Englebright Dam

The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), American Rivers and the Yuba County Water Agency (YCWA) sent a joint letter to US Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and Congressman John Garamendi to support a proposed $100,000 fish passage study at Englebright Dam.

The letter urges the federal legislators to preserve President Obama’s budget recommendation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reconnaissance study of “Yuba River Fish Passage.”  The Obama Administration unsuccessfully supported this recommendation in fiscal years 2012 and 2013. The three letter co-signers are optimistic that with the support of our local Congressional representatives the recommendation for the $100,000 study will be approved this time around.

The reconnaissance study is a necessary next step, the letter argues, “in developing contemporary and credible information regarding the evaluation of responsible alternatives to improve passage at Daguerre, which has fish ladders, and to further evaluate passage options at Englebright, which does not have fish ladders. Completion of the study, which is a prerequisite for a more comprehensive feasibility investigation, will provide options to benefit Chinook salmon, steelhead and green sturgeon, all listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.  In support of this effort, the Yuba County Water Agency is willing to serve as the non-federal sponsor and cost-share the feasibility investigation, subject to the consideration and approval of its Board of Directors.”

“The Army Corps has told us that they want to help protect Yuba salmon but they always say that without Congressional authority and funding that their hands are tied from taking action,” said Caleb Dardick, SYRCL’s executive director. “We are looking to Congress to give the Army Corps the resources they need to do the right thing now.”

According to the Appeal-Democrat , Representative Garamendi said he will support the funding allocation. The study is needed because “the ongoing controversy on the river has to be based on good science. It is the beginning of a process that hopefully leads to a solution to the lawsuit,” he is quoted as saying.

The Appeal-Democrat also references a statement from Curt Aikens, Yuba County Water Agency general manager, that said, “While there has been a lot controversy over the Yuba River, we see this study as a very responsible and constructive step.”

SYRCL Board vice president and California Director of American Rivers Steve Rothert said, “It is clear from the Corps’ request for funding, and SYRCL, YCWA and American Rivers’ support that it is possible to collaborate for Yuba salmon even in the midst of litigation.   Now it’s up to Congress to make it happen.”

The South Yuba River Citizens League is proud to announce its 2013 Wild & Scenic Arts & Lectures Series.  Our second season of innovative and inspiring speakers aims to engage you with the natural world  and encourage thinking about what it means to live more sustainably on this planet. Mark your calendars for these two amazing speakers and join us.

May 15, 7pm: Doug Ammons presents Riverscapes: Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad Street, Nevada City, CA

Expedition kayaker and PhD psychologist Dr. Doug Ammons shares a multi-media presentation “Riverscapes,” exploring how river shape both the land and the human cultures that live along them. In 2010, Ammons was named by Outside Magazine as “one of the top ten game changers in adventure since 1900” for his pioneering whitewater kayaking expeditions. He weaves together his knowledge of adventure and psychology for an evening of inspirational ideas about how cultural beliefs reflect the physical world. Join us in a talk about the science and psychology of striking landscapes shaped into a sacred universe.

Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad Street Nevada City, CA.
$17 general  |  $15 SYRCL Members  |  $10 student
Tickets available online or at the SYRCL office, 216 Main Street Nevada City, CA.  Call or email Melinda Booth for more information (530) 265-5961 x202.

November 14, 7pm: Dan Flores

Dan Flores has held the A. B. Hammond Chair in Western History at the University of Montana since 1992.  His specialty is the environmental and cultural history of the American West.  He is the author of eight books, most recently Visions of the Big Sky (2010), Caprock Canyonlands (a 20th anniversary edition, 2010), and The Natural West (2002).  His essays on the environment, art, and culture of the West also appear in magazines such as Texas Monthly, Orion, Southwest Art, The Big Sky Journal, and High Country News. His work has been honored by the Western History Association, the Western Writers of America, the Denver Public Library, the National Cowboy Museum, the Oklahoma Book Awards, the University of Oklahoma Press, the Montana Historical Society, the Texas State Historical Association, the High Plains Book Awards, and the Montana Book Awards.  His next book is Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History.

Event details and ticket pricing will be available late summer.

