Appendix L Wild and Scenic River Evaluation

APPENDIX L WILD AND SCENIC RIVER

EVALUATION

INTRODUCTION

Congress passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968 to preserve riverine systems that contain certain exceptionally outstanding features such as scenery, recreation, geology, fish and wildlife, historic and cultural resources. Selected rivers and their immediate environments are to be preserved in a free flowing condition and are to be managed for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

In October 1979, an Environmental Message from the President directed the Department of the Interior (USDI) to inventory all potential Wild and Scenic rivers and directed agencies to assess the suitability of the inventoried rivers for additions to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Nationwide Rivers Inventory (NRI) was conducted by the Heritage, Conservation and Recreation Service, USDI (now the National Park Service). The Middle Fork of the Eel River, which originates on the Mendocino National Forest, was the only river on the Mendocino National Forest included on the preliminary (Phase I) NRI in 1980.

In January 1981, the Secretary of the Interior designated five California rivers as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System under Section 2 (a) (il) of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The lower 23.5 miles of the Middle Fork of the Eel River was included in this designation and is currently managed as a Wild River. The upper 14.5 miles, which includes the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Eel River, had not been analyzed for designation. This upper segment lies within the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness.

As part of the Land Management Planning (LMP) process, National Forests were directed to assess all rivers that are included in the NRI for suitability for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. In addition, Forest Planning documents must address all rivers flowing wholly or partially on National Forests System lands which are identified as a potential Wild and Scenic River (Forest Service Hand- book (FSH) 1909.12 Chapter 8).

After analysis of 221 streams on the Forest, including those raised by comment on the Mendocino's 1986 and 1993 proposed Land and Resource Management Plans, six stream segments were determined to be eligible for wild and scenic river designation by possessing one or more outstandingly remarkable values. This appendix addresses those rivers and creeks identified during this process for consideration as Wild and Scenic Rivers. Although evaluated here in response to public comment on the 1985 draft Forest Plan, Elk Creek was not found to be eligible for Wild and Scenic River designation since it does not contain any outstandingly remarkable values.

DETERMINING RIVER ELIGIBILITY

Guidance for determining river eligibility for inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System comes from three sources: The Wild and Scenic Act of 1968, as amended; revised US Department of Agriculture-USDI (USDA-USDI) Guidelines for Eligibility, Classification, and Management of River Areas dated 1982 which supplements the Act; and the guidelines set forth in the Forest Service Handbook.

Two sections of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 apply to eligibility criteria. Section 1 (b) which states that for a river to eligible for inclusion it must be free flowing and Section 2 (b) that states for a

Wild and Scenic River Evaluation L-1 selected river to become eligible for designation it must posses one of the following "...outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values...".

The USDA-USDI Guidelines interpret the Act further and develops standards for determining eligibility. Rivers may be divided into segments for ease of study and classification. There is no established standard for a minimum segment length, though a river segment should be long enough to protect all values determined to be outstandingly remarkable. Flows are considered sufficient if they sustain or complement the values for which the river has been designated. A minimum flow is not required.

Forest Service guidelines (FSH 1909.122 Chapter 8) also offer an approach, based on the NRI approach, for identifying potential wild and scenic rivers. A group of rivers with a recognized value, such as anadromous fisheries, that is common to a physiographic province or region should be assessed for eligibility to determine if the value in one or more of the rivers is outstandingly remarkable in a larger geographic context.

DETERMINING RIVER CLASSIFICATION

The determination that a river segment contains "outstandingly remarkable" values is a professional judgement on the part of the evaluation team. If outstandingly remarkable values are found they can then be coupled with the existing patterns of land use and infrastructure to determine classification. Rivers are evaluated against criteria for classification into Wild Rivers, Scenic Rivers, or Recreation Rivers. The streams found eligible for Wild and Scenic River status in this study were given the highest, most restrictive classification possible under the criteria A summary of these criteria is shown in Table L-1.

TABLE L-1 WILD AND SCENIC RIVER CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY

WILD RIVER: Free of impoundments. Represents a vestige of primitive America. Little or no evidence of human activity. Inaccessible except by trail. No roads, railroads or provisions for vehicular travel within the river area. A few existing roads leading to the boundary of the river area are acceptable. Waters unpolluted.

SCENIC RIVER: Free of impoundments. Largely primitive and undeveloped. No substantial evidence of human activity. Accessible in places by road. Roads may occasionally reach or bridge the river.

RECREATION RIVER: Free of impoundments. Some existing impoundments or diversions providing that the waterway remains generally natural or riverine in appearance. Some development. Readily accessible by road.

L-2 Wild and Scenic River Evaluation DETERMINING RIVER SUITABILITY

The final step in the river assessment process is the determination of suitability. This step provides the basis for the decision to recommend designation or nondesignation of the river. A number of factors are to be considered in the determination of suitability. The assessment must evaluate the reasonable foreseeable potential uses of the land and water which would be enhanced, foreclosed, or curtailed if the area were included in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system and the values which would be foreclosed or diminished if the area is not protected as part of the system. The study must also include an an evaluation of the characteristics which do or do not make the area a worthy addition to the National System; the current status of land ownership and use in the area; public, State and local governmental interest in designation of the river; and the estimated cost of acquiring necessary lands and interests in lands and of administering the area if it is added to the system. (Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12 Chapter 8).

A National Forest may complete the river suitability determination as part of the forest plan, or may delay completion of the study until three years after Issue of the Final Forest Land Management Plan. The Mendocino National Forest has chosen to evaluate the suitability of three streams which flow through designated Wilderness areas as part of the forest planning process. The Mendocino National Forest has chosen to defer evaluation of river suitability for three streams which do not flow in Wilderness areas until completion of the Forest Plan. Interim protection of eligible river values until a suitability study can be completed is documented in the Forest Plan.

PHYSIOGRAPHIC SETTING

The rivers and streams discussed here lie within the California Coast Range province and flow into the Pacific Ocean by two routes. Flows from the eastern flank of the range drain into the largest river system in northern California, the Sacramento River, and enter the ocean through San Francisco Bay. The western flank of the range is drained by the Eel River, the second largest river system in northern California, which flows into the Pacific Ocean.

The Coast Range drainages within the Mendocino National Forest are typically steep, deep, V-shaped canyons which are separated by broad rounded ridges. On the eastern slope of the range, ridges run in a northwesterly to northerly direction.

The Coastal Range is underlain by the Franciscan assemblage. The rock types of this assemblage include graywacke, mudstone, basic volcanic rocks, radiolarian chert, and serpentine. The Franciscan should not be visualized as a formation with ordinary physical structure, but rather as a disorderly assemblage of various characteristic rocks that have undergone unusual disturbances.

