American River Middle Fork Relicensing
April 13, 2010
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PCWA/MFP – RECREATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
PROPOSED MEASURES AND PLANS TO PROTECT, MITIGATE, OR ENHANCE
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES (PM&E MEASURES)
All proposals were selected based on having major impacts on the quality, aesthetics, protection, and safety of the
American River Canyon recreational experience. Additional project details for each line item will be provided as
needed.
A) TWO PROPOSED BRIDGES
These proposed bridges are needed for two key river crossings selected for their purpose in providing trail connectivity and
safety amongst unpredictable water flows.
1. Build a multi-use bridge spanning the river in the vicinity of the PCWA Pump Station on the North Fork of the
American River in Auburn, CA
Bridge re-establishes the connector routes and safe land crossing that existed until the diversion tunnel was
eliminated in 2005 and provides invaluable safety access to both sides of the river. Bridge to be removable in
order to address concerns that building a future Auburn Dam is pending.
A fordable crossing on the North fork of the American River near Oregon Bar, was evaluated on April 4, 2007
by a group of 3 equestrians and park personnel for feasibility of the average equestrian’s ability to safely ford
the river. The equestrians, with over 75 years of trail riding in the American River Canyons, were in unanimous
consensus, fording the river was unsafe for the average equestrian. Low flow then, was lower than the new
higher base flow rate under the new license.
2. Rebuild the Greenwood Bridge at the original bridge site
The original site of this bridge was upstream from the Rucky-Chuck crossing as Sliger Mine Road enters the
Middle Fork of the American River.
Bridges Commentary
The Greenwood and the Auburn- to- Cool bridges would also allow for emergency medical, fire, and law
enforcement in these areas. The two bridges would be a big addition to public safety 365 days a year in the
American River Canyons that are throughout the year always affected by river flows managed by the Hell Hole,
Ralston, French Meadows, and Ox Bow Reservoirs. The implementation of both the Greenwood and the
Auburn-to-Cool bridges would provide a valued return of cultural and economic benefits to the Public, the
surrounding communities, and region. The present infrastructures of roads and trails are in line to utilize the
bridges. These bridges would provide safe river crossings, void of the unpredictability flow level, and the
consideration that the new base flows will be higher under the new license than they are now. These bridges
would enhance and protect the vast connectivity of these unique recreational trails in the watershed of these
American River Canyons, as well as mitigate these losses that have occurred in the American River water
shed.
Suggested bridge type is the prefabricated weathering steel bow truss with wood deck. This one of the more
economical bridge options in the Feasibility Study done by State Park in June, 2007. This bridge offers multiple
assets that make it well worth its consideration. Maintenance is reduced with the long lasting durability of steel
and it doesn’t need to be painted. A wood deck is economical in comparison to other deck surfaces and is a
good surface for all users. Safe crossing by all users would be enhanced by a 5 ft. 4 inch above deck railing
height. It is prefabricated, giving it a future option of being able to be relocated if needed. The bridge would be
an aesthetically pleasing architectural landmark addition to the canyon with an arch bow truss structure.
Possible estimates of cost could be drawn from the State Park’s Feasibility Study done in 2007. Bridge photo
is attached.
American River Middle Fork Relicensing
April 13, 2010
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B) TRAILS CONSTRUCTION AND ENHANCEMENT PROPOSALS
Each of these proposed trail projects offer an opportunity for American River access and trail connectivity providing an
enriched recreational experience for all our local communities and thousands of visitors that come annually to enjoy our
diverse watershed.
Proposals numbered 1 to 5 include projects adjacent to the PCWA River access in the vicinity of the American River Pump
Station and PCWA Maidu drive buildings.
1. Maidu Drive Area: Re-establish Connector Trail
Provide a parallel trail along the road which extends from Maidu Drive, across from the current PCWA buildings
all the way to the Batch Plant Area (approximately 1 mile of trail). Currently metal cable guardrails block users
from using the shoulder of the road making the area unsafe for hikers and horses.
Maidu Drive Area: Provide Road Access from Cardiac Hill Trail
Re-establish connections to the road from the Cardiac Hill Trail to provide several loop trail options and exit
routes. Minimal cost as it only involves removing the steel cable in a couple of locations.