2012 River Ambassadors in action!

Nevada City, CA – With over 450,000 people visiting the Yuba River every summer, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) is expanding its River Ambassador program to all four major river crossings this summer in order to prevent the South Yuba River from being “loved to death.”  SYRCL seeks Yuba lovers to serve as volunteer River Ambassadors to reach out to both local residents and out-of-towners about how they can help keep the river clean, safe and healthy.

Launched just last summer, SYRCL’s volunteer River Ambassadors spent 642 hours at two major river crossings and spoke one-on-one with nearly 3,000 visitors to inspire them to take personal responsibility for preventing wildfires, garbage dumping, and water pollution due to unsanitary practices.

“Local and out-of-town visitors told us how happy they were to meet our volunteer River Ambassadors at the river. They welcomed the Ambassador’s gentle reminders to pack out whatever they packed in, leave glass at home, clean up after their dogs, and prevent forest fires,” said Caleb Dardick, SYRCL’s Executive Director.

This summer, SYRCL plans to double the River Ambassadors’ impact by fielding volunteers

2012 River Captains at the Hwy 49 Bridge enjoying a "beautiful work day"!

at all four major river crossings every weekend from June 22^nd through September 21^st (Highway 49, Bridgeport, Edwards and Purdon Crossings). Volunteers generally commit to four shifts over the summer, and attend a special River Ambassador training on June 1^st.  River Ambassador training focuses on how to educate visitors about river stewardship and to encourage responsible behaviors at the river. Ambassadors will not be trained to be park rangers or police and will have no enforcement responsibilities.

“We are looking for friendly, outgoing volunteers who love and care for the river to serve as River Ambassadors,” says SYRCL Volunteer Coordinator Miriam Limov.  “By talking face-to-face to visitors at river crossings, at beaches and on trails, SYRCL’s corps of River Ambassadors will vastly expand outreach about the Yuba and how visitors can care for it.”

SYRCL is also looking to hire four people to become River Captains and get paid to be on the river educating the public about stewardship.  Resumes will be accepted for the River Captain positions until May 18^th.

“As a River Captain last year I was deeply moved by the in-depth conversations I had with visitors to the South Yuba River.  People are very interested in the health of the Yuba,” commented Andrew Collins-Anderson, a 2012 River Captain and SYRCL’s current AmeriCorps Stewardship Coordinator and manager of the River Ambassador program.  “I would watch the ‘light bulb’ click on for folks as we discussed different Yuba issues.  We would talk about how important community involvement is for keeping the Yuba watershed healthy.  This was very empowering for everyone involved.”

Yuba River visitor packing out everything!

According to California State Park Superintendent Marilyn Linkem, financial strain on the state park budget has made monitoring such a large river corridor very difficult. “We commend SYRCL for taking this proactive approach in providing a trained volunteer corps of community members who can support our efforts and help to improve the experience visitors and locals have in this beautiful area.”

SYRCL has a long history mobilizing volunteers to care for the river. Over 650 volunteers removed over 7700 pounds of garbage during last fall’s Annual Greater Yuba River Cleanup and Restoration Day. In addition, SYRCL will continue to pay for the placement of much needed porta-potties at Purdon Crossing.  SYRCL envisions a day when there will no longer be a need for an annual cleanup day as everyone who visits the river will be good stewards, which means if you “pack it in, please pack it out.”

For more information about volunteering to be a River Ambassador, or applying for a paid River Captain position, contact Andrew Collins-Anderson, SYRCL’s Stewardship Coordinator, at andrew@syrcl.org or 530-265-5961 x209.  The River Ambassadors Program is made possible in part by generous funding from the California State Parks Foundation.

SIDEBAR:

What: Volunteer for SYRCL’s River Ambassador program

Why: To protect and promote a healthy, clean and safe South Yuba River

When: Weekends from June 22^nd through September 21^st

Where:  Highway 49 Bridge, Bridgeport, Edwards Crossing, Purdon Crossing

How:  Contact Andrew, SYRCL’s Stewardship Coordinator at andrew@syrcl.org  to volunteer

The SYRCL family of staff and volunteers are thrilled to welcome 11 new stewards of the Yuba!  Volunteers from all over the watershed convened at the beautiful South Yuba River State Park at Bridgeport on April 20th to learn the technical skills required to collect useful scientific information on water quality conditions.

Incoming River Monitors learn how to capture strong and accurate data on water quality conditions throughout the Yuba Watershed.

