Draft EIS_072312.pdf - Middle Fork American River Project ...

20120723-4002 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 07/23/2012
Whitewater recreation is another popular recreational activity in the region.
Within the American and Rubicon river drainages alone, there are at least 20 whitewater
boating runs, most of which are rated class IV and V and provide high quality whitewater
recreational opportunities in the spring. The most important whitewater recreation
resource in the region occurs on the 19.1-mile reach of the South Fork American River
downstream of the Chili Bar dam. This section of river is the most popular whitewater
recreational run in California, with approximately 3,000 to 4,000 visitors per day on
summer weekends (FERC, 2008).
Project Area Recreation Resources
All of the project developments provide recreational settings where visitors can
enjoy fishing, camping, reservoir boating, whitewater boating, hiking, picnicking, and
sightseeing. The upper elevations of the project include French Meadows and Hell Hole
reservoirs where there are campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas, parking areas, scenic
vistas, and an RV dump station. The high-elevation facilities are generally only
accessible from late spring to early fall because inclement weather and snow prevent
year-round use. Visitor use estimates show that most use occurs between Memorial Day
and Labor Day. Consistent with recreational use patterns in the higher elevations of the
region, use increases in the late spring, peaks during the summer, and declines during the
fall. In general, recreation demand and facility use is not expected to substantially
increase over time, primarily due to shifts in the visitor demographics, and declining
participation rates in the types of recreation activities that occur associated with the
project.
Recreational facilities associated with the Ralston and Oxbow developments are
open year-round. Facilities at these lower elevations only provide for recreational day
use that includes a picnic area, cartop boat access to Ralston afterbay, and whitewater
boating access and parking.
Figures 3.3.5-1 through 3.3.5-4 show the locations of the project recreation
facilities, including their location relative to the project boundary and land ownership.
Table 3.3.5-1 lists all of the project’s developed recreation facilities, by area, and
describes the amenities provided. Except for the Indian Bar rafter access, for which
California Department of Parks and Recreation performs the facility operation and
maintenance, the Forest Service performs facility operation and maintenance for all
project recreation facilities. PCWA participates in a collection agreement with the Forest
Service to provide funding for facility operation and maintenance.
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