A major fault runs along the north eastern Forest boundary. The Coast Range Thrust Fault is a zone where two techtonically different geologic plates meet. The western plate is composed of oceanic volcanics and sediments of the Franciscan assemblage, while the eastern plate is of continental origin. The western plate of ocean sediments is being forced under the continental plate further deforming the massive deposits of the unstable Franciscan assemblage. This tectonic activity and pervasive rock type are the basis of the slope instability characteristic of the Mendocino National Forest. Landslides are common throughout the Forest, especially along the river corridors. Streams are typically deeply incised within their canyons with actively eroding floodplains. These eroding floodplains are dominated by reworked gravel terraces with reduced amounts of riparian vegetation.

Generally, riparian vegetation has been reduced by the movement of landslide debris through the river corridors. Rock and earth are transported downstream by the highly erosive action of winter flows characteristic of the Mediterranean climate in this region. Winter flows carry high sediment loads picked

Wild and Scenic River Evaluation L-3 up from the slide material. These flows scour the floodplains removing the riparian vegetation along with the sediments.

Riparian zones are identified by the presence of vegetation that requires large amounts of free or unbounded water. The vegetation of riparian zones is quite variable, and often is structurally diverse. What riparian vegetation does exist typically consists of willows, and alders, though at higher elevation riparian vegetation is characteristically more herbaceous in composition. The upland vegetation also varies with elevation. Coniferous forests of pine and fir tend to dominate the ridges while oak woodlands and grassy meadows are found at lower elevations. Chaparral is present at the lower elevations, generally in the north eastern portion of the forest and in rainshadows.

In the Coast Range more than 50 percent of all wildlife species use riparian deciduous habitats for breeding, feeding, or resting. These riparian habitats often act as islands of habitat for wildlife species in a sea of drier terrestrial habitat, attracting and concentrating high numbers of individuals and species of wildlife. Species which utilize the riparian zone in the Mendocino National Forest include the black-tailed deer, black bear, pine martin, peregrine falcon, spotted owl, goshawk, and prairie falcon. Of these species, the black-tailed deer, black bear, pine martin, and peregrine falcon utilize riparian deciduous zones as part of their optimal habitat. In addition, the peregrine falcon, an endangered species, has a special habitat requirement for nesting sites on cliffs near water bodies. The spotted owl also has a special habitat requirement of dense old growth near permanent water courses. The goshawk, a sensitive species, nests primarily on northern slopes near streams. Prairie falcons, also a sensitive species, require cliffs for special habitat needs.

Anadromous and resident trout fisheries, as well as Chinook salmon are found in the streams of the Eel River drainage on the western flanks of the range. The Middle Fork Eel River contains critical holding habitat for the largest, purest run of summer-run steelhead trout left in California. Resident trout fisheries are found in the tributaries to the Sacramento River on the eastern flank of the North Coast mountains.

Many areas of the rugged North Coast Range have long been appreciated for their attractive scenery. Rugged, high-elevation scenery is found in the Yolla Bolly - Middle Eel Wilderness and the Snow Mountain Wilderness. Because the region is relatively dry, the presence of water adds considerably to the scenic quality of the areas in which it is found.

Developed recreation sites are relatively scarce. Dispersed hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and Off-Highway-Vehicle riding are the most common recreation uses of the forest. No river on the Mendocino National Forest is considered floatable and boatable". River recreation use is generally limited to fishing, hunting and hiking.

Human settlement in the North Coast Ranges reaches as far back as 12,000 years ago. Due to climatic differences and emphasis on big game hunting and seed gathering, the earliest settlement was concentrated in the valleys and highest elevations. Later, settlement began to occur along the lower elevation rivers as the climate changed and technology evolved. More recently, technology and climate allowed settlement and use along lower elevation rivers and in the highlands.

Seven ethnographic groups are known to have occupied the study region. The Wailaki occupied what is now the western portion of the Yolla Bolly Wilderness. The Yuki and Huchnom occupied the western flanks of the mountains, while the Nomlaki, Salt Porno, Porno and Patwin occupied the eastern flanks of the mountains.

Homestead activity, particularly sheep ranching, took place from the 1870's to the early 1900's. Logging operations began to take place in the late 1800's.

L-4 Wild and Scenic River Evaluation RIVER DESCRIPTION AND VALUES SUMMARY

The descriptions which follow outline the respective river's eligibility and suitability for designation as a Wild and Scenic River.

RIVER/STREAM: MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER WITHIN WILDERNESS

COUNTIES: Trinity

AREA: The upper 14.5 miles of the Middle Fork Eel River within the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness extending from the headwaters to approximately one mile north of Fern Point.

DESCRIPTION: This portion of the Middle Fork Eel River drains approximately 22,000 acres. The river drops from an elevation of 6000 feet to 4100 feet with side slopes averaging 30 to 60 percent. The Balm of Gilead, a tributary, is addressed in a separate description.

Access is limited to hiking trails. Main trails include the Haynes Delight, Cutfinger, and one other unnamed trail.

Water quality is good. Cattle grazing within the Wilderness and seasonal low flows are responsible for the less than excellent quality of water in this generally pristine area

Visual quality is rated as Variety Class A for most of the river corridor. Where the stream cascades, the stream flows over numerous drops and forms large pools. The steep stream banks limit the views to the immediate river corridor. Where the stream widens, the view consists of the broad, flat stream corridor in the foreground and of the forested watershed and distant mountains in middleground and background.

Recreation use along this stream corridor is light and generally confined to late spring, summer, and fall. Dispersed recreation activities such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and wading are predominant. The stream is accessed by Wilderness trails only, allowing for solitude and primitive experiences.

Most of the river canyon is deep and fairly steep sided though wide, low-gradient stretches are not uncommon. The stream passes through unstable Franciscan sedimentary formations where landslides are common. Gradient for this portion of the river averages around 3 percent. The upland vegetation types within the river corridor include coniferous tree species while willow and alder line the stream banks.

A population of summer run steelhead spawns and rears in the lower reaches of the river. This sensitive anadromous fishery currently receives special management consideration. The lower portion of the Middle Fork of the Eel River was included in the Wild and Scenic River System based on the value of this fishery alone.

Wildlife present in this area is common for the Coastal Range province. Deer utilize the lower portion of the river for winter range. Goshawk habitat has been identified along the lower portion of the river. Spotted owls utilize within the area, with one pair nesting within the river corridor, and a second pair in the uplands.

Although within ethnographic Yuki territory, the upper reaches of the Middle Fork Eel River may have been part of the summer range of the Wailaki tribe.

There are no grazing allotments along this portion of the river. Since Wild and Scenic designation limits grazing to the extent currently practiced, future grazing would be precluded.

Wild and Scenic River Evaluation L-5 No mining claims exist in this river corridor. The Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness has been withdrawn from mineral entry.

Since timber harvest activities have already been precluded by Wilderness designation, no further opportunities will be precluded by Wild and Scenic River designation.

Socio-economic effects of Wild and Scenic River designation would not be substantially different from present. Although unlikely in Wilderness, the Wilderness Act does not preclude water resource development with Presidential permission. Therefore, the most evident economic effect of Wild and Scenic River designation would be elimination of future water resource development opportunities.

