Category Archives: Wildlife

History, Water, Wildlife

Mormon Island Exposed

Mormon Island
Undated Photo; Mormon Island

During the height of the gold rush Mormon Island was once a thriving gold mining camp. In its heyday, the town had 2500 residents (mostly Mormon), 4 hotels, 7 saloons, and 1 school.

Exposed foundations and other artifacts draws hundreds of curious explorers. Photo: AmericanRiverWildlife.com
Exposed foundations and other artifacts draws hundreds of curious explorers. Photo: AmericanRiverWildlife.com

The town dwindled along with gold fever and by the 1950s there were no more than a few residents left. What was left of the town was eventually flooded in 1955 with the creation of Folsom Lake.

As California's drought continues more pre-dam artifacts are exposed by the receding water.
As California’s drought continues more pre-dam artifacts are exposed by the receding water.  Photo: AmericanRiverWildlife.com

The only remnants of this town are sometimes visible during extreme drought years, as foundations of houses lie underwater.There is a relocation cemetery located south of the lake, where residents were moved before the lake was filled. A few unknown residents of Prairie City were also transported there when they were discovered during Intel’s onramp construction.

Rusty nails, fence parts, glass and other items are displayed on the exposed foundations of Mormon Island.
Rusty nails, fence parts, glass and other items are displayed on the exposed foundations of Mormon Island. Photo: AmericanRiverWildlife.com

Mormon Island was also known at the time as Mormon Diggins, Mormon Diggings, and Lower Mines.

Mormon Island artifacts.
Mormon Island artifacts. Photo: AmericanRiverWildlife.com
The lake bed near the Dyke 8 area of Folsom Lake show evidence of large scale construction.
The lake bed near the Dyke 8 area of Folsom Lake show evidence of large scale construction. Photo: AmericanRiverWildlife.com

If you go:

  • Everything you’ll see is state park property and it is illegal to remove it.
  • There’s a parking fee at most access points. State park info here: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=500
  • The Dyke 8 entrance off of East Natoma and Briggs Ranch gets you close to the water but not close to the artifacts.
  • Brown’s Ravine is the most popular parking spot and offers a short hike to the ruins and remnants
  • Wear proper shoes and clothing. The conditions range from steep, slippery slopes to wet muddy conditions.
  • Bring water.
Fish, safety, Wildlife

In Delicate Balancing Act, Folsom Dam May Cut Outflows

In a desperate attempt to avoid a water crisis in the coming months, the operator of Folsom Dam may reduce outflows to the bare minimum necessary to protect spawning steelhead trout in the American River.

Bureau of Reclamation Central California area manager Drew Lessard said his staff was in talks with federal and state wildlife officials to determine how much outflows could be cut without harming the winter run of the trout, a federally-protected species.

At 363 feet above sea level, Folsom Lake has never been so low in January; the dam is currently releasing four times more water than is flowing into the reservoir.

“We’re proposing to reduce our flows into the American River so we can maintain water conservation in the dam,” Lessard said.

More at News10.net >>>

Fish, News from Other Watersheds, Salmon, Wildlife

Conservation Groups Object To Lack Of Fish Protection In YCWA Relicensing Application

While some groups are excited about what the Yuba County Water Agency’s FERC relicensing applications contains, other groups are lamenting what is missing — namely, provisions that address removing barriers to native spawning habitat for endangered fish.

Numerous conservation groups called for the YCWA to look into developing fish passage through, or removing entirely, Englebright Dam, which is a direct barrier to more than 120 miles of salmon habitat, according to comments submitted by the Foothills Water Network, which represents a group of water resource stakeholders in the Yuba, Bear and American River watersheds.

“The ultimate goal is to restore salmon to their native habitat,” said Tyrone Gorre, co-founder of the Sierra Salmon Alliance. “In order to restore habitat, we have to have passage through the dam.”

Chinook salmon and steelhead and rainbow trout are both native to the upper Yuba River watershed.

The problem with those requests is that the Englebright Dam is not within the FERC boundary of YCWA’s project and is operated by the Army Corps of Engineers.

“There’s not a connection between that dam and the FERC relicensing,” said Yuba County Supervisor Mary Jane Griego. “Some of the river agencies would like to connect those so there’s a requirement for us (to install fish passages), but the FERC relicensing really separates those issues.”

The Foothills Water Network said excluding Englebright from the relicensing process is a mistake, arguing that because YCWA operates its reservoir levels and releases, it should be included in their FERC license.

“We have maintained that fish passage is not part of our FERC relicensing. YCWA facilities don’t block fish passage; the major barrier is Englebright Dam,” said Curt Aikens, YCWA general manager. “We do realize that this is a significant issue in the Yuba watershed, and we’ve helped lead and facilitate different fish passage studies and programs.”

Aikens said the colder water released from the higher elevation of New Bullards Bar dam has helped improve salmon habitat in the lower Yuba River.

The salmon population has recovered since a stark decrease around 2007 caused a temporary halt in the salmon fishing industry, but reported numbers from the Yuba River in recent years are below those of the decades prior.

