Salmon Restoration and Proposed wilderness Areas · • Whitewater rafting is a popular...

Klamath Trinity Watershed

Salmon Restoration and Proposed wilderness Areas

Klamath - Trinity Watershed

Salmon Restoration and Proposed Wilderness Areas

The Klamath�Trinity Basin once known for its great salmon fisheries is now in danger of loosing the native salmon. The salmon need both water and good spawning grounds for their protection and preservation. Within the Klamath Trinity basin there are seven Proposed Wilderness Areas and three Proposed Salmon Restoration Areas These ten areas are some of the most ecologically valuable areas in California comprising a large part of the regional reserve system of the Klamath-Siskiyou Ecoregion. This region has received global recognition for its wide spectrum of biological diversity. These areas include 285 miles of native salmon habitat and are crucial to the survival of the native salmon. These roadless areas have large tracts of old growth forests and range in elevation from 479 feet to 7451 feet. The Proposed Wilderness and Salmon Restoration Areas provide critical habitat for many sensitive, threatened or endangered species of plants and animals. The connectivity of these areas helps provide a migration corridor between the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness area in Mendicino County and the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in Southern Oregon. The Klamath�Trinity basin was historically supported by timber and gold. Its economic base has been depleted by intensive resource extraction. Local residents and businesses are diversifying their economy, using these Proposed Wilderness and Salmon Restoration areas to encourage tourism and recreational businesses. The many rivers, hiking and pack trails found within these areas offer access to the outstanding recreational opportunities offered by the mountains, rivers, and forests. These Salmon Restoration and Proposed Wilderness areas provide the critical spawning habitat that the salmon need to sustain themselves which in turn sustains the commercial and tribal fishermen which rely upon them for their lively hoods. The protection of these areas will insure the ecological integrity and economic diversity of the Klamath�Trinity watershed.

Description

Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel

Proposed Wilderness Additions

Information

Management Agency Redding BLM, Arcata BLM, Six Rivers NF, Mendocino NF, and

Shasta-Trinity NF.

Location 10 miles northeast of Covelo in Mendocino, Tehama and Trinity

counties.

Size Approximately 40,550 acres.

Summary

www.californiawild.org

• The Middle Fork Eel River hosts between 30-50% of the state’s summer-run steelhead trout population.

• Old growth forests offer outstanding opportunities for solitude and abundant wildlife.

The proposed additions are lower elevation landscapes dominated by outstanding ancient forests, meadows, oak woodlands, and spectacular river canyons formed by the Middle Fork Eel and East Fork South Fork Trinity. This proposed additions contains the densest concentration of northern spotted owl nest sites in the entire 900,000-acre Mendocino National Forest. Howellia, an aquatic plant many feared was extinct, was discovered here by botanists in the 1990s. Other rare plants include Snow Moun-tain willowherb, scabrid raillardella, Anthony Peak lupine, Stebbins' lewisia, and Snow Mountain buckwheat. Bald eagle, marten, and goshawk are also known to live in the area. There are over 18 miles of streams that host salmon and steelhead habitat which includes one-third to one-half of California’s entire remaining summer-run steel-head trout population. The Yolla Bolly Wilderness and its additions contain the head-waters of the South Fork Trinity River, known for its native salmon population and recreational opportunities. A striking feature of this potential addition is the deep canyon formed by the East Fork of the South Fork of the Trinity River which provides spawning beds and cold water, essential for both salmon and steelhead reproduction. A forest of old growth fir surrounds the wet meadows and springs of Murphy Glade. Elderberries are common in the area, which local people harvest for wine and herbal medicines. Trails that pass through this area lead to high peaks and beautiful lakes located just inside the exist-ing wilderness area. Spectacular views are also available from within this proposed wilderness addition.

David Rose

South Fork Trinity River Land Conservancy

P.O. Box 36 Mad River Cal. 95552

707-574-1077 [email protected] http://wriver.mystarband.net

-or-

Ryan Henson California Wilderness Coalition

P.O. Box 293 Shingletown, CA 96088 Phone: 530-474-4808

E-mail: [email protected] www.calwild.org

Description

Chinquapin

Salmon Restoration Area

Information

Management Agency Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Location Trinity County near the town of Forest Glen and south of

Highway 36.

Size Approximately 24,267 acres. 23.6 miles of potential W&S

River.

Summary


• The second-largest unprotected ancient forest in northern Califor-nia.