2. Re-establish Connector Trail from the Batch Plant to the rafting take-out at Coffer Dam
Provide a parallel trail along the road which extends from the Batch Plant Area to the rafting take-out at Coffer
Dam site (approximately 1 mile of trail). Metal cable guardrails were installed in 2005 and block users from
using the shoulder of the road making the area unsafe for hikers and horses.
3. Batch Plant to Oregon Bar: Parking Lot Modifications
Provide safe passage for hikers and equestrians around the new, paved parking lot built at the Batch Plant
area. Currently there is no way for horses to safely access the hiking and equestrian trail at the back of the
parking lot. Also provide dedicated parking spaces for horse trailers to access this area.
Batch Plant to Oregon Bar: Parallel Trail Needed
Provide a parallel trail along the road which extends the Batch Plant Area to the base of the Cardiac Bypass
trail (approximately 1 mile of trail). Currently metal cable guardrails block users from using the shoulder of the
road making the area unsafe for hikers and horses.
Batch Plant to Oregon Bar: Widen Trail
Widen the top of the trail heading out of rear of the Batch Plant Area parking lot to provide safe passage for
horses.
Batch Plant to Oregon Bar: Improve Trail Safety
The last 1/2 mile of trail leading down to Oregon Bar from the bottom of the Cardiac Bypass trail is unsafe for
equestrians to share with rafts carried up for take-out. There is an existing trail, locally known as Perry Hill,
above this road which would provide a re-route to the Cardiac Trail. Private property easements would be
needed.
Batch Plant to Oregon Bar: Re-establish Horse Water Source
Provide a water source for horses at the bottom of the Cardiac Bypass trail utilizing the existing stream.
4. Re-establish Connector Trail from Auburn Staging area
Re-establish the Auburn Staging Area to Coffer Dam connection via WST. Requires some new trail
construction where the prior trail (Approximately 1 mile) was paved over to create the current access road.
5. Trail Connection Needed on the El Dorado side of the canyon
The multi-use trails on the El Dorado side of the canyon in the vicinity of Coffer Dam just above the river consist
of a 2.6 mile trail and a 1.5 mile trail that connect to the Olmstead Loop. Reopen and connect the trails along
the river. Minimal cost mostly involves maintenance and signage as trails already exist.
6. Extend the Wendell T. Robie Trail in El Dorado County
Continuation of the Wendell T. Robie Trail from Canyon Creek in Auburn SRA to Dru Barner Park in
Georgetown for a total distance of approximately 10 miles potentially utilizing existing road easements .
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B) STAGING AREA PROPOSALS
Each of these proposed staging areas offer an opportunity for American River Canyon trail access and unlimited potential to
enjoy recreational experiences afforded by our beautiful watershed.
Some of these areas would be a consideration for a boy and girl scout camp. They are rich in possibilities to do interpretive
information, history, geology, native plants, native American culture, hydrology, and Audubon centered activities. Cherokee
Flat staging area in particular has Middle Fork of the American River access and a great potential to provide information to
enhance the public’s knowledge of the river canyons in an esthetic, and strategic location.
1. Maidu Drive area
Add additional parking across from the PCWA Maintenance center for horse trailers. This area was available
for parking for equestrians prior to paving it in 2005. Equestrians are currently forced to unsafely park and
unload their horses alongside the road.
2. Batch Plant area
Provide a designated area for equestrian parking in the Batch Plant parking lot. Minimal cost for redesign.
3. 3rd Gate in Cool
This staging area would be located in the vicinity of 3rd gate just outside of Auburn Lake Trails in Cool off Hwy
193 in El Dorado County. This is a critical location to provide public access to the watershed area and river
trails below the Auburn Lake Trails community.
4. Cherokee Flat
This proposed staging area is located at Cherokee Flat on the Middle Fork of the American River off Sliger
Mine Road in El Dorado County. This staging area is in the current Auburn SRA general plan. This area is an
opportunity to have a staging area across the American River from Driver’s Flat in Placer County and would
provide access to the trails in Georgetown.
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April 13, 2010
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Attachments:
Prefabricated weathering steel bow truss bridge with wood deck. Located off Folsom Blvd. near cross
street of Blue Ravine Rd. in Folsom.