Placer County Water AgencyPlacer County Water AgencyMiddle Fork American River ProjectMiddle Fork American River Project

(FERC No. 2079)(FERC No. 2079)

RecreationRecreationTechnical Working Group MeetingTechnical Working Group Meeting

May 29, 2008 May 29, 2008

Recreation Study Activities Recreation Study Activities Completed Since the Last TWGCompleted Since the Last TWG

One year of recreation vehicle counts concluded One year of recreation vehicle counts concluded on May 18, 2008on May 18, 2008

Recreation Visitor Surveys initiated on May 24, Recreation Visitor Surveys initiated on May 24, 2008 (Memorial Day weekend)2008 (Memorial Day weekend) Recreation visitor surveys will continue through Labor Day Recreation visitor surveys will continue through Labor Day

weekendweekend

Conducted three Focus Group SessionsConducted three Focus Group Sessions Whitewater BoatingWhitewater Boating Trail User/Stream CrossingTrail User/Stream Crossing AnglerAngler

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Focus GroupsFocus Groups

33

Conducted session on Monday evening, May 12, 2008

Session was attended by 13 people affiliated with the following activities: Horseback riding (7) Mountain biking (3) Hiking/Running (3)

Trail User/Stream Crossing Focus GroupTrail User/Stream Crossing Focus Group

44

Identified and discussed 8 potential stream crossings 1 stream crossing on the Rubicon River 4 stream crossings on the Middle Fork American River between

Oxbow Powerhouse and the Confluence 3 stream crossings on the North Fork American River between

the Confluence and Oregon Bar

The focus group did not identify any stream crossings on the following river reaches Middle Fork American River between French Meadows Reservoir

and Ralston Afterbay Duncan Creek Long Canyon

Trail User/Stream CrossingTrail User/Stream CrossingFocus Group SummaryFocus Group Summary

55

Nevada Point Trail Crossing Located on the Rubicon River, about 5 miles upstream of the

confluence of the Rubicon River and Long Canyon Creek Formerly a foot bridge that was washed out by high flow Bridge was located along the Nevada Point trail, which connects

Nevada Point Road on the northeast side of the river to Road 13N66 on the southwest side of the river

Rubicon RiverRubicon River

66

Middle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork American RiverOxbow PH to ConfluenceOxbow PH to Confluence

Ford’s Bar Located at RM 14 on the Middle Fork American River, at

the mouth of Otter Creek Formerly used as an equestrian crossing No longer regularly used by equestrians due to changes in

stream morphology Connects the Roanoke Trail on the south side of the river to

a private, gated road on the north side of the river

77

Middle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork American RiverOxbow PH to ConfluenceOxbow PH to Confluence

Ruck-a-Chucky Located at RM 9 on the Middle Fork American River Site of the old Greenwood Bridge Connects Drivers Flat Road (also the WST in this location) on

the north side of the river to Sliger Mine Road on the south side of the river

Crossing for Western States 100 Endurance Run Sometimes used by bikers Not currently used by equestrians due to boulders, rocky

substrate, and deep center channel

88

Middle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork American RiverOxbow PH to ConfluenceOxbow PH to Confluence

Poverty Bar Located at RM 6.5 on the Middle Fork American River Connects the American River Trail on the south side of the

river and the Western States and Butcher Ranch Road Trails on the north side of the river

Crossing for the Tevis Cup Endurance Ride Not used for the WS 100 Endurance Run Not used by bikers because mountain biking on the trails in

this area is prohibited

99

Middle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork American RiverOxbow PH to ConfluenceOxbow PH to Confluence

Mammoth Bar Located at RM3 on the Middle Fork American River Connects the Mammoth Bar OHV area trails on the north

side of the river and the Quarry Road Trail on the south side of the river

Formerly used by horseback riders as a crossing but no longer used due to the presence of OHV area

Bikers can use this crossing but it is not heavily used because bikers do not want to use the Quarry Trail

Potential alternative crossing during the Tevis Cup endurance ride

1010

North Fork American RiverNorth Fork American RiverConfluence to Oregon BarConfluence to Oregon Bar

