Yuba River Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan

CHAPTER 3 – INTRINSIC QUALITIES Intrinsic qualities are defined as inherent, essential, unique or irreplaceable features representative of, or distinctly characteristic to, an area. These qualities may be natural or historic features and create a sense of place unique to an area. The six intrinsic qualities that are evaluated are scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological and recreational. Workshop participants developed the intrinsic qualities discussed in this corridor management plan. Intrinsic qualities can be listed under multiple categories.

Rock formation resembling a bear, locally known as the “Bear of the Buttes”

Scenic Environment From the west, Highway 49 winds down Depot Hill into the Yuba River Canyon where it begins to parallel the Yuba River, providing an intimate scenic experience. Several special places along the byway are known for their scenic qualities. Cannon Point overlooks Downieville, the canyon and the surrounding mountains. This view has been appreciated by photographers, artists and tourists for 150 years. View from Cannon Point

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Durgan Bridge, in Downieville, overlooks a pool that is usually full with large fish. People love to view the fish through the clear water of the Yuba River. Visible from the byway between Sierra City and Loganville, Keystone Gap, was identified during public meetings as a scenic stop along the route. Other scenic gems accessible from the byway include Loves Falls (on the Pacific Crest Trail), Mountain House and Pauly Creek Falls. North of the byway, near Downieville, Saddleback Lookout overlooks the entire Yuba River canyon. The Rocky Rest and Downie River Trail traverse magnificent old growth forests. Aspen provide visually pleasing fall colors that are rare in a conifer-dominated landscape. Stands are scattered along Highway 49, but historically they likely dominated much of the corridor between Bassetts to Yuba Pass. Montane meadows at Yuba Pass are a spring favorite.

Physical Features and Landforms The most well known landform along the byways is the 8,700-foot Sierra Buttes mountain range. These year-round picturesque mountains are visible on the drive from Yuba Pass to Sierra City, but the best viewpoint is from Bassetts Station. Looking to the Sierra Buttes from Gold Lake Road at the turn out just north of Bassetts Station, observant byway visitors can distinguish a bear shaped rock formation locals refer to as the “Bear of the Buttes.” In Downieville, the North Yuba and Downie River meet and create the Downieville Forks at a spot known as Tin Cup Diggins. Sierra Buttes Scenic Vista Points and Turnouts Along the byway, there are several places to stop and enjoy the scenery. Vista points allow visitors to view magnificent views, historic landmarks and wildlife. They are also excellent locations for interpretive materials. Chapter 9, Interpretive Plan and Appendix C include vista points and turnouts accessible along the byway.

Natural Environment Visitors can experience the natural environment – diverse vegetation, wildlife, flowing water (Yuba and Downie Rivers, including many tributary creeks and waterfalls) and wildflowers – from the byway or the many trails accessed from Highway 49. Visitors drive the byway in the fall to view the changing fall leaves.

Vegetation The byway transects several Sierra Nevada bioregion vegetative communities – mixed conifers, hardwood, red fir, montane riparian and montane meadows. A longer section of

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Highway 49, through Nevada, Yuba and Sierra County (east of Yuba Pass) provides a unique cross-section of the Sierra Nevada that can be interpreted in a one-day drive. This would include lower elevation foothill vegetation to high elevation red fir and across the Sierra Valley (the largest valley in the Sierra Nevada). Downieville is an old community rich with heritage plants, including rose, butternut, chestnut, hops, walnut, dogwood, Canadian maple and big leaf maple.

Wildlife The Yuba River Scenic Byway corridor is home to many wildlife species. Bald eagles forage along the North Yuba River and are a common sight from the byway. Kokanee Salmon from Bullards Bar Reservoir spawn in North Yuba River, especially in the vicinity of Indian Valley/Lower Carleton Campgrounds. The story could be told here of historic bald eagle use and native salmon runs along the North Yuba River, which has been replaced by land-locked Kokanee, planted in a local reservoir. A maternity colony of Townsend’s big-eared bats can be observed at Kentucky Mine Museum. The Townsend’s big-eared bat is a California species of concern and is sensitive to human disturbance. Visitors can observe this unique colony at the mine without detriment to the species. The Rocky Rest Trail, a relatively easy hiking experience through mixed-conifer forest, provides excellent birding opportunities.

San Francisco State University Sierra Nevada Field Campus The Field Campus, located 5 miles west of Yuba Pass, “provides a mountain forest setting for instruction and research in the environmental sciences and other creative disciplines. Facilities include two cabins and a dining hall on nine mostly forested acres within the Tahoe National Forest. Presently the facility supports a summer and weekend course and research program, which utilizes a variety of vegetation types, landforms and aquatic habitats near the field station. Other unique sites occur within two hours drive, including Sierra Buttes, Sierra Valley, Gold Lakes Country, Mt. Lassen, Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, Eagle Lake and Mono Lake (http://www.sfsu.edu/~bulletin/current/rnlfac.htm ).”

Historical Resources The Maidu and Washoe Indians are the first known residents of the Sierra Nevada. In the summers, they came into the mountains to hunt and fish. During the fall and winter, they returned to the foothills and valley below. The Nisenan people of the Maidu Tribe occupied the drainages of the Yuba River. They had a rich culture, were skilled basket makers and traded with the Coastal Tribes to the west and the Wahoe to the east. When

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gold was discovered, emigration from around the world brought a new cultural era to the region. Mining camps and towns sprang up in Sierra County with each gold discovery. Some, like Downieville and Sierra City remain, but many faded into history as the gold was worked out. The Yuba River Scenic Byway is rich with the history of indigenous and emigrant residents. Gold was found in 1852 in Camptonville, which quickly developed to large-scale gravel mining by 1857. Sierra County produced $150,000,000 worth of gold between 1848 and 1965. Digging and tailing piles are still visible at Union Flat campground and many other places along the byway. Chinese labor was used to get bedrock from Union Flat and China Flat. China Flat is an historic town site with historic buildings and foundations in a large meadow. It was likely a gold rush era settlement and placer mining area, developing later to a town with a U.S. Post Office in the 1930s. A resident of Camptonville, Lester Pelton, developed a split bucket water wheel, named the Pelton Wheel in 1879. Still in use today, this invention powered stamp mills, pumps and machines and was used in the development of hydroelectricity. A Pelton Wheel is on display at the Kentucky Mine, located on the byway. Hydraulic mining was used at Joubert’s Diggings until 1941. Old settling ponds provide habitat for wildlife. In 1849, Indian Valley was an isolated community of miners, loggers, ranchers and shop owners until the highway was completed in 1921. Established in 1849, was an Goodyears Bar Joubert's Diggings early mining camp inhabited by as many as 400 people from China. The Goodyears Bar cemetery and school are some of the few remaining historic structures. Forest City is on the National Register of Historic Places. Old Mountain House was a lodge at the top of a mountain along the road Goodyears Bar and Forest City. It originally operated as a stage stop and later as an auto stopover for traffic traveling north to Downieville. It was abandoned soon after Highway 49 opened. Parts of Old Mountain House survive today as part of the St. Charles Hotel in Goodyears Bar. Cannon Point, overlooking Downieville, houses a cannon last fired to celebrate the victory of the North at Vicksburg at the end of the Civil War. It was brought to Downieville July 1, 1862. Local tradition says it was situated as it was to protect Downieville gold from being taken by the South.

