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Sacramento River National Conservation Area (SRNCA)HistoryThrough a four-year process of meetings and other activities (1989-1992), the public impressed upon the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) the desire to consolidate and protect public lands in areas with unusual or imperiled biological resources and with outstanding recreational opportunities. The Sacramento River Management Area (SRMA) was a part of this process that was concluded in 1993 with the adoption of the Redding Resource Management Plan. Specific recommendations were made "based on public demand" to explore designation of portions of the river and select tributaries for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System as well as designation of a large portion of the SRMA as a National Conservation Area. Recent Activity
LegislationCalifornia Wild Heritage Act of 2002 (S.2535) (107th Congress 2001/2002) “To designate certain public lands as wilderness and certain rivers as wild and scenic rivers in the State of California, to designate Salmon Restoration Areas, to establish the Sacramento River National Conservation Area and Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and for other purposes.” Though the bill was not able to be brought up for a vote before Congress adjourned in 2002, a similar bill will be introduced in 2003, that should not affect the proposed SRNCA. Current Status: Legislation Revised and ReintroducedNew legislation will be introduced in 2003 that includes the SRNCA. We will keep you posted of all changes as they occur. What is the SRNCA?The proposed SRNCA is located in Tehama & Shasta counties, between Red Bluff and Redding, and is easily accessible via Interstate 5. It is home to some of the last intact riparian (riverside) habitat in California. The area boasts stunning spring wildflower displays and oak studded woodlands year-round, and is a great place to canoe, hike, fish, bike, birdwatch or just admire the scenery. It is also a major spawning area for anadromous fish, including endangered winter and spring-run chinook salmon. Size and LengthThe proposed SRNCA would encompass up to 40,000 acres of land including 25 miles of the Sacramento River from Red Bluff (River Mile 250) to Balls Ferry (River Mile 276), and significant portions of Battle and lower Paynes Creek. The region currently includes approximately 17,000 acres of public land that is currently managed by the BLM, Redding Office, as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). Any land within the 40,000 acre boundary acquired by the BLM through willing sellers would automatically become part of the SRNCA. View Atlas (aerial photography) of the SRNCA1999 Sacramento River Atlas, Red Bluff to Keswick Dam (Department of Water Resources) View approximate boundaries of the SRNCASRNCA Definition of Boundaries Map (Bureau of Land Management) DescriptionExceptional low elevation recreational values, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Critical habitat for winter run chinook salmon, spring run chinook salmon and winter steelhead. Also supports a trophy trout fishery. High quality riparian habitat suitable for a diversity of wildlife species, including the yellow-billed cuckoo, Swainson's hawk, bank swallow, valley elderberry longhorn beetle, as well as Southern bald eagle and osprey. Important Native American cultural values. Approximately 30 percent of the state's drinking water flows through this segment of the Sacramento River. Who would manage the SRNCA? The Bureau of Land Management, Redding Office. View photographs of the SRNCA and learn more about the BLMSRNCA photographs and Bureau of Land Management |
California Senator Barbara Boxer introduced legislation (S.2535) in May of 2002 that holds the promise of protecting the most diverse and accessible wilderness and wild rivers ever considered for the golden state. Friends of the River has been at the forefront of the efforts leading up to this historic piece of legislation. Called the "California Wild Heritage Act of 2002," this measure contains more miles of California wild and scenic rivers in it than any other bill ever introduced.