will ensure the program remains an important contributor to a strong and growing outdoor recreation economy that will benefit state and local economies throughout our nation,” Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who was part of a bipartisan group that introduced the bill, said in a floor speech. 

The bill, which has broad bipartisan support, now heads to the House. The legislation also recently secured the backing of President Trump, who in earlier budgets proposed cutting the conservation fund by about 97 percent.

The election year reversal stands to benefit two particularly vulnerable Republican senators — Cory Gardner (Colo.) and Steve Daines (Mont.) — who are chief backers of the bill and who Trump cited when announcing his support.
"I am calling on Congress to send me a Bill that fully and permanently funds the LWCF and restores our National Parks," Trump tweeted in March. "When I sign it into law, it will be HISTORIC for our beautiful public lands. ALL thanks to @SenCoryGardner and @SteveDaines, two GREAT Conservative Leaders!"

Securing permanent funding for the LWCF caps a multiyear effort to shore up funding to preserve vast stretches of U.S. wilderness for recreation.

The program secured permanent authorization last year, but its funding was never guaranteed.
“This legislation affects all four corners of Colorado, but it also affects every part of this country,” said Gardner. “From sea to shining sea, ... The Great American Outdoors Act will provide billions of dollars in opportunity for recreation.”
Billions of dollars in repairs to National Park System have been delayed because of budget constraints.

As of 2018, that backlog consisted of nearly $12 billion worth of deferred repairs. 
Republicans who opposed the legislation raised concerns about the cost of taking care of the maintenance backlog as well as spending the oil and gas revenues on the LWCF.
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“It’s expensive, shortsighted and it’s wrong,” said Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). He argued that the money coming from oil and gas “is currently going to the United States Treasury to pay for a number of other costs ... and will only add to our already ballooning national debt.”

Some lawmakers also had wished there was an amendment process. 
"There are things that we can do to improve this bill," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who supported the bill. “I think I’ve got some very common sense ideas to expand the bill to include conservation-related priorities, priorities that make sense for Alaska, priorities that make sense for our states across the country.”

To read the full article in TheHill, CLICK HERE.

"Under the new license, PCWA and Placer County will implement higher streamflows to support environmental and recreational resources, and a variety of improvements to recreation facilities including campgrounds, day use areas, and boat ramps. In addition, numerous infrastructure improvements, designed to enhance project operations and environmental conditions, will begin construction."

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Contact: Ross Branch, PCWA Chris Gray-Garcia,
Placer County (530) 823-1937

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
​NEW 40-YEAR LICENSE ISSUED FOR MIDDLE FORK AMERICAN RIVER PROJECT
AUBURN, Calif. (June 11, 2020) –
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Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) and Placer County announced today that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a new a 40- year operating license for the Middle Fork American River Project (MFP). The MFP provides water supplies, clean hydroelectric power, public recreational opportunities and environmental stewardship for the people of Placer County and the region.

​PCWA and Placer County have a joint interest in the safe and efficient operation of the MFP – a relationship formalized through the Middle Fork Project Finance Authority (MFPFA), a joint powers agency that oversees energy contracting and financial matters.

The first license for the MFP was issued in 1963 - the same year construction began on the project. Issued by the then Federal Power Commission (now FERC), that license granted a 50-year operating window.

The new license is the culmination of more than a decade of preparation and collaboration by PCWA and Placer County. “The process of getting a new FERC license is extremely rigorous,” explained Andy Fecko, PCWA’s General Manager. “We began our relicensing effort in 2005.”

Over the following six years, project leaders hosted more than 300 stakeholder meetings to collaboratively develop and reach agreement on new operating conditions. In 2011, PCWA filed its application with FERC for a new operating license. That application triggered the next step of environmental review, which included completion of both the California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act processes, and consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on potential impacts to endangered species. PCWA and Placer County completed those reviews in 2013 at a cost of over $30 million.

Since 2013, PCWA and Placer County have been working with the Tahoe and Eldorado National Forests, where the MFP is located, to plan and develop improvements to implement upon receipt of the license. With the issuance of the new license, PCWA, Placer County, and other stakeholders can begin implementing the license requirements.

New 40-year License Issued for Middle Fork American River Project Page 2/3 “The Middle Fork Project is an essential resource for the prosperity of our communities,” said Placer County District 3 Supervisor and MFPFA Chairman Jim Holmes. “Our new FERC license affirms our commitment to preserving and protecting it for decades to come.”