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Downieville What is now Downieville began in 1848 as three flats divided by the confluence of the Downie River and the North Yuba River. The area that is now downtown Downieville was “The Forks,” the area on the east side of the Downie River was “Jersey Flat,” and the area on the south side of the North Yuba River was “Durgan Flat.” Miners originally worked their way up the North Yuba River along what is now Highway 49. By May 1850, Downieville had 15 hotels and gambling houses, four bakeries and four butcher shops. As the population of the area grew, Downieville served as a trading center for the northern mines. By the mid-1850s, Downieville was California’s fifth-largest town. Visiting this wonderful community of approximately 325 residents has been described as “stepping back in time” with comforts of modern amenities. Within the village of Downieville, there are numerous historic buildings located on the byway itself, including Downieville Grocery, Craycroft Building, I.O.O.F. Hall (organized in 1888), the Methodist Church (oldest Protestant Church in use in the State), Catholic Church and the Elmwood Cottage. Near the courthouse, two Mountain Howitzers are on display, one of which was used in the “Paiute War,” in the 1860s. “Construction of the Methodist Church of Downieville also began in 1853, the same year as the First Catholic Church. However, the Methodist church, which also served as the area's Episcopal Church, was not completed until 1856. This original structure is still in use today and is now California's oldest Protestant church building in continuous use. . . The construction site of the Methodist Church of Downieville had not been mined, so once construction was complete, the property was mined via tunneling – once using gravel to support the foundation and again using dirt that had to be taken in by wheel barrow. Of all the gold mined from beneath the Methodist church, the congregation never received any of the profits. A new floor was constructed in 1960, at which time a cavity 7 feet in diameter and several feet deep was discovered. No wonder the church's foundation had continued to settle so drastically, causing such continued necessary repairs. Not even churches were sacred when it came to gold mining in the 1800s (www.historichwy49.com).” “The First Catholic Church of Downieville was a simple structure built in 1853 under the direction of Father Shanahan, a priest who had visited the mining camp after a devastating fire in 1852 had burned down most of the communities buildings. . .When that building burned down on Jan. 1, 1858, Father Delahunty had the present church

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built up the hill, approximately 150 yards north of the former site and dedicated this new structure as “The Immaculate Conception.” To this day, The Immaculate Conception Church still serves the residents of Downieville (www.historichwy49.com).” At one time the home and offices of William Stuart, the first senator of Nevada were located at the courthouse end of the Durgan Bridge. Here he was visited by Ulysses S. Grant, documented in Grant’s autobiography, published in 1875. Near the courthouse, the old sheriff’s gallows are on display. The gallows were used once in 1888 for the County’s only legal execution. Other historic buildings are within walking distance from the byway. A stone building built in 1852 on Main Street is the current home of the Mountain Messenger, the oldest weekly newspaper published in California. The Downieville Museum is located on Main Street and was also built in 1852 as a Chinese store and gambling house. Downieville Brewery, the first in town, operated from 1854 to the early 1900s. The original home site of Major William Downie, the town’s namesake, is located on Main Street. The Foundry Museum (Pearl Street) supplied machinery to the mines. The Finney Mine rendered a 5,009 oz. (414 lb) nugget in the 1850s. “Tin Cup Diggins,” the site of historic gold panning, is located at the fork of the Downie and Yuba Rivers extending northwards, crossing under the east end of the Highway 49 Bridge. Currently part of the property is a County park, leased from the owners of the adjacent Masonic Hall. The Masonic Hall was built in 1864, but the Lodge was organized in 1851. The Jersey Bridge, located on the byway, was erected following the 1937 flood. This hand-riveted bridge is the only single lane bridge in the California Highway System. National Geographic Guide to Small Town Escapes (2000) highlighted Downieville and mentions the bridge, “A trestle bridge spans the Downie River just above its juncture with the North Yuba River, and there, if you have any aspiration to continue into northern California’s high country, you must wait your turn because the bridge is only wide enough for one lane of traffic. The narrow bridge provides one assurance that Downieville will likely never be more than the very small town it has always been.” In August 1851, the London Times printed the story on the lynching of “Juanita,”a Mexican woman named Josepha Loaiza, from the bridge that was in this location. Shady Flat cabin is a historic cabin located approximately 4 miles east of Downieville. Located on the Tahoe National Forest but deeded to the Sierra County Arts Council, the

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Shady Flat encampment was an early Gold Rush mining settlement. The Sierra County Arts Council describes the cabin on their Website as follows: “Shady Flat cabin, on a beautiful site about four miles up the Yuba River from Downieville, stands as a living reminder of what has preceded us in Sierra County. Now a part of Tahoe National Forest, the Shady Flat encampment was the site of active mines from the early days of the Gold Rush, playing host to miners who converged on the Yuba River from around the United States and beyond in search of quick riches, but ended up having to settle for the hardscrabble miner’s life so typical of the northern Sierra. But even as more remote northern mining camps such as Poker Flat passed into oblivion, Shady Flat remained a viable settlement well into the 20th century. In the 1940s, as all mining activity subsided along the river and in its tributary canyons, the Shady Flat cabin was purchased by caricature artist Frank ‘Pancho’ Willmarth, who brought his wife and four young children from Los Angeles to live there. The family occupied the cabin year-round as a family into the 1960s, when the children went off to college (http://sierracountyartscouncil.org/program-highlights/shady-flat).” The current Loganville campground is east of the former town of Loganville, a mining community home to many Italian, French and British Isle immigrants. Stone lined cellar depressions, dry laid stone wall features, ditches, races and mined areas can still be found on both sides of the campground. Historic stage stops along the byway were in Loganville, Bassetts Station, Dorsey Meadow and Sattley.

Sierra City Hardrock mining brought settlers, hotels and sawmills to Sierra City in 1855. It is the location where one of the world’s largest nuggets, the “Monumental Nugget,” was found in 1869. By 1873, 290 men worked in the Sierra Buttes Mine, a very efficient and profitable gold mine. The mine was the second largest gold producer in Sierra County and was active for 80 years. “By 1852 Sierra City had 2 large buildings, a bakery shop and several gambling houses and saloons. Miners were busy retrieving gold from several tunnels in the nearby Sierra Buttes. In the winter of 1853 many buildings were crushed by an avalanche of snow, forcing the inhabitants to rebuild at the present lower elevation. Today it is easy to imagine yourself discovering gold in one of the many mines or helping to construct one of the first buildings or tending bar at one of the saloons as you revisit time in Sierra City (www.historichwy49.com).” Visitors can still visit historic sites in Sierra City such as the Sierra City Cemetery, the Sierra City Grocery and the Sierra City Wells Fargo Building. The Wells Fargo Building, formerly the Busch Building, was the location of the Sierra City coach stop, mercantile store and dance hall. The Kentucky Mine and Sierra County Historical Park and Museum are exceptional historic resources along the byway. Visitors can step back in time and experience a guided tour of the preserved mine and stamp mill. The Kentucky Portal mine is an

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example of top down mining. Pneumatic drills were powered by the Pelton wheel in the late 19th century.