• The Wild and Scenic South Fork Trinity River bisects the area pro-viding important salmon spawning grounds.

The Chinquapin Salmon Restoration area is bisected by the South Fork Trinity River, one of the last dam-free major rivers in California. Outstanding recreational opportuni-ties are provided by this 22-mile stretch of river, including white-water rafting in the spring. Put in and take out points just above and below this potential wilderness facili-tate this activity. The quiet and languid river of summer offers many visitors the chance to play and relax. The Forest Service has recommended adding this segment of the upper South Fork Trinity to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to pro-tect its fishery and exceptional scenery.

The old growth forest of this area presents some of the largest chinquapin, fir and pine to be found anywhere within the watershed. With its sparse undergrowth and thick-barked trees, the forest is naturally protected from the detrimental effects of fire. These old-growth forests provide critical habitat to both bald and golden eagles, as well as spotted owls. The endangered pacific salamander and red-legged frog also find refuge here. The abundance of blacktail deer makes the area popular with hunt-ers. The popular South Fork Trinity National Recreation Trail also passes through the area giving hunters, hikers and equestrians alike access the area. A significant portion of the Chinquapin Salmon Restoration area is located on South Fork Mountain, which provides critical habitat and a migration corridor for wildlife, helping to link the Yolla Bolly Wilderness with the Kalmiopsis Wilderness of Southern Oregon.

David Rose




-or-




Description

Pattison


Information


Location Trinity County within the South Fork Trinity River Watershed, near the town of Hyampom,

along Hayfork Creek.


14 Miles of potential W&S River

Summary


• Hayfork Creek, the major tributary of the South Fork Trinity River flows through the area providing 32 miles of prime spawning habi-tat for both spring and fall runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead. provides excellent salmon and steelhead trout

habitat.

• Old growth forests, mountain lions, and black bear represent some of the outstanding characteristics of the area.

Close to the confluence of South Fork Trinity River and Hayfork Creek, the Pattison is an area popular with both hikers and equestrians. The young visi-tors to Camp Trinity, which is adjacent to the area, frequent its many trails and often camp and swim here. Camp Trinity also has an equestrian program that makes use of the trails of the Pattison. Hayfork Bally and Pattison Peak may be climbed by the adventurous and provide fine views of the surround-ing area.

Fishing for trout is a popular pastime in the area’s creeks and Hayfork Creek hosts both salmon and steelhead fisheries. Whitewater enthusiasts find this to be a great place to raft and kayak. The U. S. Forest Service has recom-mended this section of Hayfork Creek for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system to protect its fishery and exceptional scenery.

Old growth conifer forest is found within the Pattison potential wilderness, as are hardwood species such as madrone, oak and maple.

David Rose




-or-




Description

South Fork Trinity


Information


Location Trinity County within the South Fork Trinity River

Watershed, near the town of Mad River in-between Hwy. 36

and Hwy. 299.


Summary


• Prime Spawning grounds for salmon and steelhead.

• Whitewater rafting is a popular recreational activity.

In the South Fork Salmon Restoration area there are over 26 miles of prime salmon spawning habitat. The South Fork Trinity River winds its way through lower elevation hardwoods that include madrone, maple, chinquapins and oak. Further up the slopes, old growth forests composed of fir and cedar are found. These forests provide habitat for large mammals such as mountain lion and their frequent prey, the columbian blacktail deer. Black bear are also abundant in these mountains. Occasionally, one may observe the endangered spotted owl, as well as goshawks, falcons and bald ea-gles. Along the river, red-legged frogs and pacific salamander, both threatened species, may be found along with other river dwellers such as the river otter. A designated Wild section of the South Fork Trinity River lies within the area and provides some of the best spawning grounds on the river for salmon and steelhead. Plummer Creek, a major tributary of the South Fork of the Trinity River, hosts a native steelhead run and provides the Trinity with a valuable source of cool water. Recreational opportuni-ties are abundant, as the river provides white-water rafters and boaters with challeng-ing spring runs and the swimmer refreshing pools for swimming. Trails give the hiker access to some of California’s most scenic areas. Portions of this potential wilderness burned in 1987 and were subsequently threat-ened with salvage logging. Many of those trees marked for removal are now healthy. Other portions that experienced more intensive burning are also recovering.

David Rose




-or-




Description

Underwood

Proposed Wilderness

Information

Management Agency Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers

National Forests.