All land along this segment of the Middle Fork Eel River is federally held and is designated Wilderness. The cost to administer this river segment as a Wild and Scenic River would not be substantially different than the present cost to administer the area as wilderness.

TABLE L-2

WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES SUMMARY MIDDLE FORK OF THE EEL RIVER

VALUES DESCRIPTION

SCENIC Variety Class A for most of the reach.

RECREATIONAL Trail access only. Solitude, primitive experience possible. Wilder- ness area

GEOLOGIC Common

FISHERIES * Adult summer steelhead in lower reaches of stream. Good rainbow trout fishery.

WILDLIFE Important Spotted Owl habitat, two Spotted Owl Habitat Manage- ment Areas in this area

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL Common

* Values that meet or exceed the definitions of outstandingly remarkable

RIVER/STREAM: BALM OF GILEAD CREEK

COUNTIES: Trinity

AREA: Entire 8.8 mile length of Balm of Gilead Creek, a tributary to the Middle Fork of the Eel River within the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness.

DESCRIPTION: Balm of Gilead Creek drains the majority of a watershed that is 13,824 acres. The stream drops from 6,100 feet in elevation at the headwaters on the north side of Vinegar Peak, flowing in a generally western direction for about 8.5 miles to meet the Middle Fork of the Eel River at 3,800 feet. Access is limited to foot trails, the Wrights Valley Trail crosses the stream.

L - 6 Wild and Scenic River Evaluation Visual quality is rated as Variety Class A for most of the river corridor. The lower portion of the stream has a series of three vertical bedrock falls, two of which are about 20 feet high and the third is six feet high. The two large waterfalls and their associated pools contribute to the scenic beauty of this area and are the basis for this visual classification.

Recreation use along this stream corridor is light and generally confined to late spring, summer, and fall. Dispersed recreation activities such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and wading are predominant. The single access route by trail allows for solitude and primitive experiences.

The Balm of Gilead is an open V-shaped canyon which passes through unstable Franciscan sedimentary formations. Landslides are common with massive earth slippages and rock slides. Side slopes average 30 to 60 percent. The average gradient throughout the length of this stream is 5.1 percent. The watershed is generally Douglas fir-Jeffrey pine forest with white pine, sugar pine, and oaks. The riparian species include cedar, alder, willow, and cottonwood. Sedges are also common. Water quality is good.

The Balm of Gilead Creek supports a population of summer run steelhead. The lower 1.25 miles provide steelhead habitat and juvenile rearing grounds. This sensitive anadromous fishery receives special management consideration and is protected outside of the wilderness by the Wild and Scenic River designation on the Middle Fork of the Eel River. A resident rainbow trout fishery is also supported in the area above the falls.

Wildlife is common for the Costal Range province. Deer utilize the lower portion of the creek for winter range. Goshawk habitat has been identified within the middle portion of the creek. Spotted owl sightings have been recorded in the area.

Although within the ethnographic territory of the Yuki, the Blam of Gilead Creek vicinity may have been part of the summer range of the Wailaki tribe. One grazing allotment borders about one half mile of the southern edge of the creek near the one trail crossing. This section represents a very small portion of the entire allotment. Annually 85 cattle are allowed on the entire allotment from mid-May to mid-October. Existing grazing permits are not affected by Wild and Scenic designation but such use would be limited to the extent currently practiced.

No mining claims exist in this river corridor. The Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness has been withdrawn from mineral entry.

Since timber harvest activities have already been precluded by Wilderness designation, no further opportunities will be precluded by Wild and Scenic River designation.

Socio-economic effects of Wild and Scenic River designation would not be substantially different from the present. Although unlikely in Wilderness, the Wilderness Act does not preclude water resource development with Presidential permission. Therefore, the most evident economic effect of Wild and Scenic River designation would be elimination of future water resource development opportunities.

All land along the Balm of Gilead Creek is federally held and is designated Wilderness. The cost to administer this river segment as a Wild and Scenic River would not be substantially different than the present cost to administer the area as wilderness.

Wild and Scenic River Evaluation L - 7 TABLE L-3 WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES SUMMARY, BALM OF GILEAD CREEK

VALUES DESCRIPTION

SCENIC * Variety Class A, two 20' waterfalls with large pools in lower reach.

RECREATIONAL Access by hiking trail only. Primitive experience possible within this wilderness area. Hiking and fishing.

GEOLOGIC Common

FISHERIES * Adult summer steelhead population in lower reaches of stream. Good rainbow trout fishery in upper reaches.

WILDLIFE Common

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL Common

* Values that meet or exceed the definitions of outstandingly remarkable

RIVER/STREAM: MIDDLE FORK STONY CREEK

COUNTIES: Lake, Glenn, Colusa

AREA: Entire 17 mile length of the Middle Fork of Stony Creek from the headwaters to one third of a mile beyond the Snow Mountain Wilderness boundary.

DESCRIPTION: The Middle Fork of Stony Creek drains an area of approximately 22,000 acres. The creek originates near the top of Snow Mountain at about 6,460 feet and meets Stony Creek at 1,480 feet flowing in a northeast to easterly direction around the mountain. Side slopes range from 50 to 65 percent except for the last half mile where the side slopes are almost completely precipitous. Within this gorge the side slopes average between 70 to 80 percent, vertical cliffs are common. The study area extends from the headwaters to the boundary of private property near the confluence of Paradise Creek.

Access is limited to the North Ridge Trail which crosses the stream in the upper portion of the watershed. The only vehicular access for the area exists outside the designated portion of the river corridor. Road 18N06.1 crosses Middle Fork of Stony Creek at Red Bridge near the confluence of Stony Creek. Cross-country navigation along the stream channel is extremely difficult between these two access points.

The tree canopy is generally high on the upper reaches of the stream, though the stream is well shaded by the generally closed canopy of red alders, evergreen oaks, and Douglas fir. The upper reaches are characterized by lush herbaceous vegetative cover that includes alpine species. Vegetative cover in the gorge area contains more woody plants including alders, willows, cottonwoods, and wild grapes.

Water quality is excellent and may be the best on the Mendocino National Forest. The water is cold and is remarkably free of silt, even during peak runoff periods. The stream gradient is relatively steep for this region, averaging around 7 percent. When compared to other streams on the Forest the Middle Fork of Stony Creek has an abundance of free flowing water. Deep pools, cascading falls, and occasional vertical drops are characteristic of this stream. A 40' waterfall lies above the North Ridge Trail.

L - 8 Wild and Scenic River Evaluation Visual quality is rated as Variety Class A for this stream. The Gorge, near the boundary of the wilderness, may be the most rugged gorge in the North Coast Range mountains of California This steep canyon winds around the base of Snow Mountain, one of the few glaciated areas within the Forest. It is characterized by hanging tributaries which form waterfalls that drop down the canyon sides as they enter the creek. Numerous cascades and falls are found on the stream itself, including one waterfall that is forty feet in height. The near vertical walls of the gorge are composed of pillow basalts, an unusual formation found within oceanic volcanics. This ultramafic rock type is extremely stable and creates the sheer canyon walls. The canyon is surrounded by steep, vegetated slopes of hardwoods and conifers. The dramatic scenery, lush riparian vegetation and large volume of water make this one of the most unusual places on the forest.