More at TheUnion.com >>>

Fish, News from Other Watersheds, Rafting, safety, Water, Wildlife

Placer Water Has 2014 Supply Concerns

The Placer County Water Agency is saying that a good rainfall year is needed in 2014 to restock mountain reservoirs.

And the Water Agency is already looking at the possibility of water-use reductions.

The Auburn-based agency is expressing concerns as a very dry 2013 draws to a close. Tony Firenzi, deputy director of technical services, said a dry 2014 could cause problems.

“Right now, our water storage is at 90 percent of average for this time of year, so we’re in good shape for the time being,” Firenzi said, “but we’re very concerned about the continuing dry forecasts.”

Looking into the coming year’s projections, Firenzi said better-than-average precipitation would be needed to restore average storage levels on the upper Yuba-Bear and American river watersheds. Placer Water depends on the two watersheds for its surface water supplies.

Water storage in reservoirs that serve Water Agency customers has remained at or near average levels despite back-to-back unusual water years. The 2011-12 water year (measured from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30) was dry but ended near average after the so-called “Miracle March” in spring 2012. It was followed by a 2012-13 water year that produced near record precipitation in November and December 2012 but then turned unusually dry.

“In fact, the 2013 calendar year is on track to close as one of the driest ever measured, which is the basis for serious concern as we look ahead at water availability for 2014,” Firenzi said.

More at AuburnJournal.com >>>

Fish, News from Other Watersheds, Salmon, Water, Wildlife

Central Valley Salmon Runs Could Be Restored

Salmon advocates say they know how to restore sustainable salmon runs in the Central Valley – 26 different ways.

The Golden Gate Salmon Association says two years of study have resulted in a 26-project salmon rebuilding plan to reverse the steep decline of California’s four salmon runs, including two considered endangered and threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act — the winter and spring runs.

The fall and late fall-runs, which support the sport and commercial fishery, declined by 90 percent and 87 percent respectively from 2001 to 2011, the association says.

“The salmon problems are not in the ocean but rather in the freshwater rivers where salmon reproduce and then try to migrate downstream through the many hurdles that exist on their journey to ocean waters,” says GGSA Chairman Roger Thomas.

The 26 projects are divided into three tiers to prioritize completion. In April the first eight high priority projects were selected with most underway or in the pipeline for 2014. The second tier is currently being considered by federal agencies for implementation.

The rebuilding plan can be broadly broken into two categories of projects, says the association. The first calls for better flows for salmon in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The second are projects aimed at healing manmade structural impediments built in and along the rivers.

The loss of many baby salmon at the pumping facilities that divert water from the Delta for export south is another problem the GGSA says its plans address.

More at CentralValleyBusinessTimes.com >>>

Fish, safety, Salmon, Water, Wildlife

Folsom Imposes Water Use Restrictions

The Sacramento suburb of Folsom is imposing a mandatory 20 percent cut in water use as the dry winter continues and as the city’s main source of water – Folsom Lake – is 22 percent of capacity.

“This low water level, combined with critically dry weather conditions, necessitates immediate action to conserve water and protect our water supply,” says Folsom City Manager Evert Palmer.

Folsom is the first Central Valley city to impose such restrictions during the current dry spell.

Mandatory water use restrictions for businesses and residences limit landscape watering to two designated days per week; prohibit washing of parking lots, streets, driveways or sidewalks; and prohibit use of city water for construction purposes such as dust control, compaction or trench jetting without approval.

“During cold winter months, landscapes need very little water, making this an easy time of year to achieve significant water savings,” says Folsom Environmental and Water Resources Director Marcus Yasutake. “Approximately 60 percent of the water used by a typical Folsom family is directed to landscape. We’re encouraging residents to turn off sprinklers to conserve water. An added benefit will be significant savings on water bills.”

Those who choose to water are restricted to two days per week and asked to avoid excessive watering that runs off onto sidewalks, street and gutters.

More at CentralValleyBusinessTimes.com >>>

Bike Trail, Events, safety, Water, Wildlife

Sacramento County Sued Over Parkway Events

A group that has fought to protect the American River Parkway for more than 50 years is suing Sacramento County in a bid to stop officials from allowing permits for foot races, concerts and other events that it says are harming the area and threatening the safety of parkway users.

Save the American River Association, a nonprofit group that helped create the 23-mile parkway enjoyed by an estimated 5 million people each year, filed suit in Sacramento Superior Court last week seeking an injunction against events that it says are violating parkway guidelines and state law.

“We have tried to work with the county, and for 50 years we were able to work with the county on any issue that came along with the parkway,” said Stephen Green, the association’s vice president. “We can’t do that anymore, and it’s very unfortunate.

“The county has been issuing permits for events that are totally inappropriate and are not allowed by the American River Parkway Plan, which is in state law.”

County spokesman Zeke Holst declined to comment Monday, saying the county had not yet been served with a copy of the lawsuit, which was filed Thursday.