The Kentucky Consolidated Gold Mining Company, formed in 1853, built the five-stamp mill in the early 1860s. The mill expanded to ten stamps in 1888, closed in the 1900s, was rebuilt and opened in the 1920s when it was used until 1953. In 1976, the claim and stamp mill were purchased and the museum and curator space was built. The stamp mill is the only operable stamp mill in the U.S. On the tour, visitors start out at the top in the hopper room and descend past grizzlies. Rocks are pounded through the grizzlies by a sledgehammer to turn the rock to dust. The descent continues past the rock crusher, powered by flywheels and moved by belts. The crushed rocks are then stamped to powder by stamps. At the bottom of the mill, the powder falls into shaker plates lined with copper. This process separates the black sand from gold. Bassetts Station is located at the intersection of Hwy 49 and Gold Lake Road. In the 1860s, this location was the site of a wayside inn known as the Hancock House. By 1870, the Yuba Gap Wagon Road was completed and Jacob and Mary Bassett bought the inn. In addition to the inn, they had a sawmill, two barns, a blacksmith shop and

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famous food. By the turn of the century, the Bassetts accommodated a large number of tourists, who came primarily to visit the spectacular Lakes Basin area to the north. Bassetts Station continues to provide a rest stop and amenities to travelers today. Yuba Pass supplied the oxen, horses and mules in the area with hay in the late 1800s. In 1870, hay production in Sierra County increased to 11,000 bales.

Yuba Pass Other historic locations along the route include: • Gold nuggets were found near Alleghany in 1850 by a group of Hawaiian sailors. The Hawaiians were referred to as “kanakas,” so the creek where they found gold is now known as Kanaka Creek (www.undergroundgold.com/ugmm.asp). • The Alleghany Historic Mine District is located around the town of Alleghany, 19 miles off State Hwy 49 and is home to the Underground Gold Miners of California Museum. The museum is located in a livery stable (circa 1900) that later served as the town’s General Store for over 50 years. • Convict Flat Picnic Ground is located 12 miles northeast of Camptonville at an elevation of 2,400 feet. Convict Flat offers public access for recreational mining/gold panning. • Dorsey Station • Eureka Diggings • Depot Hill Mine • North Fork Bridge/ North Fork Yuba River/ Shenanigan Flat – starts at Cut Eye Fosters Bar. Shenanigan Flat was a prehistoric bedrock milling station and gold rush era river placer mining site • Ramshorn • Rocky Rest – Chinese • Toll Bridge Foundation

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The Tahoe National Forest offers a historic driving tour brochure, 49 Miles along Highway 49, with site markers identifying many of these significant historic resources along the byway. The brochures are available at Forest Service offices or online at Gorp.com.

Cultural Expressions Sierra County is rich with heritage. The Nisenan people of the Maidu Tribe were the first known inhabitants of the area. As the gold rush began, people immigrated from China, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, Serbia, Ireland, England, Germany, Mexico and Cornwall. Festivals and cultural events draw visitors and locals out to celebrate. The Great Yuba Pass Chili Cook-off is an annual event held at Yuba Pass. Celebrations in Downieville include Fourth of July, Holiday on Main Street complete with decorated trees and a fair, Downieville Classic mountain bike festival and Gold Rush Days. Oktoberfest and the “Big City” Rod Run and Car Show are annual Sierra City events.

Archaeological Resources Archaeological resources are defined as anything historic and prehistoric on or adjacent to the byway that is still visible and is still willing to be so. • There are many gold rush town sites, both on and off the byway. When the gold ran out, residents would move to the next opportunity, leaving a ghost town behind. Remains of buildings, foundations, cemeteries and evidence of mining can be found throughout the byway corridor. A cluster of old town sites such as Morristown, Scales Diggings, Port Wine, Eureka and Poker Flat are north of the byway off Indian Valley road. • Only miners inhabited the historic Eureka community. When hydraulic mining came into use, they found the richest ground was beneath the town site. Coffins were washed out of graveyards in the search for gold. When silver was found in Virginia City, Nevada, Eureka was abandoned. • The town of Poker Flat had its beginnings in the early 1850s. Only twelve families were living in the camp of Poker Flat in 1856, but 400 miners lived within 2 miles. Henry Cohn, who had a store there from 1857 to 1863, described Poker Flat as a "miserable hellhole.” (Information adapted from http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/ca/ca.html.) • Goodyears Bar was one of the earliest mining camps along the North Yuba River. It was named for two brothers by the names of Miles and Andrew, who came looking for gold in 1849. By 1862, the population was estimated at 3,000 to 5,000 with a large number of Chinese emigrants. The town burned in 1864 and, except for the post office (which is still in operation) was never rebuilt. Few historic buildings remain in this once busy mining town except for the Helms’ St. Charles Inn, a B&B and the School House, now a community center that serves as a church on Sundays. • Before Highway 49 was extended into Goodyears bar in 1921, stagecoach access was via a 2,000 foot descent from the ridge above the canyon to the south via Mountain House Road from Forest City. Forest City is a small, unincorporated community listed on the National Historic Register. Established in

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1852, the population swelled to over a thousand within two years. The town is mostly abandoned today with a resident population of 20, but old buildings such as the general store, dance hall, schoolhouse and church still line Main Street. • Indian Valley (artifacts, encampments) • Joubert’s Diggings/ Depot Hill Mine (also historic) • Ramshorn – Indian grinding rocks Recreational Resources The Yuba River Scenic Byway corridor is rich with easily accessible backcountry recreation opportunities for everyone to enjoy. Excellent camping, white water rafting, kayaking (Downie and Yuba Rivers, Lavezzola Creek), scenic driving, bird watching, gold panning, hiking, alpine touring, motorcycling, fishing, mountain biking, hunting, OHV riding, rafting, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling opportunities are found along the byway. Table 1 lists non-motorized trails and Table 2 displays the camping and picnic opportunities along the byway corridor. The byway corridor’s location within the Tahoe National Forest provides access to miles of trails both easy to challenging. Trails off the byway include Fiddle Creek Ridge from Fiddle Creek campground, the North Yuba Trail from Rocky Rest campground and Sand Pond Interpretive Trail at Sardine Lake campground. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, a 2,650-mile trail connecting Canada and Mexico, crosses the byway east of Sierra City. A trailhead with parking is located on the byway and provides hiking and equestrian access to the Tahoe National Forest’s stunning backcountry. Mountain bikers enjoy the 22-mile long North Yuba Trail, carved into the steep and ruggedly beautiful North Yuba River Canyon. Its route follows pre-historic, historic and newly constructed pathways, linking they byways gold-rush era towns, Forest Service campgrounds and the scenic North Yuba River backcountry. The trail currently winds along the river, through the byway corridor and connects Bullards Bar Reservoir, Indian Valley Campground, Goodyears Bar and Downieville. Plans for extending the trail through Sierra City and on to Yuba Pass will provide a unique 70-mile long, 4,700-foot elevation climb/descent mountain bike trail opportunity.