No Hands Bridge Located on the North Fork American River, just downstream

of its confluence with the Middle Fork American River Existing Historic bridge Bridge is located on the Western States Trail

1111

North Fork American RiverNorth Fork American RiverConfluence to Oregon BarConfluence to Oregon Bar

Coffer Dam Located on the North Fork American River, adjacent to the

site of the old Auburn Coffer Dam Located along the Auburn to Cool Trail Previously used as a crossing when the river was routed

through the Coffer Dam tunnel This crossing can no longer be used now that the tunnel has

been closed and the water has been rerouted back into the river channel

The river banks were graded and armored with rip rap so the banks are now too steep for horses

1212

North Fork American RiverNorth Fork American RiverConfluence to Oregon BarConfluence to Oregon Bar

Oregon Bar Trail Crossing Located at RM 15.5 on the North Fork of the American River Connects the Pioneer Trail on the north side of the river an

unnamed trail on the south side of the river, which connects to the Olmstead Loop

Used by horseback riders year-round when flow is low enough

Hikers and runners don’t use this crossing Mountain biking is prohibited in this area

1313

Summary of Information Developed throughTrail User/Stream Crossing Focus Group and

Flow Studies Proposed by PCWA

Table Handout

1414

Ideas Identified by the Focus GroupIdeas Identified by the Focus Group

Reconstruct Nevada Point Crossing foot bridge Reconstruct the Greenwood Bridge at Ruck-a-

Chucky Create a crossing at the Coffer Dam site Install staff gages near crossings at Ruck-a-

Chucky, Poverty Bar and Oregon Bar Provide user-friendly flow information

1515

Conducted session on Wednesday evening, April 23, 2008

Session was attended by 10 people affiliated with the following activities: Private boaters (3) Commercial outfitters (4) Anglers (3)

Whitewater Boating Focus GroupWhitewater Boating Focus Group

1616

Identified and discussed 7 runs 2 runs on the Rubicon River 1 run on the Middle Fork American River between Middle Fork

Interbay and Ralston Afterbay 3 runs on the Middle Fork American River between Oxbow

Powerhouse and the Confluence 1 run on the North Fork American River between the Confluence

and Oregon Bar

None of the focus group participants had any experience on the following river reaches: Middle Fork American River between French Meadows Reservoir

and Middle Fork Interbay Duncan Creek Long Canyon

Whitewater Boating Whitewater Boating Focus Group SummaryFocus Group Summary

1717

Access Hike in put in located at RM 25 Take out at Ellicott Bridge or can continue to Ralston Afterbay Road access is often affected by snow when boatable flows are

present Description

4 mile run from RM 25 to Ellicott Bridge 24 mile run from RM 25 to Ralston Afterbay Class V Boated when Hell Hole Reservoir spills

Flow Estimates Minimum of 400 to 500 cfs, Maximum of 1,200 to 1,500 cfs

Safety Considerations Remote wilderness Lack of flow information

Upper Rubicon RiverUpper Rubicon River

1818

Access Put in located at Ellicott Bridge Take out at Ralston Afterbay Alternative take out located at confluence of Long Canyon Creek

and Rubicon River Road access to put in is often restricted by snow when boatable

flows are present Description

24 mile run from Ellicott Bridge to Ralston Afterbay Class V Considered an excellent 2-day wilderness run Typically boated when Hell Hole Reservoir spills

Flow Estimates Minimum of 400 to 600 cfs, Maximum of 1,200 to 2,000 cfs

Safety Considerations Remote wilderness Lack of flow information

Lower Rubicon RiverLower Rubicon River

1919

Access Put in located at the end of Middle Fork Interbay Road Take out located at the Ralston Picnic Area Car Top Boat Ramp Road access to put in is often restricted by snow when boatable flows

are present Description

9 mile run Class IV-V for kayaks (5-6 class V drops) Class V for small rafts (13-14 foot max) 2 day run with rafts, 1 day run with kayaks 8-10 portages for rafts, no mandatory portages for kayaks Considered a good bedrock, pool drop run for kayaks