The complaint takes aim largely at events held away from the bike trail and is not targeting longstanding community events such as Eppie’s Great Race.

Instead, it is seeking to halt the issuance of permits for some events that are being allowed on equestrian and hiking trails, and at other locations where SARA claims events have damaged parkway property and disturbed riparian areas.

“The more intensive uses include concert events, food truck events and competitive events off the bicycle trail,” the complaint states. “The more intensive uses by organized groups and special events can impede and deny access to individuals, families and small groups.”

The suit is the second SARA has filed this year against the county seeking to stop such events. The first was filed in April and was aimed at stopping a 100K “Gold Rush Run” last May from Sutter’s Mill to Sutter’s Fort that charged a $150 entry fee. That event took place with 190 runners and is scheduled to be repeated next year, although on a different course that will not use the parkway.

Ellen Moore, executive director of the Sacramento Running Association that sponsors the event, said the change was not made because of the lawsuit. She added that her group has supported the county’s efforts to allow such events to take place on the parkway.

“We want to support that and feel that different groups can co-exist,” she said.

More at SacBee.com >>>
Bike Trail, safety, Wildlife

Threatening sign, poison thwart efforts to rescue feral cats at American River

Fish and Wildlife officials want to know who’s responsible for leaving threatening messages and poison in an effort to kill cats on state property.

A woman trying to help the cats found the poison Friday night, days after someone left a a warning letter demanding she stop her rescue efforts. It happened along the banks of the American River next to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery.

A big problem along the American River comes from people abandoning their cats. That’s led to a large feral population which the Department of Fish and Wildlife is trying to control humanely.

Michelle Lee admits she’s a cat lover, so when she saw large numbers of feral cats along the American River, she wanted to do something to help them. She contacted Animal Control and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and they agreed to work with her.

“Animal Control will use live capture traps, and what that allows us to do is it takes the animals out of here safely, spay or neuter them, and we often release them because after a certain period of time, they’re not adoptable,” Department of Fish and Wildlife Scientific Aide Jason Fareira said.

Lee set traps not just for the adult cats, but also kittens she believed could still be adoptable.

“What she’s doing is definitely helping the population stay at as low a number possible is what we’re after,” Fareira said.

But on Tuesday, when Lee came back to the river, she found all her traps gone, replaced with a sign that read, “All feral cats will be trapped, shot or poisoned. You like em, take em to your house. They have no place here.”

More at News10.net >>>

Fish, News from Other Watersheds, Salmon, Wildlife

Some Species In Delta Still At Risk From Water Diversion Tunnel Project

Despite a 34,000 page long environmental study, the California Department of Water Resources cannot say exactly what a massive water diversion and habitat restoration program will do to at least nine of fifty Northern California delta species.The irony is that the Sacramento/San Joaquin valley water restoration and conservation project was expected to help endangered species, according to a Dec. 18 Sacramento Bee article.

The giant water diversion project will cost $25 billion and will use three massive tunnels to divert water from the Sacramento River.

The Bay Delta Conservation Plan’s first complete draft was released to the public this week. It will be available for a 120 day public review, notice and comment period.

The environmental impact report was supposed to clear up any issues with affected species, like salmon, cranes, fish and more. There are actually 57 endangered species that might be affected.

The problem is with several “not determined” findings from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Marine Fisheries Service. These federal agencies are at odds with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife service, which finds a “less than significant” effect on the nine species.

The federal agencies say it is too early to make a final determination. The state appears to be in a rush for approval, but the only support for any conclusions comes from computer modeling.

In other words, until this unprecedented and massive habitat restoration and water diversion project is actually built and operating, no one knows for sure what will happen to individual species or their habitats.

More at Examiner.com >>>

Fish, News from Other Watersheds, Salmon, Water, Wildlife

In Other Watershed News: San Joaquin Valley Salmon Make Small Gains Against Tough Odds

With a flash of silver and pink, a male salmon signaled its arrival in a stretch of the Tuolumne River near La Grange.

It sought to fertilize eggs laid in the shallow stream bed gravel by a female that also had returned from a few years in the Pacific Ocean.

Chinook salmon spawning has been going on since September on San Joaquin Valley rivers. It’s a stirring sight for people who love nature, but important as well to farmers and other water users who could face cutbacks if the fish numbers stay low.

This year, at least, they are not doing too badly. Many of the spawning fish were born on the rivers in 2010 and 2011, when the water ran high, and they enjoyed healthy conditions at sea. They return to streams shrunken by drought, but well-timed reservoir releases have provided some of the flows they need.

“This is where they want to be,” said Gretchen Murphey, an environmental scientist for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, during an early December visit to the La Grange stretch. “This is the habitat they’re looking for.”

As of Monday, 3,607 salmon had passed through a fish-counting device on their way to the Tuolumne’s spawning stretch in the low foothills, up from 2,152 a year earlier, and just 255 in 2009.

More at ModBee.com >>>

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/2013/12/19/3097869/salmon-make-small-gains-against.html#storylink=cpy