Uncategorized

Folsom Lake Boaters: Inspections, 30-day Quarantines Ahead

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New Boating Regulations at Folsom Lake to Prevent Golden Mussel Infestation

Starting April 14, 2025, California State Parks, in collaboration with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, will implement mandatory boat inspections and a 30-day quarantine for all trailered or motorized vessels at Folsom Lake. This measure aims to prevent the spread of the invasive golden mussel, recently detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Golden mussels pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems, water infrastructure, and recreational activities. They can disrupt local habitats, clog water delivery systems, and damage boats by attaching to hulls and engines.

Inspection and Quarantine Process:

  1. Inspection: All trailered or motorized boats must undergo an inspection at designated sites.
  2. Quarantine Seal: Upon passing inspection, boats will receive a red quarantine seal, securing the vessel to its trailer. The boat must remain out of the water for 30 days with the seal intact.
  3. Launching: After completing the 30-day quarantine, and if the seal remains unbroken, boats are permitted to launch starting May 14, 2025.

Boaters who wish to continue accessing the lake without undergoing repeated quarantines can have their vessel resealed upon exiting. As long as this seal remains unbroken, they will be exempt from future quarantine periods.

Non-motorized, hand-launched watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and rowboats are exempt from these requirements. Similarly, boats equipped with electric trolling motors, like certain fishing kayaks, are not subject to inspection and quarantine.

Lake Natoma will continue to allow only hand-launched boats, prohibiting trailered vessels. The existing 5 mph speed limit for motorized watercraft on Lake Natoma remains in effect. All boats must arrive clean, drained, and dry to prevent the introduction of invasive species.

These proactive measures are designed to protect Folsom Lake’s ecosystem and infrastructure from the detrimental effects of golden mussel infestations. Boaters are encouraged to comply with the new regulations to help preserve the lake’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Boating, Fish, Rafting, Salmon, Uncategorized, Water, Wildlife

Live Salmon Cam Proposed for American River Parkway

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Sacramento County is considering the installation of a permanent live-streaming camera along the American River Parkway to observe Chinook salmon during their spawning journey.

The initiative, led by Alan Friedman, aims to provide the public with real-time views of the salmon as they swim upstream from the Pacific Ocean.

County park commissioners have approved the concept, and a pilot project is set to launch at Sailor Bar in Fair Oaks. The camera’s advanced zoom capabilities will offer detailed imagery of the salmon and other local wildlife, enhancing public engagement and awareness of the region’s natural ecosystems.

Boating, Fish, History, News from Other Watersheds, Rafting, Water, Weather, Wildlife

The Sierra Has Had Three Consecutive Years Of Average Or Above-Average Snow

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​California’s Sierra Nevada snowpack reached 96% of the average by April 1, 2025, marking the third consecutive year of near or above-average levels—a pattern not observed since 1998-2000. This development follows a dry start to the year, with late-season storms in February and March significantly boosting snow accumulation. As a result, the state’s major reservoirs are at 117% of average capacity, ensuring robust water supplies.

Events, Invasive Species, safety, Wildlife

American River Earth Day CleanupSaturday, April 12th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

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Join PARC, the Canyon Keepers, the Auburn State Recreation Area and your river friends for the American River Cleanup and enrichment activities, at the American River Confluence on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

This year’s Cleanup will include invasive weed removal at the Confluence and along popular Confluence trails.

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

California’s Salmon Strategy: Progress and Promise

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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has released an important progress report on the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, outlining the state’s ongoing efforts to restore and protect salmon populations across California’s waterways.

A Critical Time for Salmon

Salmon populations are facing immense challenges due to climate change, drought, habitat loss, and human-made disruptions. Healthy salmon runs are vital not only for California’s ecosystems but also for the fishing industry, recreational economies, and the cultural traditions of Native American tribes. The 2024 Salmon Strategy laid out a bold plan to restore and rebuild salmon populations, and this latest progress report highlights the measurable steps being taken to achieve these goals.

Progress at a Glance

The report provides an update on 71 action items designed to improve salmon migration, enhance spawning and hatchery operations, expand habitat restoration, and secure reliable water flows. Encouragingly:

  • 67% of projects are actively in development
  • 26% of action items have already been completed
  • Only 7% remain in early planning stages

This demonstrates a strong commitment by state agencies, tribal partners, and environmental groups to ensuring salmon populations remain resilient for generations to come.

Key Accomplishments in Salmon Conservation

Several major milestones have been reached over the past year, making significant strides in salmon recovery:

  • Removing Outdated Dams – The removal of the Klamath River dams has restored natural river flow and allowed fall-run Chinook salmon to return to long-lost spawning grounds.
  • Improving Salmon Migration – The Big Notch Project in Yolo County, spearheaded by the Department of Water Resources (DWR), is helping salmon navigate key migratory routes, improving their access to critical habitat.
  • Building Healthy Habitats – The Salmon Habitat Restoration Prioritization Initiative (SHaRP) has received over $30 million in funding for habitat restoration projects, including floodplain improvements, riparian restoration, and spawning habitat enhancements. Projects like Lookout Slough Tidal Habitat Restoration are already adding thousands of acres of beneficial salmon habitat.
  • Ensuring Healthy Water Flows – Scientists are developing new models to establish minimum flow requirements for the Scott and Shasta Rivers, setting a precedent for similar protections across the state.
  • Innovative Salmon Tracking – The implementation of Parental-Based Tagging uses DNA technology to more accurately track and monitor salmon populations, ensuring better management and conservation strategies.

The Road Ahead

“California salmon are vital to our environment, economy, and heritage,” said California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “While we’ve made significant progress, there is still much work ahead to secure thriving salmon populations.”

The commitment to restoring salmon runs remains stronger than ever. With continued collaboration, investment, and scientific innovation, California is proving that a hotter, drier future does not have to mean a future without salmon.

Get Involved!
Protecting salmon requires community action and advocacy. Whether it’s supporting local restoration projects, engaging in conservation efforts, or staying informed, every effort helps ensure that salmon populations continue to recover and thrive.

Together, we can ensure a future where salmon remain a vital part of California’s waterways.

Download Report >>

safety, Traffic

Heads Up: Temporary Highway 49 Closure Near the American River

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If you’re planning a trip to the American River or the surrounding watersheds this Tuesday, be aware of a major highway closure that could impact your drive. Highway 49 will be closed for several hours between Lincoln Way and Borland Avenue in Auburn down to the El Dorado County line while crews complete important repair work.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will be working on power lines that cross the American River Canyon, and Caltrans has announced the closure will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drivers should plan ahead, explore alternate routes, and expect some delays if traveling in the area.

While this may be a temporary inconvenience, maintaining infrastructure near the river ensures a safer experience for all who visit and appreciate this beautiful region. Stay safe, plan accordingly, and we’ll see you out on the water soon!

Bike Trail, Boating, safety, Water, Weather

Planned Water Deliveries Increases Following Recent Storms

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On Feb. 25, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that recent storms have allowed for another increase to the State Water Project (SWP) allocation forecast for 2025.

The allocation has increased to 35 percent of requested water supplies, up from 20 percent in January based on increases in precipitation, snowpack and reservoir storage. The State Water Project provides water to 29 public water agencies that serve 27-million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland across the state.

The latest allocation forecast takes into account precipitation and snowpack conditions up to Feb. 10, prior to a cold storm that brought welcome snow to the Sierra. That snowpack will be included in future water supply calculations, along with any forecasted dry conditions ahead.

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At American River Wildlife, we’re all about celebrating the untamed beauty and vibrant ecosystem of the American River and its surrounding parkways.