East Carson River Strategy Carson Ranger District

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

East Carson River Strategy Carson Ranger District East Carson River Strategy Carson Ranger District United States Department of East Carson River Agriculture Strategy Forest Service Carson Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National July 2007 Forest, Alpine County, California and Douglas County, Nevada For Information Contact: David Loomis Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest 1536 South Carson St. Carson City, NV 897903 775 884-8132 East Carson River Strategy Carson Ranger District The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. East Carson River Strategy Carson Ranger District East Carson River Strategy Carson Ranger District Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................ 1 Objective.......................................................................................................................................................................1 Background..................................................................................................................................................................1 What We Found: .........................................................................................................................................................3 Recreation.................................................................................................................................................................3 Wildlife/Plant Habitat...............................................................................................................................................4 Weed management....................................................................................................................................................4 Fish and Amphibian Habitat .....................................................................................................................................4 Watershed Resources................................................................................................................................................5 Heritage Resources ...................................................................................................................................................5 Wild and Scenic River Management ........................................................................................................................6 Roads ........................................................................................................................................................................7 APPENDIX...................................................................................................................... 9 Chapter 1: Characterization.......................................................................................................................................9 River Landscape Character.......................................................................................................................................9 Land Use Status ......................................................................................................................................................11 Chapter 2: Issues ........................................................................................................................................................3 Recreation.................................................................................................................................................................3 Wildlife/Plant habitat................................................................................................................................................3 Weed management....................................................................................................................................................3 Fish and amphibian habitat .......................................................................................................................................4 Watershed Conditions...............................................................................................................................................4 Heritage resource management.................................................................................................................................4 Wild and Scenic River Management ........................................................................................................................5 Roads ........................................................................................................................................................................5 Chapter 3: Current and Desired Conditions............................................................................................................6 Recreation.................................................................................................................................................................6 Watershed .................................................................................................................................................................9 Fisheries..................................................................................................................................................................11 Wildlife Habitat ......................................................................................................................................................14 Wild and Scenic River Management ......................................................................................................................16 Heritage Resources .................................................................................................................................................18 Roads ......................................................................................................................................................................19 Chapter 4: Recommendations ..................................................................................................................................21 Recreation...............................................................................................................................................................21 Wildlife/Plant Habitat.............................................................................................................................................21 Weed management..................................................................................................................................................22 Fish and Amphibian Habitat ...................................................................................................................................22 Watershed Resources..............................................................................................................................................22 Heritage Resources .................................................................................................................................................23 East Carson River Strategy Carson Ranger District Wild and Scenic River Management ......................................................................................................................23 Roads ......................................................................................................................................................................24 List of Preparers ........................................................................................................................................................25 References ..................................................................................................................................................................26 East Carson River Strategy Carson Ranger District Executive Summary: East Carson River Strategy Carson Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Alpine County, California and Douglas County, Nevada East Carson River Strategy Carson Ranger District Executive Summary descends through a variety of mountain, meadow, and canyon habitats into the sagebrush and desert shrub of the Objective Great Basin in Nevada. It is recognized This strategy lays out a solid plan of as only one of two major free flowing action for enhancing the management of rivers on the eastern Sierra. The study National Forest System lands and section flows approximately 52 miles details a vision for the future of the East from the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness in Carson River country. The strategy Alpine County, California into Douglas outlines recommendations for County, Nevada. enhancing recreational experiences, The river passes through the Carson- ecosystem functions, transportation,
Recommended publications
  • Newlands Project
    MP Region Public Affairs, 916-978-5100, http://www.usbr.gov/mp, February 2016 Mid-Pacific Region, Newlands Project History The Newlands Project was one of the first Reclamation projects. It provides irrigation water from the Truckee and Carson Rivers for about 57,000 acres of cropland in the Lahontan Valley near Fallon and bench lands near Fernley in western Nevada. In addition, water from about 6,000 acres of project land has been transferred to the Lahontan Valley Wetlands near Fallon. Lake Tahoe Dam, a small dam at the outlet of Lake Tahoe, the source of the Truckee Lake Tahoe Dam and Reservoir River, controls releases into the river. Downstream, the Derby Diversion Dam diverts the water into the Truckee Canal and Lahontan Dam, Reservoir, carries it to the Carson River. Other features and Power Plant include Lahontan Dam and Reservoir, Carson River Diversion Dam, and Old Lahontan Dam and Reservoir on the Carson Lahontan Power Plant. The Truckee-Carson River store the natural flow of the Carson project (renamed the Newlands Project) was River along with water diverted from the authorized by the Secretary of the Interior Truckee River. The dam, completed in 1915, on March 14, 1903. Principal features is a zoned earthfill structure. The reservoir include: has a storage capacity of 289,700 acre-feet. Old Lahontan Power Plant, immediately below Lahontan Dam, has a capacity of Lake Tahoe Dam 42,000 kilowatts. The plant was completed in 1911. Lake Tahoe Dam controls the top six feet of Lake Tahoe. With the surface area of the lake, this creates a reservoir of 744,600 acre- Truckee Canal feet capacity and regulates the lake outflow into the Truckee River.