Under the new license, PCWA and Placer County will implement higher streamflows to support environmental and recreational resources, and a variety of improvements to recreation facilities including campgrounds, day use areas, and boat ramps. In addition, numerous infrastructure improvements, designed to enhance project operations and environmental conditions, will begin construction. “We are eager to get to work on the new FERC requirements,” said PCWA Board Chairman Robert Dugan. “These important environmental, recreational, and water supply improvements have been a priority for our Board for many years, and will provide long-term benefits for Placer County residents.”

News of the new license prompted reaction from other local elected officials: “Issuance of the new MFP license has been a long time coming. This is no small lift, and I commend our talented staff who have played an important role achieving this significant milestone.” – Primo Santini, PCWA District 2 Director and MFPFA Vice-Chairman “With the new license in hand, we can now get to work on improvements that will protect Placer County’s natural resources for future generations. The MFP is essential to the many recreational opportunities in Placer County and a testament to our responsible stewardship of the environment.” – Robert Weygandt, Placer County District 2 Supervisor “The continued operation of the MFP is vitally important. The new license assures that we can continue to generate clean hydroelectric energy for the California grid and use the proceeds to improve water resilience throughout Placer County, including underserved rural communities.” – Joshua Alpine, PCWA District 5 Director.

Located on the Middle Fork American River, and the Rubicon River, the MFP consists of five powerhouses, five diversion impoundments, five tunnels, and two reservoirs. It is the eighth largest public power project in California.

About PCWA Placer County Water Agency
(PCWA) is the primary water resource agency for Placer County, California, with a broad range of responsibilities including water resource planning and management, retail and wholesale supply of drinking water and irrigation water, and production of hydroelectric energy.

Middle Fork American River Project Gets New 40-Year License Page 3/3 -moreAbout Placer County
Breath-taking scenery, a rich history and year-round recreation are just a few of the reasons more than 390,000 people call Placer County home. Placer County provides responsive, efficient and effective public services that promote the health, safety, well-being and prosperity of our citizens while protecting our environmental resources and preserving the rich heritage of our region.

To see the original Press Release in its entirety, CLICK HERE.

PLACERVILLE, Calif. June 5, 2020 – From YubaNet.net
The Eldorado National Forest welcomes back Jeff Marsolais, who will begin serving as the Eldorado’s new forest supervisor on June 22. For the past 5 years, Jeff has been the forest supervisor on the neighboring Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), where he has served in several positions since 2010. Jeff worked on the Eldorado National Forest early in his career and is excited to return.

“While I was assigned to the Lake Tahoe Basin, we expanded collaboration with communities and partners around the lake through large scale, cross-boundary partnerships like the Lake Tahoe West Landscape Restoration Project and State Route 89 Recreation Corridor Plan,” Marsolais reflected. “I feel lucky to have worked with so many dedicated stakeholders, environmental leaders, public agencies, and amazing employees.”

During his tenure at LTBMU, Jeff also helped establish the Blue Waters Exchange, which brought together students from two USDA Forest Service outreach programs– the Generation Green youth conservation corps in California, and Kupu, a youth conservation program in the Hawaiian Islands. The opportunity to learn about different ecosystems and cultures broadened students’ understanding of the ecological threats in both states and allowed them to develop their environmental leadership skills.

“Inspiring the next generation to sustain our environment is something I want to do a lot more of,” Jeff said. 
Regarding his new position, he said, “I’m looking forward to new challenges on the Eldorado where natural resources shaped the course of history during the gold rush, and continue to have a vital role socially and economically. The timber, water, recreation and special uses on the Eldorado National Forest provide so many benefits to so many people. The forest is incredibly diverse, and rich in multi-cultural heritage.”

Jeff is taking the helm from Acting Forest Supervisor Liz Berger, who has been leading the forest since Laurence Crabtree retired in early January. Jeff is arriving after a recent assignment as Acting National Director of Recreation, Heritage and Volunteer Resources for the Washington Office. 

“As our shared stewardship strategy continues to evolve in California, we need innovative leaders like Jeff to help forge news ways of accomplishing our conservation mission,” said Regional Forester Randy Moore. “This means working across boundaries with many different organizations, and sometimes making difficult decisions. Balancing diverse interests and creating resilient ecosystems is a big job on all of our national forests.”
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Prior to working on the Lake Tahoe Basin, Jeff worked on seven other national forests in California and Nevada and also worked for the Bureau Land Management. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Natural Resources and Recreation Planning and a Master’s of Science in Natural Resources from Humboldt State University. Jeff, along with wife Jennifer and daughter Emily, have lived in El Dorado County for nearly 20 years.  

Photo credit Jennifer Chapman, Eldorado National Forest

To see complete article and photos in YubaNet.net, CLICK HERE.