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Home to the Downieville Classic Mountain Bike Festival, Downieville and the North Yuba River Trail draw mountain bikers from around the world. The Downieville Classic Mountain Bike Festival is held annually in July. The festival typically fills their 800 race registration slots and attracts over 2,000 spectators. Several events are held including the Point to Point X-Country Race and the Downieville Downhill Race. The Point to Point X-Country Race is described as follows: “The cross country race is twent-nine RUGGED miles, with 4,200’ of ascent and 5,500’ of descent, through California’s richest and most scenic gold country. The course starts at the base of the Sierra Buttes in the mountain town of Sierra City. Racers are treated to an 8-mile, sun exposed, 3,000-foot climb up the face of the Sierra Buttes to get warmed up. This grueling climb to Packer Saddle (elev. 7,100’) is known to racers as the “Trail of Tears”. After cresting the saddle, gathering senses and grabbing refreshments, riders make their way into beautiful Gold Valley. On the way they must endure the rocky stretch of jeep road referred to as “Baby Heads”. During the race this section of road is lined with riders fixing flats, straightening out handlebars and patching flesh wounds. Once in Gold Valley racers reach the trailhead for Pauley Creek trail. The 17-mile single-track descent on Pauley Creek trail provides a perfect ending to this unique adventure race (http://www.downievilleclassic.com/).” The Downieville Downhill Race is described: “Dropping 5,000 vertical feet in 17 miles from Packer Saddle, the Downieville Downhill is the longest and most demanding downhill race in the nation. The single track course features the world famous Sunrise, Butcher Ranch, Third Divide and First Divide Trails (http://www.downievilleclassic.com/).” The California Department of Parks and Recreation operates the Yuba Pass Sno-Park at the Yuba Pass. The sno-park has a snow-cleared parking lot, restrooms and access to approximately 100 miles of groomed cross-country ski, snowmobile and snowshoe trails. Recreational gold panning opportunities in the North Fork of the Yuba River are available at Union Flat Campground.

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Table 1. Forest Service Camping and Picnic Sites along the Byway Facility Description Access Cal-Ida 20 campsites, vault toilets, piped water, At intersection of Highway 49 and Campground trailer sites available, fee site. Cal-Ida Road. Carlton Flat 21 campsites, vault toilets, piped water, 9 miles northeast of Camptonville Campground trailer sites available, fee site. on the North Yuba River. Fiddle Creek 15 campsites, vault toilets, piped water, 9 miles northeast of Camptonville Campground tent camping only, fee site. on the North Yuba River. Indian Valley 17 campsites (8 have space for 10 miles northeast of Campground trailers), vault toilets, piped water, Camptonville on the North Yuba trailer sites available, fee site. River. Rocky Rest 10 campsites, vault toilets, piped water, 10 miles northeast of Campground trailer sites available, fee site. Camptonville on the North Yuba River. Convict Flat 3 picnic sites, covered pavillion (Day 12 miles northeast of Picnic Site Use Only), vault toilet, barbeque Camptonville on the North Yuba stands available. River. Ramshorn 16 campsites, piped water, vault toilets, 15 miles northeast of Campground trailer sites available, fee site. Camptonville on the North Yuba River. Union Flat 11 campsites, vault toilets, trailer sites 6 miles east of Downieville on the Campground available, fee site. North Yuba River. Loganville 29 campsites, vault toilets, piped water, 2 miles west of Sierra City on Campground trailer sites available, fee site. North Yuba River. Wild Plum 47 campsites, vault toilets, piped water, 1 mile east of Sierra City on the Campground trailer sites available, fee site. PCT Wild Plum Road along Haypress equestrian access, bear boxes Creek. available. Packer Lake 3 picnic sites, vault toilet 3½ miles on Packer Lake Road Picnic Site off Gold Lake Highway north of Highway 49. Diablo 18 campsites, vault toilets, trailer sites 3 miles on Packer Lake Road off Campground available, fee site. Gold Lake Highway north of Highway 49. Berger 7 campsites, vault toilets, trailer sites 3 miles on Packer Lake Road off Campground available, fee site. Gold Lake Highway north of Highway 49. Pack Saddle Equestrian camp, 15 campsites, hand- 3½ miles on Packer Lake Road Campground pumped water, vault toilet, trailer sites off Gold Lake Highway north of available, fee site. Highway 49. Salmon Creek 32 campsites, piped water, vault toilets, ½ mile on Packer Lake Road off Campground trailer sites available, fee site, bear Gold Lake Highway north of boxes available. Highway 49. Sardine 27 campsites, vault toilets, piped water, ½ mile on Packer Lake Road off Campground trailer sites available, fee site, bear Gold Lake Highway north of boxes available. Highway 49. Sand Pond Picnic 16 picnic sites, vault toilets, adjacent 1 mile on Sardine Lakes Road off Site swim area and interpretive trail. Packer Lake Road, north of Highway 49. Sierra 16 campsites, vault toilets, trailer sites 7 miles northeast of Sierra City on Campground available, fee site. the North Yuba River.

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Facility Description Access Chapman Creek 29 campsites, vault toilets, piped water, 8 miles northeast of Sierra City Campground trailer sites available, fee site. across Highway 49 from the North Yuba River. Yuba Pass 20 campsites, vault toilets, piped water, 11 miles east of Sierra City Campground trailer sites available, fee site. across Highway 49 from the North Yuba River.