Recreation use along this stream corridor is light to very light and generally confined to late spring, summer, and fall. Dispersed recreation experiences such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and wading are predominant in the upper reaches. The upper reaches of the stream are accessed by Wilderness trails only, allowing solitude and primitive experiences. The lower reaches of the stream are extremely rugged and accessed by cross-country foot travel only. Opportunities are high for extremely wild, solitary, and challenging experiences. This stream canyon offers one of the most challenging recreation experiences available in the region.

The upper portion of the stream passes through the generally unstable ground of the highly fractured Franciscan sedimentary and metasedimentary formations. The upper canyon has stretches of nearly level gradient where the stream is about 20 feet wide and the canyon bottom is about 70 feet wide. Serpentine rock types are common in the watershed.

The dense riparian foliage, the cold alpine waters, the absence of silt, and the difficult access maintains an outstanding rainbow trout fishery. The Middle Fork of Stony Creek has been nominated for a catch and release fishing designation by the California Department of Fish and Game. In addition, Trout Unlimited is conducting a campaign for designating this stream as a California Native Wild Trout Stream. This may be the best rainbow trout fishery on the Forest.

Wildlife within the area is common for the Coast Range province. Black Bear utilize the upper portion of the river corridor extensively. The surrounding uplands are generally dry chaparral and the upper portion of the river provides an important water source in summer for deer. The sheer vertical cliffs of the lower portion of the river prevent extensive use by large mammals. The area has not been extensively studied by wildlife biologists due to the remoteness of the area and the difficult access.

The vicinity of the Middle Fork Stony Creek was part of the range of the Salt Porno. The Salt Porno had a very small range limited primarily to the drainage of Stony Creek in the area which is now Stonyford.

One grazing allotment encompasses about one mile of the creek from the headwaters to the edge of the high-country plateau. The same allotment includes the first 1/4 mile of the creek outside of the Wilderness boundary. These sections represent a small portion of the entire allotment. 20 to 50 cattle are allowed annually on the entire allotment from mid-June to mid-October. The permittee is required to take precautions to protect riparian areas and may only utilize 50% of the forage in riparian areas. Existing grazing permits are not affected by Wild and Scenic designation but such use would be limited to the extent currently practiced.

No mining claims exist in this river corridor. The Snow Mountain Wilderness was withdrawn from mineral entry at the time of classification.

Since timber harvest activities have already been precluded by Wilderness designation, no further opportunities will be precluded by Wild and Scenic River designation.

Socio-economic effects of Wild and Scenic River designation would not be substantially different from the present. Although unlikely in Wilderness, the Wilderness Act does not preclude water resource

Wild and Scenic River Evaluation L-9 development with Presidential permission. Therefore, the most evident economic effect of Wild and Scenic River designation would be elimination of future water resource developments.

The Middle Fork Stony Creek originates in springs located on private land within the Snow Mountain Wilderness. This parcel is a priority for Federal acquisition, upon a willing-seller basis. All remaining land along the eligible segment of the Middle Fork Stony Creek is federally held and all but the last one third mile is designated Wilderness. The cost to administer this river segment as a Wild and Scenic River would not be substantially different than the present cost to administer the area as wilderness.

TABLE L-4 WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES SUMMARY MIDDLE FORK STONY CREEK

VALUES DESCRIPTION

SCENIC * Variety Class A; Numerous waterfalls, cascades, sheer cliffs, and hanging tributaries; Views of mountains.

RECREATIONAL Extremely wild; One of the most challenging experiences possible in the region; Solitude, primitive, wilderness; Limited trail access only.

GEOLOGIC * Sheer-walled basalt rock canyon up to 1500* in depth; Creek carves through oceanic volcanic to expose pillow basalt.

FISHERIES Excellent native rainbow trout fishery; Catch and release stream; California Wild Native Trout Stream designation

WILDUFE Common though used heavily by black bear.

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL Common

* Values that meet or exceed the definitions of outstandingly remarkable.

The following descriptions for Thomes Creek, Black Butte River with Cold Creek, and Elk Creek, outline the respective river's eligibility for designation as a Wild and Scenic River. There has been no evaluation of the river's suitability for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River System.

RIVER/STREAM: THOMES CREEK

COUNTIES: Tehama

AREA: Entire 27.6 mile length of Thomes Creek from the headwaters inside the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness to the Forest Service boundary.

DESCRIPTION: Thomes Creek drains approximately 113,000 acres of National Forest land. The river originates in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness at about 6000 feet, flows out of the National Forest at 1040 feet and flows to the Sacramento River. The stream passes through unstable Franciscan sedimentary formations in a steep incised canyon where landslides are common.

L-10 Wild and Scenic River Evaluation SEGMENT 1: A 3.5 mile segment extending from the creek's headwaters to the boundary of the Yolla Bolly Wilderness. The segment drops from 0000 feet to 4500 feet. One steep section cascades over a gradient of 35 percent while the remainder pf the segment averages six percent. Side slopes average 50 to 60 percent. The entire segment is in Wilderness and is accessed by one developed trail. The watershed is forested and mountainous. The stream has medium canopy with coniferous and maple shade. Water quality is good on this segment of Thomes Creek.

SEGMENT 2: A13.1 mile segment extending from the boundary of the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness to road 24N01 crossing at The Slab. The segment drops from 4500 feet to 2680 feet for an average gradient of three percent. Side slopes average 50 to 70 percent. Seven miles, or approximately 50 percent, of this stream segment flows through private land. Roads 25N34 and M2 cross the stream at the Thomes Pocket area and these roads parallel the stream for close to two miles. The road crossing at 25N32 is washed out but is still passable to within 1/4 mile of the creek. Upland vegetation within the stream corridor is generally conifer forest species which grades into grass meadows and chaparral communities near road crossing at The Slab. Water quality is fair on this segment.

SEGMENT 3: An 11.0 mile segment extending from one-half a mile below road 24N01 which crosses at The Slab to the Mendocino National Forest boundary. The segment drops from 2680 feet to 1040 feet for an average gradient of three percent. Side slopes average 35 to 50 percent in the upper reaches of this segment and average 70 to 80 percent in the lower reaches with some vertical cliffs. Approximate- ly one half mile of this stream segment flows through private land. The entire segment is unroaded, with only limited access by foot trail. The last half mile of this reach is known as the Gorge; a sheer walled, deep pooled section. An abundance of serpentine rock types are located in the lower end of the Gorge. Upland vegetation within the river corridor consists of grass meadows and chaparral. The canopy along the corridor is light and consists of box alder, willow, and oak. Water quality is poor on this segment. The stream bed is characterized by stretches of low gradient (2-3 percent) riffles and pools interspersed with massive boulder areas of 5-8 percent grade; some of which form complete rock barriers.