Location Trinity and Humboldt Counties

between the towns of Hyampom and Salyer, along the South Fork Trinity River


Summary


• Coho and Chinook salmon spawn in the Underwood section of the Wild and Scenic South Fork Trinity River.

• Noted for its outstanding spring wildflower displays. The Underwood proposed wilderness is located along the Wild and Scenic South Fork of the Trinity River. With 8 miles of prime salmon spawning habi-tat, the Underwood proposed wilderness hosts a fall run of Chinook salmon as well as a run of Coho salmon. Fishing is allowed in this section of the river and attracts many fishermen. The river has created a steep canyon, which occupies much of the area. Recreational opportunities abound in this pro-posed wilderness, with rafting and boating in the spring, followed by swim-ming in the many pools during the summer. One can often see salmon and steelhead holding in these same pools in the summer and spawning in the fall. For some 10 miles, a major trail winds through the steep and rugged terrain above the river. This trail is popular with hunters and hikers, and is used for river access by fishermen. South Fork Mountain, which forms the approxi-mate western boundary to the unit, is notable for being the longest ridge found in the western hemisphere. It provides important habitat for mountain lion and bear, as well as raptors such as eagle and osprey. Along the river, both otter and mink are found. Native Americans lived along the river and enjoyed the once abundant steelhead and salmon runs.

David Rose




-or-




Description

Trinity Alps


Information

Management Agency Klamath National Forest.

Location

In Humboldt and Trinity counties, clustered around the existing Trinity Alps Wilderness.

Size

Approximately 10,600 acres.

Summary


• The New River hosts almost 25% of California’s remaining summer-run steelhead trout population and the greatest amount of occupied salmon habitat of all of California’s proposed wilderness areas.

• Hosts the third largest swath of unprotected old-growth in Northern Cali-fornia.

The Trinity Alps Proposed Wilderness Additions supply important connectivity between the Trinity Alps Wilderness and the Marble Mountain and Russian Wilderness Areas. This area provides 63 miles of salmon habitat having the greatest amount of occupied salmonoid habitat of all the proposed wilderness areas in California.

The proposed additions are composed of rugged, heavily forested mid to low eleva-tion country that would compliment the adjacent highlands of the Trinity Alps Wilder-ness if protected. According to government maps of ancient forest habitat, the addi-tions contain the third largest swath of unprotected old-growth in northern California. The New River and Tish Tang a Tang, Horse Linto, Red Cap, Butler, and Somes creeks provide cold, clear water essential for the survival of endangered steelhead trout and Coho and Chinook salmon populations. Large boulders and abundant small waterfalls grace many of these streams, and the fish can often be seen leaping up the rapids to spawn. The New River water-shed is well known for its purity, even during fierce rainstorms. The proposed additions are an extremely important refuge for unique and endangered species, including nine rare plants. Scientists assert that the area provides a critical bridge of habitat for wildlife migrating between the existing wilderness and nearby wild lands. The region is used extensively by local Native Americans for spiritual and other cultural purposes. The proposed additions are some of the most isolated and undisturbed wild lands in California, and represent an exquisite ecological treasure.

David Rose




-or-




Description

Siskiyou


Information

Management Agency Six Rivers and Klamath

National Forests.

Location 22 miles west of Crescent City in Siskiyou, Humboldt and Del

Norte Counties.


Summary


• The South Kelsey National Recreation Trail, Dillon Creek Trail and the Forks of Blue Trail cross the area.

• The rare Humboldt marten, a creature feared was extinct, was found in the region. The reclusive wolverine has also been ob-served.

The Siskiyou proposed wilderness additions are among California’s wildest, most remote lands. If Bigfoot really exists, then it surely spends time in the Siskiyou. The immense diversity of plants and animals in the proposed addi-tions and adjacent wilderness set it apart from most other California wild ar-eas. Unusual soils, great rises and drops in elevation, and plenty of water all combine to offer a refuge for literally thousands of life-forms, many of which are found nowhere else on earth.

Ancient forests consist of an amazing fourteen species of conifers, the second greatest conifer diversity in the world. The rare Humboldt marten, a creature many feared extinct, has been found in the area. The extremely rare wolver-ine has also been observed. Chinook and coho salmon and steelhead trout ply the region’s many streams, especially Blue, Dillon, and Clear creeks. Eighteen rare plants have been identified in the area by the Forest Service. Other species include northern spotted owl, fisher, mink, bald eagle, Roose-velt elk, and goshawk. The additions contain the South Kelsey National Rec-reation Trail, Dillon Creek Trail, and the Forks of Blue Trail that one hiking guide described as, “One of the wildest, loveliest and loneliest of all the Siskiyou trails.”