Table 2. Forest Service Trail Access along the Byway Trail Description Access Canyon Creek Provides excellent level trail that From Highway 49 north of the follows the river downstream from the North Yuba Bridge, MP 3.8 North Yuba Bridge and allows close access to the river. It provides easy hiking to Curt Eye Fosters Bar where it connects with a steep trail segment. Fiddle Creek The single track trail (pedestrian, County Road 490 near Indian Ridge motorcycle, equestrian, mountain bike) Valley Outpost. Travel winds up the ridge, offering views into approximately ¼ mile to trailhead. the North Yuba River Canyon and traverses over the ridge offering views of the Fiddle Creek drainage. The trail connects with the Halls Ranch Trail. North Yuba A popular mountain bike trail, the route Access from Rocky Rest is intermittently close to the river. The Campground and Trailhead or route is beautiful as it traverses through the Downieville Trailhead ( in varying wooded habitats and rocky town of Downieville) outcrops. The trail crosses many side drainages that flow into the North Yuba River. Halls Ranch The single track trail (pedestrian, Park at Indian Rock Picnic Area. motorcycle, equestrian, mountain bike) Cross the highway and follow climbs to the ridgetop offering access road to Summer Home spectacular views of the North Yuba Tract about 100 feet to trailhead. drainage. It leaves the ridge, follows Fiddle Creek and ascends to Halls Ranch. Haypress Creek The trail climbs through an open, rocky One mile up Wild Plum road out area then follows an old wagon road of Sierra City to a trailhead onto private land. After coming back parking facility. Follow signs to onto National Forest System land, the Haypress trailhead. trail follows the contour of Haypress Canyon. Pacific Crest The trail offers excellent views of the One mile up Wild Plum road out National Scenic Sierra Buttes. It meets the Pacific Crest of Sierra City. There is a trail Trail (Wild Plum Trail at the bridge over Haypress between the parking facility and Loop) Creek. trailhead. Follow signs to Wild Plum Loop trailhead.

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Trail Description Access Pacific Crest The Pacific Crest Trail runs north to Approximately 5 miles east of National Scenic Canada and south to Mexico. This Sierra City on Highway 49, turn Trial (Lakes Basin area offers views of Sierra Buttes and onto Gold Lake Highway at Ridge Trail) Lakes Basin. Bassetts Station. Continue approximately 1.4 miles to bridge crossing Salmon Creek and turn left. Continue about 0.3 mile and turn right onto Packer Lake Road. Proceed 2.5 miles and turn left on Forest Road 93 and follow for 1.4 mile to Packer Saddle intersection. Ample parking at intersection. Pacific Crest View of Loves Falls. One mile up Wild Plum road out National Scenic of Sierra City. Trail to trailhead Trail (North to parking facility. Follow signs to Loves Falls) Pacific Crest Trail. After crossing the bridge over Haypress Creek, stay on the left fork, after ¼ mile you’ll come to another fork. Take the right fork to Loves Falls (the left fork completes the Wild Plum Loop). Pacific Crest One of the easiest trails in the Wild One mile up Wild Plum road out National Scenic Plum Campground area providing a of Sierra City. Trail to trailhead Trail (South to walk up Milton Creek. parking facility. Follow signs to Milton Creek) Pacific Crest Trail. The Milton Creek Trail is to the right just before crossing the bridge over Haypress Creek. Chapman Creek The trail winds up along the contour of Approximately 8 miles east of Chapman Creek under a heavily Sierra City on Highway 49. Turn forested canopy. into Chapman Creek Campground. Trailhead is located at the north end of the campground. Deer Lake The trail provides a panoramic view of Approximately 5 miles east of Sierra Buttes and traverses to Deer Sierra City on Highway 49, turn Lake. The trail merges with the Upper onto Gold Lake Highway at Salmon Lake Trail and also provides Bassetts Station. Continue access to the Pacific Crest Trail. approximately 1.4 miles to bridge crossing Salmon Creek and turn left. Continue about 0.3 mile and turn right onto Packer Lake Road. The trail starts approximately 2 miles up Packer Lake Road on the right.

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Trail Description Access Sand Pond This trail explains the history of Sand Approximately 5 miles east of Interpretive Pond. Sierra City on Highway 49, turn onto Gold Lake Highway at Bassetts Station. Continue for about 1.4 mile and turn left at Salmon Creek bridge. Proceed approximately 1 mile west toward Sardine Lake to the Sand Pond Swim Area parking lot. Upper Salmon This trail also terminates at Deer Lake. Approximately 5 miles east of Lake It skirts the east side of Upper Salmon Sierra City on Highway 49, turn Lake and passes through Salmon onto Gold Lake Highway at Lake Lodge area. Bassetts Station. Continue for 4 miles and turn left at Upper Salmon Lake Junction to Upper Salmon Lake. Trailhead is on the right. Sierra Buttes The trail follows the ridge to Sierra Approximately 5 miles east of Lookout via Buttes lookout and access to Sierra City on Highway 49, turn Tamarack Lakes Tamarack Lake. onto Gold Lake Highway at Bassetts Station. Continue for about 1.4 mile and turn left at Salmon Creek bridge. Proceed approximately 0.3 mile and turn right on Packer Lake Road. Proceed 2 ½ miles and turn left onto Forest Road 93-2 (Packer Saddle Road). Continue 0.1 mile to sign and parking area on Forest Road 93-2. Tamarack Lakes The trail winds up along the ridge Approximately 5 miles east of flanking Lower and Upper Sardine Sierra City on Highway 49, turn Lakes providing views of Sierra Buttes. onto Gold Lake Highway at The trail descends on the other side of Bassetts Station. Continue for the ridge to Tamarack Lakes. about 1.4 mile and turn left at Salmon Creek bridge. Proceed west approximately 0.7 mile. Trailhead sign will be on your right. Ample parking on both sides of the road. Pacific Crest The Pacific Crest Trail runs north to Parking area and trail access National Scenic Canada and south to Mexico. This approximately 2 miles east of Trail area offers views of Sierra Buttes north Sierra City on Highway 49. of Highway 49. Lunch Creek Winter non-motorized trailhead. Access to 5 miles of groomed Winter Trailhead cross-country trails and 4 miles of marked cross-country trails. Seven miles east of Sierra City on Highway 49.

36 Chapter 3 – Intrinsic Qualities

Trail Description Access Yuba Pass Over Access to approximately 100 miles of Located 8 miles east of Sierra Snow Vehicle groomed snowmobile trails. Restrooms City on Highway 49, at the Pass. (OSV) Staging available Area Bassetts Over Access to approximately 100 miles of Located 5 miles east of Sierra Snow Area groomed snowmobile trails. Bassetts City on Highway 49. Staging Area Station provides gas, restrooms, and a small grocery store. Old Gold Lake Access to approximately 100 miles of Located 4 miles east of Sierra Highway OSV groomed snowmobile trails. City on Highway 49. Staging Area

CHAPTER 4 – HIGHWAY CONDITIONS Highway 49 is owned, operated and maintained by the State of California. California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) District 3 is responsible for maintaining the byway. This two-lane paved highway winds along the Yuba River, gradually ascending to Yuba Pass.