Visual Quality is rated as Variety Class A for most of segments one and three and one third of segment two. Segment One includes cascading stream sections and a 100' intermittent waterfall. In section two, views range from the densely forested watershed and background views of mountains to oak and chaparral hillsides. Some road cuts and road crossings are evident in Segment Two. The viewshed of most of Segment Three consists of oak and chaparral hillsides. Dramatic views at the Gorge area consist of sheer-walled cliffs, deep pools and unusual, colorful rock formations. Views of the mountain crestline are evident in the background from the canyon floor.

Recreation use along most of the stream corridor is light. At the higher elevations, use is generally confined to late spring, summer, and fall. At lower elevations, the stream is accessible year-round. Dispersed recreation experiences such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and wading are predominant in the unroaded portions. Limited access along most of the stream allows solitude and primitive experiences. Primitive camping is available at Thomes Pocket, a popular hunter camp. The Slab area is used as a summer swimming hole. The Gorge, though generally inaccessible, has several deep swimming holes.

The trout fishery is fair in the highest reaches of the stream. In the middle reaches, the rainbow trout fishery is good and includes important spawning habitat. Sacramento squawfish become common in lower reaches.

Wildlife in the area is common for the Coast Range province. Key summer range for deer is located in the Thomes Pocket area Key winter range for deer exists in the Gorge area A potential peregrine falcon site, one of eight potential sites on the Forest, is recorded within Segment Two. Spotted owl sightings are common around the Gorge area Single owls have been recorded recently and one breeding pair has established in the area. Prairie falcons inhabit the inner Gorge. There have also been numerous sighting of goshawks and fur-bearers within the river corridor.

Wild and Scenic River Evaluation L-11 The vicinity of Thomes Creek is known to have been occupied by the Nomlaki. Several prehistoric and historic trail routes are known to exist in the Thomes Creek drainage on the slopes midway between the creek and the ridgelines. Evidence of prehistoric occupation has been found along the creek where the gradient flattens and the creek begins to meander after it leaves the Mendocino National Forest.

Two permit applications to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission have been made for hydroelectric-generating facilities. One proposed site is located near The Slab and was made in 1981. An additional site near Auger Creek was made on the same date. Both the proposed sites were rejected due to slope instability and low summer flows. The land was found to be too unstable to support access roads and facilities. In addition, the instream flow requirements for fisheries could only allow for hydroelectric diversions in the winter season due to low flows in summer.

TABLE L-5 WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES SUMMARY, THOMES CREEK

VALUES DESCRIPTION SEGMENT 2 SEGMENT 3 SEGMENT 1

1 SCENIC Variety Class A most of the Variety Class A for /3 of Variety Class A for most of segment; 100 foot waterfall the segment; the the segment; Sheer walls near the headwaters; remainder is common. and deep pools at the Background views of Gorge. mountains.

RECRE- Dispersed in wilderness; Dispersed with roaded Dispersed with limited trail ATIONAL Hiking and fishing. access at Thomes access only; Solitude; Pocket and the Slab; primitive experience is Camping, hunting, and possible; Fishing, hiking, fishing. and swimming.

GEOLOGIC Common Common * Sheer walled cliffs at the Gorge; Unusual formations; Rock types, include Serpentines and a lime- stone spring.

FISHERIES Fair trout fishery Areas of important Good trout fishery; Light trout spawning habitat. angler pressure due to inaccessibility.

WILDLIFE Common Prairie Falcon - nesting Important spotted owl pair; Peregrine Falcon habitat. -potential nesting site.

HISTORIC AND CUL- TURAL Common Bet or exceed Common of Common * Values that m< L-12 the definitions Wild and Scenicoutstandingly River Evaluation remarkab e RIVER/STREAM: BLACK BUTTE RIVER WITH COLD CREEK

COUNTIES: Glenn, Mendocino

AREA: The entire 23.1 miles of the Black Butte River from its origin to the Forest Service boundary as described below, including 6.2 miles of the Cold Creek tributary on Forest Service lands.

DESCRIPTION: The Black Butte River watershed drains approximately 102,500 acres of National Forest land. The river originates at the confluence of Estelle and Middle Creeks in the Basin at an elevation of 3,440 feet. The river is 23.7 miles long with 0.6 mile outside of the Forest Service boundary. The river discharges in a north-westerly direction into the Middle Fork of the Eel River at an elevation of 1,560 feet. Side slopes of 25 to 50 percent are average for this watershed. Approximately 3.9 miles of this river pass through privately owned lands. Cold Creek, a tributary, is approximately 9 miles in length which is equal in length to the upper reach of Black Butte River.

Access to the river is limited. Primitive four-wheel drive roads approach the river in several locations, though only 20N22 crosses the river at the Basin. The upper portion of Cold Creek, which lies on private land can be accessed by private four-wheel drive roads that connect to Forest Highway 7 at the headwaters and at Cottonwood Glade.

Upland vegetation types within the river corridor include conifer forest, chaparral, and grasslands. Riparian vegetation varies widely in abundance and composition along this river course. In the upper portion the river is lined with willows which form a closed canopy over the streambed. Cold Creek is dominated by alders with scattered willows. In the lower reaches of the river riparian vegetation is almost nonexistent.

Water quality ranges from good to poor due to seasonal stream flow characteristics and unstable side slopes. Water quality for the Cold Creek tributary is good. This stream supplies cold, clear water to the river even in summer months. Flows from Cold Creek often exceed the river's main channel above the confluence during the summer season. The water quality in the upper reaches of Black Butte River is fair. Water quality degrades as it moves downstream and is poor at the confluence of the Middle Fork Eel River. This change is due to the gravel substrate consuming the flow of surface waters and the lack of riparian vegetation to shade and filter the water.

The character of this river is dominated by its low gradient, which averages about 1.5 percent. The river ranges from about 7 feet with narrow pools in the upper reaches to large shallow pools in the lower reaches. This low gradient flow coupled with the deep gravel substrate of the lower reach creates a pattern of scattered pools and intermittent flow. These pools are often 200 to 300 yards apart and the stream is intermittent in some areas. Low flows and lack of vegetation in this segment coupled with the relatively large amount of bedload sediments usually preclude development of deep pools for summer steeihead.

Visual Quality is rated as Variety Class B for most of the stream corridors. Black Butte River is rated Variety Class A at the stream headwaters in the Basin. Further downstream, the stream banks are heavily vegetated, limiting views to the immediate stream corridor. In the lower reaches, foreground views may contain dramatic rock outcrops, middle and background views are of oak chaparral hillsides and some distant mountains. Cold Creek passes through a steep canyon with numerous large boulders. The extremely steep, heavily timbered side slopes limit the view to the immediate stream corridor. Landslides are common; the stream passes over numerous drops and large pools.