    [Show full text]
  • Highway Conditions Introduction
    Chapter 4 Highway Conditions Introduction The Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway (NBS) began as a trail that American Indians most likely used for trade and a hunting access route, and was later utilized by fur trappers. By the early to mid 1800’s pioneers and miners crossed over the pass. With the discovery of silver and the demand for more supplies to be delivered to the region, so came improvements to the road. Today, the highway itself is managed and maintained by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). The road twists you further into the mountains narrowing with no centerline near Lake Alpine as it separates both the Carson-Iceberg and Mokelumne Wildernesses, luring the traveler farther away from society. The journey takes one both physically and psychologically closer to wildness. Beyond the crest of Ebbetts Pass, the descent winds through a rugged volcanic landscape overlooking the canyons below. This asphalt ribbon transitions back to a distinct, 2-lane highway with a centerline when you reach the floor of Silver Creek, just east of Silver Creek Campground. This portion of the byway is steep, narrow, and windy, and is not suitable for semi trucks, buses, and most Recreational Vehicles (RV’s). It is best left for smaller vehicle travel. Average Daily Traffic CalTrans collects data annually that reflects the number of vehicles that travel along Highway 4 in a given month. This data is compiled into average annual daily traffic counts (AADT). AADT numbers are calculated using electronic highway counters, determining the yearly figure and dividing by 365 days/year.
    [Show full text]
  • Draft Environmental Assessment for Fallon and Stillwater Hunt Plans
    Draft Environmental Assessment for Waterfowl, Other Migratory Birds, Upland Game, and Big Game Hunting at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge and Fallon National Wildlife Refuge Date: March 2020 This Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to evaluate the effects associated with this proposed action and complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in accordance with Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1500-1509) and Department of the Interior (43 CFR 46; 516 DM 8) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (550 FW 3) regulations and policies. NEPA requires examination of the effects of proposed actions on the natural and human environment. Proposed Action: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing to open hunting opportunities for antelope (also called pronghorn) on Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR or Refuge), and to open Fallon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR or Refuge) to hunting waterfowl, other migratory birds, upland game, big game, and other species. In 2003, the Service signed a Record of Decision for the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (CCP-EIS) for the Stillwater NWR Complex. This draft EA is tiered from the 2002 CCP-EIS and focuses specifically on adding opportunities for antelope hunting at Stillwater NWR and opening the Fallon NWR to hunting as described in the Hunt Plan. This proposed action is often iterative and evolves over time during the process as the agency refines its proposal and learns more from the public, tribes, and other agencies. Therefore, the final proposed action may be different from the original. The final decision on the proposed action will be made at the conclusion of the public comment period for the EA and the Draft 2020-2021 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Hunting Regulations.
