United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Ukiah Field Office 2550 N. State Street Ukiah, CA 95482 www.ca.blm.gov/ukiah

Dear Reader,

Enclosed is the Final Cache Creek Coordinated Resource Management Plan (CRMP). This plan provides the framework for the future management direction of BLM lands included within the Cache Creek Natural Area. Additional cooperators with this plan include the California Department of Fish and Game, which manages the Cache Creek Wildlife Area, and Yolo County Parks and Resources Management which manages Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park.

The Draft CRMP was released in September 2002, and considered several alternatives with varying degrees of habitat development/resource protection and primitive recreation development. Based on public input to this draft at public meetings and from written responses, emails, faxes, and phone messages a Proposed Action was developed that best prioritized the protection of resource values while allowing a compatible level of primitive recreational use.

Each of the projects proposed in this CRMP will be evaluated in an Environmental Assessment that will present several alternatives and discuss the environmental impacts of each alternative.

I thank everyone who commented on the Draft and provided helpful suggestions in developing this CRMP.

Sincerely.

Rich Burns Ukiah Field Office Manager U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management

Cache Creek Coordinated Resource Management Plan/ Environmental Assessment Final

Prepared by:

Ukiah Field Office December, 2004

Rich Burns Ukiah Field Office Manager

Date Table of Contents

Executive Summary ...... 1

Chapter 1: Introduction...... 3

Chapter 2: Affected Environment ...... 8

Chapter 3: Proposed Action ...... 40

Overview of Zones...... 40

Issues Critical to this CRMP ...... 41 Closure of the CCNA to Motorized Vehicles ...... 41 Other Closures ...... 41 Livestock Grazing ...... 42 Wildlife Habitat Management...... 45 Future Wilderness Designation...... 47 Withdrawal of the CCNA from Mineral Entry...... 48 Mountain Bike Use within the CCNA ...... 48 Boating Use on Upper Cache Creek ...... 51

Proposed Action Details by Zone ...... 53

Chapter 4: Environmental Impacts ...... 63

Chapter 5: Monitoring Plan...... 70

Chapter 6: Individuals, Organizations, and Agencies Consulted...... 74

Chapter 7: List of Preparers ...... 76

Appendix 1 - Critical Elements for Proposed Action and Alternatives……………………77

Appendix 2 - Wild and Scenic River Eligibility and Preliminary Classification Report….80

Appendix 3 - Birds of Cache Creek ...... 97

Appendix 4 - Public Participation Plan...... 100

Appendix 5 - BLM/CDFG Memorandum of Understanding ...... 109

List of Maps and Tables ...... 115

Bibliography ...... 116 Executive Summary

The alternative selected for the Cache Creek Coordinated Resource Management Plan (CRMP) Final is the action that was best determined to balance the protection of natural and cultural resource values while still allowing a compatible level of recreational use.

Based on public written and email responses received during the comment period for the September, 2002 Draft Plan, the majority of those providing comments supported the Draft’s Proposed Action (See Appendix 4 – Public Participation Plan).

In this Final CRMP there are some changes from the Draft Plan Proposed Action, but for the most part the Proposed Action has been kept intact. Detailed discussions of the Proposed Action as recommended by the Ukiah Field Office Manager are found in Chapter 3, as well as discussions of several key issues critical to the implementation of this plan – some new issues, and several others expanded upon in greater detail.

Comments generated following the release of the initial public draft of this plan in September, 2002, and from subsequent public meetings in October 2002 reaffirmed support for the BLM’s Draft Proposed Action of maintaining undisturbed natural values, with a secondary goal of providing opportunities for a compatible level of primitive recreation within the Cache Creek Natural Area, hereinafter referred to as the CCNA. Without an approved plan in place, public lands here would be left open to unmanaged land uses that could degrade resource values and quality of primitive recreation. The Proposed Action is consistent with the Clear Lake Resource Area Management Framework Plan Update (BLM, 1984), the general plan currently in effect for BLM lands under the jurisdiction of the Ukiah Field Office. An updated planning effort involving the preparation of a Resource Management Plan (RMP) that will supercede the old MFP is currently being developed and will be completed in 2006.

This CRMP is intended to be a flexible or working document. It is by no means considered a complete document of all management actions that will be recommended for the CCNA. As new and different issues arise, the management focus will be to address these issues in concert with the public.

It is important to note that this CRMP is not intended to be a clearinghouse for all projects proposed for the CCNA. Rather, it discusses a range of several types of potential projects in general terms (wildlife habitat management, noxious plant control, riparian restoration, recreational developments, etc.). For each project subsequently proposed, an Environmental Assessment will be prepared which will detail the specific alternatives, locations, actions, impacts and any necessary stipulations.

Impacts from the Proposed Action are expected to be minimal. These impacts would come primarily from wildlife habitat improvements and habitat restoration

1 activities such as the various techniques employed to manage noxious weeds. Additional impacts would come from construction of public use facilities and the increased presence and activities of visitors taking advantage of recreational opportunities. A detailed discussion of the anticipated impacts from the Proposed Action, along with mitigation measures is found in Chapter 4.

In 2001 a Technical Review Team was assembled to evaluate the Draft CRMP prior to initial public release. Volunteer members of the Team and the interest they represented included:

- Mike Ford, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (Wildlife issues) - Jim Swanson, Dept. of Fish & Game (Wildlife issues) - Jim Ball, Director Yolo County Parks and Facilities (Recreation issues) - James Austin, Backcountry Horsemen (Recreation issues) - Craig Thomsen, Dept. of Agronomy and Range Science, UC Davis (Research) - Jeff Smith, Supervisor District 2, Lake County (Local government issues) - Doug White, supervisor District 2, Colusa County (Local government issues) - Jim Eaton, California Wilderness Coalition (Wilderness issues) - Ray Krauss, Homestake Mining Company (Industry issues) - Kesner Flores, Cortina Rancheria (Native American issues) - Chet Vogt, California Cattlemen’s Association (Grazing issues)

Other members were subsequently added to the Technical Review Team including:

- Jerry Hartwig, Yolo County Parks Board - Andrew Fulks, Yolo County Parks Board - Scott Koller, Dept. of Fish & Game

Two meetings of the TRT were held prior to release of the initial public draft of September, 2002. A third meeting was held on July 10, 2004 prior to release of the Final Plan to review changes made following the public comment period.

Public participation and comment was solicited through a series of meetings following release of the Draft CRMP in September 2002, as well as email and written comments. These are also summarized in Appendix 4.

2 Chapter 1: Introduction

The Cache Creek Coordinated Yolo County park lands along Cache Resource Management Plan (CRMP) Creek are also included in this CRMP. Final describes the management Although there are private lands direction selected for public lands included within and adjacent to the located primarily within the Cache Creek CCNA, the decisions reached in this and Bear Creek drainages in portions of planning process will not apply to these Lake, Colusa, and Yolo Counties. lands unless they are subsequently Management decisions in this plan will acquired from willing sellers and added apply to public lands managed by the to the CCNA, Cache Creek Wildlife federal Bureau of Land Management Area, or Yolo County Parks. However, (BLM). This block of land is known as at their option, any private landowner the Cache Creek Natural Area (CCNA). may voluntarily include specific State lands owned by the California management actions on their lands also. Department of Fish & Game (CDFG) are The BLM and CDFG have signed a also included as part of this plan. These Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) CDFG lands have been designated as for cooperative management of resource the Cache Creek Wildlife Area. values (Appendix 5). This MOU Additionally, CDFG manages under long addresses protection, enhancement, or term lease other state lands owned by restoration of the special resource the State Lands Commission (SLC). values found here and is compatible A total of 1,678 acres originally with this CRMP. acquired by the Rocky Mountain Elk The BLM has also signed an MOU Foundation (RMEF) as part of the Payne with Yolo County to provide mutual Ranch acquisition were recently bought assistance in management of those back by the BLM. The RMEF had BLM and county lands within and originally assisted the BLM with this adjacent to the 1300-acre Cache Creek purchase because of a temporary Canyon Regional Park in western Yolo shortfall of BLM funding during the County. Items of mutual interest in this acquisition stage. MOU include recreational access, trail development, visitor information, and overseeing the area via law enforcement patrols, campground hosts, etc. The BLM and RMEF had previously agreed to cooperate in the management of the portion of the Payne Ranch acquisition that the RMEF formerly owned. This cooperation focused on habitat improvement and restoration, as well as compatible public use. BLM now owns these lands and will manage them RMEF Property on Payne Ranch in the same manner. Acquisition

3 The Cache Creek area is exceptional Indian Valley Dam Road on the north; in supporting diverse biological, cultural, North Fork Cache Creek, Highway 20, recreational, and scenic values. Hiking, and Highway 53 on the west; and the horseback riding, bird watching, Morgan Valley/Reiff Road and Napa- primitive camping, commercial and Yolo County line on the south (see private river rafting, hunting and fishing Vicinity Map). are just a few of the recreational In 2001 CDFG acquired the 8,104- opportunities available. The natural acre Knoxville Ranch in northeastern beauty of the Cache Creek area is Napa County. This property is exemplified by the variety of fauna and contiguous with the CCNA, however it flora, year-round flowing water, riparian has been designated as the Knoxville habitats, open meadows, oak Wildlife Area, and CDFG is currently woodlands, and diverse topography. preparing a separate management plan for this and an adjacent property, since they are primarily within the Lake Berryessa watershed. The CCNA includes the large block of public land centered on Cache Creek. The majority of these lands are within the Cache Creek watershed, while the remainder are within the adjacent smaller watersheds of Hunting and Soda Creeks, which flow into Putah Creek, thence Lake Berryessa. The overall plan boundary uses natural features, such as creeks, ridges, Poppy Field in Payne Ranch Meadow and canyons, to the extent possible. Additionally, some portions of the With a large expanse of remote boundaries include highways and roads. country and an ample supply of forage The portion of the Cache Creek fish, Cache Creek provides excellent watershed within the overall boundaries habitat for a nesting territory of the of this plan includes Cache Creek from threatened bald eagle, as well as the Highway 53 bridge in Lake County seasonal habitat for a significant number downstream to the Rumsey Canyon of wintering bald eagles. Diverse tributary just upstream of Rumsey in the habitats also provide suitable areas for Capay Valley of Yolo County; the North the Cache Creek tule elk herd to utilize Fork from Indian Valley Dam to the year-round. confluence with Cache Creek, all within Lake County; and Bear Creek from CRMP Area and Boundary Sulphur Creek to its confluence with The plan area is bounded generally Cache Creek. The remainder of the by Blue Ridge and Cortina Ridge on the CRMP area includes portions of Soda east; portions of Bear Valley Road, Creek and Hunting Creek watersheds, Sulphur Creek, Walker Ridge Road and which flow into Lake Berryessa.

4 Any choice made by private Many planning issues have changed landowners to participate in public land and new issues have emerged since the management actions found in this plan 1984 MFP Update. Because of this the which could also include adjacent Ukiah Field Office recently began the private land, is strictly optional. preparation of a Resource Management Plan (RMP). A Pre-Plan Analysis has Need for the Proposed Action been completed and the RMP is The Proposed Action is necessary to currently being prepared. properly manage the diverse biological, cultural, and natural values of the Relationship to Statutes, Regulations, CCNA, while providing a compatible or Other Plans level of primitive recreation. With recent The plan is consistent with existing acquisitions, lands that are rich in federal legislation including the Federal natural, cultural and recreational values Land Policy and Management Act previously unavailable for public use are (FLPMA), the National Environmental now legally accessible. It is the Policy Act (NEPA), the Endangered challenge of this CRMP to provide the Species Act (ESA), and the National necessary protection for these values. Historic Preservation Act (NHPA); other Without an approved management internal BLM laws, policies, and plan in place, portions of the CCNA regulations, as well as documents such could be left open to uses that would as the Rocky Creek/Cache Creek degrade resource values, impacting Wilderness Study Area EIS (BLM, both the natural values of the area and 1986); state legislation including the recreational opportunities. Based on California Environmental Quality Act comments received throughout this (CEQA); Title 14 of California Code of planning process, this would be counter Regulations, and the Fish and Game to the desires of the public (Appendix 4). Code. Coordination with local governments Conformance with Land-Use Plans has been integral in the development of This plan is in conformance with this plan. Representatives of Lake, federal and state laws and regulations Colusa, and Yolo Counties have that apply to the management of public assisted in the development and land, and it is written to meet the provided comments for this plan. documentation requirements of both the Other site-specific activity plans National Environmental Policy Act which have been previously approved (NEPA) and the California and implemented include the Cache Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Creek Area of Critical Environmental The Proposed Action is consistent Concern (ACEC) Management Plan with the Management Framework Plan (BLM, 1987), the Cache Creek Tule Elk (MFP) Update (BLM, 1984). This plan is Wildlife Habitat Management Plan (BLM, considered the current "general plan" for 1983), and the Northern California BLM lands under the jurisdiction of the Chaparral Research Natural Area Ukiah Field Office. (NCCRNA) Management Plan (BLM, 1985). 5 BLM has been a cooperator in the Roles and Authority Blue Ridge-Berryessa Natural Area The BLM, through the Ukiah Field Conservation Partnership since its Office Manager, has the authority to inception. This group is comprised of make land-use decisions on public lands private landowners, public land under this jurisdiction. The lands managers, universities, nonprofit previously owned by the RMEF and organizations, area residents, and recently purchased by BLM will be recreationists and is dedicated to the managed according to this CRMP. The conservation, preservation, and Regional Managers of CDFG Region 2 management of over 600,000 acres of (Sacramento Valley-Central Sierra natural, wild, agricultural, and Region) and Region 3 (Central Coast recreational landscapes stretching from Region) have the authority to make the Vaca Mountains to Bear Valley and land-use decisions on Department- the North Fork Cache Creek watershed administered lands (CDFG and State in the Mendocino National Forest. The Lands Commission lands) within the CCNA is a subset of this larger area for plan area. which a future designation may include The role of BLM and CDFG in this a National Conservation Area (NCA). process has been to inform the public of Additionally the BLM is a partner or the need for appropriate management of cooperator in several ongoing habitat resource values in this area, and to restoration plans within the Cache Creek solicit input in developing issues, watershed, including the Cache Creek concerns, and alternative actions Conservancy, USDA-Natural Resources leading to the proposed action. Any Conservation Service, Yolo Resource decisions made by private landowners Conservation District, and Bear Creek to participate in this plan or to adopt for Watershed Weed Management Area. their own land any of the BLM and These partnerships involve coordinating CDFG decisions are strictly voluntary. restoration activities on BLM lands with the overall goals of the various watershed-wide efforts. Effect of Wild and Scenic River Designation on Private Land The BLM is mandated to identify and CRMP Process evaluate all river and stream segments The public, including neighboring on Bureau-administered public lands to landowners, are equal partners with determine if they are appropriate BLM and CDFG in developing this plan. additions to the National Wild and At their option landowners may also Scenic Rivers System (NWSRS). choose to include specific management There are three distinct steps for actions on their property. The intent of evaluating identified river segments: this process has been to have full public (1) determination of eligibility, (2) participation in formulating the tentative classification of each eligible alternative selected as the Proposed segment, and (3) completion of a Action. Suitability Study at the EIS level.

6 At this time steps 1 and 2 have been If Cache Creek or any of its completed. The final step is the tributaries receive formal designation, Suitability Study, which will result in a land use controls on private lands recommendation to Congress to either remain a matter of state and local designate or not designate the creek zoning. The basic objective of Wild and into the NWSRS. The Suitability Study Scenic River designation is to maintain would be undertaken if Congress were the existing condition of the river. If a to designate Cache Creek as a Study land use or development clearly River. The study involves the threatens the outstandingly remarkable preparation of a comprehensive values which resulted in designation of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) the river, efforts would be made to with public comment being a key factor remove the threat through local zoning, in a WSR designation. land exchanges, purchases from willing The other means by which a sellers, and other actions except Suitability Study would be completed is condemnation of private land. The Wild through the preparation of a Resource and Scenic Rivers Act prohibits Federal Management Plan (RMP). As use of condemnation for fee title previously mentioned the Ukiah Field purchase of lands if 50 percent or more Office recently began preparing an of the land within the boundary is RMP. The RMP is tentatively scheduled already in public ownership. to be completed in September, 2006. Appendix 2 addresses both the determination of eligibility and the tentative classification of each eligible segment.