Recreation use along these corridors is light to moderate. At higher elevations, use is limited to spring, summer, and fall. At lower elevations, the river is accessible year round. Dispersed recreation experiences such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and wading are predominant. Hunting is popular at the headwaters of the river in the Basin area. The stream is accessed by primitive roads and trails only, allowing solitude and primitive experiences.

Wild and Scenic River Evaluation L-13 Rock types within the river corridor include schistose and partly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks that are steeply tilted, folded and faulted. This canyon is characterized by numerous slides and slumps. The upper river flows on a low gradient and is characterized by numerous bedrock outcroppings. Cold Creek also flows on a low gradient until it drops into a rugged, steep sided bedrock canyon below Cottonwood Glade. The lower canyon of Black Butte River is wide, V-shaped, and dominated by gravel. A notable feature in this area is found just above the Basin where an intrusive igneous volcanic block has been incised by Middle Creek resulting in a unique series of pools and falls.

The upper reaches, including Cold Creek, provide some of the better spawning and rearing habitat for winter steelhead, rainbow trout, and Chinook salmon within the Middle Fork Eel River Drainage. Fishing intensity is considered light due to difficult access. The rainbow trout found at Cottonwood Glade on Cold Creek have distinct color patterns that resemble the markings of Red Banded Trout. These trout may be hybrid crosses with native species and rainbow trout planted by California Department of Fish and Game in the 1930's and 1940's.

Wildlife in this area is common for the Coastal Range. The river corridor lies within key winter range for deer. Goshawk habitat is found along the middle of the river particularly on the southern side of Black Butte River. Goshawk habitat is also located along the south side of Cold Creek. Historically spotted owls have inhabited this area, and there have been numerous spotted owl sightings recently. Currently two pairs nest in the forest southwest of the river. Pine martin sightings have been recorded along the river corridor.

The Black Butte River drainage is situated in territory held by the Huititno'm Yuki at the time of Euro-American contact. The Huititno'm Yuki are hypothesized to have lived in the general vicinity for perhaps the past 4000 years and their population is estimated to have been about 400. They probably lived along the Black Butte River during the winter and traveled to the higher elevations in the spring, summer, and fall in the pursuit of game or to gather plant resources.

Numerous significant archaeological resources have been identified along the lower reaches of the Black Butte River. Many of these sites represent long-term habitation and some contain structural remains. Some have been identified as ethnographic villages associated with the Huititno'm Yuki. The remoteness and undeveloped character of this river are the major contributors to the pristine quality of these sites. The information potential of these sites, coupled with their excellent integrity, make these archaeological resources exceptional compared to many other regions within the North Coast Ranges.

A permit for a hydroelectric generating facility was made to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a site on Cold Creek. However, the proposed project was found to be infeasible in 1986 due to the steep and unstable slopes of the proposed sites. The location proposed for the pipeline would have crossed three active landslides.

L-14 Wild and Scenic River Evaluation TABLE L-6 WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES SUMMARY, BLACK BUTTE RIVER AND COLD CREEK

VALUES DESCRIPTION

SCENIC Common

RECREATIONAL Dispersed recreation; Hunting and fishing; Generally limited access.

GEOLOGIC Common

FISHERIES * Spawning and rearing grounds for rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, and winter steelhead.

WILDLIFE Common

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL * Numerous pristine cultural sites; Most concentrated and significant area on forest; Exceptional regional resource.

* Values that meet or exceed the definitions of outstandingly remarkable

RIVER/STREAM: ELK CREEK

COUNTIES: Mendocino

AREA: The entire 7.6 mile reach of perennial stream from the confluence with Lookout Creek to the Mendocino National Forest boundary.

DESCRIPTION: Elk Creek drains approximately 34,200 acres of Mendocino National Forest land. The stream drops from 2420 feet to 1460 feet at the National Forest boundary and flows to the Middle Fork of the Eel River. Side slopes average 30 to 40 percent but reach 70 percent in places. Approximately one mile of this stream segment flows through private land. The entire segment is unroaded, with only limited access by trail.

Upland vegetation within the river corridor consists of grass meadows and chaparral slopes; much of the forested area in the watershed was burned in the 1987 fires. The canopy within the river corridor is light and consists of box alder, willow, and oak. Water quality is fair on this upper segment. Average stream gradient is three percent. The stream bed is characterized by stretches of low gradient riffles and pools.

Visual quality is rated as Variety Class B for most of the stream corridor with small sections of Variety Class C. Foreground views consist of massive landslides in many places which limit the view to the immediate stream corridor. Where middle and background views are visible they generally consist of oak and chaparral covered hillsides.

Recreation use along this stream corridor is light. Dispersed recreation experiences such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and wading are possible. The stream is accessed by primitive trails only, allowing for solitude and primitive experiences.

Wild and Scenic River Evaluation L -15 The stream passes through unstable Franciscan sedimentary formations and massive landslides are common.

The rainbow trout fishery is excellent in the upper reaches and fair in the lower reaches.

Wildlife in the area is common for the Coast Range province. Deer utilize the river corridor for winter habitat.

The vicinity of Elk Creek was known to be occupied by the Yuki.

TABLE L-7 WILD AND SCENIC RIVER VALUES SUMMARY, ELK CREEK

VALUES DESCRIPTION

SCENIC Common

RECREATIONAL Dispersed; Trail access only.

GEOLOGIC Common

FISHERIES Excellent rainbow trout fishery in upper reaches; Fair in lower reaches.

WILDLIFE Common

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL Common

EFFECTS OF DESIGNATION OR NON-DESIGNATION

The Wilderness designation in the areas surrounding the 14.5 miles of the Middle Fork Eel River, the entire Balm of Gilead Creek, and the 17 miles of Middle Fork Stony Creek, has already imposed constraints on resource use and opportunities. If the river areas are not included in the National Wild and Scenic River System, they wilt still be managed in accordance with the Wilderness Act. The potential for water resource development would still exist because the Wilderness Act allows for such development with Presidential permission. The opportunity for water resource development would be forgone for these streams with Wild and Scenic River designation.

Full consideration of resource tradeoffs and opportunities have not been given toThomes Creek, Black Butte River, or Cold Creek. Therefore, these rivers and creeks are have not been discussed.