    [Show full text]
  • Mountain Whitefish Chances for Survival: Better 4 Prosopium Williamsoni
    Mountain Whitefish chances for survival: better 4 Prosopium williamsoni ountain whitefish are silvery in color and coarse-scaled with a large and the mackenzie and hudson bay drainages in the arctic. to sustain whatever harvest exists today. mountain whitefish in California and Nevada, they are present in the truckee, should be managed as a native salmonid that is still persisting 1 2 3 4 5 WHITEFISH adipose fin, a small mouth on the underside of the head, a short Carson, and Walker river drainages on the east side of in some numbers. they also are a good indicator of the dorsal fin, and a slender, cylindrical body. they are found the sierra Nevada, but are absent from susan river and “health” of the Carson, Walker, and truckee rivers, as well as eagle lake. lake tahoe and other lakes where they still exist. Whitefish m Mountain Whitefish Distribution throughout western North america. While mountain whitefish are regarded aBundanCe: mountain whitefish are still common in populations in sierra Nevada rivers and tributaries have California, but they are now divided into isolated popula- been fragmented by dams and reservoirs, and are generally as a single species throughout their wide range, a thorough genetic analysis tions. they were once harvested in large numbers by Native scarce in reservoirs. a severe decline in the abundance of americans and commercially harvested in lake tahoe. mountain whitefish in sagehen and prosser Creeks followed would probably reveal distinct population segments. the lahontan population there are still mountain whitefish in lake tahoe, but they the construction of dams on each creek.
    [Show full text]
  • 5.1 Historic Period Human Interaction with the Watershed
    Upper Carson River Watershed Stream Corridor Assessment 5. Human Interaction With the Watershed 5.1 Historic Period Human Interaction With the Watershed The purpose of this section is to summarize human activities that have had some effect on the Carson River watershed in Alpine County, California. Regional prehistory and ethnography are summarized by Nevers (1976), Elston (1982), d’Azevedo (1986), and Lindstrom et al. (2000). Details of regional history can be found in Maule (1938), Jackson (1964), Dangberg (1972), Clark (1977), Murphy (1982), Marvin (1997), and other sources. A book published by the Centennial Book Committee (1987) contains an excellent selection of historic photographs. Particularly useful is a study on the historical geography of Alpine County by Howatt (1968). 5.1.1 Prehistoric Land Use Human habitation of the Upper Carson River Watershed extends thousands of years back into antiquity. Archaeological evidence suggests use of the area over at least the last 8,000 to 9,000 years. For most of that time, the land was home to small bands of Native Americans. Their number varied over time, depending on regional environmental conditions. For at least the last 2,000 years, the Washoe occupied the Upper Carson River Watershed. Ethnographic data provides clues as to past land use and land management practices (see extended discussions in Downs 1966; Blackburn and Anderson 1993; Lindstrom et al. 2000; Rucks 2002). A broad range of aboriginal harvesting and hunting practices, fishing, and camp tending would have affected the landscape and ecology of the study area. Shrubs such as service berry and willow were pruned to enhance growth.
    [Show full text]
  • California Water Trust Network
    RESTORING CARSON MEADOWS: ASSESSMENT AND PRIORITIZATION A report supported by the National Fish and Wildlife February 2018 Foundation Results of a broadly-collaborative effort to prioritize meadows in the Carson River Watershed for restoration. Restoring Carson Meadows Restoring Carson Meadows: Assessment and Prioritization Julie Fair, Luke Hunt, Meg Hanley and Jacob Dyste 2018. Restoring Carson Meadows: Assessment and Prioritization. A report by American Rivers submitted to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Page 1 Restoring Carson Meadows CONTENTS CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................... 2 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 3 THE CARSON WATERSHED .................................................................................................. 4 METHODS ............................................................................................................................ 5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF CONDITION DATA ............................................................ 7 PRIORITIES ........................................................................................................................... 9 PRIORITIZATION FOR LAHONTAN CUTTHROAT TROUT ................................................. 14 INFLUENCE OF BEAVER ..................................................................................................... 14 CONCLUSION