Hands on learning was the focus of the day as new River Monitors learned how to thoroughly complete data sheets, collect water samples, use pH and conductivity meters in the river, and conduct dissolved oxygen titrations.  Two experienced River Monitors, Rick Sharkey and Michael Horton, helped Monitoring Coordinator Marianne Pott with teaching the fundamentals of obtaining accurate data.  Michael Horton has been monitoring on the Lower Yuba since 2011 and Rick Sharkey has collected 13 seasons of water quality data at Lang’s Crossing on the South Yuba.

With the official training behind them, the new River Monitors are feeling confident and ready to head out May 11th to one of 38 monitoring sites in the Yuba watershed where they will continue their training in association with veteren River Monitors.  Many thanks to all members of the River Monitoring team for the enthusiasm, dedication, and care devoted to our river and our community!

Rick Sharkey shares the skills he has learned through 13 seasons of the River Monitoring Program.

Incoming River Monitor and SYRCL Administrative Assistant Jane Theobald masters the technique for capturing water samples.

Incoming River Monitors learn how to conduct a dissolved oxygen titration.

SYRCL is turning 30!  Come party with us Saturday, June 8^th at the North Star House in Grass Valley.  Auction, live music, food and more!  Buy tickets (only $15 for SYRCL members) online here, in the SYRCL office or at Briar Patch Co-op.

For three decades SYRCL has been at the center of the movement to protect and restore the Yuba River.  Long thought of as one of the most effective river conservation organizations in the state, SYRCL has become the leading regional advocate for a more wild & scenic Yuba River.

It’s been an incredible 30 years full of many successes and at the heart of it is YOU – SYRCL’s members, donors, volunteers and lovers of the Yuba.  SYRCL is truly a citizens’ league – driven by our community.  We hope you’ll all come out to celebrate the past 30 years and strengthen our resolve for the critical work of the next 30 years.

You are not going to want to miss this event!  We’ll have hundreds of fabulous auction items, live music with Beaucoup Chapeaux, Ghost Pines and Achilles Wheel, a dunk tank where former SYRCL Executive Directors and other key people in our community will be making a splash for SYRCL, BBQ from Smiley Guys Smokehouse, a dessert bar and much more!  Buy your tickets now.  SYRCL not only has a wide reputation as the “voice of the Yuba”, we also know how to put on a really good party!  See you there.

Annual Humbug Day at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park

Nevada City, CA – The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) signed a partnership agreement with the State Department of Parks and Recreation to keep the Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, which preserves the world’s largest hydraulic mine dating back to 1852, open to the public through June 30, 2014.

According to the agreement, Malakoff Diggins will remain open for a limited three day per week operation.  The park museum and historic buildings will be open to the public Friday through Sunday for talks, tours, and gift shop sales from July 1 – September 30, 2013 and May 1 – June 30, 2014. Three popular “miner’s cabins,” will be available for rent through Reserve America into early fall and again next spring. The campground, however, will remain closed until further funding becomes available.

“Thanks to this generous stop-gap funding from the California State Parks Foundation, we now have another year to work with local State Parks staff and community members to develop a long-term solution to save the historic Malakoff Diggins,” said SYRCL Executive Director Caleb Dardick.

“We greatly appreciate SYRCL for securing this grant to fund the seasonal staff at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park this summer. Their donation along with matching funds from the California State Parks Department will ensure seasonal staffing to greet park visitors and maintain the park,” said Sierra District Superintendent Marilyn Linkem.

It was nearly two years ago that the State Parks Department put both the Malakoff Diggins and South Yuba River State Parks on the list of 70 parks slated to close July 1, 2012 due to budget cutbacks.  At that time SYRCL rallied the community and presented over 10,000 petition signatures to the Governor and other state officials, which was instrumental in getting the South Yuba River State Park off the closure list. Since then, SYRCL and others have remained vigilant in advocating for Malakoff Diggins as well.  Nearly $50,000 has been raised to date from the Malakoff Diggins Park Association and the Olmsted Park Fund, including the $25,000 SYRCL secured from the California State Parks Foundation, to keep the park open through June 2014.

Keeping Malakoff open beyond June 2014 will require new strategies to bolster revenues and cut operating costs. SYRCL has been advocating for the installation of a comprehensive solar power system at the park, which could save $60,000 to $80,000 per year in diesel fuel and propane costs for generators and benefit the environment as well.