Highway System County roads intersect the byway, providing access to recreation opportunities, historic structures and private land. County Road 300 (Goodyear Creek Road) intersects the byway west of Downieville at Goodyears Bar, one of the many historic stops along the route. In Downieville, County Road 509 (Saddle Back Road) connects the route to Saddleback Mt. Lookout to the north and County Road 301 to the south. County Road 514 heads northeast and provides access to OHV trails. In Sierra City, County Road 551 provides access to motorized and non-motorized opportunities north of the byway. County Road 620 (Gold Lake Road) intersects the byway at Bassetts Station. This route connects the byway to a multitude of recreation opportunities, including the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, Sardine Lake, camping, picnic areas and trailheads. East of Yuba Pass, just outside of the byway corridor, Highway 49 intersects Highway 89, which leads travelers north to Quincy and parallels Highway 49 south to Sierraville. To the South, Highway 49 joins Highway 20 at Nevada City, providing access to Grass Valley.

Average Daily Traffic Driving for pleasure is one of the top ten reasons people visit the Tahoe National Forest (USDA Forest Service, 2006). CalTrans collects traffic data on routes in the state highway system using electronic counters between October 1 and September 30 of each year. The results are adjusted to account for seasonal influence and other variables present and used to determine the average annual daily traffic (AADT) count at specific mileposts. The 2009 Annual Average Daily Traffic Report2 includes the following AADT data for points along the Yuba River Scenic Byway:

 Milepost 0.00 – 12.23: Yuba River Scenic Byway from Sierra County line to Goodyear Creek Road averaged 550 AADT.

2 (www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/saferesr/trafdata accessed 10/2010)

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 Milepost 12.23 – 16.29: Goodyear Creek Road to Saddle Back Road averaged 1125 AADT.

 Milepost 16.29 – 16.79: Saddle Back Road to intersection with Main Street in Downieville, California averaged 1100 AADT.

 Milepost 16.79 – 29.19: Intersection with Main Street in Downieville, California to the west city limits of Sierra City, California averaged 1100 AADT.

 Milepost 29.19 – 34.31: Intersection with west city limits of Sierra City, California to intersection with Gold Lake Road averaged 720 AADT.

 Milepost 34.31 – 47.44: Intersection with Gold Lake Road to intersection with Route 89 at Sattley, California averaged 330 AADT.

Based on this traffic data, more traffic exists in populated areas. The higher the altitude and lower the population, the less traffic visitors will see. More traffic exists along the byway on the weekends when people travel to the area for recreation and driving for pleasure.

Accidents California collision data for Sierra County on unincorporated state highways in 20083 lists two fatal accidents and 28 accidents with injuries. Of these, one fatality and 16 injuries involved motorcycles, none involved bicycles. This data includes all state highways in the County.

Roadway Maintenance Responsibilities of maintaining the road network in the Tahoe National Forest within the byway corridor is shared between CalTrans, Sierra County Road Departments and the Forest Service. These agencies maintain bridges, culverts and low-water crossings throughout the area. CalTrans maintains California Highway 49 (Yuba River Scenic Byway). In the months free of snow, crews are responsible for slide removal, asphalt work, shoulder work, drainage maintenance, storm water management, brush removal and road sign delineation. In winter, crews are responsible for snow removal and ice control on open portions of the highway. Weather closures, implemented by gates, can occur between mile marker 16.4 and 23.7. The Tahoe NF operates and maintains National Forest developed sites, including National Forest System roads.

3 http://www.chp.ca.gov/switrs/

40 Chapter 4 – Highway Conditions

Desired Highway Features Along the Yuba River Scenic Byway, it is desired to maintain scenic integrity of the area, add scenic and interpretive enhancements, improve public safety, protect plants and wildlife and prevent, eliminate or control undesired non-native species of plants and wildlife. Community participants desire the preservation of the ambiance and curvy, rocky character of the route; they do not want the road straightened. The curves and grade of Depot Hill is a well-known favorite of motorcyclists. Unfortunately, this is also a safety issue and has been the location of many motorcycle accidents.

Signage Improved signage for intrinsic values is desired by community participants. According to Caltrans, State Scenic Byway poppy signs are routinely stolen. Sign height is dictated by snow removal, distance off the highway and pedestrian height (in towns pedestrians must safely be able to walk under the signs). Safety is also critical; signs must be designed to “break away” when hit by a vehicle. In addition, signs emphasizing pullouts for slower traffic are greatly desired. Signage is further discussed in Chapter 6.

Safety Passing lanes and pullouts for slower vehicles and RVs along this route is desired by the community. Other safety improvements are desired, including bike lanes and animal crossing signs. Vehicles are permitted to pull off the byway, but there are few spots to safely do so. However, new pullouts for safety and interpretation may not be feasible. There are few locations where the road corridor is wide enough to pass the safety regulations of Caltrans. Other safety concerns discussed by the community and local Caltrans officials include ongoing mining/dredging activities near the road and the use of sand in the winter for traction, which can be dangerous for motorcyclists in the spring.

View The vegetation surrounding the byway blocks views and community members would like to see the vegetation removed to provide scenic vistas along the route. Although the highway itself is managed by CalTrans, the vegetation outside of the highway right away is the responsibility of the land managers.

Oregon Creek Covered Bridge The Oregon Creek Covered Bridge is located on Highway 49, just off the official byway corridor (southeast of the Yuba and Sierra County line). This bridge is the only covered

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bridge in the California State Highway System and is treasured by the community and visitors. Community members stressed the importance of keeping this highway feature.

Projects and Proposals Caltrans projects for the route include maintenance and general upkeep. Due to budget cuts, no major projects or proposals are planned. Weather related road damage occurred on several locations above Bassetts Station during the 2008-2009 winter season. Short-term repair plans include micro sealing the road surface, although future road base stabilization may be required.

Law Enforcement Law enforcement is provided by three entities along the Yuba River Scenic Byway. The California Highway Patrol is responsible for traffic violations and responds to accidents on State Route 49. The Sierra County Sheriff’s Department is responsible for protecting people and their property, including illegal drug use, disorderly conduct, stolen camping gear, domestic violence or accidents. Finally, the Forest Service is responsible for natural resource and forest property issues, such as vandalism or cutting firewood without a permit. They also enforce Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations orders such as keeping pets on a leash in campground areas or prohibiting the use of motorized boats on lakes designated as identified through special orders. In addition to law enforcement, county fire departments generally are responsible for responding to accidents and providing emergency medical treatment, while the Sierra County Sheriff’s Department usually coordinates search and rescue efforts. The Forest Service, county fire departments, CalFire and a number of volunteer crews assist with fire prevention and suppression.

42 CHAPTER 5 – COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT

Commerce Communities along the entire Yuba River Scenic Byway offer travelers a range of lodging, restaurants, shopping, information, recreation activities and adventures. Visitors can stay in private cabins along the Yuba River, friendly bed and breakfasts, inns and lodges. Restaurants in Downieville, Sierra City and Bassetts Station offer casual dining, gourmet creations and simple snacks. Visitors and locals can shop along the byway for groceries, camping needs, gifts, fine wine and treasures. Mountain bikers can find equipment and information in Downieville. Whitewater and fishing guided services are also available in the corridor and surrounding area. Table 3 displays the hospitality infrastructure along the byway, from west to east. For a complete current listing of services and contact information, please visit www.sierracounty.org.