Cache Creek near Davis Creek

7 Chapter 2: Affected Environment

The affected environment is discussed in relation to the Proposed Action

Existing Situation and non-commercial. Other uses occurring adjacent to the CCNA include Land Ownership livestock grazing, mining, and The Vicinity Map depicts the commercial firewood harvesting. ownership within the overall boundaries Additionally there is a mineral springs of this CRMP. This area presently resort located at Wilbur Springs. includes 123,997 acres. Of this amount 72,495 acres (including the 1,419 acres I. Water Management recently purchased from the Rocky The Yolo County Flood Control and Mountain Elk Foundation) are BLM- Water Conservation District (the District) administered and comprise the Cache owns and operates the Cache Creek Creek Natural Area (CCNA); 3,476 and Indian Valley Dams. The District is acres are State of California- an independent Special District with its administered (CDFG and State Lands own Board of Directors and Commission); 1300 acres are Yolo Management. The District controls the County Parks; and the remainder of majority of surface water rights on 48,404 acres are in private ownership Cache Creek through this portion of the watershed. The District does not Future Acquisitions within the CCNA necessarily represent the viewpoints of Additional acquisitions of private Yolo County, nor does Yolo County lands from willing sellers will likely occur necessarily represent the viewpoints of by BLM, CDFG, and Yolo County. the District. Several landowners interested in selling their property have already contacted BLM. Other owners within and adjacent to the CCNA will be contacted by BLM to see if they are interested in selling. If they are interested in selling, negotiations will begin. If they are not interested, further negotiations will not be pursued. Acquisitions will be prioritized primarily by their relative resource value and importance for public access. Cache Creek Dam on Cache Creek Socio-Economics and Land Uses Economic uses currently operating within the CCNA include water management, and a variety of recreational activities (both commercial 8 II. Grazing help support the local economies There are no longer any BLM through gas, food, and various supplies. grazing allotments within the CCNA. The Perkins Creek Allotment near the western boundary was relinquished at the request of the lessee in April, 2003. The former Payne Ranch, which was acquired by the BLM and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 1999-2001, currently has no authorized grazing. This property was heavily grazed for many years, until the lease expired in June, 2001. Any grazing authorized as part of the Proposed Action of this Boating past Mario Andretti Bank CRMP will be implemented under strict prescriptions for noxious weed reduction (see Grazing Management discussion in IV. Mining Chapter 3). Homestake Mining Company's There are several ranches on private McLaughlin Gold Mine is within the lands adjacent to the CCNA which are boundary of the CCNA. The majority of currently being grazed by livestock. land within the mine area is privately- owned, with the remainder consisting of III. Recreation claims on federal land. Mining Two rafting concessionaires excavations have ceased. Processing currently work the stretch of Cache of stockpiled ore and various phases of Creek from Buck Island downstream to land reclamation will continue through the Rumsey area, and can do 2004. considerable business during the peak There are other active mining claims summer season. and several smaller mines scattered An equestrian concessionaire has throughout the area, both on adjacent run horseback-riding trips in the Fiske public lands outside of the CCNA and Creek/Yolo County Regional Park area, on private land. Other abandoned and has expressed interest in expanding mines, located primarily on private land, this concession to adjacent BLM lands are found throughout this area. on the Payne Ranch acquisition. Guide services have expressed an V. Firewood Harvesting interest in obtaining permits to lead Currently there is no firewood cutting guided pack trips within the CCNA. One authorized on federal, state, or Yolo such permit was issued in September County park property in the Cache 2000. Creek area and this use will not be Considerable numbers of users are allowed in the future. also experiencing the CCNA on their Firewood cutting is presently own, without the use of guide services. occurring on nearby private lands along Varied forms of recreational activities 9 Highway 20 to the north of the 20/16 Knoxville-Berryessa Road provide a intersection in Colusa County. limited access from the south (see Vicinity Map). Water Rights When the BLM purchased the Payne Ranch, the existing water rights were conveyed to the BLM. This includes approximately two dozen impoundments historically used by livestock. Within the remainder of the CCNA the BLM also has water rights for seven small reservoirs and nine springs. The CDFG maintains riparian water rights on their lands adjacent to the North Fork. This water has been used throughout the summer for several years to maintain an irrigated pasture for tule elk just downstream from the Highway 20 Bridge on the North Fork. State statute requires that Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District maintain fisheries below dams in as good condition as the fishery would be absent the dam. The appropriative water right for Indian Valley Reservoir requires the District to maintain a 10 cubic feet per second minimum release. There is no such stipulation at Cache Creek Dam, where Cache Creek would often lack hydrologic continuity during the late summer under pre-dam conditions (prior to 1914).

Regional Transportation Highways 16 and 20 provide public access via the major arteries of I-5 (Willows, Williams, Woodland, and Sacramento), I-80 (Sacramento and San Francisco), and Highway 101 (San Francisco, North Bay, Ukiah, and Eureka). Highways 53, 29, and 20 provide local access from the west, while the Morgan Valley Road and 10 Affected Environment Physiography Clear Lake is a natural lake which is General Setting quite possibly the oldest lake in North The CCNA is within the California America. The water level of the lake is Coast Range province, approximately controlled by the Grigsby Riffle, a rock 60 miles northwest of Sacramento. The formation that creates a lip or high area Coast Range province includes a series on the edge of the lake near the of north-northwest trending mountain Highway 53 bridge over which water ranges separated by short narrow must flow into Cache Creek. The dam valleys. The province is bounded by the near Clear Lake is not on the lake itself, Central Valley on the east and by the but on Cache Creek, approximately five Pacific Ocean on the west. It extends miles downstream of the lake and below northerly to the south coast of Oregon the riffle. The dam functions to regulate and southerly more than 500 miles. the summer outflow from Clear Lake The climate is typical of northern and to manage some winter flood flows California, a Mediterranean-type climate for consumptive use downstream. with warm summers and mild winters. Cache Creek runs northwest to The summers are mainly influenced by southeast and forms a rugged, steep- a high pressure system which lies off sided canyon through most of the area. the coast of California. This high These steep canyon walls occasionally pressure system forces polar air masses open to broad, grassy meadows with to the north, causing the warm dry scattered oaks, such as Baton Flats, summers. During the winter months this Wilson Valley, and Kennedy Flats. Prior high pressure cell shifts to the south, to the construction of Cache Creek and allowing frontal systems to bring Indian Valley Dams, much of Cache precipitation over the state. Creek lacked hydrologic continuity Precipitation averages 25 inches during the summer months. annually. Approximately 95 percent of this is received from October through April, while the remainder falls during the months of, May, June, and September. Precipitation falls primarily as rain, although some snow falls in the higher elevations. This snow usually melts rapidly and rarely remains for as long as a few days. Occasionally, some precipitation may be received during the summer months from local thunderstorms, which have on occasion also sparked wildfires such as in September, 2003. The area is subject to Cache Creek Canyon at Kennedy extremely high summer temperatures Flats from Cache Creek Ridge Trail and prolonged drought periods.

11 The North Fork originates on the (Arctostaphylos sp.), birchleaf mountain Mendocino National Forest flowing into mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), Indian Valley Reservoir, then exits yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum), Indian Valley Dam and joins Cache and California buckeye (Aesculus Creek at a point 2¼ miles downstream californica). of the Highway 20 bridge. Bear Creek, which originates in the watershed above Bear Valley and continues free-flowing to the confluence with Cache Creek, flows year-round but with much reduced flows during the summer months. Other tributary streams seasonally flowing into Cache Creek include Dry Creek, Rocky Creek, Trout Creek and Davis Creek. Much of the uplands are dominated by rolling chaparral-covered hills. The recently-acquired Payne Ranch includes Much of the CCNA is dominated by an expanse of oak savannah and oak chaparral habitat. woodlands which are less extreme topographically from the surrounding A significant factor affecting BLM lands. vegetation types is the local abundance Elevations within the CCNA range of serpentine soils. These soils have from about 425 feet along the chemical properties (low calcium; high downstream boundary at Cache Creek magnesium, nickel and chromium) that just upstream of Rumsey, to almost restrict growth to serpentine-tolerant 3200 feet at Brushy Sky High, a few plants. This habitat is classified as miles east of Cache Creek Dam. either mixed chaparral or closed-cone pine-cypress according to WHR Vegetation - Native guidelines and is also known commonly Wildlife Habitat Relationships (WHR) as serpentine chaparral. Common habitat types are used in this CRMP to vegetation here includes McNab describe vegetative communities within cypress (Cupressus mcnabiana), gray the CCNA. pine (Pinus sabiniana), leather oak California chaparral dominates the (Quercus durata), and white-leaved majority of the CCNA. Two chaparral manzanita (Arctostaphylos viscida). In types, chamise chaparral and mixed 1985 an 11,000-acre block of public chaparral, cover large expanses of the land was designated as the Northern mountainous slopes. Chamise California Chaparral Research Natural (Adenostoma fasciculatum) is the Area to promote botanical and other dominant shrub species found. Other academic research, while preventing species include buckbrush (Ceanothus any surface-disturbing activities from cuneatus), several species of manzanita occurring (BLM, 1985). 12 WHR habitat types within the CCNA and perennial pepperweed (Lepidium comprised primarily of trees include blue latifolium). Scattered small populations oak woodland, dominated by blue oak of ravennagrass (also known as hardy (Quercus douglasii); blue oak-gray pine, pampas grass - Saccharum ravennae), dominated by blue oak and gray pine and giant reed (Arundo donax) have (Pinus sabiniana); and valley oak been found in riparian habitats. woodland, dominated by valley oak (Q. Since 1989 riparian habitat along lobata). Less abundant oak species Cache Creek has been periodically include canyon oak (Q. chrysolepis) and monitored by photo points during the interior live oak (Q. wislizenii). summertime. Monitoring has focused on Dominant grass species found in oak documenting the occurrence and spread habitats include slender wild oat (Avena of exotic species within the riparian barbata), wild oat (A. fatua), and soft habitat. chess (Bromus mollis), all annual Saltcedar (Tamarix parviflora) is not species. Medusahead (Elymus caput- known to occur on Cache Creek from medusae), a nonnative annual grass, Cache Creek Dam downstream to the also grows abundantly in oak habitats. confluence with the North Fork. The This species is discussed further in the North Fork has approximately a few next section. dozen scattered clumps located between the Highway 20 Bridge and the confluence with Cache Creek. Sources of saltcedar in this area of Cache Creek appear to be Long Valley Creek in Spring Valley and Grizzly Creek, which empties into the North Fork near the east end of the Highway 20 bridge. Saltcedar has been observed growing approximately 2 ½ miles up Grizzly Creek from the confluence with the North Fork. The stretch of Cache Creek between the confluence with the North Fork and Bear Oak savannah habitat is an important Creek has scattered saltcedar, some in habitat feature of the CCNA clumps, and others as younger individual plants. Presently it is not Vegetation - Noxious considered a serious infestation on this Several species of noxious non­ stretch of the creek; however control native vegetation have out-competed should be implemented soon to prevent and adversely affected native vegetation further spread throughout this stretch within the CCNA. Among those which that is considered the most primitive have had the most serious area of the creek. Beyond the consequences to native species are confluence with Bear Creek however, saltcedar (tamarisk), medusahead, saltcedar is found in much greater yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), abundance, entering Cache Creek from barbed goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis), 13 Bear Creek. The stretch of Bear Creek from the confluence with Sulphur Creek downstream to the confluence with Cache Creek is seriously infested. Very few native trees occur in this 12-mile stretch of Bear Creek due to the high salinity and alkalinity levels which has favored the spread of saltcedar. A 7.4- mile length of the creek is included within the recent Payne Ranch acquisition. In 1998 the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research USDA researchers releasing leaf Station headquartered in Temple, Texas beetles on saltcedar for biocontrol on proposed the release of the saltcedar­ Bear Creek predating Chinese leaf beetle on this stretch of Bear Creek to help control the Giant reed (Arundo donax), spread of this noxious plant. An initial resembling bamboo to the non-botanist, release in the Owen’s Valley has shown is found scattered along both the North promising results (Carruthers, 2001). In Fork and Cache Creek. It is found in June 2001 researchers from USDA Grizzly Creek (which feeds into the released a total of 150 adult beetles North Fork), as well as Bear Creek and inside a sealed tent along Bear Creek. other tributaries. Although numbers This release failed, and a second have not been tallied for giant reed, it is release of leaf beetles from the believed to be an amount which is Mediterranean area was completed in manageable. the spring and summer of 2004. There Medusahead, an exotic annual grass has been tremendous success with introduced from the Mediterranean these beetles in controlling the spread of region, has invaded upland oak habitats saltcedar in other test areas throughout such as blue oak woodland, blue oak the West, and it is hoped that if the savannah, and blue oak-gray pine. beetles can successfully establish on Infestation is significant in portions of Bear Creek, they will also be successful the acquired Payne Ranch and adjacent in reducing the amount of saltcedar here private lands. and the need for further herbicide Yellow starthistle (YST), has invaded treatment could be significantly lowered. habitats from the edge of the riparian Ravennagrass has spread areas and on up throughout the Cache throughout Cache Creek. It is not as Creek and Bear Creek drainages. This significant in numbers as saltcedar and plant has spread at a phenomenal rate does not have as serious an effect on throughout the West in the past several the aquatic environment, but it can decades. Many wildlife species will spread quite easily under the right forage on YST before it grows its conditions. characteristic spines, but it is poisonous to horses during any growth stage.