Flow Estimates Minimum of 300 to 400 cfs, Maximum of 800 cfs for both kayaks and

rafts Safety Considerations

Remoteness Technical portages Lack of flow information

Middle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork Interbay to Ralston AfterbayMiddle Fork Interbay to Ralston Afterbay

2020

Access Put in located at Indian Bar Rafter Put-in (Oxbow PH) Take out at Ruck-a-Chucky Day Use Area (boat ramp) Alternative put-ins and take outs available

Description 15 mile run Class IV 1 mandatory portage at Ruck-a-Chucky rapid Primarily boated by commercial outfitters in summer and early

fall

Flow Estimates Minimum of 600 cfs, Maximum of 3,000 cfs for rafts and kayaks Fishing from boats occurs before flows increase

Middle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork American RiverOxbow Powerhouse to Ruck-a-ChuckyOxbow Powerhouse to Ruck-a-Chucky

2121

Safety Considerations Tunnel Chute and Ruck-a-Chucky rapids, especially for boaters

unfamiliar with river Conflicts with Other Users

Conflicts between State Parks and commercial boaters regarding regulations

Congestion at the Ruck-a-Chucky portage due to portaging during commercial trips

Conflicts between different user groups using Drivers Flat Road Conflicts between boaters and private property at Tunnel Chute Conflicts between anglers and boaters Conflicts with other users at Ruck-a-Chucky (drinking, dogs off

leash, shooting) Vandalism at Ruck-a-Chucky day use area

Middle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork American RiverOxbow Powerhouse to Ruck-a-Chucky Oxbow Powerhouse to Ruck-a-Chucky (continued)(continued)

2222

Access Put in located at Ruck-a-Chucky Day Use Area (boat ramp) Take out located at Mammoth Bar Alternative take out at Confluence, but requires portaging around

Murderer’s Bar

Description 7 mile run Class II+ Good run for novice boaters, family rafting, and instructional

boating

Flow Estimates Minimum of 800 cfs, Maximum of 1,200 cfs for kayaks and canoes Any flow is okay for more skilled boaters Flow releases from Oxbow PH typically arrive in the afternoon

Middle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork American RiverRuck-a-Chucky to Mammoth BarRuck-a-Chucky to Mammoth Bar

2323

Safety Considerations Potential hazard area just below Cherokee Bar, when flow is

low, Channel is constricted and boaters end up in trees on river right

Rebar and debris (old bridges, mining debris) Overrunning the take-out and ending up in Murderer’s Bar

Conflicts with Other Users Conflicts with other users at Mammoth Bar, especially during

OHV special events

Middle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork American RiverRuck-a-Chucky to Mammoth Bar Ruck-a-Chucky to Mammoth Bar (continued)(continued)

2424

Access Put in located at Mammoth Bar Take out located at Confluence (several options) Easy access and short run for people with limited time

Description 2.3 mile run Class II+, III- with one Class V rapid (Murderer’s Bar) Used in the past for instructional boating

Flow Estimates Minimum of 400 cfs , Maximum of 15,000+ cfs for all watercraft Flow releases from Oxbow PH arrive in the afternoon

Middle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork American RiverMammoth Bar to ConfluenceMammoth Bar to Confluence

2525

Safety Considerations Potential to be swept into Murderer’s Bar Rapid Portage around Murderer’s Bar Rapid is long and difficult

Conflicts with Other Users Conflicts with other users at Mammoth Bar, especially during

OHV special events

Middle Fork American RiverMiddle Fork American RiverMammoth Bar to Confluence Mammoth Bar to Confluence (continued)(continued)

2626

Access Put in at the Confluence (several options) Take out at Birdsall River Access in China Bar Recreation Area Alternative take out at Oregon Bar River Access in China Bar

Recreation Area Alternative take out at Rattlesnake Bar on Folsom Reservoir

Description 3.5 mile run to Birdsall River Access 5 mile run to Oregon Bar River Access Class II+, III- Potential for instructional boating, family rafting, inner tubing, park

and play river use Flow Estimates

Minimum of 300 cfs, Maximum of 15,000+ cfs for all watercraft 100 cfs minimum for inner tubes and kayaks Flow releases from Oxbow PH arrive in afternoon

North Fork American RiverNorth Fork American RiverConfluence to Oregon BarConfluence to Oregon Bar

2727

Safety Considerations Traffic and congestion at put-in Potentially the pump station at higher flows Debris at old Highway 49 Bridge Missing the take out at Oregon Bar River Access

Potential Conflicts Other river users (boogie boarders, inner tubers, etc.)