Table 3. Hospitality Infrastructure along the Yuba River Scenic Byway

Goodyears Highway 49 and Downieville Sierra City Bar Gold Lake Road

Visitor/ Information X X X Center

Public Restrooms X X

Lodging X X X

Vacation Rentals X X

RV Sites X X

Restaurants X X X

Food Stores X X X

Fuel X X X

Shopping X X X

Guided Services X X

Rec. Rental Equipment X X

Professional Services X X

Emergency Services X X X (Volunteer)

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Riverside Inn, Downieville

Development Plan The Yuba River Scenic Byway corridor is predominantly managed as public land but small patches of private land and development are found around the byway communities. The byway traverses Sierra County, which has taken specific measures to establish policies and guidelines related to development on private lands. This Corridor Management Plan recognizes the role and authority of local governments and of private property owners to make decisions regarding the development and use of private lands within the corridor. Some of the policies and guidelines relevant to development of lands within and near the Yuba River Scenic Byway corridor are summarized below.

Sierra County Zoning Code The purpose, outlined in Sierra County Zoning Code 15.12.280 (a), for SC Scenic Highway Corridor District or SH Scenic Highway District is “to protect the recreational, social and economic values derived from the protection and enhancement of the scenic qualities of the County for the benefit of residents and visitors. It is intended that this zone be an overlay zone and that its provisions shall modify and supplement provisions of the basic underlying zone to assure the inclusion of compatible uses and structures and perpetuation of scenic highway corridors. Further, it is intended that if any regulations specified in this zone are more restrictive than the regulations of the zone overlaid, the regulations of the SC or SH zone shall govern.”

Sierra County Zoning Code 15.12.280 (b) “Permitted Uses: Any use permitted in the underlying zone, except offsite signs, subject to the same conditions and restrictions applicable in such underlying zone and to

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all requirements and regulations of the zone. All uses shall be conducted entirely within enclosed buildings except agriculture, off-street parking and loading, trailer courts and camps, camping and picnicking facilities, outdoor theatres and similar uses which are of an open land use type.” (c) “Conditional Uses: Any use permitted in the underlying zone by any type of use permit, provided that the Planning Commission, or in the event of an appeal, the Board of Supervisors, determines that such use is consistent with the intent and purpose of the SC or SH zone. . .” (d) and (e) pertain to signing. Please see Chapter 6, Signing and Identity for information on signing. (f) “Grading: No grading, removal or deposit of natural materials for which a grading permit is required shall take place on any lot or parcel in the SC or SH zone except by a grading permit in connection with a building permit issued for construction which conforms to the provisions of this chapter; or by a grading permit not in connection with construction that is issued with the concurrence of the Planning Commission; or if no grading permit is required, by an application to do minor grading which has been approved by the Planning Commission. The following activities are exempt from the requirements of this section: 1. Tilling or preparation of land for agricultural purposes.

2. Minor excavation or placement of natural materials, incidental to the planting of trees, shrubs and other plant materials, and to the installation of minor structural features not requiring a grading permit. . .”

(g) “Site Plans Required: Prior to the issuance of any building permit or commencement of any construction of any building or structure, except one and two family dwellings and structures appurtenant thereto which meet all requirements of this zone, a site plan of the proposed development shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. Applications for site plan approval shall be accompanied by such maps, plans, drawings and sketches as necessary to show; 1. Boundaries and existing topography of the property.

2. Location and height of all existing buildings and structures, stands of trees and specimen trees and the proposed disposition or use thereof.

3. Location, heights and proposed use of all proposed structures, including walls, fences and free-standing signs and location and extent of individual building sites.

4. Location and dimensions of ingress and egress points, interior roads and driveways, parking areas and pedestrian walkways.

5. Location and proposed treatment of important drainage ways.

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6. Proposed grading and removal or placement of natural materials, including finished topography of the site.

7. Proposed landscaping plan.”

(h) “Review of Site Plan by Planning Commission: The Planning Commission shall review applications for site plan approval and in carrying out such review, the Commission shall consider, but not be limited to, the following criteria: 1. All elements of the proposed development shall be consistent with the intent and all requirements of the SC or SH zone.

2. Buildings and structures shall be so designed and located on the site as to create a generally attractive appearance and a harmonious relationship with surrounding development and the natural environment.

3. Buildings, structures and plant materials shall not be so constructed, installed or planted so as to unnecessarily obstruct scenic views visible from the scenic highway.

4. Potentially unsightly features shall be located so as to be inconspicuous from the scenic highway or effectively screened from view by plantings and/or fences, walls or grading.

5. In so far as feasible, natural topography, vegetation and scenic features of the site shall be retained and incorporated into the proposed development.

6. Any grading or earth-moving operation in connection with the proposed development shall be planned and executed so as to blend with the existing terrain both on and adjacent to the site, and vegetation cover shall be provided to hide scars on the land resulting from such operation.

7. Upon completion of its review, the Planning Commission shall approve, conditionally approve or disapprove a site plan.

8. No building permit shall be issued, except for a one and two family dwelling or structure appurtenant thereto, for the construction of any building or structure in the SC or SH zone except pursuant to a site plan which has been approved by the Planning Commission.

9. The Planning Commission may waive the requirements of this section when it finds that the provisions of this zone have been or will be fulfilled by the conditions of a special use permit or other means.

10. Upon request of the applicant, modification of an approved site plan may be made by the Planning Commission if it finds that the modification is consistent with the intent and the requirements of the SC or SH zone.

11. Any approval of a site plan shall expire within one year of such approval except where construction and/or use in reliance on such site plan has

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commenced prior to its expiration. If construction and/or use in reliance thereupon has not commenced with the one-year period, said period may be extended by the Planning Commission . . .”

(i) The following uses shall not be permitted within any Scenic corridor or Scenic Highway zoning district shown on the official County zoning maps: Overnight occupancy by any person or persons in any campsite, tent, vehicle or trailer except within those areas officially designated as federal campgrounds or areas designated by special use permit issued by Sierra County.

Design Guidelines

Historic Places Property and structures eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places located on National Forest System land must be protected in accordance to the National Preservation Act of 1966 and any alterations to National Historic buildings must be in accordance with the Secretary of Interiors Standards and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.

Design Theme The Yuba River Scenic Byway winds through a natural, mostly undeveloped mountain area. The scale of the road and the landscape it passes through suggest an approach that is more informal and less developed than other state scenic highways. The byway is located in the North Pacific Province, described as a land of dramatic landscapes and climate with diverse cultural influences. These elements are frequently celebrated through a regional architectural style called Cascadian. The landscape has been altered but not nearly tamed by human settlement (USDA-FS 2001).