14 When spring rainfall has been minimal, abundance of native perennial grasshoppers have been observed in bunchgrasses. This grass also the summer time heavily predating competes with more desirable flowering YST in the CCNA. introduced annuals and native forbs, Yellow starthistle was not yet and appears to do well on serpentine present when native grasses declined soils that are generally resistant to the some time ago, but it is still considered spread of annual grasses (DiTomaso, a serious impediment to the 2001). establishment of native grasses. Locally, Perennial pepperweed is another there has been some biological control serious noxious weed throughout the work implemented by the California Cache Creek drainage. It is a Department of Agriculture's Biological particularly serious pest in the Bear Control Program within the past decade. Creek watershed. Pepperweed is an Several certified bio-control insects have aggressive invader of riparian habitats, been released which feed exclusively on forming dense monotypic stands that various growth stages of YST. The crowd out beneficial native species. ultimate goal of this program is to control the spread of this weed by Fire and Fuels Management minimizing seed production (Turner, Periodic fire is necessary to keep 1992). Initial results of these releases chaparral species healthy and vigorous. have shown that only small localized Numerous researchers have YST infestations are impacted by these documented the natural role of fire bio-control agents. within the chaparral ecosystem. In Several YST conversion projects are chaparral, what may appear to be a located within the CCNA. These include relatively stable community at any given a dry seeding located at the time or place is in reality only a phase in downstream end of Wilson Valley, an a larger cycle of growth → maturity → irrigated pasture on CDFG land near the removal → regrowth that takes decades confluence of the North Fork and to complete. Fire serves as the major Perkins Creek, a dry seeding in the cause of secondary succession in County Line Ridge area, and several chaparral by creating the pioneer scattered smaller conversions on the conditions necessary for seedling former Pluth Ranch, acquired by BLM in establishment. 1997. These seedings have succeeded By virtue of its vegetative in replacing YST-dominated grassland characteristics (chemical, physical and with higher quality wildlife forage. With physiological), California chaparral is the exception of the Wilson Valley one of the most fire-susceptible types in seeding, all seedings have been the world. As the dominant chaparral restricted to native species. species, chamise is characterized by a In the past decade barbed goatgrass high surface area-to-volume ratio, has spread throughout the Bear Creek seasonally low dead and live fuel drainage, primarily throughout the moisture content, and high extractive Payne Ranch acquisition. When mature contents. As stands of chamise mature, it is unpalatable, and can reduce the their flammability increases. This 15 inherent flammability ensures its the CCNA, treating approximately continuation as a major component of 45,000 acres. the chaparral type. Aside from vegetative characteristics that contribute to its flammability, chaparral species have developed adaptive characteristics in response to fire. These adaptive characteristics include the production of seed at an early age, seeds that maintain viability in the soil for decades, and the ability to sprout from roots or root crown burls. Until the late 1970's, the BLM did not use fire as a tool for the management of Prescribed burning in the CCNA chaparral to achieve such benefits as utilizing the helitorch has been fuel-hazard reduction and improved implemented since 1984. wildlife habitat. Past practice has been the strict protection of chaparral from In recent years there has been fire. After many years of developing concern regarding the timing of these new, innovative, and effective fire- prescribed burns. Wildfires occur during suppression techniques, it has become the hot summer months, and the obvious that there is no way to totally subsequent natural revegetation is prevent wildfires. As exemplified by the affected by this timing. Since prescribed major conflagrations that have occurred burns cannot be completed during in California, wildfires will eventually summer months due to extreme occur and indiscriminately burn large temperatures as well as liability and areas of chaparral. safety factors, fall burns are preferred to Starting in 1984, fire was approximate as closely as possible the reintroduced as a significant tool for land natural burning periods. It has been and resource management within the found that prescribed burns conducted CCNA, using the helitorch to burn in during this time result in a greater mosaic patterns. In general, the diversity of grasses and forbs, while objectives of prescribed burning are to important wildlife forage such as reduce the fire hazard by breaking up buckbrush tend to increase. However, the contiguous stands of mature monitoring has shown that prescribed chaparral, and to improve wildlife burns conducted during the spring, while habitat. reducing the threat of future wildfires Several prescribed burns have been and temporarily improving habitat completed through a cooperative effort conditions can result in adverse habitat by BLM, the California Department of conditions in the long run by decreasing Forestry and Fire Protection, CDFG, vegetative diversity through a decrease and other state and local agencies. As or even elimination of important browse of June, 2003, there have been 25 species such as buckbrush and other prescribed burns on public land within desirable species of Ceanothus. 16 There has also been recent concern Prescribed burning both for wildlife regarding impacts of spring burning on habitat improvement and fuels hazard breeding birds found in the chaparral reduction will continue to occur within habitat. There can be significantly the Cache Creek Wilderness Study Area higher mortality of nesting birds and (or if designated, the Cache Creek their eggs from burning at this time if Wilderness Area) using methods that do adjustments in fire strategy are not not result in any surface disturbance. made. Mortality of breeding birds can be mitigated by carefully planning Fire History precise locations for the burning, i.e. A fire history review of the CCNA focusing on narrow strips along was made of BLM records for the period ridgelines, and not burning the dense of 1958 through 2004. This review pockets of brush located on the gives a good indication that wildfires hillsides. It has also been observed that occur frequently and are principally spring burns can negatively impact use man-caused. of fawning and calving habitat by deer During this 45-year period for which and elk if too much protective cover is there are records, 87 wildfires were burned. documented within and adjacent to the The BLM's strategy behind fall and CCNA, burning approximately 109,000 spring prescribed burns is quite acres of public land. The largest fires different. In the fall the primary (10,000+ acres total) occurred in 1964, objectives are to improve wildlife habitat 1972, 1973, 1981, 1999, and 2004. Of conditions and fuel hazard reduction by the 87 wildfires, 84 were man-caused. breaking up the larger dense blocks of Of these 84, incendiary and smoking chaparral by spot-burning in a mosaic caused 78. pattern, primarily on south-facing slopes. This creates more edge and beneficial effects for post-fire vegetation. In the spring the primary objective is fuel hazard reduction, but done in a manner as to have the least impact to nesting birds. This is accomplished by burning along major ridgelines, firebreaks, and topographical boundaries of an area, rather than burning small patches within the dense chaparral. This technique is an important mitigation to decrease impacts to nesting birds. Prescribed burns implemented with The Rumsey Wildfire of October, a wildlife habitat improvement objective 2004 burned over 8,000 acres of BLM are preferably done in the fall; however lands within and adjacent to the the prescribed burn window is so narrow CCNA. that fall burns are often not logistically possible. 17 Wildlife Valley area along the North Fork to a The wildlife resource can best be point just downstream of Wilson Valley described as very diverse within the on Cache Creek. Several habitat many habitats within the CCNA. improvements for this subherd have The bald eagle, currently classified been completed, including brush-to- as federally threatened, is a year-round grass conversions, other seedings to resident within the CCNA. This species replace noxious plants, prescribed has successfully nested here since burns, and water developments. In 2000, in addition to wintering in recent years there has been significant numbers from mid-November considerable use of these habitat through March. Nesting and wintering improvements by these elk, reflected by eagles have been attracted here a substantial increase in elk numbers because of the abundant forage fish in here. There has been a limited hunting the creek as well as the large expanse season of tule elk at Cache Creek of isolated habitat found within the annually in October since 1989. canyon, essentially free from human The Bear Creek subherd is found disturbance. adjacent to Bear Creek along Highway 16 and occasionally in the interior portions of the former Payne Ranch. Numbers in this subherd have dropped from over 100 in 1973 to a current population of approximately 30 elk. The Cortina Ridge subherd to the north and east of the intersection of State Highways 16 and 20 includes approximately 75 elk according to the most recent estimates (spring, 2003), down from much higher numbers in the Pair of wintering adult bald eagles late 1980’s of approximately 250 perched along Cache Creek animals.

The CCNA is within the original range of the tule elk. These elk occur in three subherds, having originated from a group relocated to Colusa County from Del Monte Park in Monterey County in 1922 by CDFG. Two of these subherds, the Wilson Valley and Bear Creek subherds, are found within the CCNA. A third group is found along Cortina Ridge, just outside of the area to the north and east. Approximately 150 tule elk reside The Wilson Valley subherd includes year-round within the CCNA. 50-60 elk and ranges from the Spring 18 Several other game species occur and Langs Peak Road. Other species within the CCNA which attract significant commonly seen here include the numbers of hunters. These include common flicker, acorn woodpecker, tree blacktail deer, black bear, wild pig, gray swallow, Stellar's jay, and scrub jay. squirrel, wild turkey, mourning dove, and Along the creeks one can find California quail. In recent years, the riparian-obligate species such as number of wild pigs on public lands has osprey, great blue heron, great egret, declined due to increased hunting green heron, black crowned night heron, pressure, although there have been bittern, spotted sandpiper, least recent reports from hunters of increased sandpiper, belted kingfisher, mallard, pig sightings on the Payne Ranch wood duck, widgeon, and common acquisition. merganser. Many non-game species of Raptors found include the bald furbearers occur, including mountain eagle, golden eagle, osprey, red-tailed lion, coyote, gray fox, bobcat, badger, hawk, Cooper's hawk, sharp-shinned raccoon, beaver, and river otter. hawk, kestrel, and the resident prairie falcon. The recently federally-delisted (but still State Endangered) peregrine falcon is occasionally sighted foraging through the CCNA. Owls found include the great horned, long-eared, and pygmy owl. Common herptile species include California newt, Pacific treefrog, bullfrog, foothill yellow-legged frog, western toad, northwestern pond turtle, western fence lizard, western skink, western whiptail, Beaver dam on North Fork alligator lizard, gopher snake, common king snake, rubber boa, common garter Dense chaparral habitat supports snake, western terrestrial garter snake, species such as the jackrabbit, brush western aquatic garter snake, and the rabbit, wren-tit, California thrasher, and northern Pacific rattlesnake. California towhee. Many visitors come to the CCNA to Special Status Species view the variety of bird species found in These include species which are the diverse habitats. Blue oak federally-listed, proposed, candidate, or woodlands such as along the Redbud BLM Sensitive Species. Trail are a popular destination in the The one current and one formerly springtime to view the variety of federally-listed wildlife species known to songbirds during the breeding season. occur within the management area, the The uncommon pileated woodpecker bald eagle and the peregrine falcon, and pygmy owl are sometimes observed recently had changes in their status in this habitat. Roadrunners are proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife occasionally spotted in open areas Service. In July of 1999, the Secretary along trails, such as the Payne Ranch of Interior proposed to remove the 19 threatened bald eagle from the (CDFG, California Natural Diversity Data endangered species list. In July of 2000 Base, 1996). this decision was put on hold, primarily There are no federally proposed or due to uncertainties of future bald eagle candidate animal species known within protection if the birds’ habitat is not the CCNA. Three BLM Sensitive animal given the same degree of protection species are found, including which it received as a listed species. Townsend’s western big-eared bat As mentioned previously, an active bald (Plecotus townsendii), Pallid bat eagle nest site was recently discovered (Antrozous pallidus), St. Helena in a remote area of the CCNA. The bald mountain king snake (Lampropeltis eagle also occurs in significant numbers zonata zonata), and the foothill yellow- within the canyon area during the winter. legged frog (Rana boylei). Peak numbers usually occur about mid Several BLM Sensitive Plants are to late January (BLM, 1985). known to occur, including drymaria-like The peregrine falcon was de-listed western flax (Hesperolinon from the federal endangered species list drymarioides), adobe lily (Fritillaria in August 1999. However it is still a pluriflora), Hall's madia, (Madia hallii), State Endangered species. This and Snow Mountain buckwheat species is only known to pass through (Eriogonum nervulosum). (CNPS, 1994) the area while foraging. There are no known nest sites, as the habitat is not conducive to that required for nesting. The federally-threatened California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) could possibly occur here, but has not been documented. Recent herptile surveys conducted in Bear Creek and Cache Creek by the Davis Field Station of the Biological Division of the U.S. Geological Survey did not document any occurrences of this species (Roger Hothem, USGS Davis Field Station, personal communication). Adobe lily in early spring The Sacramento perch (Archoplites interruptus) is known to occur in Clear Fisheries Lake and likely occurs in the channel Fisheries habitat evaluated within area above Cache Creek Dam. It is the CCNA includes 33.4 miles of Cache possible that this species occurs in Creek below Cache Creek Dam, 12.8 Cache Creek by passing through the miles of the North Fork below Indian dam, but it has not been documented Valley Dam, and 11.7 miles of Bear (Moyle, personal communication). The Creek above the confluence with Cache Sacramento perch is currently classified Creek. as a CDFG Species of Special Concern The 3.1-mile portion of the Cache Creek channel between Cache Creek 20 Dam and Highway 53 is not included From November through March within the stretch of Cache Creek wintering bald eagles feed almost evaluated in this plan since the channel exclusively on the larger non-game fish is directly connected with the lake, and species. During periods of low water the fish species found here include most flow, black bear have been observed of the same species as those occurring feeding heavily on the larger fish which in Clear Lake. Therefore the species list become stranded in shallow pools. in Table 1 on page 23 includes only Other mammalian, avian, and herptile those species commonly occurring predators feed on the smaller fish. below Cache Creek Dam year-round Criteria for water releases during the (Moyle, Slotton, personal winter from Indian Valley Dam are set communication), while Table 1A adds by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. those species which are occasionally There is a fill curve for the reservoir with present only by escaping beyond Cache a 60,000 acre-foot flood pool. During Creek Dam, the only outlet from Clear high rainfall events, water is stored in Lake (Moyle, Slotton). the reservoir. If the reservoir level rises Summer and winter releases from into the flood pool, the water is stored Cache Creek Dam are stipulated by temporarily and then released after the various court decrees. Winter releases downstream Cache Creek flows at the may only occur for flood control Rumsey Bridge have dropped below purposes based on a fill curve. 20,000 cfs. Depending upon the time of the year, The North Fork supports more releases may be at a lake level of 5.5 species typically associated with colder feet on the Rumsey Gauge, the official water since the water depth at the point measurement of lake levels. The Clear of release is much deeper than it is at Lake flood pool is considered to be from Cache Creek Dam. In the past CDFG 7.56 feet to 9.0 feet on the Rumsey stocked the reservoir with Eagle Lake Gauge. Water is not actually held back strain rainbow trout and kokanee for flood control, but rather stored per salmon, while brown trout were stocked court decree for later summertime below the dam. Fish species found in release. In heavy winter storm events the North Fork below Indian Valley and above-average rainfall years, there Reservoir are shown in Table 2 on page may be flood control releases from 23. Cache Creek Dam to reduce the In past years the effects of in-stream potential for flooding around the lake's gravel mining resulted in accelerated shoreline. These water releases do channel degradation in the lower have both positive and negative effects reaches of the North Fork. To prevent on the fisheries within the creek. further degradation, the Lake County Both game and non-game fish Community Development Department species occur in Cache Creek. The adopted a moratorium on in-channel majority of sport fishing focuses on gravel mining here in the mid-1980's. channel catfish and smallmouth bass. This moratorium will remain in effect Several non-game species provide a until such time that “it can be critical source of food to wildlife such as demonstrated by a landowner or mining the bald eagle and black bear (BLM, permit applicant that chronic channel 1985). down-cutting within the creek system

21 has ceased and the channel elevation has aggraded to the earliest historic level for which sufficient data exists”. Fish occurring in Bear Creek are warm water species; however the rainbow trout is known to occur in some of the upper tributaries where colder water is found (Moyle, personal communication). A species list for Bear Creek is found in Table 3 on page 24.

22 Table 1: Fish Species of Cache Creek between Cache Creek Dam and Rumsey Common Name Scientific Name Pacific lamprey * Lampetra tridentata Rainbow trout* Oncorhynchus mykiss Common carp Cyprinus carpio California roach* Lavinia symmetricus Red shiner Cyprinella lutrensis Sacramento pikeminnow* Ptychocheilus grandis Speckled dace* Rhinichthys osculus Hardhead* Mylopharodon conocephalus Sacramento sucker* Catostomus occidentalis Black bullhead Ameiurus melas Channel catfish Ictalurus catus Western Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis Green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieui Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides Prickly sculpin* Cottus asper

Table 1A: Species Present only by Occasional Escape below Cache Creek Dam Goldfish Carassius auratus Hitch* Lavinia exilicauda Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas Sacramento blackfish* Orthodon microlepidotus White catfish Ameiurus catus Brown bullhead Ameiurus melas Inland silverside Menidia beryllina Sacramento perch* Archoplites interruptus Redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus White crappie Pomoxis annularis Black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Clear Lake Tule perch* Hysterocarpus traski lagunae

*Native species

23 Table 2: Fish Species of North Fork Common Name Scientific Name Rainbow trout* Oncorhynchus mykiss Brown trout Salmo trutta Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieui White crappie Pomoxis annularis Sacramento pikeminnow* Ptychocheilus grandis Sacramento sucker* Catostomus occidentalis Common carp Cyprinus carpio Hardhead* Mylopharodon conocephalus California roach* Hesperoleucus symmetricus Speckled dace* Rhinichthys osculus Riffle sculpin* Cottus gulosus

Table 3: Fish Species of Bear Creek Common Name Scientific Name Green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieui Sacramento pikeminnow* Ptychocheilus grandis Sacramento sucker* Catostomus occidentalis California roach* Hesperoleucus symmetricus Speckled dace* Rhinichthys osculus

* Native species

24 Riparian In certain locations previously The Valley Foothill Riparian WHR mentioned there has been an invasion of habitat type is a critical component for the noxious nonnative saltcedar. wildlife species throughout the year. It shades and lowers the temperature of Cultural Resources the water, increasing the survival rate of There are three categories of cultural fish and other animals. It also anchors resources within the CCNA: prehistoric, soil in place and slows the flow of water, historic, and Native American traditional further reducing erosion. use. There has been a tremendous Prehistoric resources represent increase in riparian vegetation during the Native American occupation of this area past 13 years along that portion of the before the arrival of Europeans (ca. North Fork which CDFG purchased in 1854). Information about prehistoric 1987. This has coincided with the resources is obtained through scientific elimination of both livestock grazing and investigations by archaeologists, gravel mining. Summer releases of ethnographers, and other sources. stored water from Indian Valley Historic resources are defined as Reservoir also provide increased water cultural remains older than 50 years, availability during the hot summer which represent human activity within months to the benefit of riparian the Plan area after the arrival of vegetation. Europeans (or AD 1854). Common native trees occurring in Modern descendants of Native this habitat include cottonwood, alder, inhabitants continue to perform and several species of willow. These traditional activities within the CCNA. trees provide the riparian obligate Known uses of the area include 1) plant species with critical nesting habitat for procurement such as collection of small birds and cover for most other traditional basketry materials and food species. Other wildlife such as deer and items, and 2) collection of magnesite elk forage directly on the vegetative from a traditional quarry area. matter of these trees especially willows. Prehistoric Cultural Resources The CCNA was inhabited prehistorically by the Chen-po-sel tribelet of the Hill Patwin, a Penutian speaking group (Barrett 1908; Heizer 1967; Kroeber 1925, 1932; Merriam 1967; McClellan 1953; McKern 1922; Powers 1877; Rogers 1891). Modern descendants are disbursed between several rancherias east of the Plan area. Limited archaeological research within the CCNA has been focused from the Riparian vegetation along Bear Creek North Fork at Highway 20 to the downstream end of Wilson Valley 25 (Badovinac 1994; Basgall 1993; Bouey Historic Cultural Resources and Basgall 1990; Drucker 1948, n.d.; Euro-Americans arrived in the Cache Greenway 1988; Jackson and Creek area around 1854 (Hanson 1944). Fredrickson 1978; Johnson 1978, n.d.; However, homesteading is not known to Neitz 1935). To date, thirty-five have occurred until the 1870’s (GLO prehistoric sites have been identified. Plats), most notably in Wilson Valley, at Site types range from small lithic scatters Baton Flat, and along the North Fork. A to large permanent village sites dating number of homestead sites are also from the Contact Period to as early as known from the former Payne Ranch. 11,000 B.P. In addition to homesteading The aforementioned sites are now activities, the North Fork area was also part of what has been designated an the location for a post office (Nita), inn Archaeological District on the National and stage stop (Hanson 1892; Hanson Register of Historic Places. 1944; Mauldin 1950; Palmer 1881; Only limited archaeological research Powers 1877; GLO plats). Several has been completed within the CCNA. It schools were also constructed, the first is highly probable that the unsurveyed in Grizzly Canyon and the last, which areas will have a broad range of served the local population into the significant cultural resource values. In 1930's, within the same general area. terms of planning, any unsurveyed areas Several mercury mines were also and recent acquisitions should be developed within and adjacent to the considered highly sensitive CCNA in the 1800's. One of these, the archaeologically. Zodiac Mine (formerly Shamrock Mine) which has since been relinquished, was adjacent to Rocky Creek.