L - 16 Wild and Scenic River Evaluation TABLE L-8 RIVERS AND CREEKS CONSIDERED IN THE WILD & SCENIC RIVER EVALUATION

RIVER/STREAM TRIBUTARY TO MILES RIVER/STREAM TRIBUTARY TO MILES RIVER/STREAM TRIBUTARY TO MILES

ALDER BASIN CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 1.8 BUCK CREEK BUCK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 3.8 ELK CREEK ESTELL MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 7.6 ALDER CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 1.5 CREEK SOUTH FORK COTTON- 6.0 CREEK BLACK BUTTE RIVER 2.6 ALDER CREEK NORTH FORK CACHE 2.2 BUCK ROCK CREEK WOOD CREEK BEAVER 2.6 FISH CREEK THOMES CREEK 6.0 ALDER CREEK ALLEY CREEK 3.0 BUCKHORN CREEK CREEK 1.4 FISHTOWN CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 1.6 CREEK THOMES CREEK CLOVER 3.4 BUCKNELL CREEK BLACK BUTTE RIVER EEL 7.3 FLOOD CREEK THOMES CREEK 2.6 CREEK RIVER

ANDERSON CREEK EEL RIVER BLACK BUTTE 7.3 BURNT CREEK BUTTE GRINDSTONE CREEK 2.4 FLY CREEK FOSSIL MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 4.7 ATCHISON CREEK RIVER THOMES CREEK 2.6 CREEK BUTTERMILK BLACK BUTTE RIVER 4.0 CREEK FRENCH MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 1.1 AUGER CREEK BLACK BUTTE RIVER 1.8 CREEK CARY PASTURE WILLOW CREEK 1.3 CREEK FRENZEL RICE FORK CREEK LITTLE 3.6 BALDY CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 2.8 CREEK CEDAR CREEK THOMES CREEK 2.9 CREEK FRESHWATER STONY CREEK STONY 1.7 BALMOFGILEAD 6.8 PANTHER CREEK 1.8 CREEK CREEK 3.1

BAR CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 4.5 CLOVER CREEK STONY CREEK 3.0 FULLER CANYON SOUTH FORK LONG 1.3 BARKER CREEK RICE FORK CREEK 1.6 CLOVER CREEK COLO RODMAN SLOUGH 3.5 GARCIA CREEK VALLEY EEL RIVER 2.1 BARTLETT CREEK NORTH FORK CACHE 4.5 CREEK CLEAR LAKE 1.1 GILBERT CREEK CLOVER CREEK 1.2 BASIN CREEK CREEK 0.8 COLD CREEK EEL RIVER 5.4 GOULDING CREEK NORTH FORK STONY 2.0 COLD CREEK. SEG 1 2.9 BASIN CREEK BLACK BUTTE RIVER 2.2 BLACK BUTTE RIVER GRAPEVINE CREEK CREEK 0.8 NORTH FORK ELDER EEL RIVER CREEK

BEAR CANYON CREEK GRINDSTONE CREEK 1.4 COLD CREEK. SEG 2 BLACK BUTTE RIVER 6.2 2.5 GRAPEVINE CREEK TROUT CREEK COLD 1.6 2.3 BEAR CREEK BEAR RICE FK CREEK 8.5 COLD SPRING CREEK FISH CREEK EEL 3.1 GFUFFEN CREEK SPRING CREEK STONY 26.7 CREEK BEAR CREEK ELK CREEK 2.5 COPPER BUTTE CREEK RIVER EEL RIVER 12.3 GRINDSTONE CREEK CREEK GRINDSTONE 1.5 3.7 BEAR DEN CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 1.1 COR8IN CREEK SACRAMENTO RIVER 2.5 HAMELTON CREEK CREEK MIDOLE FORK EEL GARCIA CREEK 3.0 COTTONWOOD CREEK HAMMERHORN CREEK RIVER

BEAR WALLOW CREEK MIDDLE FORK STONY 2.2 CROCKER CREEK ELK CREEK 4.0 HARVEY CREEK GRINDSTONE CREEK 1.4 BEAVER CREEK CREEK 6.4 CRONEY CREEK DARK THOMES CREEK 2.9 HARVEY CREEK BUCK CREEK THOMES 4.3 BENMORE CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 3.0 CANYON CREEK DARK THOMES CREEK 4.8 HENDERSON CANYON CREEK 3.8 BENNETT CREEK EEL RIVER 3.1 HOLLOW CREEK MIDDLE FORK STONY 3.5 HIEFER CAMP CREEK STONY CREEK 3.3 BERRY CREEK THOMES CREEK 2.4 DASHIELL CREEK CREEK EEL RIVER 0.5 HORSE CREEK EEL RIVER 3.3 COLD SPRINGS CREEK

BERRY CREEK EEL RIVER 1.5 DEEP HOLE CREEK ELK CREEK 1.7 HOSPITAL CREEK NORTH FORK CACHE 2.1 BEVANS CREEK RICE FORK CREEK MIDDLE 3.0 DEER CREEK DEER RICE FORK CREEK MIDDLE 6.0 HOWARD CREEK HULL CREEK 2.8 BLACK BUTTE RIVER FORK EEL RIVER BLACK 23.1 UCK CREEK DOLL FORK EEL RIVER WILLOW 1.4 CREEK HUMMINGBIRD MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 2.8 BLUE SLIDE CREEK BUTTE RIVER BEAR 2.7 3.6 CREEK DUTCH OVEN CREEK CORBIN CREEK 0.9 CREEK HUNTER CREEK EEL RIVER 3.2 BLUE SUDES CREEK CREEK CREEK 0.8 EEL RIVER 1.4 BLACK BUTTE RIVER

Wild and Scenic River Evaluation L-17 RIVER/STREAM TRIBUTARY TO MILES RIVER/STREAM TRIBUTARY TO MILES RIVER/STREAM TRIBUTARY TO MILES

BOARD CREEK GRINDSTONE CREEK 1.6 DUTCH OVEN CREEK EEL CORBIN CREEK 2.4 HYPHUS CREEK IDA CREEK LITTLE STONY CREEK 2.6 BOARDMAN CREEK SMOKEHOUSE CREEK 2.3 RIVER PACIFIC OCEAN 26.4 JACK HOLLOW CREEK NORTH FORK STONY 1.4 BOWERS CREEK THOMES CREEK STONY 4.1 EAST FORK MIDDLE CREEK MIDDLE CREEK 8.8 JUMPOFF CREEK CREEK 2.6 3.4 BR1SCO CREEK CREEK 8.2 EAST FORK SPANISH CREEK SPANISH CREEK SOUTH FORK MILL CREEK THATCHER CREEK 5.0 3.1 KILL DRY CREEK GRINDSTONE CREEK 5.5 PACKSADDLE CREEK EEL RIVER BLACK BUTTE RIVER 1.4 MILL CREEK

LADYBUG CREEK NORTH FORK CACHE 2.5 PANTHER CREEK GRINDSTONE CREEK 4.5 SOUTH FORK OF THE SOUTH FORK ELDER 4.4 LETTS CREEK CREEK 1.7 PANTHER CREEK SODA CREEK 4.4 SOUTH FORK ELDER CREEK 11.9 UNE GULCH CREEK SOUTH FORK STONY CR 3.0 PARADISE CREEK MIDDLE FORK STONY 2.7 CREEK STONY CREEK 0.5 LITTLE SODA CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 3.5 PARAMOUR CREEK CREEK 4.4 SOUTH FORK STONY ELK CREEK 1.6 5.0 UTTLE STONY CREEK RICE FORK CREEK STONY 11.6 PERRINGTON CREEK RICE FORK CREEK 2.6 CREEK ESTELL CREEK CREEK TROUT CREEK SHAKE CREEK GRINDSTONE CREEK SHEEP CREEK SHEPARD CREEK