Design Elements The US Department of Agriculture published a guide for the built environment, which refers to the administrative and recreation buildings, landscape structures, site furnishings, structures on roads and trails and signs installed or operated by the (USDA) Forest Service, its cooperators and permittees. The Built Environment Image Guide (BEIG) states that “the elements of the built environment constructed on national forest lands and grasslands, or those used for administrative purposes in rural areas, towns and cities, shall—to the extent practicable—incorporate the principles of sustainability, reflect their place within the natural and cultural landscape and provide optimal service to our customers and cooperators.” These elements will:

 Be located, planned and designed with respect for the natural systems in which they reside.

 Aesthetically integrate their natural, cultural and experiential context.

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 Contain design elements, including appropriate signs, which reinforce a national agency identity.

 Emphasize efficiency of energy and materials consumption in construction and operation.

 Serve as premier examples to interpret conservation of natural resources and sustainable development.

 Create environments for people to enjoy and gain increased appreciation for the natural environment, and in which employees work productively, experiencing the connection to the resources they manage.

Architectural design and site selection in the North Pacific Province should follow these guidelines outlined in the BEIG:

 Place structures at the edge of existing clearings. This preserves views and habitat, avoids the need to clear vegetation and creates opportunities for sun and shade as needed seasonally.

 Make work complexes into building compounds connected by covered walkways.

 Manage vegetation near structures; plantings can become overgrown and block views.

 Buildings should complement the scale of their surroundings.

 Complement the province’s dramatic landscape while reducing wear and tear on buildings by using a strong base. The base should appear anchored to the ground and comprise a major portion of the wall.

 Use battered stone rock when possible.

Site Design Site design should incorporate simple solutions that emphasize the existing natural features and use natural or natural appearing materials. Developed recreation sites or private businesses will have more constructed features and more architectural features. Roadside vistas and undeveloped interpretive sites may rely primarily on signage and subtle manipulation of the existing site to accomplish objectives (See Chapter 7, Interpretive Plan for more information on interpretive sites).

Developed Site Criteria  Construct elements that express the theme through design, material type and colors.

 Pavement appropriately marked with striping to comply with the American Disability Act (ADA).

48 Chapter 5 – Commerce and Development

 Adequate space to accommodate medium size groups (12-32 people).

Rustic Site Criteria  Emphasize desirable features of the site (vista, ruins, etc.) by constructing features that do not compete with them.

 Grade site to accommodate parking and pedestrian activities.

 Stabilize natural surfaces and use natural elements such as rock boulders to define use. Make the site accessible but do not pave, sign or paint lines.

 Many sites are located along the highway, within CalTrans right-of-way. They must approve any project and encroachment permits and a site-by site review of the plans is required.

Materials Heavy wood members, native rock and natural appearing surfaces are preferred building materials. Artificial materials should be avoided or de-emphasized when necessary. When concrete is used, texture and darker colors can be used to make it appear more natural. Metal can be made non-reflective by painting it a dark, flat color or treating it with an oxidizing agent. When masonry is used, dark colors and split-faced block are preferred.

Parking and Structures Parking areas should be located away from the focus of the site, subordinate to landscape features and away from primary vistas.

Pedestrian Routes Pedestrian routes are safe, accessible and recognizable.

Signage Signs are carefully sited, properly sized and consistent with the corridor sign plan (see Chapter 6). Directional, regulatory, safety, informational and interpretive signs are effective but do not dominate their specific setting. Symbols are used to provide uniformity between sites and reinforce the identity of the route.

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50 CHAPTER 6 – SIGNING AND IDENTITY Signs provide important messages to the visitor and familiarize them with their location. Signs provide cautionary notices warning travelers of sharp curves and rockslide areas. In addition, signs provide important locator information for restrooms, campgrounds and picnic areas. Scenic values and signs need to complement each other. It is important to inventory and review what kinds of signs exist along the byway and to identify changes needed to provide a more cohesive sign component of the byway. This may include adding new signs, changing locations of existing signs or even eliminating some signs that are currently in place. It is beyond the scope of this plan to complete a thorough analysis of all sign needs for the Yuba River Scenic Byway. It is recognized that opportunities exist for improvement.

Signs, Icons and Byway Identity The Yuba River Scenic Byway logo will be included on signs and written materials for the byway. The logo, shown here, depicts the Yuba River and a scenic mountain backdrop and will serve as a trademark or emblem to be consistently used throughout the corridor. As part of the grant, a series of seven graphic icons highlight specific intrinsic qualities found along the byway were developed in the same style as the logo. The California State University, Chico, Department of Communication Design, developed all icons.

List of Icons  Yuba River

 Sierra Buttes (Bear of the Buttes)

 Kentucky Mine (stamp mill on county seal)

 Mountain Biking

 Pacific Crest Trail

 Confluence of Two Rivers (Downieville was originally called “The Forks”)

 River Recreation

Information, Orientation and Interpretive Signs Informational signs are located throughout the corridor at historic places, Chamber of Commerce locations and kiosks or information bulletin boards found at trailheads. Small brown “49 Miles Along Highway 49” markers (commonly called “49 on 49” signs) indicate

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historic and cultural highlights along the route. Unfortunately, they are very small and hard to read while driving. There is a need to improve current signing and add signage for intrinsic spots that are currently not signed along the route. A complete sign inventory of the Yuba River Scenic Byway is located in Appendix B. Interpretive sign needs and design recommendations are described in depth in Chapter 7. Structure design recommendations are discussed in Chapter 5.

Funding and Maintenance Signage construction, installation and maintenance responsibilities will be determined based upon site-specific conditions. California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) District 3 must review and approve all signs within the highway right-of-way of Highway 49.

Outdoor Advertising Controls Forest Service policy states, “Signs or advertising devices erected on National Forest System lands shall have prior approval by the Forest Service as to location, design, size, color and message. Erected signs shall be maintained or renewed as necessary to neat and presentable standards, as determined by the Forest Service. Additionally, any route designated as a State or National Scenic Byway (post 1991) is prohibited from erecting new billboards, either on Forest or private lands. The purpose of this requirement is to maintain an attractive right-of-way for the highway and avoid sign clutter (FSH 7102-11 and 2709.11).” (The Yuba River Scenic Byway was designated a State Scenic Byway prior to 1991.) Sierra County Zoning Code 15.12.280 (d) and (e) SC Scenic Highway Corridor District or SH Scenic Highway District includes outdoor advertising controls. (d) Signs: 1. The aggregate area of all signs on each lot or parcel shall not exceed 80 square feet and no single sign shall exceed 40 square feet. 2. One freestanding sign may be erected on each lot or parcel, not to exceed a height of twenty-five (25) feet. 3. Signs attached to buildings shall not project more than sixteen inches from any wall, nor above the parapet or eaves of the building to which attached. No sign visible from the right-of-way of any scenic highway shall display any flashing or intermittent lights, or be animated or appear to be animated. 4. Signs advertising the sale, lease or rental of the use on the lot or parcel or of the lot or parcel shall not exceed an aggregate area of 20 square feet.