“We are pleased to support SYRCL’s efforts to keep Malakoff Diggins State Park open,” said CSPF President Elizabeth Goldstein. “In addition to their efforts at South Yuba River State Park, we are confident SYRCL, with their creative thinking and innovative approaches, will be able to help State Parks keep Malakoff open as well.”

SYRCL joins over 200 Parks Advocates at the State Capitol in March

In March, SYRCL participated in the California State Parks Foundations 11^th Annual Park Advocacy Day in Sacramento. In meetings with a several state legislators, SYRCL’s Executive Director Caleb Dardick advocated for sustainable funding for rural, less frequented state parks such as Malakoff Diggins State Park.

Earlier that month, Dardick presented copies of SYRCL’s new film, “How the Kids Saved the Parks,” to the new State Parks Director Anthony Jackson, Resource Secretary John Laird, and Assemblymember Brian Dahle. The DVD highlights the role area youth played in advocating for parks. The short film was featured at this year’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and will be shown at the 16th annual Sonoma International Film Festival this Saturday, April 13.

Contact:

Caleb Dardick, SYRCL Executive Director

(530) 265-5961, ext. 207; caleb@syrcl.org

The South Yuba River Citizens League is looking for an individual with exceptional creative vision, experience developing dynamic programming for film festivals (or similar artistic events), who loves details, and has the drive to do what it takes to get the job done well. That’s right, we’re looking for that special someone to create an event that inspires thousands of individuals to make our world a better place and serve as the Wild & Scenic Film Festival Producer. This is a full-time, year-round position. About 60% of the position is dedicated to the annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival and the remaining time will be spent on other events such as: Wild & Scenic Arts & Lectures events, Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour Bay Area programs, Wild for the Yuba (a beer and wine tasting fundraiser), and SYRCL’s summertime fundraiser.

Created in 2003, this 3-day festival draws more than 4,500 attendees and launches an annual “On Tour” program designed to raise awareness and encourage grassroots environmental action nationally and internationally. Additionally, this festival is SYRCL’s largest annual fundraising effort and proceeds fund SYRCL’s other programmatic work.

Check out the full job description and apply today.

Sediment-choked waters of Scotchman Creek turn South Yuba River a creamed coffee color during major storm events.

The normally clear green waters of the South Yuba run opaque yellow after meeting sediment-laden waters of Scotchman Creek, a tributary entering the South Yuba River just upstream of the town of Washington.  In partnership with citizen volunteers and the Sierra Fund, SYRCL is attempting to remedy a primary source of pollution to the Wild and Scenic South Yuba River.

Rorie Gotham is a Washington resident who has watched Scotchman Creek run yellow during virtually every major rain event for the last eleven years.  She has been a long-time member of the River Monitoring Program, SYRCL’s 2010 Volunteer of the Year, and leading steward of the Scotchman Creek Watershed. With unending dedication and enthusiasm, and some exhausting watershed exploration, Rorie has discovered that these heavy sediment loads are coming from one historic mine named Omega Diggins. The steep barren slopes left behind from hydraulic mining rapidly erode under rainfall, sending heavy loads of clay sediment down a tributary of Scotchman Creek and eventually to the Wild and Scenic South Yuba River.

Visible pollution from Scotchman Creek into the South Yuba River has been dubbed a disgrace by Rorie and neighbors.  Not only is the yellow discharge an eyesore, but the pollution is detrimental to water quality and aquatic life.  Suspended sediments reduce the amount of oxygen in water, increase water temperatures, limit oxygen uptake by fish and amphibians, smother the eggs of fish and aquatic insects, and clog reservoirs.

SYRCL is attempting to address this issue head on.  In partnership with the Sierra Fund, SYRCL recently submitted a proposal to the California Department of Water Resources as part of the Consumnes American Bear Yuba Watershed (CABY) Integrated Regional Water Management Plan.  If awarded, SYRCL and the Sierra Fund will quantify the storm-related sediment loads in the Scotchman Creek watershed, test for levels of mercury contamination, and develop remediation plans.

Collaborative efforts among private landowners and agencies will be required to fix problems at  the largely abandoned Omega Diggins area.  Tahoe National Forest’s remediation efforts at the nearby Alpha Diggins in 2008 show that such mine lands can be successfully treated.  SYRCL honors Rorie and fellow Scotchman Creek landowners who insist that their local watershed be remedied of polluting mine lands, and once again support a clean and green South Yuba River.