Traditional Native American Land Use The CCNA is rich in natural resources utilized by Native Americans (DuBois 1935; Hanson 1944; Hudson 1902; Knudtson 1977; McCarthy 1982; McClellan 1953; McKern 1922, 1923; Merriam 1967; Kroeber 1925; Powers 1877). For example prehistorically, Archaeological research of native flora provided many sources of prehistoric sites has been conducted food including acorns, pine nuts, bulbs, throughout the CCNA in recent years. and a variety of seed grasses. A variety of fauna were also used for food including several types of fish, fresh water mussel, pond turtle, bear, elk, deer, mountain lion, and various birds including waterfowl. In addition to the food resources, 26 Native Americans also procured plant approximately five years at the Redbud and mineral resources for such activities Trailhead. Between July 1990 and as basket making and tool production. March 1995, visitors reported the For example, willow, redbud, and various following activities during the survey: species of fern are known to have been used in the production of basketry. Activity Number % Local minerals such as chert, sandstone, and magnesite are known to have been Hiking 1143 49% used in tool-making. Today modern descendants of native Sightseeing 795 34% inhabitants continue to perform Hunting 619 26% traditional activities within the CCNA. For example, plant procurement such as Bird watching 564 24% collection of traditional basketry Backpacking 328 14% materials and food items is occurring, as is collection of magnesite from a Horseback riding 99 4% traditional quarry area on Perkins Creek Rafting 86 3% Ridge. Negative impacts to cultural TOTAL 2321 154% resources result from natural and modern cultural processes. Examples of The percentages add up to more disturbances include casual surface than 100% because some people listed collection by recreational users, rooting more than one activity on their survey by feral pigs, rodent burrowing, stream cards. While not scientific this voluntary bank erosion from high water releases, survey gave an indication of the number and the natural wearing down of land of people and the type of recreational surfaces over time. Scientific research pursuits they were seeking in the CCNA and monitoring continue to be the most during the duration of the survey. effective tools for mitigating these Comments provided on these cards impacts. have indicated, in many cases strongly, just what the public likes and dislikes about the current management and uses Recreation within the CCNA. The CCNA is extremely rich in Other less frequent recreational recreational opportunities. Historically, pursuits (in decreasing order of use of this area focused primarily on popularity) included mountain biking, hunting by surrounding landowners, due fishing, swimming, target shooting, to minimal public access. However, camping, inner tubing, photography, significant land acquisitions and greater kayaking, rock hounding, canoeing, public awareness have greatly picnicking, dog running, and gold diversified recreational use. This trend panning. has been borne out by field observations The CCNA is used year-round for as well as visitor-use surveys. These hunting, subject to seasons determined surveys were conducted for 27 by CDFG. Blacktail deer, wild turkey, trips from the Redbud Trailhead to quail, and dove are the most common Highway 16, both during the summer game species taken by hunters, and to a months when water releases from Indian lesser extent elk, black bear and tree Valley Reservoir are sufficient, and in the squirrels. These species are restricted winter months during peak storm to specific seasons. Other game releases. species such as wild pig and jackrabbits have open seasons. Use of dogs in the pursuit of mammals is not allowed on the Fish & Game-managed lands at Cache Creek (Cache Creek Wildlife Area). Since 1989 CDFG has authorized a limited-entry tule elk hunt on a statewide drawing basis. A small number of tags are issued annually for this special hunt. Since hunting regulations can change from year-too-year, CDFG advises hunters to check the current year’s hunting regulations for any changes. The lower stretch of Cache Creek, A group of boaters prepares for put-in from Buck Island downstream through on the North Fork. Yolo County’s Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park (Hopkins, Yolo County Yolo County Flood Control and Water Division of Parks and Grounds), is Conservation District does not allow extremely popular for both commercial legal public access across Cache Creek and private rafting. Two commercial Dam for a number of reasons, including outfitters currently run the segment of but not limited to security and easement Cache Creek from Buck Island to Camp issues, potentially hazardous conditions Haswell. They use both the upper and created by the very limited space at the lower Yolo County day-use sites (the dam site itself, and the physical layout of lower site is also used for group the property and potential liability issues. camping. The commercial rafting season Additionally there is no reasonable put-in runs every weekend from about early access across public lands to reach May through Labor Day weekend, Cache Creek above its confluence with depending on sufficient water releases the North Fork. There is also a from Clear Lake and Indian Valley dangerous class 5+ rapid just upstream Reservoir. of Deadman Canyon where several In addition to commercial rafting, this fatalities and other serious injuries have lower stretch is also popular during the occurred, most often from visitors summer months for private rafting, inner without any protective safety gear, who tubing, and kayaking. Kayakers use the carry inner tubes in from the Redbud lower section whenever there is Trailhead parking area. This rapid is not sufficient water. boatable and must be portaged. There is increasing interest in private With strategic land acquisitions and 28 increased publicity of the area, hiking mountain bike enthusiasts have and horseback riding have increased attempted it in the past. However this dramatically over the past 5-10 years. trail has been closed to equestrian use Most of this use has been focused on due to extremely treacherous footing and the Redbud Trail, beginning at the exposed steep slopes. Redbud Trailhead. Other access has Two additional trails have been come from the Perkins Creek Ridge developed on the Blue Ridge Ranch Trail, the Judge Davis Trail off Highway acquisition in the Fiske Creek drainage. 20 near the Lake/Colusa county line, The Fiske Creek Trail is an excellent 4­ undeveloped sites off Highway 16 at the mile long mountain bike trail and is also Payne Ranch acquisition, and the open for equestrian and hiking use. It Brushy Sky High area (mainly by extends from Road 40 down to Fiske adjacent landowners who can legally Creek and follows the creek south to access here). Fiske Creek Road. This creates an approximately 16-mile loop ride for mountain bikes, starting at the Lower Yolo County Recreation Site, and including Road 40, the Fiske Creek Road, and the Fiske Creek Trail. Improvement of the Fiske Creek Trail (to reduce serious erosion and to remove an old trailer) resulted in increased illegal vehicle use along the trail before it was barricaded in the spring of 2000. The Frog Pond Trail was originally Inspiration Point along the Redbud established by Yolo County, and is Trail is a popular stopping point for across Cache Creek from the three hikers. Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park recreation sites. Access was formerly The Blue Ridge Trail now runs for 8½ limited due to moderately high irrigation miles from the Yolo County group camp flows during the summer months making site near the Road 40 low-water bridge crossing the river in the vicinity of the to the end of the Fiske Creek road. This Yolo County campground difficult, and trail is gaining in popularity due to its until 1994 there was no legal public spectacular views from the ridge, brilliant access from Road 40. With the BLM's display of spring wildflowers, wildlife acquisition of the 2032-acre Blue Ridge viewing opportunities, and solitude. Ranch, legal public access was Future expansion of this trail is likely, established and a Memorandum of especially with the acquisition of Understanding (MOU) developed with additional lands along Blue Ridge to the Yolo County for cooperative recreation south by CDFG. Although this is a management of this portion of the rugged trail designed mainly for hikers, CCNA. Since 1994 the 5-mile loop trail some expert horseback riders and has been reconstructed and maintained for hiking, equestrian, and mountain bike 29 use. and Fiske Creek Trails. The BLM plans In 1993 the acquisition of property by to continue to work closely with CDFG along Highway 20 near the recreation concessionaires in proposed Lake/Colusa county line created an expansion of activities to ensure that access point for the new Judge Davis quality public recreation opportunities Trail. The California Department of are maintained while protecting the Transportation constructed a trailhead natural character of the land without and small parking lot at this site as part impinging on the uses of the general of Highway 20 reconstruction. This public. hiking and equestrian trail leads to a Plinking and target shooting, both ridge top at the BLM boundary after forms of non-hunting shooting, frequently climbing for about 1½ miles. At this occur within the CCNA usually near the point users can continue down to Cache access points or along the main trails. Creek near the downstream end of Fiske Lake off Road 40 receives a fair Wilson Valley, or follow a newly-built amount of target shooting when the road connector trail to access Cache Creek is open after the rainy season. Other Ridge. CDFG has been closing this trail target shooting is scattered throughout to equestrian use from the third Saturday the CCNA. Conflicts occurring between in November through the third Saturday shooters and hikers or nature watchers in April to protect the trail and seeking solitude, particularly along the surrounding land from impacts due to Redbud Trail, were often identified on equestrian use during wet soils the visitor use survey cards. There have conditions. Recently CDFG amended even been complaints from hunters this closure to restrict mountain bikes about excessive noise and disturbance during this same time period. However, from target shooting. the BLM and CDFG are presently Target shooting is prohibited in State working together to develop strategies to Wildlife Areas, unless there is a provide a direct access link from the designated shooting site. Currently Judge Davis Trailhead to the recently- there are no designated sites within acquired Payne Ranch. CDFG’s Cache Creek Wildlife Area or The Redbud Trail is very popular for Yolo County’s Cache Creek Canyon both hiking and horseback riding. Regional Park. Congestion in the parking lot at the The CCNA is extremely rich in trailhead became such a problem at wildlife, floristic, cultural, and scenic times that the entire area was values. Several articles have been reconstructed and expanded in 1999 to written about this area in regional and facilitate parking for additional and larger national media, and word-of-mouth is vehicles such as horse trailers. continuing to attract larger numbers of In 1997, the BLM issued a Special visitors to view bald eagles, tule elk, and Recreation Use Permit to an equestrian other wildlife. For several years, the BLM concessionaire for horseback rides in the has led wintertime bald eagle viewing Fiske Creek area. While in operation hikes and in certain years wildflower this concession offered hourly, 2-hour, nature hikes in the spring. Local schools, and half-day rides along the Frog Pond conservation organizations such as the 30 California Native Plant Society (CNPS) backcountry is often associated with and Audubon Society, and many others some other activity (i.e., hunting, interested in the natural values of the horseback riding, and hiking). CCNA are continually attracted to the Acquisition of the former Payne area in ever-increasing numbers. Ranch has dramatically increased public interest in furthering recreational opportunities within these areas. The acquired portions of the Payne Ranch have become very popular for hiking, hunting, equestrian use, mountain biking, and even fishing. However, a lack of safe public access points off State Highways 20 and 16 resulted in haphazard vehicle parking on turnouts and in potentially dangerous locations shortly after acquisition of this property. Winter time bald eagle hikes along the Redbud Trail have been a popular attraction for the public. Access and Land Acquisition Acquisition of important private Mountain bike use has generally inholdings and access points by the BLM been limited to the Redbud Trail and the and CDFG has dramatically improved, Fiske Creek/Frog Pond Trail area. A and continues to enhance public access modest level of mountain biking occurs to the CCNA. All acquisitions are along the Redbud Trail to Wilson Valley completed only with willing sellers; no when trail conditions and water levels one is forced to sell and there is no allow. As per current policy, the BLM condemnation of private property. allows but does not actively promote Several landowners interested in mountain bike use, even though this is selling their property have already not a designated part of the WSA. The contacted the BLM. Other owners within opposite is true in the Fiske Creek area, and adjacent to the CCNA will be on the eastern side of the CCNA. After contacted by BLM to see if they are BLM acquired the Blue Ridge Ranch in interested in selling. If they are 1994, two trail systems (Fiske Creek interested in selling, negotiations will Trail and the Frog Pond Trail) were begin. If they are not interested, further combined with the already popular Road negotiations will not be pursued. 40 to provide excellent mountain biking Acquisitions will be prioritized primarily opportunities. Since the acquisition of by their relative resource value and the Payne Ranch, some mountain bike importance for public access. use is occurring in this area as well. Vehicular access is largely limited to Other creek-oriented recreational the perimeter of the CCNA, particularly activities include fishing and swimming in along Highway 20. Existing public Cache Creek. Overnight camping in the access points from which users can embark on non-vehicular recreational 31 pursuits include: and also a new link to the Cache Creek Ridge area of the Payne Ranch 1) Redbud Trailhead - This trailhead acquisition from Highway 20. provides access to the North Fork and 4) Other Highway 20 access - Cache Creek for non-commercial water- There are three undeveloped access based activities, as well as hiking along points to additional public lands within the Redbud Trail to Wilson Valley. the CCNA. These include the gated Commercial rafting concessionaires are access to the County Line Ridge area not permitted to launch here. just ¼ mile east of the Judge Davis The recently reconstructed cabled trailhead on the north side of Highway parking area at this trailhead includes 20, the access across from the Oasis space for trailers and other vehicles and Cafe, and the Grizzly Canyon access, currently has an entrance sign, covered approximately 2 miles west of the Oasis. information kiosk with visitor information These all remain available for non- and map, and restroom facilities. motorized access, but parking is 2) Perkins Creek Ridge Trailhead - extremely limited. This access was recently relocated to a 5) Rieff/Rayhouse Road access - site near the entrance to the Clearlake This road, which lies within both Lake landfill from its former site approximately and Yolo Counties, is known as the Rieff one mile by road to the east. This was Road in Lake County and the Rayhouse necessitated by continued vandalism, Road, or County Road 40, in Yolo unauthorized shooting, and several other County. There are a number of problems associated with this site. recreational access points from this There are no facilities here, but at this road. These include the trailhead to Frog time it provides a non-motorized access Pond Trail, the Fiske Creek Trailhead, to the BLM lands on Perkins Creek the Blue Ridge Trailhead, the Langs Ridge and the northwest portion of the Peak Road to Buck Island, and the Fiske CCNA. This trail joins the Redbud Trail Creek Road to the southern Blue Ridge after approximately 5 miles. Trailhead. A new public access to Perkins An additional non-motorized access Creek Ridge which will eventually point leading to the Twin Sisters area in replace the landfill-area access will be the southern portion of the CCNA is constructed once a suitable site has located just inside the Lake County line been identified and purchased. This site on the north side of Reiff Road. will be constructed to allow sufficient 6) Benmore Canyon area near parking for vehicles including horse Spring Valley - Technically, the large trailers and should not have the same block of public land at Benmore Canyon problems with vandalism and shooting has public access, being contiguous with that the previous parking area the land that includes the Walker Ridge experienced. Road. However, there are no public 3) Judge Davis Trailhead - This trail roads or trails facilitating this access just west of the Lake/Colusa county line from any point. Because of this situation, provides a non-motorized access to the these BLM lands are essentially lower Wilson Valley area of the CCNA unavailable for most public users. 32 Scenic subsequent agricultural irrigation from Perhaps the premier attraction of the April through September. CCNA is the scenic quality of the In below average rainfall years landscape. It has extremely diverse (which are actually similar to pre-dam terrain and natural values including and pre-flow management conditions) expansive vistas from high ridges such the water situation can be dramatically as Blue Ridge, Perkins Creek Ridge, different. For example, during Cache Creek Ridge, and Brushy Sky California's last extended drought (1987­ High. There are also panoramic views of 1992), summer irrigation releases were Cache Creek from places such as the decreased, in some cases dramatically. Redbud Trail, and Buck Island. The river During the years of 1977 and 1990 there corridor provides beautiful views of the were no summer releases from Clear surrounding hills, the lush riparian Lake due to low water levels in Clear habitat, and fascinating geological Lake. But in the summer of 1990 Indian features to those rafting or hiking Valley Reservoir was able to maintain through the canyon. the required 10 cfs. This resulted in much reduced water flows in Cache Creek from Cache Creek Dam to the confluence with the North Fork throughout the summer. The volume of water was significantly decreased and noticeably warmer due to the very shallow depth. In heavy rainfall years including 1983, 1986, 1993, and 1995 through 1998 there have been flood releases from both dams during extended storm periods. The flooding situation can become very serious around the View of Cache Creek from Cache shoreline of Clear Lake. Cache Creek Creek Ridge Trail Dam was designed to accommodate a maximum release of 21,000 cubic feet Water and Flow Management per second (cfs), but because of the Water levels in Cache Creek can shallow nature of the channel leading fluctuate significantly by season. Water from the lake to the dam, the maximum releases are controlled by Cache Creek amount of water that can leave the lake Dam at the outlet of Clear Lake and to get through the channel to the dam, Indian Valley Dam on the North Fork even during major flooding (11.0 ft. Cache Creek. There are no dams on Rumsey Gauge), is less than 4,700 cfs Bear Creek. (Lake County Water Resources Division, Typically, water is stored behind the 1995). During major storm events, Clear two dams during the rainy season, to be Lake can fill at a rate 10-15 times faster used for Yolo County Flood Control and than water can pass over the Grigsby Water Conservation District's Riffle for discharge through the dam. 33 Consequently, flooding around the Livestock grazing on the Payne lakeshore can occur rapidly. When Ranch acquisition was authorized for a Clear Lake is considered full (7.56 feet short time under a grandfathered lease on the Rumsey Gauge), the riffle is which was in effect when the ranch was calculated to pass about 2,500 cfs. At purchased by BLM. This lease expired the flood stage of 9.0 feet Rumsey in June of 2001; hence any authorized Gauge, the calculated maximum grazing will be implemented under strict discharge over the riffle is about 3,500 prescriptions for noxious weed reduction cfs. (see Grazing discussion in Chapter 3). In extended storm periods, water can Prior to any authorized grazing, BLM will be released from both dams. This prepare the required NEPA amount of released water combined with documentation to address any impacts all water from the tributaries that feed and identify any necessary mitigation into Cache Creek can cause significant measures. If grazing is authorized at erosion by undercutting banks, creating some point in the future, it will be landslides, and undermining and toppling compatible with resource management trees and riparian vegetation. objectives, i.e. weed control and Water releases during the irrigation sensitive habitat protection, as well as season improves the quality and quantity suitable limits on stocking rate and of riparian habitat during the hot summer season of use. Current plans call for months. Indian Valley Dam releases 10 resting the range from all grazing until cfs of stored water throughout the year, 2005 at which time grazing could occur even after there is no longer net inflow. under carefully prescribed conditions. Cache Creek Dam leaks approximately 3 Throughout the CCNA prescribed to 12 cfs throughout the year, depending burns are planned to increase the upon the elevation of Clear Lake. Had quantity and quality of available forage the dam not been present, the modest for wildlife, as well as reducing fuels amount of water retained in Clear Lake hazards. would have spilled past the Grigsby Riffle to the creek during the very early Wilderness spring. Cache Creek downstream of the The Rocky Creek/Cache Creek riffle would have been dry. During Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is drought conditions, the condition of the included within the CCNA. This 33,582- creeks is improved by the presence of acre block of public land was designated dams over the natural condition. To the a WSA in 1979. Following this extent stored water is being released or designation, the resource values here leaking through the dam downstream, were intensively studied to determine the two dams provide water for wildlife potential wilderness suitability. during critical summer months. The prominent feature within the WSA is Cache Creek, which runs east Rangeland Management for approximately 20 miles and forms a There are no BLM grazing leases rugged, steep-sided canyon through within the CCNA and none are planned most of the CCNA. The steep canyon under the Proposed Action. walls occasionally open to broad, grassy 34 meadows with scattered valley oaks, 1) All wilderness; such as Baton Flat, Wilson Valley, and 2) Partial wilderness, which would Kennedy Flats. Numerous steep designate 91 percent of the WSA as tributaries also feed into Cache Creek, wilderness; and including Dry Creek, Rocky Creek, Trout 3) No wilderness. Creek, Crack Canyon, and Davis Creek. The BLM's preferred alternative in The remainder of the WSA is dominated the Final EIS was the no wilderness by rolling chaparral-covered hills. alternative. It should be noted that CDFG Elevations within the WSA range from also supported the no wilderness 720 feet along the creek near the mouth alternative, unless special stipulations of Davis Creek to 3,196 feet at Brushy could be included in the eventual Sky High in the western portion of the legislation to allow certain wildlife habitat WSA. improvement measures utilizing mechanical means to be allowed within designated wilderness. However since the release of the Final EIS, there has been considerable interest and lobbying by wilderness advocates in support of a wilderness designation for this WSA. With the introduction of Senate Bill 738 by Senator Boxer in 2004, a total of 30,870 acres of the CCNA within Congressional District 1 has been Cache Creek WSA looking east from proposed for wilderness designation. The Peninsula This decision now rests with Congress. The WSA has been a very popular The Rocky Creek/Cache Creek WSA destination for those public land users was studied under Section 603 of the seeking diversity in types of primitive Federal Land Policy and Management recreation (see Recreation section). It Act (FLPMA), and was included in the has been closed to motorized vehicles to Clear Lake Resource Area Management maintain this primitive nature. At this Framework Plan Update which was time trailheads are located at Redbud finalized in 1984. An additional 1,526- Trailhead, Judge Davis Trailhead, Twin acre tract contiguous with the WSA Sisters, and the Perkins Creek Ridge along Cache Creek in Wilson Valley was area near the county landfill, with a new acquired in 1985 after the wilderness location proposed nearby that would inventory provide an improved access to Perkins In October, 1986, the final EIS for the Creek Ridge. In addition the Langs Clear Lake Resource Area’s wilderness Peak Road provides 4WD access into study areas was approved. For Rocky the interior of the CCNA at Buck Island, Creek/Cache Creek WSA, the three just outside of the present WSA alternatives analyzed included: boundary. In Senator Boxer’s proposed wilderness legislation, this access would 35 continue, and would be cherry-stemmed fossils from this unit suggest an age of out of any designated wilderness. about 1.8 to 3.0 million years. Additional trailheads at Cowboy Camp Basalt occurs at Quakenbush and High Bridge are planned to provide Mountain, near the junction of Ferris access to the Payne Ranch acquisition Canyon and Cache Creek, at the from Highway 16. McLaughlin Mine near Knoxville, and on The WSA is monitored twice yearly Coyote Peak near Wilbur Springs. from the air, and an average of once (Vredenburgh, 1981). every two weeks on the ground. Locatable minerals within the CCNA Monitoring focuses on resource impacts include mercury, gold, asbestos and and damage, unauthorized activities, as chromite. In addition gold-mercury ore well as visitor use and wildlife use. has been reported adjacent to the area at Wilbur Springs to the north, at Geology Knoxville to the south, at the Baker Mine The Great Valley Sequence, which is to the southwest, and at the Sulphur extensively exposed in the area, consists Bank Mine to the west (Becker, 1888). of about 40,000 feet of Jurassic and Mercury has been the primary metal Cretaceous shale, siltstone, sandstone, sought at the mines in these areas. and occasional lenses of conglomerate The 1980 announcement of the and limestone. At the northern end of discovery of a significant gold deposit Morgan Valley, the Knoxville Formation near Knoxville lead to the development of the Great Valley Sequence is in of Homestake Mining Company’s contact with serpentine. McLaughlin Mine. This deposit, which is Much of the mercury and all of the no longer being mined, produced over magnesite and asbestos in the Coast three million ounces of gold. The gold Ranges occurs in altered serpentine. Hot discovery at the McLaughlin Mine lead to solutions rich in SiO2 and CO2, rising an extensive program of exploration along faults, have replaced serpentine which investigated the potential of all the with silica-carbonate rock, which mercury mines in the area, but no consists of chalcedony, opal, quartz, additional economic gold deposits have magnesite, and calcite. The Franciscan been located. Formation is exposed at three locations The Shamrock Mine situated along within the CCNA. One is near Wilbur Rocky Creek within the Cache Creek Springs where it is in fault contact with WSA, was formerly the only known serpentine. The other two are located in locatable mine within the CCNA. This Deadman Canyon where they are shown mine was located and worked prior to in depositional contact. 1903 (Forstner, 1903). In 1927 and The Cache Formation of Pliocene 1935, Orville Blevins of Redding age is located on the east side of the produced mercury from the property. area, south of Highway 20. This Foyle Mason acquired the claims in the Formation consists of lacustrine clays, early 1940's and held it until his death in silts, sand, and gravel beds with minor 1980. In 1968, M.C. Smith and Kay amounts of tuff that are from 1,000 to Miller, both of Redding, located the Deep 6,500 feet thick. Terrestrial vertebrate Shaft and Zodiac claims over Mason’s 36 claims (the Shamrock and Merle) Potential for oil and gas resources is apparently with his permission. Smith moderate using the BLM 3031 Mineral and Miller erected a mill at the cost of Potential Classification System. $100,000 and produced a “couple of There are hot springs at Wilbur hundred” flasks of mercury. They Springs and Knoxville. A series of determined the presence of gold on shallow temperature gradient holes, these claims, but were more interested drilled in the Wilbur Springs area, in the mercury (Vredenburgh, 1981). indicate thermal gradients as high as These claims have since been 0.3˚ C/m, and two deep holes drilled to relinquished, and because they are 400 meters and 1,200 meters reached located within a WSA, no new claims maximum bottom temperatures of 120˚ can be located here. C and 140˚ C respectively (Vredenburgh, Other locatable minerals within the 1981, p. 15). Harrington and Verosub CCNA have very little potential. Placer (1981) studied the Wilbur Springs area, chromite is known to occur east of and concluded that the geothermal Deadman Canyon. Asbestos has been reservoir supplying heat for the hot prospected north of Brushy Sky High. springs continues south of Highway 20 in Here, a chrysotile vein occurs in highly the vicinity of Destanella Flat. sheared serpentine. The asbestos fibers Department of the Interior Leasable in this vein average an eighth of an inch Mineral Classification Maps indicate that long and are slightly brittle. In 1952, soil a portion of the CCNA in T.13 N., R.6 W. was removed with a bulldozer and is within the Geysers Known Geothermal prospect trenches were cut at four points Resource Area. Potential of the across the vein (Brice 1953, p. 60) geothermal resources here is considered Oil, gas, and geothermal energy are to be high, although any development leasable resources which potentially here within the foreseeable future is could occur in economic quantities. considered to be very limited. There are oil and gas seeps at Wilbur There are no valid mining claims and Springs, and oil seeps are reported at no mineral leases active on lands within Knoxville (Lawton, 1956, Averitt, 1945). the CCNA. Potential for mineral Five oil seepages in the Wilbur Springs development in these areas is also area prompted the drilling of five shallow considered to be very limited within the wells on the Wilbur Springs Anticline foreseeable future. Since the extensive between 1844 and 1937. All of these exploration of a large area following the wells were less than 3,000 feet deep. discovery of the McLaughlin Mine at None resulted in commercial production, Knoxville in 1980 found no exploration but there were shows of oil in several of targets within the CCNA, there has been them (Lawton, 1956, p. 211). no interest in gold exploration. Department of the Interior Leasable The potential for the development of Mineral Classification Maps identify as any mercury deposits within the prospectively valuable for oil and gas foreseeable future is low. The mercury resources those lands in the eastern deposits of northern California are portion of the CCNA where sedimentary relatively small in size and any mining formations of Cretaceous age are found. development would be very costly 37 because of the toxic nature of mercury. development of quarry sites to the east Permitting of a mercury mining operation of the North Fork, as well as terrace would be very difficult and expensive, ponding where it can be shown that no and it is doubtful that such an operation adverse impacts to wildlife will result and would be feasible. Potential for mercury is consistent with other policies. would be moderate. Currently there is an active terrace The asbestos locations which occur ponding operation on private land on the within the CCNA are minor deposits with west side of Highway 20 one mile east of no potential for development within the the Spring Valley turnoff. A nearby foreseeable future. Asbestos by nature gravel processing area is under lease is dangerous and difficult and expensive from the BLM along the east side of the to mine safely. Health regulations make highway. the mining of asbestos in the United States very difficult. Potential for Soils asbestos is low. Soils within the CCNA form rugged Chromite deposits of northern hills, mountains, and intervening valleys, California have never been economically with ridges trending to the northwest. feasible. The deposits are normally This pattern is the result of a complex small and the chromite is not of the best sequence of geologic folds and faults. quality. Mining has only occurred during The area is highly dissected with low- the World Wars when the U.S. flowing perennial and intermittent Government subsidized the price of streams providing water for Cache chromite in order to produce chromite in Creek. the U.S. for stockpiling as a strategic These soils are shallow, well-drained, material. Potential for chromite within and are formed in material weathered the CCNA is low. The potential for all from sandstone or shale. The slope other locatable minerals is also low here. varies from 8% to 50%. Soils on steeper Sand and gravel deposits along the slopes may have a potential for erosion North Fork from Long Valley Creek to and mass movements during high the confluence with Cache Creek have rainfall events. potential for use in concrete aggregate Four major soil units are found within (Klein and Goldman, 1958). However the Lake County portion of the CCNA since the mid-1980's there has been a and are described in the Lake County moratorium on in-channel mining here. Soil Survey: The Lake County Community (1) Phipps-Balley: Found east of Development Department is enforcing the City of Clearlake. These soils this moratorium until such time that “it consist of very deep, sloping to very can be demonstrated by a landowner or steep, well drained loam and gravelly mining permit applicant that chronic sand clay loam; on uplifted, dissected channel down-cutting within the creek hills. Vegetation consists primarily of system has ceased and the channel typical chaparral brush species, oaks elevation has aggraded to the earliest and annual grasses. Uses include historic level for which sufficient data livestock grazing, wildlife habitat, and exists”. This policy encourages the watershed. 38 (2) Millsholm-Skyhigh-Bressa: silty clay loams; over sandstone. Found mainly in the Clear Lake Basin (2) Rock land: Steep to very steep and in the southern and eastern parts of areas that are 50 to 90 percent rock the county. These soils include shallow outcrops. and moderately sloping to steep, well No soil survey is available for the drained loam on hills. Uses include Colusa County portion of the CCNA, livestock grazing, wildlife habitat, and however since the counties adjoin in this home site development. area, some similarities can be drawn. (3) Henneke-Okiota-Montara: Found in the eastern and southern portions of the CCNA. This soil is shallow, moderately sloping to steep, well drained and somewhat excessively drained very gravelly loam and clay loam on hills and mountains. These soils are derived from serpentine and peridotite. Vegetation consists primarily of typical chaparral brush species. Uses include wildlife habitat, watershed, and home site development. (4) Maymen-Etsel: This soil is shallow, moderately sloping to very steep, somewhat excessively drained loam and gravelly loam. It occurs on hills and mountains. Vegetation consists primarily of brush and scattered hardwood trees. This unit is used mainly for wildlife habitat and watershed. It is also used for recreation and home site development.