LITTLE SULLIVAN CREEK SULLIVAN CREEK 2.4 POTHOLE CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 2.7 SKELETON CREEK EEL RIVER BLACK 3.1 LOG SPRING CREEK THOMES CREEK 3.3 QUARTZ CREEK WOLF CREEK 1.1 SWDMORE CREEK BUTTE RIVER THOMES 1.0 LONG OPENING CREEK GARCIA CREEK 2.0 RATTLESNAKE CREEK EEL RIVER 4.9 SLATE CREEK SUDES CREEK •COTTONWOOD 3.5 LONG VALLEY CREEK BARTLETT CREEK 3.2 RATTLESNAKE CREEK NORTH FORK CACHE 1.8 CREEK CREEK 4.4 LOOKOUT CREEK ELK CREEK 2.5 RATTLESNAKE CREEK CREEK 7.1 SMOKEHOUSE CREEK BEAVER CREEK 3.3 MIDDL FORK EEL RIVER

MAD CREEK MAPLE STONY CREEK MIDDLE 2.5 RED CHERT CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 3.4 1.0 SMOKEHOUSE CREEK EEL RIVER 6.2 CREEK MENDENHALL FORK EEL RIVER ELK 2.6 4.1 REBTER CANYON WOLF CREEK 6.8 SNAKE CREEK SODA FISH CREEK 2.5 CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL CREEK UPPER EEL RIVER 16.6 RICE CREEK RICE RICE FORK CREEK 17.2 CREEK SPANISH CREEK EEL RIVER 2.6 RIVER MIDDLE FORK STONY CREEK 17.0 FORK CREEK EEL RIVER 2.6 SPANISH CREEK BLACK BUTTE RIVER 6.6 STONY CREEK SEG1 ROBINSON CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER NORTH FORK CACHE 1.3 CREEK

MIDDLE FORK STONY STONY CREEK 0.9 ROCK CREEK NORTH FORK OF THE 1.8 SPORTSMAN CREEK ELK CREEK 1.4 CREEKSEG2 MIDDLE BLACK BUTTE RIVER 1.6 ROCK CREEK ROCKY MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 1.5 SQUAW VALLEY CREEK EEL RIVER CACHE CREEK 3.3 CREEK MIU CREEK SOUTH FORK STONY 8.1 BASIN CREEK RICE FORK CREEK BLACK 2.1 STANTON CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 1.6 MILL CREEK MILL CREEK 6.0 ROOT CREEK BUTTE RIVER £7 STICK LAKE CANYON SACRAMENTO RIVER 3.3 CREEK SALMON CREEK 6.9 ROSE CANYON CREEK WYMAN CREEK LONG 0.8 STONY CREEK 4.6 GRINDSTONE CREEK VALLEY CREEK

MILL CREEK THOMES CREEK 4.5 SALLADY CREEK BLACK BUTTE RIVER 1.5 SUGARFOOT CREEK THOMES CREEK UTTLE 3.6 MINER CREEK MILL CREEK 3.8 SALMON CREEK EEL RIVER 2.8 SULLIVAN CREEK STONY CREEK 4.7

MINNIE CREEK BALMOFGILEAD 2.8 SALT CREEK STONY CREEK 9.0 SULPHER CANYON LONG VALLEY CREEK £5 MISSISSIPPI CREEK BLACK BUTTE RIVER 1.7 SALT CREEK STONY CREEK 4.1 SULPHER SPRINGS ELK CREEK 4.6 MURPHY CANYON THOMES CREEK 4.3 SALT CREEK THOMES CREEK 5.4 THATCHER CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 4.0

L -18 Wild and Scenic River Evaluation

J J J

1 1

RIVER/STREAM TRIBUTARY TO MILES RIVER/STREAM TRIBUTARY TO MILES RIVER/STREAM TRIBUTARY TO MILES

NORTH FORK BARRETT CREEK BARRETT CREEK 2.9 SALT CREEK RICE FORK CREEK ELK 3.3 THISTLE GLADE EEL RIVER EEL RIVER 5.4 NORTH FORK BR18CO CREEK BRBCO CREEK 4.2 SANHEDRIN CREEK CREEK 3.8 THOMAS CREEK SACRAMENTO RIVER 2.6 NORTH FORK CACHE CREEK CACHE CREEK 8.7 SCHOOL MARM CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 1.1 THOMES CREEK SEG 1 SACRAMENTO RIVER 3.5 13.1 NORTH FORK ELDER CREEK ELDER CREEK ELK 7.8 SCOTT CREEK GRINDSTONE CREEK 1.7 THOMESCREEKSEG2 SACRAMENTO RIVER 11.0 NORTH FORK ELK CREEK SOUTH FORK BARRETT CREEK 6.0 CREEK BARRETT CREEK 2.4 THOMES CREEK SEG 3

NORTH FORK OF THE SOUTH FORK ELDER MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 8.7 CREEK ELDER CREEK 6.0 TROUT CREEK TROUT EEL RIVER 2.9 NORTH FORK STONY SOUTH FORK ELK CREEK CREEK STONY CREEK CORSIN 11.2 SOUTH FORK LONG VALLEY ELK CREEK 5.0 CREEK TROUT CREEK LITTLE STONY CREEK 5.0 NORTH FORK CREEK TWIN VALLEY CREEK TWIN ROCKS CREEK CREEK JUMPOFF CREEK 5.1 1.3 WELCH CREEK LONG VALLEY CREEK 2.8 UHL CREEK WESLEY SOUTH FORK STONY 3.3 UMBRELLA CREEK CREEK BUCK BUTTE RIVER 2.1 NORTH FORK CACHE 4.8 IVES CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 1.8 CREEK HULL CREEK SODA CREEK 3.4 2.5 CORBIN CREEK WEST FORK SPANISH SPANISH CREEK BLACK BUTTE RIVER 2.7 WESTCOTT CREEK EEL RIVER 2.2 CREEK NORTH FORK CACHE 2.5 WHITE HAWK CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER NORTH FORK OF THE WILD BILL CREEK CREEK 2.4 5.8 WHITNEY CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER 1.0 WILLOW CREEK RICE FORK CREEK ^1 WILLIAMS CREEK THOMES CREEK CLOVER CREEK WOLF CREEK CACHE CREEK NORTH FORK CACHE 2.7 WILLOW CREEK NORTH FORK OF THE 1.3 4.5 WILLOW CREEK CREEK MIDDLE FORK EEL RIVER SCOTT CREEK 2.5 WILSON VALLEY 3.7 1.8 WYMAN CREEK

YELLOW JACKET ^8 ZUMWALT CREEK

Wild and Scenic River Evaluation L-19