North Fork American RiverNorth Fork American RiverConfluence to Oregon Bar Confluence to Oregon Bar (continued)(continued)

2828

Summary of Information Developed through Whitewater Boating Focus Group and

Flow Studies Proposed by PCWA

Table Handout

2929

Ideas Identified by the Focus GroupIdeas Identified by the Focus Group

Construct a better portage around Murderer’s Bar Rapid

Construct a put-in below Murderer’s Bar Rapid Improve the put-in/take out at Ruck-a-Chucky

Day Use Area and at Mammoth Bar for disabled access

Provide better flow information that accounts for travel time from Oxbow Powerhouse

Change timing of flows so that flows are available at downstream locations earlier in the day

3030

Conducted session on Tuesday evening, May 20, 2008

Session was attended by 8 anglers

Angling Focus GroupAngling Focus Group

3131

Characterized fishing opportunities on the following rivers Long Canyon Duncan Creek Rubicon River Middle Fork American River, French Meadows Reservoir to

Middle Fork Interbay North Fork American River

The focus group did not have any experience regarding fishing on: Middle Fork American River between Middle Fork Interbay and

Ralston Afterbay

Angling Focus GroupAngling Focus GroupSummarySummary

3232

Duncan Creek Access

Robinson Flat Road to FR 96, which crosses Duncan Creek downstream of Duncan Creek Diversion Dam

Unpaved roads 96.52 provides access to Duncan Creek Diversion Dam area

Unpaved road 96.54 provides access to Duncan Creek about 4 miles downstream of diversion dam

Access is limited by snow during the winter and early spring

Characterization and Quality Mostly fly fishers Good fishing for brown trout in the fall Similar to Rubicon River but smaller fish

Flow-Related Effects on Fishing Spring fishery - Fishing success declines as flows recede and water

warms No problem fishing or wading under typical flow conditions

3333

Long Canyon Access

FR 2 and FR 22 provide paved access to confluence of North and South Fork Long Canyon

FR 23 and 13N65 provide access to Long Canyon at Ramsey Crossing

Trail access to Long Canyon from 13N65 14N25G and 13N66 provide 4WD road access to confluence of

Long Canyon and Rubicon River Access limited by snow during the winter and early spring

Characterization and Quality Spinning and fly fishing Predominantly rainbow trout

Flow-related Effects on Fishing Flow is adequate and fairly stable

Remains fishable as flows decrease through summer

3434

Rubicon RiverHell Hole to Ellicott Bridge

Access Accessible via Hunters Trail, Parsley Bar Trail, Deer Creek Trail,

South Fork Trail, and FR 2 at Ellicott Bridge Some trail segments are difficult to find or are not well

maintained Access is limited by snow during winter and early spring

Characterization and Quality Combination bank and wade fishing Generally more spinning and bait fishing near Ellicott bridge More fly fishing farther away from access point Predominantly rainbow trout Fish size has declined in the last 10-12 years Good opportunity for remote camping/fishing experience

3535

Rubicon RiverHell Hole to Ellicott Bridge (continued)

Flow-related Effects on Fishing Typical summer time flow is easy to fish Flows usually decrease to fishable levels by the time the area is

accessible Flow looks the same throughout the summer

3636

Rubicon RiverEllicott Bridge to Ralston Afterbay

Access Accessible via FR 2 at Ellicott Bridge, Slide Point Trail, Lawyer Trail,

Nevada Point Trail, 13N66 and 14N25G, and FR 23 upstream of Ralston Afterbay

Middle part of reach is inaccessible Access to and near Ellicott Bridge is limited by snow during winter and

early spring The lower portion of this reach can be accessed earlier in the season

due to lower elevations Characterization and Quality

Spin and fly fishing Combination bank and wade fishing Predominantly rainbow and brown trout Sometimes catch big suckers Generally more spinning and bait fishing near Ellicott bridge More fly fishing farther away from Ellicott bridge Fish size has declined since 1997 Good opportunity for remote camping/fishing experience