The Yolo County portion of the CCNA primarily includes the Davis Creek and Fiske Creek watersheds. Soils here are somewhat excessively drained to well-drained on uplands and high terraces. Soil types here include: (1) Dibble-Millsholm: This soil is well- drained, steep to very steep loams to

39 Chapter 3: Proposed Action

The Proposed Action for this Plan prioritizes protection of resource values while secondarily providing for compatible recreational uses.

The Proposed Action applies to resource management actions and recreational use occurring on public lands managed by BLM, CDFG, and Yolo County Parks. The Cache Creek CRMP plan area is divided into six zones designated A through F and depicted on the Vicinity Map. The zones are primarily geographical in nature, but also represent differing levels of visitor use and relative amounts of public land. For the most part the zone boundaries follow easily identifiable landmarks, such as roads, rivers, ridgelines, etc. Because of this there are varying amounts of private land within the overall boundary of each zone. However the management guidelines in the Proposed Action of this CRMP apply only to lands managed by BLM, CDFG, or Yolo County Parks.

Overview of Zones:

Zone A includes the block of BLM land along Perkins Creek Ridge and the Pluth Ranch acquisition, as well as CDFG lands along the Redbud Trail from the Redbud Trailhead to Baton Flat. This stretch of the Redbud Trail can receive heavy visitor use throughout the year. Zone B includes BLM lands in the Benmore Canyon area east of Spring Valley and other BLM lands to the west of Walker Ridge Road and Indian Valley Dam Road. Public use in this zone occurs primarily along these two roads and is very limited throughout the remainder of the zone due to lack of additional roads and trails. Zone C corresponds with a majority of the Rocky Creek/Cache Creek Wilderness Study Area (WSA) as originally designated in 1979. It is by far the largest of the zones, encompassing most of the WSA and the Lake County portion of the Payne Ranch acquisition. Zone D corresponds to the major part of the Payne Ranch acquisition, including that portion recently purchased from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). This zone is expected to receive a significant increase in public use. Many of the issues in this CRMP are particularly pertinent to this zone. Zone E includes BLM lands to the north of Highway 20 near the Lake/Colusa county line. Zone F is an area with concentrated recreational use centered on Cache Creek from Buck Island downstream to the Rumsey area. Also included are Blue Ridge Trail, Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park (Yolo Co.), and County Road 40 (Rayhouse Rd.)

40 Issues Critical to this CRMP Existing and future parking areas and trailheads will provide access points for 1. Closure of the CCNA to Motorized nonmotorized public use leading from Vehicles the periphery to the remote interior of the The Proposed Action recommends CCNA. that all roads and trails within the CCNA The majority of respondents on this be officially designated as closed to issue (44 out of 52) to the September, public motorized vehicle use unless 2002 draft of this CRMP supported this signed open. Any vehicular travel off closure. these roads would also be prohibited. Additionally if portions of the CCNA This will be implemented through become designated wilderness, the publication of a formal Federal Register public vehicle closure will be automatic; Notice. A vehicle closure is already in other administrative uses of motor place on lands managed by CDFG and vehicles will likely be eliminated or on Yolo County Park lands. Exceptions severely curtailed. to this proposed BLM closure will be For those users interested in off-road allowed for valid existing rights (leases, vehicle use, they will be referred to rights-of-ways, legal existing inholder nearby areas on BLM lands where this access), authorized academic research, use is allowed, including the Knoxville emergencies, and administrative uses. OHV area east of Lower Lake, limited Administrative uses are defined as those use in the Walker Ridge area, and the uses involving employees performing Cow Mountain OHV area west of official duties for which vehicular access Lakeport. is necessary to get the job done. This can include BLM, CDFG, and California 2. Other Closures Department of Forestry employees and A. Seasonal Wildlife Closures others with special authorization, as well In 1991 a seasonal closure of the as contractors conducting official work Wilson Valley area to all public use from for these agencies. April 1 - June 30 was instituted. The Additionally the following roads within purpose of this closure was to eliminate the CCNA which have been traditional human disturbance to tule elk during the routes of travel will remain open to very sensitive time just before, and for a vehicular use outside of any seasonal period after, the birth of the elk calves. closures implemented locally: Yolo In a previous study by O'Connor County Road 40 from Highway 16 to the (1987), on-the-ground monitoring, and Morgan Valley Road in Lake County various aerial surveys by CDFG, Wilson (Rieff-Rayhouse Road, the Langs Peak Valley was identified as an important Road to Buck Island; the Fiske Creek calving area in the spring for this sub- Road to the southern terminus near the herd. The closure was instituted top of Blue Ridge; and the Walker Ridge cooperatively by BLM and CDFG when it and Indian Valley Dam Roads to Indian became apparent that elk use here Valley Dam. As mentioned, any during the calving season significantly vehicular travel off these roads into the diminished shortly after becoming legally CCNA will be prohibited. accessible to the public. 41 Overflights of the Wilson Valley area buffer around any nesting tree. This in recent years by CDFG showed that may be increased as necessary if human elk are no longer using this area for activity impacts the eagles’ nesting calving. Therefore in keeping with the activities. intent of seasonal closures, the current tule elk closure was modified to allow for B. Closure of Specific Sites and an acceptable level of public use in Activities Wilson Valley from April 1 – June 30. An Other closures may include sensitive ongoing monitoring effort by CDFG habitats, cultural sites, or trails which are throughout the range of the Cache Creek being impacted by an incompatible level tule elk herd utilizing GPS collars on of public use. An example of the latter is several elk is providing year-round CDFG’s seasonal closure of the Judge location data which will help to identify Davis Trail to equestrian and mountain seasonally-sensitive habitat. It is likely bike use from the 3rd Saturday in that the elk that previously used Wilson November through the 3rd Saturday in Valley in the spring have moved to a April. If warranted, other areas may be location which while suitable as calving temporarily closed if they experience an habitat, has less human disturbance at unacceptable level of disturbance from this time of the year. public use. Once the elk’s sensitive habitats The CCNA will also be closed to non- have been documented, further hunting shooting (including paintball monitoring will show if public use is guns), and target shooting. This will causing negative impacts. If it is make the policy consistent with lands determined necessary to close a managed by CDFG and Yolo County particular area or trail(s) to public use to Parks, where these activities are already prevent disturbance during the calving prohibited. For those users seeking an season or other sensitive times, these area for these types of shooting, they will areas will be designated as closed to be referred to suitable sites on nearby public use during the sensitive period. BLM lands at Knoxville or Walker Ridge. This closure is designed to be flexible, i.e. if the elk move from these 3. Livestock Grazing areas, the closure area will be adjusted There are no grazing leases within accordingly. The closure period and the CCNA and none are included under location will be mutually agreed upon by the Proposed Action. Prescribed grazing BLM and CDFG. by contract under tightly controlled Besides special closures for the tule conditions is being proposed however to elk, other closures may be implemented, reduce noxious weeds where feasible. if warranted. This can include closures This method of grazing is significantly to protect federally-listed species during different than a typical grazing lease and sensitive times, such as breeding bald allows BLM to limit grazing to specifically eagles. Closures for breeding bald prescribed measures necessary to eagles will last through the breeding reduce weeds with minimal impacts to season, typically February through June. soils, water, wildlife, and vegetation. The minimum requirements are a ¼-mile Under prescription grazing BLM has the 42 flexibility to pay a livestock operator to occurred along the North Fork from graze utilizing those methods Highway 20 downstream to Wilson determined to optimize weed reduction. Valley. There were a few instances of These methods can be very restrictive trespass grazing following BLM’s and require significant labor on the part acquisition of this property, but since that of the operator. This is described further time this has not recurred, nor will any in this section below. authorized grazing be considered here, Previously grazing occurred on the even for noxious weed control. Payne Ranch for many years while Additionally grazing occurred in the under private ownership and also under County Line Ridge area (Zone E) prior to a grandfathered lease for a short time BLM’s purchase in 1993. Since that time after the BLM began the acquisition of there has been occasional trespass this property. The terms of this lease grazing from adjacent private lands, but were fairly broad and did not specifically no authorized grazing. limit the stocking rate or season of use. During the past several decades, Heavy livestock grazing typically noxious weeds have invaded millions of occurred from late November through acres of rangelands throughout the West mid-June. Over time this use (Thomsen, 1994). This problem is contributed to a conversion from particularly severe in parts of the Payne palatable annual and perennial grasses Ranch acquisition. The proliferation of to noxious weeds, as well as serious weeds here is the most serious habitat impacts to riparian habitats and localized issue to resolve in this portion of the soils damage. CCNA. The spread of these weeds The private grazing lease expired in likely was exacerbated in part by the June of 2001, and there has been no grazing practices which occurred here authorized livestock grazing since over many years. August of 2001 when the last of the Research has shown that carefully- remaining cattle were rounded up and timed grazing can be used as a tool to removed. help reduce weed populations when the The Proposed Action includes resting following conditions are met: (1) target the range until 2005, at which time a plants are acceptable as forage, (2) carefully managed grazing regime is grazing can be timed to inflict damage at proposed to decrease and to help control vulnerable periods in the weed’s life the further spread of noxious weeds. cycle, (3) water is available for livestock, Past livestock grazing has occurred and (4) livestock are controlled to in other parts of the CCNA. Previously minimize damage to non-target species there were two grazing leases in the and other ecosystem components Perkins Creek Ridge area in Zone A. (Thomsen et al, 1996.) These leases were both cancelled due to On the Payne Ranch acquisition, the the sale of the private base ranches. three most serious upland weed species One of these, the former Pluth Ranch include yellow starthistle, medusahead, was sold to BLM in 1997. and barbed goatgrass. To help reduce Before the Wilson Valley area was the amount of these weeds and prevent acquired by BLM in 1985, grazing their further spread throughout this area, 43 a prescribed grazing program is herds can be utilized to forage on plants proposed to complement other weed that cattle typically don’t heavily feed on eradication tools including prescribed (Olson et al, 1999). Goats are primarily burning, herbicides, mowing, bio-control, browsers rather than grazers, and are planting native grasses, and hand- known to forage on starthistle well after pulling. spines have appeared and through the In the absence of grazing on the flowering period when no other animals Payne Ranch acquisition for the past will browse this plant. several years, weeds have multiplied As mentioned this type of unchecked. This has been particularly prescription grazing would amount to a evident with medusahead. When high intensity-short duration grazing livestock were present, much of the regime, requiring a contractor to move medusahead thatch was broken up by livestock frequently from one area to the hoof action of the grazing animals, another. Easily-movable (and less giving other plants a chance to grow and visually intrusive) electric fencing would also making it easier for grazing animals be necessary to confine grazing and to feed on this new growing vegetation. browsing animals to identified areas, and But when this thatch is neither broken up also to restrict entry into sensitive nor removed, it creates an ideal habitats. Additionally, goat and/or sheep environment for more medusahead to herds can be managed by an onsite germinate, while significantly decreasing herder to control the locations and time the germination of other grasses and line for those areas to be managed. forbs (Thomsen et al, 1993). If Grazing would be limited to the key prescribed burning cannot be infested areas including the meadows accomplished in these areas, it is found in upper Thompson and Brophy important to initiate a prescribed grazing Canyons and along the upper 3-mile program to reduce this thatch (Thomsen, portion of BLM-managed Bear Creek, 1997). totaling approximately 1,000 acres. A high-intensity short-duration It is estimated that to have an grazing program can benefit other plants optimum effect on reducing noxious by breaking up the medusahead thatch. weeds, a prescribed grazing program will By moving a limited number of cattle require at least five years of intensive from area to area and confining them grazing management. with easily-movable electric fencing, the It is important to stress that grazing is thatch can be broken up, allowing more but one of the management tools that sunlight to the soil surface and improving will be employed in the noxious weed germination of other grasses and forbs. control efforts. For maximum benefit, an In the late winter and spring months, integrated approach to weed cattle will feed on yellow starthistle from management should be undertaken the rosette stage on up through the concurrently with prescribed grazing as bolting stage. Cows will also feed on appropriate, including prescribed fire, medusahead and barbed goatgrass mowing, use of herbicides, use of through the flowering stage. biocontrol agents, planting of native To complement cattle grazing, goat species, and in the case of small 44 manageable populations, hand-pulling habitat use at these sites by elk. (Thomsen, et al, Publication 21541, Undoubtedly these projects benefit many 1996). other game and nongame wildlife Due to the seriousness of the spread species as well. of noxious weeds on public lands, the The focus of BLM’s wildlife habitat BLM will soon be requiring the use of management program is to improve key certified weed seed-free forage for habitat areas, especially those which recreational users who bring pack and have been degraded by past uses. saddle stock, outfitters, and other Prescribed burning will continue to be contractors and operators who use straw used as a tool for treating dense overage or other mulch for habitat restoration chaparral habitat. The type of burns to purposes. be implemented here will prioritize those which maximize benefits to wildlife 4. Wildlife Habitat Management habitat, i.e. early season burns The CCNA is comprised of a variety completed before January 31st each of natural habitats, some of which are year. Burns to reduce the fuels build-up more suitable for restoration, protection, and reinforce firebreaks may be or improvement than others. implemented in those areas closer to the Since the 1970's a variety of projects urban interface, such as the Perkins have been implemented within the Creek Ridge area east of the city of CCNA. These have included brush-to- Clearlake. Burning will also be used as grass conversions, prescribed burns, a tool in the battle against the spread of water developments, irrigated pasture noxious weeds. development, and noxious weed control, Noxious weed control in key habitats among others. Initial projects began in will be a top priority, especially on recent the late 1970's in chaparral habitat, land acquisitions. The BLM has been before BLM and CDFG began acquiring mandated to control the spread of these sensitive oak woodland, meadow, and weeds on public lands and will focus this riparian habitats. effort where control is most likely to be In recent years much work has been effective in improving habitat conditions completed on CDFG and BLM land and beneficial to the needs of wildlife. primarily in Zones A and E to reduce the Other control methods proposed include spread of noxious weeds in key habitats, prescribed grazing, mowing, burning, replacing these weeds with native reseeding with native vegetation, bio- species. Several water developments control, hand-pulling, and use of have also been completed in these herbicides. The herbicide clopyralid areas. These types of projects have (Transline) has shown promising results greatly benefited the tule elk population in yellow starthistle control both as a pre­ in Zone A particularly, as subsequent emergent and a post-emergent surveys confirmed that elk numbers (DiTomaso, 1999). Transline was increased shortly after the completion of initially used in the CCNA for a yellow these projects. Monitoring of project starthistle reduction project in meadows areas by BLM and CDFG personnel has adjacent to Bear Creek in April, 2004. documented a significant increase of In recent years several water 45 development projects have been Foundation (RMEF) to this area. The completed. These have included the RMEF was a key partner in helping the construction of wildlife guzzlers with BLM in acquiring the Payne Ranch and tanks buried in the ground, and on other critical habitats, recently selling recently-acquired lands, reconstruction their 1,419 acres back to the BLM. The of old breached livestock ponds that BLM and the RMEF partnered here to have been adapted to benefit wildlife. showcase habitat management for Critical wildlife habitat within the California’s tule elk. While this property CCNA is found in riparian and oak has serious problems with noxious woodland/grassland habitats. Both weeds, the potential is there to restore Cache Creek and the North Fork are important habitat found in meadows and considered to be in Proper Functioning riparian areas. Once serious efforts Condition (PFC) according to BLM’s have been made to control the spread of guidelines for evaluating the condition of weeds, which will take several years, elk riparian areas. There is not much use and numbers will likely increase. habitat work needed here, other than Year-round upland water sources are removal of noxious plants including found in the scattered livestock ponds. scattered saltcedar, ravennagrass, and Some of these ponds are functioning as arundo. Bear Creek on the other hand excellent riparian and aquatic habitats; has not attained PFC and is currently others show the impact of improper classified as Functioning At Risk (FAR), design, past unrestricted grazing and primarily due to the dominance of lack of maintenance. Opportunities exist saltcedar and downcutting of the creek to improve habitat conditions at these channel. ponds. Some will improve by a change The Payne Ranch acquisition in grazing management under BLM’s includes the most critical upland wildlife Standards and Guidelines; others will habitat within the CCNA. Extensive oak benefit from the establishment of woodlands and meadow habitats are vegetation around the banks. A few found between Cache Creek Ridge and ponds are in a state of disrepair and are Highways 16 and 20. This property was eroding away, contributing to soils loss historically used for livestock grazing, and severe channeling in areas. Some consequently there are several dozen sites will require extensive work, reservoirs scattered throughout the including rebuilding the impoundments, upland areas, which now serve to spread adding spillways, and other measures to out habitat use for a variety of species prevent further soils loss. However any including elk. The majority of the Cache proposed project work will be evaluated Creek tule elk herd used this area until in a separate Environmental the early 1960's (McCullough, 1969), Assessment. then began to spread out onto adjacent Changes in elk use patterns are BLM lands and neighboring private anticipated to occur over the next lands. Today about forty elk use the several years due to changes in grazing Payne Ranch acquisition year-round. management on the Payne Ranch The occurrence of tule elk has drawn acquisition. It has already been the interest of the Rocky Mountain Elk observed that since the expiration of the 46 private grazing lease in June 2001, elk recommending no Wilderness are utilizing much more of the habitat designation, the WSA has been here. It may not be apparent for several managed and continues to be managed years how the elk will respond in the in strict compliance with the Wilderness long run to a change in grazing Interim Management Guidance to ensure management, but during this interim non-impairment of wilderness period it is vital that extensive monitoring characteristics until official designation or be undertaken to document changes in release from WSA status is made. elk distribution and the location of any With the recent introduction of sensitive areas. With this thought in Senate Bill 738 by Senator Boxer, mind, public use will be allowed only in 30,870 acres of the CCNA within those areas where serious conflicts with Congressional District 1 have been elk, or other resource values for that proposed for wilderness designation. matter, do not occur. This could lead to This decision now rests with Congress. seasonal closures of sensitive areas and Acquisition of the 12,769-acre Payne re-routing of certain trails to avoid Ranch, the 950-acre Pluth property in locations which are sensitive to 1997, and the Wilson Valley area in disturbance year-round. 