A hike for all seasons...the American Canyon Trail is nicely shaded to beat the heat in summer. It’s where mushrooms grow in thick moss carpets along the creek in winter. The variety of butterflies and wildflowers are worth the four-mile hike in spring. The color display in fall makes a return trip a must.

The trail leads to a jungle-like setting at the bottom with a flowing creek, boulders and hanging vines. Wide enough for two to walk side by side, the trail is lush with ferns in winter and wild grapevines in summer. A thick area of mint, in its season, begs you to pick a leaf or two. Be aware that poison oak and blackberry vines crowd the trail in many areas. Snails and lizards also call this area home so make sure you look beneath your feet and up to the canopy of trees to get the full effect of this trail.

At the bottom of the 1.7-mile trail, you find Hobokin Creek. Water cascades over boulders and fallen trees. The trail continues across the creek, so depending on your schedule, you can continue your trek to Dead Truck, Ruck-A-Chucky, Dru Barner and Western States Trails, among other destinations.

The two-mile hike to Dead Truck from the trail head is a gentle downhill stroll on a well-maintained trail. As you walk deeper in, the trees seem taller and vines hang more densely.

In winter, the ferns grow all along the canyon wall. The moss on the trees is heavy with rainwater. You can hear the rush of the creek below. At the first switchback, you find a sign reading several trail options. Turn away from the sign and continue down the switchback. After a couple of short switchbacks, you will come to a similar sign. Instead of turning on the switchback, look at the sign straight ahead of you on the trail. This sign will show Dead Truck 1-mile. Your journey will continue deeper into the woods with the sound of Canyon Creek keeping you company along the way. Soon, you come to Canyon Creek with Hobokin Creek right behind it. I can in no way encourage you to cross these creeks if you do not feel confident doing so. This is a lovely spot to pull up a rock and listen to the gentle babbling of the creek over stones as it continues downstream.

In the warmer months, the creek is lower and river rocks, exposed and dry, make for a much safer crossing. If you choose to cross the two creeks, the trail will continue up the bank and to the left. The trail narrows in places. Downed trees and hanging branches may be hurdles. Wet leaves and slick mud are also common hazards.

At 1.9 miles, you reach another sign, showing you at the foot of Dead Truck Trail marked STEEP. Facing the sign, turn 180 degrees and you will see a footpath over to the creek and a cliff face blanketed in green in the wet season. Take the path and you can hear the falls get louder the closer you get. Shuffle down to the pool below. Again, I cannot suggest you cross the creek this last time, but the view of the falls is from the other side. When the water is low, there are exposed rocks, but with heavier flows, a crossing can be treacherous. If you choose to cross, you earn the prize of a view of the waterfall. Once you have enjoyed the falls, the pool and the peace and quiet of this trail, prepare for your return.

The two-mile hike out is moderate due to the uphill climb back to gate 3. Take your time, drink plenty of water, watch for slugs and newts in the wet season. Take care crossing the creeks and before you know it, you will hear the cars coming into the gate and your adventure will be at its end.

To get to American Canyon Trail, take Interstate 80 to the Elm Street exit in Auburn toward Placerville. Follow Highway 49 into the canyon from Placer County into El Dorado County and out to the town of Cool. At the stop sign in Cool, turn left on Highway 193. Drive five miles to Pilgrim Way. Turn left to gate 3 of Auburn Lake Trails. Just before the gate, you see room for three or four cars on your right. Park and you see the trail sign marking the trail head.

For the complete article and photos by Mary West published in the Auburn Journal, CLICK HERE
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Mary West is author of the book series Day Hiker - Gold Country Trail Guides. The books are a collection of the Day Hiker columns where West shares her longtime love of the outdoors and favorite hikes in Northern California’s Gold Country and beyond (available on Amazon). West was the recipient of the 2017 and 2019 CRAFT Award for Best Outdoor Newspaper Column by the Outdoor Writers of California. You can follow West on Facebook and Instagram.

Stephen Whisenand, Jr. died unexpectedly April 13 while mountain biking in Utah. He was 58 years old.

After college Steve moved West, where he lived for many years in Hoback. He had a varied and active career working as the teen program coordinator at Teton County Library, guiding fly-fishing trips on the Snake River and serving on avalanche ski patrol in Jackson Hole.

A lifelong outdoor sports enthusiast, Steve actively pursued fly-fishing, skiing, mountain biking and long-distance hiking. In recent years he achieved the hiking Triple Crown completing through-hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, the three most prominent long hikes in the country, requiring hiking nearly 8,000 miles across 22 states.

Contributions in Steve's name can be made to the Pacific Crest Trail Association, 1331 Garden Highway, Sacramento, CA 95833,  PCTA.org/donate/#honorary-memorial

Click here to see Stephen's obituary.