3737

Rubicon RiverEllicott Bridge to Ralston Afterbay (continued)

Flow-related Effects on Fishing Typical summer time flow is easy to fish Flows usually decrease to fishable levels by the time the area is

accessible Flow looks the same throughout the summer High spring flows can preclude ability to walk the stream bank or

cross the river

3838

Middle Fork American RiverFrench Meadows Dam to Middle Fork Interbay Access

Accessible via FR 96 and FR 22 at French Meadows Dam, Middle Fork Interbay Road

Middle part of reach is inaccessible Access is limited by snow during winter and early spring

Characterization and Quality Spin and fly fishing Have to wet wade to fish area below French Meadows Dam Predominantly brown trout

Flow-related Effects on Fishing High spring flows can preclude ability to wet wade the stream Must fish after high flows recede

3939

Middle Fork American RiverOxbow Powerhouse to Ruck-a-Chucky

Access Primary access is available at Indian Bar Rafter Put-in and at

Ruck-a-Chucky Day Use Area (Driver’s Flat Road) Additional access is available via various private and public

access roads and trails Mixture of public and private land limits access to some areas Long distance between public access points also limits access to

some areas Accessible year round

Characterization and Quality Spin, bait, and fly fishing Wade, boat and bank fishing Predominantly brown and rainbow trout, with brown trout

increasing downstream of Cache Rock Mandatory portage around Ruck-a-Chucky rapid limits use by

boat fisherman

4040

Middle Fork American RiverOxbow Powerhouse to Ruck-a-Chucky (continued)

Flow-related Effects on Fishing Fishing quality is good at high and low flows Fishing success declines as flow changes during ramping, and

for about an hour after ramping Potential to be stranded on opposite side of river due to increase

in flow

4141

Middle Fork and North Fork American RiverRuck-a-Chucky to Oregon Bar

Access Primary access is available at Ruck-a-Chucky Day Use Area

(Driver’s Flat Road), Mammoth Bar, Confluence area, and China Bar Day Use Area

Access to China Bar Day Use Area is limited to weekends Additional access is available via various public access roads

and trails Characterization and Quality

Spin, bait, and fly fishing Wade, boat and bank fishing Predominantly brown trout More variety of fish compared to upstream reach Fewer trout compared to upstream reach but good brown trout

fishing in the fall “Not great fishing” but proximity to town provides nearby angling

opportunities

4242

Middle Fork and North Fork American RiverRuck-a-Chucky to Oregon Bar (continued)

Flow-related Effects on Fishing Fishing quality is good at high and low flows Can fish at fairly low flows in this reach Fishing success declines as flow changes during ramping, and

for about an hour after ramping Potential to be stranded on opposite side of river due to increase

in flow

4343

Ideas Identified by the Focus Group

Plow road to Ellicott Bridge to provide earlier access to Rubicon River

Provide toilet at Ellicott Bridge Improve trail signage Construct a better portage around Murderer’s

Bar Rapid Provide better flow information that accounts for

travel time from Oxbow PH Modify ramping schedule to improve angling

4444

Summary of Information Developed through Angler Focus Group

Table

4545

Angler Flow Studies

Recommendation Address flow-related issues by analyzing ramping conditions in

peaking reach Rationale

Bypass Reaches Focus group reported that fishing quality is good at flows that are

present when area is accessible Peaking Reach

Focus group reported that fishing quality is good at all flow levels in the peaking reach

Flow-related effects on fishing is associated with ramping in the peaking reach (during ramping and for about 1 hour after)

Proposed Approach Characterize frequency, timing and duration of ramping in the

peaking reach under current Project operations