1985 has added significant acreage to BLM holdings adjacent to the existing 5. Future Wilderness Designation WSA. In 1986 Wilderness Wilderness designation would Recommendations and the prohibit certain types of recreational accompanying Final Environmental activities including use of mountain Impact Statement were issued for the bicycles and horse-drawn buggies (as 33,582-acre Rocky Creek/Cache Creek per a recent request for a Special Wilderness Study Area (WSA). The Recreation Use Permit). Administrative BLM recommended non-wilderness for vehicle uses could be eliminated or this WSA based on the following severely curtailed except for reasons, as quoted in the 1986 report: emergencies, depending upon specific “(1) the wilderness characteristics of the wording included in the legislation. area are not outstanding, (2) if additional A policy change in September, 2003, energy and non-energy mineral implemented by the BLM’s Washington development were to take place, Office prevents any new WSAs from wilderness characteristics would be being designated after 1993. Wilderness further degraded, and (3) wildlife characteristics can still be protected in management and recreation objectives these areas, but only through the BLM’s can be better achieved without the planning process. This new policy restrictions that wilderness designation applies to over 18,000 acres of lands would bring. In many locations acquired by BLM since 1993 and throughout the WSA there is evidence of includes the Kerwin (949 acres, 1994), past and present human activity. This is Leal (1,476 acres, 1993), Johnson particularly evident when the area is (2,032 acres, 1994), Pluth (950 acres, viewed from the air.” 1997), and Payne (12,769 acres, 1999­ Despite the BLM position 2001) acquisitions. 47 primitive recreational pursuits. Using 6. Withdrawal of the CCNA from this approach, withdrawing the CCNA to Mineral Entry mineral entry requires approval by The Proposed Action of this CRMP is Congress. to manage the CCNA for protection of However there are two other ways resource values, while accommodating a that an area can be designated as compatible level of recreational use. completely closed to mineral entry, Indeed the primary focus driving the including any slant drilling, which “no BLM’s and CDFG’s land acquisition surface occupancy” would still allow. program is the protection, improvement, Closure can be implemented as part of and restoration of biological values, as the BLM’s planning process during the well as the preservation of other natural preparation of a Resource Management and cultural values. Therefore, all Plan (RMP), which for the Ukiah Field management actions included under the Office is scheduled to have completed Proposed Action will focus on preventing by September, 2006. A Wilderness surface disturbance to natural and Designation will also completely cultural resources, scenic values, and withdraw these areas from all mineral primitive recreational pursuits. This is entry. the BLM’s intended purpose in developing this CRMP. To achieve this 7. Mountain Bike Use within the goal and to protect the BLM’s and CCNA public’s investment in recent land Recreational use of mountain bikes acquisitions of sensitive resource lands, has increased significantly during the it is recommended to pursue a past 15 years as the sport has become withdrawal from mineral location or more popular in many areas throughout surface entry. This would prevent the the country, including the CCNA. surface disturbance and subsequent Currently mountain bikes are allowed impacts to sensitive resource values in the CCNA, including limited use within which are often the result of mineral the WSA. When the public lands at development. If mineral development Cache Creek were being studied during was proposed within the CCNA, this the WSA evaluation process in 1978­ would be in stark contrast to the 1979, an inventory was completed of all Proposed Action. roads and vehicle ways on public lands No saleable minerals activities, such within the boundary of this area. as the mining or processing of sand and (According to BLM Manual H-8550 gravel or stone, will be allowed. Mineral - Interim Management Policy and leases such as geothermal or oil and gas Guidelines for Lands Under Wilderness could be allowed, but only if the Review a way is defined as “a trace authorization includes a “no surface maintained solely by the passage of occupancy clause”. No surface vehicles which has not been improved disturbing activities will be allowed that and/or maintained by mechanical means would have adverse impacts on or would to ensure relatively regular and otherwise destroy or damage natural or continuous use”). cultural values, scenic values, or When the roads and ways inventory 48 was compiled, lands that were in private these is located on the Perkins Creek ownership at that time were not included. Ridge Trail west of the junction with the This list of roads and vehicle ways is Redbud Trail and was built in order to documented on maps, photos, and route users away from a very steep drop tables within the Cache Creek WSA that was experiencing soils impacts, as inventory file. All roads existing at the well as being a serious safety hazard for time in the WSA were included within those attempting to negotiate this route. this inventory, as well as the majority of At this location a ¼-mile long switchback vehicle ways. For WSA inventory was constructed to more gradually purposes, if a vehicle way becomes a lessen the grade. Along the Judge nonmotorized “trail” over time because of Davis Trail within the original boundary lack of use by vehicles, it is still of the WSA, a few short re-routes were considered a vehicle way. Per BLM constructed in the mid-1990’s to bypass policy based on Section 603 of the areas experiencing severe erosion on Federal Land Policy and Management the original vehicle way leading down to Act (FLPMA), those roads and ways Wilson Valley. In addition to these, identified in this inventory are currently several reroutes were constructed along open to mountain bike use. Additionally, the Redbud Trail including a ½-mile Section 603 is also the basis for reroute just past the Baton Flat crossing determining that any travel by mountain to bypass a major slide on the south bikes off these ways is prohibited, bank of Cache Creek; another ¼-mile effectively limiting use to the actual road reroute with several switchbacks that or way. In the event of Wilderness bypassed the original vehicle way which designation, however, all mountain bike had a grade too steep for BLM use will be prohibited within the standards; and a third short reroute that designated area. bypassed a population of the BLM In 1980 when the Record of Decision sensitive plant adobe lily. These last for IMP Guidelines for WSA’s was three locations are not within the original signed, it became BLM policy that for boundary of the WSA, but are part of the any new trails constructed within WSAs Wilson Valley acquisition of 1984. from that date forward, use of any There are a few minor vehicle ways mechanical transport (including within the WSA that were not identified in mountain bikes) would be prohibited. the roads and vehicle ways inventory Per BLM policy this does not include probably because of oversight, and by short reroutes of roads and ways policy these are not open to mountain constructed to bypass sites with bikes. These include a ½ mile stretch of washouts, sensitive habitats, or extreme a vehicle way leading from Cache Creek grades. Since that time, there have Ridge to the New Cacheville subdivision been no new trails constructed within the that crosses through the WSA, and a ½ original boundary of the WSA. There mile stretch of a vehicle way in the upper have been a few reroutes built as Stemple Canyon watershed that also indicated above, which bypass crosses through the WSA. Many of the washouts, sensitive habitats, or short ways identified in this inventory are no stretches of extreme grade. One of longer passable due to heavy brush 49 encroachment during the past 25 years and fire road was modified to additionally effectively eliminating passage by restrict mountain bikes during this same mountain bikes, and making even foot time and same location (officially known travel extremely difficult. as the Harley Gulch Unit of CDFG’s While mountain bikes are allowed on Cache Creek Wildlife Area). the roads and ways within the WSA Additionally in 1999 a ¼-mile link-up identified in the 1978 inventory, it is was constructed on acquired Payne BLM’s policy to not actively promote this Ranch lands to connect the Judge Davis use here. Ukiah Field Office literature Trail from non-WSA BLM land to Cache and website information simply notes Creek Ridge. The amount of mountain where mountain bikes are allowed; it bike use on this trail segment is does not promote the WSA as a unknown. mountain biking destination. Overall the use of mountain bikes to Most mountain bike use in the CCNA date has been relatively light particularly occurs outside of the designated WSA, within the WSA, and there are no known such as the Redbud Trail from the BLM instances where this activity has been boundary near Baton Flat to Wilson documented as negatively impacting Valley. The bike use in Wilson Valley is resource values here. occurring on vehicle ways that have In the event of Wilderness existed for at least 60-70 years and designation, mountain bike use will no weren’t inventoried in 1978 since this longer be allowed. Mountain bikers will was all private land then. Other areas be directed to adjacent areas of the where mountain bike use is occurring CCNA where this use will continue to be outside of the WSA include the Colusa allowed such as those portions of Zones County portion of the Payne Ranch A, B, D, E, and F that are not designated acquisition, the County Line Ridge area as Wilderness. However these areas in Zone E, portions of Yolo County Road will not be promoted as mountain biking 40, Fiske Creek Road, Fiske Creek Trail, destinations. Frog Pond Trail, and to a lesser extent, Despite the fact that the majority of the Blue Ridge Trail. the CCNA has been proposed for On CDFG’s Cache Creek Wildlife Wilderness designation, the BLM has no Area, mountain bike use is currently authority to prohibit the use of mountain permitted along the Redbud Trail from bikes in the interim, except in the case of the trailhead to the BLM boundary near threats to human health and safety Baton Flat, a distance of about 2.4 miles. (emergency closure) or route Some use also occurs along both trails designation closures implemented originating at the Judge Davis Trailhead, through the planning process. including the Judge Davis (hiking) Trail If the decision is made to not (1.5 miles to BLM boundary from designate these lands as wilderness, the trailhead), as well as the fire road that BLM’s policy will continue to allow use of leads to Cache Creek Ridge (also 1.5 mountain bikes, while still not actively miles to BLM boundary from trailhead). promoting the CCNA as a mountain However effective July 1, 2004 the biking destination. closure on the Judge Davis hiking trail Additionally competitive biking events 50 will not be allowed within the CCNA, as creek which requires a long hike prior to this area is more suitable for casual low- any possible put-in. Additionally an key biking. extremely hazardous rapid requiring As a follow-up to this CRMP, a Trails portage is located just upstream of Plan will be formulated for the CCNA Deadman Canyon. that will include a detailed description of Boating on upper Cache Creek has the designated trail network as well as been an activity which for the most part guidelines for trail users. A key has not been regulated. Use has component of this policy will be the generally been by individuals or small “Leave No Trace” philosophy. As with private parties, while the two current other proposed projects within the rafting concessionaires focus on the CCNA, any new trails will not be stretch of river from Buck Island constructed prior to completion and downstream to the Camp Haswell area approval of an Environmental (referred to as lower Cache Creek for Assessment (EA). purposes of this plan). It is BLM policy that any authorized Following are descriptions of the mountain bike use will be limited to general boating periods and designated trails, with no use allowed off recommendations on use for upper trail. All trails within the CCNA will be Cache Creek. Special closures and multi-use trails shared by all users, conditions which may apply during these except in those areas designated as periods as part of the Proposed Action Wilderness where mountain bikes will be are discussed. prohibited. This integrated trail system Boating use occurs during: will ensure that there will not be separate (A) Major winter storms when water trails for different recreational uses. If levels can rise significantly in a short any trails problems outside of designated period of time, enabling put-in at the Wilderness are attributed to mountain Redbud Trailhead. The predominant use bike use, these will be dealt with on a at this time is by parties of expert rafters site-specific basis, rather than banning and kayakers. Time is of the essence this use from the area. due to shortened daylight hours and colder temperatures. This 22.5-mile float 8. Boating Use on Upper Cache from put-in at the Redbud Trailhead to Creek take-out at the confluence with Bear Boating upstream of Buck Island Creek can be completed in as little as 2­ (referred to as upper Cache Creek in this 3 hours when water flows exceed 2000 plan) is possible at differing times of the cfs. year, with put-in generally at the Redbud Recommendation: Boating available, Trailhead off Highway 20 in Lake recommended for experts only. All County. Currently the stretch of Cache boaters are required to wear personal Creek from Cache Creek Dam to the flotation devices and headgear during confluence with the North Fork receives major winter storms. No user permits little, if any boating due to the lack of are required at this time, however if legal access over the dam and the conditions warrant, permits may be difficulty in accessing this run of the required in the future. 51 (B) Spring/Summer Irrigation releases. calve. When flows from Indian Valley Recommendation: Boating available Reservoir are sufficient (minimum 200 April through June if monitoring shows cfs), put-in is possible at the Redbud no impact to nesting bald eagles. If Trailhead. From here it is 2¼ miles to impacts to eagles are documented, the confluence with Cache Creek. boating use will be discontinued until Irrigation releases typically begin by after June 30. At this time user permits mid-April and continue through the may be required if visitor increase results summer, with a gradual tapering in late in congestion at the Redbud Trailhead, July, continuing until flows are back to or lowering of wilderness experience the pre-irrigation release level by the end from contact with other boaters. of September. Flows can alternate or be The recommended type of watercraft a combination from both Indian Valley at this time of the year is smaller 1-2 Reservoir and Clear Lake. This is person inflatable kayaks or rafts. Canoes dependent upon several variables and inner tubes are not safe on this including the daily water demand and the stretch because of the shallow rocky water level of each reservoir, and does nature of the creek, as well as the long impact access by boaters. distance required before take-out is In previous years the Wilson Valley possible. Boating becomes very difficult tule elk calving season closure (and slower) by mid-September when prohibited boating on the upper stretch flows fall below 200 cfs. from April 1 through June 30th. Now that All boaters will be encouraged to put the annual spring closure has been in by 11 a.m. The rationale to this discontinued in this particular area, recommendation is (1) to minimize boating at this time will be carefully impacts to water-based wildlife species, monitored due to the presence of nesting (2) to ensure a wilderness recreational bald eagles further down this run. If it is experience with opportunities for a true determined that boating use at this time sense of solitude, and (3) to ensure is negatively impacting eagle nesting sufficient time for boaters to reach the activity, this use will be temporarily take-out point before dark. Additionally, discontinued until any young eagles all boaters will be required to wear have fledged, approximately by the end personal flotation devices and strongly of June. Boating can then resume at this recommended to wear protective time. Despite the lifting of the elk calving headgear while boating during the closure, there will still be an on-the- spring/summer irrigation releases. ground closure to all public use covering an area of ½-mile radius around the nest tree. This closure area will be marked so that users may know which area must be avoided. However this closure area is considerably smaller than the previous elk calving closure. It should also be remembered that the elk closure may be reinstated if tule elk return to this area to 52 Proposed Action – Protection and Management of Resource Values While Providing for Compatible Recreational Uses.