Rorie Gotham, SYRCL River Monitor and Scotchman Creek Steward, and her dog Eddie standing next to Scotchman Creek, SYRCL River Monitoring Site #25.

The historic hydraulic mining site of Omega Diggins remains abandoned and untreated, contributing a heavy sediment load to Scotchman Creek with every significant rain event.

Scotchman Creek Falls.

The South Yuba River upstream of Scotchman Creek runs clean and green.

The Wild and Scenic South Yuba River, downstream of Scotchman Creek. Image was taken during a recent storm event.

The South Yuba River changes color with legacy mine pollution from Scotchman Creek.

We are calling on all river lovers to join us in this sustained effort to rid Hoyts Crossing of Scotch Broom on April 27th at 9 am. The Scotch Broom Challenge day includes a one mile hike into Hoyt’s Crossing on the South Yuba River, a brief introduction to Scotch Broom, such as identification and removal strategies, a few hours dedicated to pulling the invasive plant, and a break for lunch at the end of the day.

• What: Scotch Broom Challenge
• When: April 27th, 2013. 9:00 am
• Where: Hoyt’s Crossing on South Yuba River. Meet in parking lot at Hwy 49 Bridge.
• What to bring: Water, sunscreen, long pants and long sleeves, gloves, and lunch. Some water and snacks will be provided.

Please join us in the fight against these destructive invasive weeds by coming out for the Scotch Broom Challenge! Contact Adele Rife, SYRCL’s Restoration Coordinator, at adele@syrcl.org if you are interested in participating. A full list of removal sites and dates for other sites can be found from the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County at www.areyoufiresafe.com.

“Wine, beer, chocolate, food, and music.  And it benefits SYRCL?!?  This I gotta see,” said an anonymous Yuba River lover upon hearing about the 3rd Annual Wild for the Yuba fundraiser.

Tickets are still available, but going fast! Get yours online today, at the SYRCL office M-F 9am-5pm, or at the door (if available).  This evening features 13 wineries, 12 breweries, chocolate tasting, delectable eats, and live music by Saul Rayo, Elena Powell, and Jay Ladner.

The Details:

Saturday April 20, 2013.  6:30-9:30pm.  Grass Valley Vets Hall, 255 S Auburn St.
$35 SYRCL Members  |  $40 general public  (prices increase by $5 when purchased at the door).

Participating Wineries:

Athenee Wine Importers & Distributors, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Clos Saron, Coufos Cellars, Dave the Wine Merchant at Foothill Flowers, Dave Luce, Wine Broker, Double Oak Vineyards & Winery, Fawnridge Winery, Grant-Eddie Winery, Mountain People’s Organic Wines, Nevada City Winery, Pilot Peak Winery, & Szabo Vineyards

Participating Breweries:

American River Brewing Co., Auburn Alehouse, Knee Deep Brewing Co., Loomis Basin Brewing Co., Lost Coast Brewery, Mammoth Brewing Co., New Helvetia Brewing Co., Ninkasi Brewing Co., Ol’ Republic Brewing Co., Rubicon Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., & Stone Brewing Co.

Live Music

Saul Rayo, Elena Powell, & Jay Ladner

Chocolate Tasting by:

Cello Chocolates

Menu by Emily’s Catering & Cakes:

Appetizer Menu

• Grilled sausage wrapped with puff pastry served with house-made sweet & spicy mustard
• Brie with fresh-fruit chutney *
• Delta asparagus wrapped with Asaigo & puff pastry
• Tortilla Espanola with Romanesco sauce *
• Crispy polenta with arugula & Gorgonzola *
• Market-fresh vegetable crudités ~ green goddess dip & white bean & basil dip, herb hummus *
• Artisan cheese plate ~ Humboldt Fog, Gouda 24-month, Dubliner cheddar, Gorgonzola *
• Grilled beef skewer with rosemary red-wine glaze *
• Provencal goat cheese gratin *
• Mini-Sandwiches on Truckee Sourdough Bread

Dessert Bites

• Strawberry rhubarb vanilla bean crumble bar
• Chocolate soufflé cake *
• Cutout sugar cookies
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries *
• Profiteroles with whipped cream

*= Gluten Free

See you at the event!