Ryan Henson

California Wilderness Coalition

P.O. Box 293 Shingletown, CA 96088

Phone: 530-474-4808

e-mail: [email protected]

Description

Red Butte

Proposed Wilderness

Information

Management Agency Klamath and Rogue River

National Forests.

Location Eight miles northeast of the

community of Happy Camp in Siskiyou County.

Size

51,600 acres.

Summary


• The Siskiyou Crest has been described as having the largest num-

ber of native plant species of any region in California.

• Popular routes include almost 27 miles of the famous Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, and the Boundary National Recreation Trail.

The potential additions are characterized by high-elevation meadows along the Siskiyou Crest (the divide between the Klamath and Rogue River water-sheds), ancient forest of amazing beauty and diversity, and pristine streams. Several popular routes access the region, including almost 27 miles of the famous Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, and the Boundary National Recrea-tion Trail. The crest is not only a popular migratory route for humans seeking a retreat from civilization, but for many rare species as well. The proposed additions feature rare plants, including Baker cypress, Port Orford cedar, and the only known California population of American sawwort. The Siskiyou Crest has been described by scientists as having the largest number of native plant species of any region in California. One 200-acre study area was found to contain nearly 300 plant species. The Siskiyou Crest is also known for its great diversity of insects, especially butterflies, some of which occur only here and nowhere else in the world.

Ryan Henson



Phone: 530-474-4808


Description

Marble Mountain


Information


Location

On the borders of the Marble Mountain Wilderness in

Siskiyou County.


Summary


• The famous Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and the South Kelsey National Recreation Trail pass through the area.

• Features a profusion of rare and unusual plant and animal species. From deep canyons to towering peaks, this wild land is one of the more beautiful and remote areas in California. In a region where the higher eleva-tions are protected as wilderness, the proposed additions provide a critical habitat link between protected areas. Its vast ancient forests, meadows, and other habitats are a haven for a host of sensitive plant and animal species. The proposed additions shelter many nearly pristine streams, including Grider Creek, Ukonom Creek, the Left Hand Fork of the Salmon River, King Creek, the North Fork Salmon River and other streams that support steelhead trout, coho salmon, and chinook salmon. Even streams that do not themselves sup-port populations of these endangered fish nevertheless help to support popu-lations in the Klamath River by providing the cold, clear water they need to survive. Evidence of Native American habitation and continuing use of the proposed additions is quite evident, as are signs of the gold rush that swept through the region in the nineteenth century. The famous Pacific Crest National Sce-nic Trail and the historic South Kelsey National Recreation Trail both traverse the proposed additions.

Ryan Henson



Phone: 530-474-4808


Description

Russian


Information


Location

Between the Trinity Alps and Marble Mountain wilderness

areas, west of the town of Etna in Siskiyou County.

Size

Approximately 19,360 acres.

Summary


• The area contains the greatest diversity of cone-bearing trees on earth.

• Scenic lakes and meadows to explore. The proposed additions are a beautiful land of ancient forests, glacier-carved lakes, meadows, and crystal-clear streams. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail bisects the area from north to south and provides visitors access to some of the region’s most outstanding viewpoints. The proposed additions and the adjacent wilderness have the greatest diversity of cone-bearing trees on the planet, including an amazing 17 species in one square-mile (1-3 spe-cies is far more common). Unique trees include the Alaska Yellow cedar, Noble fir, Engelman Spruce, Port Orford cedar, and the Brewers spruce, also known as the “weeping spruce” because of its elegantly drooping branches. This conifer diversity is matched by incredible diversity among their smaller kin: nearly 400 species of plants were identified in the Sugar Creek drainage alone. Watersheds of similar size elsewhere usually do not contain even half as many species. Other rare and unique species include subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, Brewer’s spruce, Port Orford cedar, angelica, clustered lady’s slipper, Howell’s draba, timber blue grass, Engelmann’s lomatium, peregrine falcon, wolver-ine, northern spotted owl, goshawk, bald eagle, Roosevelt elk, marten, and fisher. If this diversity is not enough to thrill visitors, there are always the dozens of wonderful lakes to explore.

Ryan Henson



Phone: 530-474-4808


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