Goal: including yellow starthistle, medusahead, Protect and appropriately manage all barbed goatgrass, perennial natural and cultural resource values as pepperweed, saltcedar, arundo, and the primary goal. The secondary goal others where these infestations are involves making provisions for diverse seriously impacting habitat values. forms of primitive recreation which are Control methods can include prescribed compatible with this goal. burning, prescribed grazing, application Incorporate the management of BLM-approved herbicides (Garlon, guidelines of future planning efforts, or Transline, Roundup, Rodeo), mowing, other pertinent legislation such as the revegetation with native species, bio- upcoming Resource Management Plan control, and hand-pulling. For each site- or a congressional wilderness specific noxious plant control project designation for the CCNA. proposed, an Environmental Assessment will be prepared and posted Objectives Common to All Zones: on the Ukiah Field Office website A. Implement habitat improvements, accessible at www.ca.blm.gov/ukiah including prescribed burns, noxious plant Water developments can include control, water developments, riparian construction of new projects and repair enhancements, and other actions where of existing facilities. Types of projects appropriate. For all proposed actions, can include reservoirs with earthen dams an Environmental Analysis will be (requiring coordination with the California prepared as discussed in the Overview. Division of Water Rights), wildlife Prescribed burns of chaparral habitat drinkers which catch rainfall (both the implemented specifically for wildlife buried tank design and the flying saucer habitat improvement will be conducted type), and spring improvements with during the period following the first two spring boxes and nearby drinkers. inches of rain during the fall months up Riparian enhancements can include until January 31. planting of native species, fencing to Additional prescribed burns in exclude prescribed grazing, removal of chaparral for fuel hazard reductions may noxious plants, and various erosion be implemented as late as May if control techniques. suitable burning prescriptions are met. An integrative approach will be B. Monitor critical resource values to applied to combat the proliferation of determine long-term impacts from invasive weeds and other noxious plants management actions (see Monitoring 53 Plan in Chapter 5), provide follow-up noxious plants, promoting perennial recommendations, and then implement grass re-establishment, and preventing these recommendations. This will overgrazing. include effects of habitat improvements, as well as impacts to trail conditions by H. Formulate a Trails Plan for the CCNA recreational uses. This information will that will include a detailed description of assist in making management decisions the designated trail network as well as such as the implementation of seasonal guidelines for trail users. Provide an closures and any necessary trail adequate trail system to help disperse maintenance or trail closures. and minimize contact between visitors. Trails will be single track and multi-use, C. Protect biological and cultural shared by all users. Develop adequate resource sites from the impacts of signing to mark private/public land increased visitor use by carefully boundaries, trailheads and trails, activity planning the trail system and access restrictions, closures, etc. locations. Direct recreational activities Allow the use of mountain bikes on away from the immediate area of these designated trails within the CCNA, but sites or if necessary, close or reroute limit this to non-competitive use. In the certain trails that may be causing event of Wilderness designation, unacceptable impacts. Where possible, mountain bike use will be prohibited. protect cultural sites from erosion. If any specific recreational activity is I. Complete and implement an shown to be unacceptably impacting Interpretive Plan for the CCNA. Develop resource values, steps will be taken to adequate visitor map including trails, reduce this impact, and if necessary, access points, etc. Map will be limit the type of activity causing impacts. accompanied with information on trails, safety concerns, applicable closures, D. Continue land acquisition efforts on important wildlife and cultural values, priority parcels. Management of lands etc. Provide adequate visitor information acquired by BLM, CDFG, or Yolo County and education through interpretive Parks will be incorporated into the kiosks, brochures, and environmental Proposed Action. education hikes and presentations.