    [Show full text]
  • Carson River Geographic Response Plan
    Carson River Geographic Response Plan Final Alpine County, California and Douglas, Carson City, Lyon, Churchill Counties, Nevada April 2006 Prepared by: Carson & Walker Rivers Area Committee (CWRAC) Carson River Geographic Response Plan April 2006 Acknowledgements The Carson River Geographic Response Plan (CRGRP) was developed through a collaborative effort between the local, state, and federal government agencies listed below. Local Government • Carson City Fire • Douglas County Emergency Management • East Fork Fire and Paramedic District • Lyon County Sheriff’s Office • Mason Valley Fire • Mono County Conservation District State Government • California Department of Fish and Game, Office of Spill Prevention and Response • California Office of Emergency Services • Nevada Division of Emergency Management • Nevada Division of Environmental Protection • Nevada Highway Patrol Tribal Government • Washo Tribe Federal Government • U.S. Bureau of Land Management • U.S. Department of Agriculture Carson Valley Conservation District • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region IX o U.S. EPA Region IX Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START), Ecology & Environment, Inc. • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service i Carson River Geographic Response Plan April 2006 If this is an Emergency… …Involving a release or threatened release of hazardous materials, petroleum products, or other contaminants impacting public health and/or the environment Most important – Protect yourself and others! Then: 1) Turn to the Immediate Action Guide (Yellow Tab) for initial steps taken in a hazardous material, petroleum product, or other contaminant emergency. 2) Make the initial notification to Dispatch by dialing 911. Dispatch will make the Mandatory Notifications. A list of county dispatch centers is on page R-2 of this plan.
    [Show full text]
  • Carson River Aquatic Trail" Is a Lovely 13.7 Mile Stretch of Carson City Parks Recreation & Open Space the Carson River
    Natural History As you float the river you will be treated to impressive cottonwood galleries, streambanks filled with thick willows, Carson River and seasonal wildflowers. Throughout the year over 200 avian species can be iden- Aquatic Trail Map tified along the river; some are permanent residents, and some are just brief visitors. Red-tailed Hawks, herons, and swallows are a common sight, and owls are frequently spotted perching in the cottonwoods. Several mammals frequent the waters of the river, includ- ing Mule Deer, mountain lions, coyotes, weasels, musk- rats, and beavers. The Carson River is also host to several reptiles including Charles Lynch Collection, Carson City Historical Society Cathleen Allison/Nevada Momentum the Western Pond Turtle. Fish include catfish, bass, and The Morgan Mill circa 1900 Carson River Canyon rainbow trout. Empire City The Morgan Mill River Access Area is located in the Know Your Responsibilities midst of what was once Empire City, a 19th Century • Always paddle in a group. milling town that had its beginnings as a trading post • Always wear a properly fitted PFD (Personal Floatation along the California Overland Trail. Nicholas Ambro- Device). sia, also known as Nicholas Ambrose, or "Dutch Nick" • Wear appropriate clothing which includes closed-toe opened a trading post and saloon here in 1849. shoes and synthetic materials (no cotton!). Following the 1849 discovery of gold in Gold Canyon • Plan to get wet and plan for changes in weather and and the 1859 discovery of the Comstock Load, Empire temperature. City became a lumber and gold milling community. • Wear a helmet, carry a whistle, and bring food, water, Wood was floated down the river from Alpine County Photo: Nevada Momentum sunscreen, and extra clothes.
    [Show full text]
  • Carson River Aquatic Trail Plan August 4, 2006
    DRAFT Carson River Aquatic Trail Plan August 4, 2006 DRAFT Prepared for: CARSON CITY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT 3303 Butti Way, Building #9 Carson City, Nevada 89701 Prepared by: RESOURCE CONCEPTS, INC. 340 N. Minnesota Street Carson City, NV 89703-4152 Carson River Aquatic Trail Plan August 4, 2006 DRAFT Prepared for: CARSON CITY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT 3303 Butti Way, Building #9 Carson City, Nevada 89701 Prepared by: RESOURCE CONCEPTS, INC. 340 N. Minnesota Street Carson City, NV 89703-4152 DRAFT Table of Contents Page 10.0 CARSON RIVER AQUATIC TRAIL...........................................................................1 10.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CARSON RIVER..................................................................... 1 10.1.1 River Hydrology ............................................................................................................... 1 10.1.2 General River Terminology.............................................................................................. 3 10.1.3 River Anatomy and Common River Hazards.................................................................... 4 10.1.4 Hazardous Dams on the Carson River............................................................................. 5 10.2 JURISDICTION .......................................................................................................................... 5 10.2.1 The State of Nevada.......................................................................................................... 5 10.2.2 Property
    [Show full text]
  • Aquatic Trail Extends from the BLM River Access Area at Sierra Vista Lane 10.1 Miles Downstream to the Lyon County Line (See Map)
    10 AQ U ATIC TRAIL The Carson River through Carson City is a beautiful resource that provides a source of water, wildlife habitat, and recreational oppor- tunities such as fishing, swimming and boating. The undeveloped na ture of the Carson River offers unique scenic and recreational opportuni- ties adjacent to the urban core. An exceptional feature of the river is that it offers two different segments that provide excellent boating opportunities to both beginner and intermediate skill levels. The Carson City portion of the Carson River Aquatic Trail extends from the BLM river access area at Sierra Vista Lane 10.1 miles downstream to the Lyon County line (see Map). This river section currently has pub- lic access points, active public river use, and approximately 30% of it is bounded by public lands. 10.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CARSON RIVER The Carson River begins in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and flows over 180 miles to its terminus in Lahontan Reservoir and the Carson Sink. The Carson River’s primary source of water is from precipitation and snow pack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The East and West forks of the Carson River merge on the west side of the Carson Valley, near Genoa in Douglas County, Nevada. From Genoa, the main stem of the Carson River flows to the northeast out of Carson Valley and into Eagle Valley on the east side of Carson City. The river then turns east and cuts through the Carson River Canyon, Dayton Valley, Churchill Valley, and ultimately terminates in the Lahontan Reservoir and the Carson Sink.
    [Show full text]
  • Carson River Watershed Water Market (Exchange/Transfer) Program
    CARSON RIVER WATERSHED WATER MARKET (EXCHANGE/TRANSFER) PROGRAM Water Smart Grant Application; FOA # BOR-DO-18-F010; Funding Group 1 Edwin D. James,MAY 15, General 2018 Manager 777 E. William Street, Carson City, NV 89701 CARSON WATER SUBCONSERCONSERVANCY DISTRICT 775.887.7456 777 E. William Street, Suite 110A, Carson City, NV 89701 [email protected] Contents 1.0 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................. 2 2.0 Background Data ...................................................................................................................... 3 3.0 Project Description ................................................................................................................... 9 4.0 Evaluation Criteria .................................................................................................................. 10 Element 4.1: Water Marketing Benefits ................................................................................. 10 Element 4.2: Level of Stakeholder Support and Involvement ................................................14 Element 4.3 Ability to Meet Program Requirements ..............................................................1 6 Element 4.4 Department of Interior Priorities ........................................................................ 18 5.0 Environmental and cultural resources compliance ............................................................... 19 6.0 Required permits or approvals .............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Eagle Valley Hydrographic Basin 8-104
    STATE OF NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES JASON KING, P.E. STATE ENGINEER EAGLE VALLEY HYDROGRAPHIC BASIN 8-104 GROUNDWATER PUMPAGE INVENTORY WATER YEAR 2016 Prepared by: Michael Randall TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................... 1 HYDROGRAPHIC BASIN SUMMARY ...................................................................................... 2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE ................................................................................................................ 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA ..................................................................................... 3 GROUNDWATER LEVELS ......................................................................................................... 3 METHODS TO ESTIMATE PUMPAGE ...................................................................................... 4 MUNICIPAL SUPPLY IN ADDITION TO EAGLE VALLEY GROUNDWATER ................... 5 TABLES ......................................................................................................................................... 7 FIGURES ........................................................................................................................................ 8 APPENDIX A. EAGLE VALLEY 2016 GROUNDWATER PUMPAGE BY APPLICATION NUMBER. .......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]