E. Withdraw the entire CCNA from J. Coordinate with CDFG to provide mineral entry. adequate law enforcement and other on- the-ground staff to patrol and monitor the F. Revoke existing Power Site CCNA. Seek public and other agency withdrawals affecting only BLM lands on assistance to inform BLM and CDFG of or adjacent to Cache Creek. conflicting or unauthorized activities occurring on public lands. G. Manage any authorized grazing according to specifically prescribed K. Minimize development while ensuring criteria in order to maximize resource adequate sanitation and safety facilities benefits to rangelands i.e., controlling for visitors. 54 L. Close all public lands to vehicular WSA BLM lands for permanent projects use, except for those uses previously such as water developments, prescribed identified in Issues Critical to the CRMP burns, and seedings. This includes that (#1). All unnecessary vehicular access portion the 950-acre Pluth Ranch points into the CCNA will be gated or acquisition located south and west of the otherwise closed off to prevent North Fork Cache Creek. unauthorized vehicular access. Approximately 80% of the BLM lands within Zone A are included within the M. Prohibit non-hunting shooting WSA and are subject to certain including target shooting, plinking, and limitations on permanent or surface- use of paintball guns within the CCNA disturbing activities. Prescribed burning (target shooting and plinking are already is an exception here as long as it is prohibited by state regulation within implemented without surface CDFG’s Cache Creek Wildlife Area and disturbance, i.e. by using a helitorch, but by county regulation in Yolo County’s no bulldozers will be allowed to create Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park). firebreaks. This is also the case in the event that this area is designated N. Evaluate commercial recreation wilderness. permit applications i.e. rafting In addition, monitor local elk concessions, trail rides, outfitters, etc. on population movements and use of a case-by-case basis to promote existing habitat improvements. primitive recreation opportunities as long as these activities adhere to resource 2) Control, and where possible, protection goals. eradicate noxious plants (saltcedar, arundo, ravennagrass) growing within O. Welcome assistance from outside the riparian zone of the North Fork and sources such as the use of volunteers Cache Creek. Control the spread of for trail maintenance, clean-up projects, other noxious upland weeds (yellow National Public Lands Day events, etc. starthistle, medusahead, perennial Keep in contact with local and regional pepperweed, and barbed goatgrass) in politicians to maintain political support key wildlife habitat. for the CCNA. Support fundraising, to the extent allowable, to include the 3) Ensure that private inholders will formation of a “Friends of Cache Creek” retain reasonable access rights to their or similar group to assist financially or land. However, before initiating any road voluntarily with CRMP management maintenance through federal or state objectives. lands, landowners must first obtain the appropriate authorization from BLM or CDFG. Zone A (Proposed Action) 4) Make provisions for suitable access 1) Continue current level of habitat by Native Americans to traditional development and project maintenance, gathering sites if feasible. focusing primarily on CDFG and non- 55 5) Current regulations allow camping on landfill. Clean up, rehabilitate, and CDFG land beginning at a point ½ mile permanently close the target shooting from the Redbud Trailhead in order to area located just beyond the existing discourage overnight camping in the parking area. The current use as a parking area, which is not allowed. If shooting site is in direct conflict with camping in the authorized area interim management of Wilderness increases to the point of causing Study Areas and designated Wilderness unacceptable environmental problems or Areas. Develop an alternate parking crowding, future management will limit area at a suitable location nearby for camping to designated areas only. Such nonmotorized public access into the designated areas could include BLM CCNA that will tie into the Perkins Creek land at Baton Flat and other suitable Ridge Trail. sites which are located at least 100 feet from the creek in order to minimize 9) Exclude commercial rafting put-in at disturbance to the aquatic and riparian Redbud Trailhead on the North Fork. environments, as well as the wildlife using these habitats. These will be primitive camping areas with no Zone B (Proposed Action) improvements. 1) Barricade known rare plant habitat 6) Develop an appropriate multi-use trail along the Walker Ridge Road which is link-up to the Pluth Ranch acquisition, currently or likely to be impacted by consistent with protecting wildlife values vehicle use. Maintain existing barriers on this land. This access could connect which prevent vehicular access into the Redbud Trailhead to an old jeep trail sensitive habitats along this road. which forms a 5-mile loop. Additionally, designate the connector trail from the 2) Acquire key parcels to obtain a non- Perkins Creek Ridge Trail to the vehicular public access to the BLM lands unnamed ridge northwest of Perkins in Benmore Canyon. In lieu of this, Creek. This trail provides access to the acquire an easement which would best Pluth Ranch acquisition near Bally Peak facilitate this access. If legal access is and will also serve as an additional multi­ acquired, provide suitable multi-use trails use loop trail. into this area.

7) Design and construct a universally- 3) Expand and maintain an overflow accessible interpretive loop trail on the area for Blue Oak Campground. flats beginning at the Redbud Trailhead.

8) Develop a new trailhead for the Zone C (Proposed Action) Perkins Creek Ridge Trail. Limit the existing access to public nonmotorized 1) The primary wildlife management use, while maintaining appropriate concern in this zone during the spring is access for property owners, and remove the sensitivity of wildlife species to the existing parking area overlooking the human disturbance during the breeding 56 season. Beginning in 2005 a seasonal proximity of existing trails, close and closure will be implemented to protect reroute trails away from cultural sites. nesting bald eagles in the Wilson Valley area. This closure will last throughout 5) Develop a multi-use trail system to the breeding season, from February 1 accommodate hiking and horseback through June 30. A ½-mile buffer riding (and mountain bikes on those around the nest site will be posted as roads and ways where this use is seasonally closed to all public use. If currently allowed. In the event of necessary, the closed area may be designated wilderness, all trail enlarged if certain activities such as development will be consistent with gunfire or other impacts from too many wilderness guidelines. All trails will be visitors in too close proximity to the nest designed to avoid sensitive site cause unexpected disturbance. environmental areas. Trail projects may Additionally if all bald eagle breeding include the following: activity is absent from this area for three a) Brushy Sky High Trail from Baton consecutive years, this closure will be Flat to Brushy Sky High, providing a lifted until future evidence of breeding multi-use loop trail if feasible. activity is documented. b) Construction of the Confluence Loop Seasonal monitoring of the Wilson Trail from the Redbud Trail to the Valley area for elk activity will also confluence of the North Fork and confirm any necessity to reinstitute the Cache Creek. elk closure. c) Re-establish trails along former ranch roads leading from Cache Creek 2) Implement additional elk habitat Ridge to Cache Creek. These trails improvements on suitable habitat on will tie in with the trail system to be BLM and CDFG lands. Habitat laid out in Zone D. improvements on BLM lands within the d) Maintain and improve the existing WSA or designated wilderness will be 2½-mile trail in the Twin Sisters area. limited to non surface-disturbing e) Designate a link-up site from the activities, primarily prescribed burns. Redbud Trail to the Judge Davis Trail Improvements on CDFG lands and BLM in Wilson Valley. This will require lands outside of the WSA or designated identifying a site for trail users in wilderness can include water either direction to cross Cache developments, prescribed burns, riparian Creek, as a footbridge will not be habitat improvement, noxious plant built in this remote location to link control, and native plant seedings. these trails. f) Develop additional trails, spurs, 3) Eradicate saltcedar and giant reed loops, as needed and as funding and from Grizzly Canyon. priorities allow. All trails within the WSA or any designated wilderness 4) Protect high density cultural sites by must be built consistent with Interim avoiding any new trail construction which Management Guidelines or could impact these sensitive areas. If Wilderness Management Guidelines disturbance is associated with the as applicable, with the precise 57 routing to be evaluated to avoid Zone D (Proposed Action) impacts to sensitive biological or cultural resources. By BLM policy, 1) Implement additional elk habitat these new trails that are within the improvements in suitable habitat on BLM WSA or designated wilderness will lands on the former Payne Ranch, be closed to mountain bike use. including that portion just purchased Other trails such as those located on from the RMEF. Habitat improvements the former Payne Ranch which can include prescribed burns, water descend from Cache Creek Ridge to developments, riparian habitat Cache Creek will use existing jeep improvement, and noxious plant control. trails as much as possible, with Additionally monitor elk population and minimum new development. use of habitat throughout the zone.

6) Construct a suitable equestrian/foot 2) Maintain ponds on the Payne Ranch bridge across Cache Creek in the vicinity currently functioning as perennial wildlife of Baton Flat for safe non-motorized water sources. Repair and improve as access along the Redbud Trail during necessary those impoundments in need periods of high water flows. This will of revegetation, erosion control work, or eliminate the current practice of having improvements to spillways or other to ford the creek, at times under unsafe necessary engineering work in order to conditions. In past years access at this prevent failure of these dams in the location has been restricted for as long future. Eliminate those dams which as eight months of the year due to winter have breached and are not feasible to flood releases followed by spring and repair. Techniques will be employed to summer irrigation releases. reduce any future erosion at these sites.

7) Provide an alternate equestrian and 3) Implement erosion control practices mountain bike access from the Judge where there are ongoing problems such Davis trailhead (in Zone C) to BLM lands as active head cuts, gullies, or washouts on the former Payne Ranch (in Zone D) along roads. during the wet weather closure on CDFG lands (3rd Saturday in November through 4) Enhance Bear Creek riparian and 3rd Saturday in April). Assist CDFG in fisheries habitats by removing saltcedar, signing this area during the closure perennial pepperweed, and other period, and make sure any necessary noxious plants, replanting with suitable barriers are in place. native vegetation as necessary, properly managing grazing for maximum resource 8) Ensure that private inholders will benefit, and implementing aquatic retain reasonable access rights to their habitat improvements such as those property. However, before initiating any involving bio-engineering for erosion road maintenance across federal or state control. lands, landowners must first obtain the appropriate authorization from BLM or 5) Any authorized livestock grazing on CDFG. the former Payne Ranch will be 58 implemented under strict prescriptions Proposed Action Map). These locations for noxious weed reduction (see Grazing will become the principle access points Management discussion at the beginning to the Colusa County portion of the of this chapter). A grazing plan will be CCNA and will include parking areas for designed to avoid conflict with elk and large and small vehicles, maps, and could use a combination of cattle, goats, visitor use information, along with or sheep. The overall focus of this plan minimal facilities such as a restroom and is habitat improvement through a picnic tables. reduction in noxious weeds. Cowboy Camp Trailhead, located at Academic involvement by Milepost 1.0 on Highway 16, is currently researchers from local universities to being developed as a multi-use access assist the efforts of BLM will improve the site. Facilities being constructed include chances of success. As with most short-term and long-term parking areas, experiments, a control area will be restrooms, wildlife viewing area with identified where no weed reduction work interpretive panels, tables, maps, and is done. Monitoring of results will be other user information. Parking will critical, because it may show the need to accommodate larger vehicles such as adjust grazing techniques. Throughout horse trailers, as well as smaller this process habitat improvement goals vehicles. Visitor use will be directed and milestones will be developed. downstream along the existing trail. A crossing point on Bear Creek has been 6) Protect high density cultural sites by designated to direct users to the existing avoiding any new trail construction which trail that proceeds up Craig Canyon. could impact these sensitive areas. Due to the heavy seasonal use by tule Carefully evaluate the need for elk of the nearby meadow habitat just continuing the current level of use on west of Cowboy Camp Trailhead, this other existing trails in the vicinity of these site may be closed as an access point sensitive cultural sites. If necessary, from January 1-March 31 each year if reroute or close trail segments which the elk are subjected to an unacceptable could seriously impact these sites. level of human disturbance. Develop an additional access site at 7) Encourage academic study of High Bridge (milepost 4.5) just south of invasive weeds, native plant the second bridge crossing over Bear revegetation, oak regeneration, elk Creek. This location can include management, cultural resources, and additional facilities for equestrian use, other values on the former Payne such as camping areas and high lines, Ranch. This could be accomplished in and can remain open year-round. It will cooperation with the University of be necessary to construct up to one mile California, California State Universities, of new trail links to join with the existing or other academic entities. trail that climbs the ridge line near the mouth of Brophy Canyon, as well as 8) Develop suitable public access points constructing a new loop directly to the for non-motorized access to the former west of the High Bridge site. Access to Payne Ranch along Highway 16 (see these new trail links will also require 59 crossing Bear Creek at a designated mining structures found in the Sulphur site. Creek watershed near Wilbur Springs Resort. 9) Provide an alternate equestrian and mountain bike access from the Judge 5) Continue to eradicate and control Davis Trailhead (Zone C) to BLM lands saltcedar on BLM land in the upper on the former Payne Ranch (Zone D) tributaries of Sulphur Creek. Seek the during the wet weather closure of CDFG cooperation of landowners and the lands (3rd Saturday in November through assistance of UC Davis to include this 3rd Saturday in April). program on private property where these plants have invaded, infesting additional 10) Explore options for providing a public lands downstream. summer watering source for equestrian use near Roadkill Café. 6) Allow prescription grazing (see Grazing Management section at the beginning of this chapter) if feasible and Zone E (Proposed Action) effective in achieving vegetation management objectives which benefit 1) Manage this area primarily as tule elk elk and other wildlife. habitat and maintain existing habitat improvements in the County Line Ridge 7) Continue current uses on the existing area. These improvements include trail for mountain biking, hiking, seedings, water developments, and equestrian use, and hunter access to the prescribed burns. public lands. Provide minimum maintenance on the back road from 2) Barricade known rare plant habitat Highway 20 to Wilbur Springs for along the Walker Ridge Road which is emergency purposes. Clearly sign all currently, or likely to be, impacted by public land so users know when they vehicle use. Maintain existing barriers have reached private property that is not which prevent vehicular access into legally accessible. sensitive habitats along this road (same as for Zone B, as the first mile of the Walker Ridge Road is the dividing line Zone F (Proposed Action) between Zones B and E). 1) Coordinate with Yolo County Parks to 3) Construct and maintain barriers as develop a trail system to accommodate needed to prevent unauthorized vehicle nonmotorized access for hiking, hunting, access from adjacent private lands. horseback riding, and mountain biking use. Use established existing routes 4) Cooperate with private landowners to wherever possible to minimize ground protect unique resource values such as disturbance. Construct connector trails the rare Townsend's big-eared bat, rare and reroute unacceptably steep and indigenous insect species, and unusual erodible portions of existing routes geological features with associated where necessary. The trail system will 60 tie in with established public access rafting outfitters who put in at Buck points. Work with Yolo County to Island. address the issue of an acceptable level of use of summer concessionaire traffic 5) Maintain the Blue Ridge Ranch on Road 40 and the Langs Peak Road, house and barn, and also reduce along with associated resource damage, vandalism to the house by using as a dust, etc. base of operations. Possibilities include Extend the Blue Ridge Trail further to use by Native American tribal members the south, with possible spur trails to the working in the area, Boy Scouts, lodging Knoxville Wildlife Area as opportunities for a caretaker, use by volunteers, become available. Eventually this trail employees working the area on may extend beyond the boundaries of temporary assignment, academic this CRMP and into the Blue researchers, etc. If this can’t be done, Ridge/Berryessa Natural Area. and vandalism continues to accelerate the maintenance costs of the house, it 2) Continue yearly maintenance of may become necessary to remove the Langs Peak (Buck Island) and Fiske house. The barn however will remain, Creek Roads for vehicle access. Yolo as it is an historic structure. County will continue to maintain Road 40 annually from the low water crossing at 6) Work with permitted recreation Cache Creek to the Lake County line. concessionaires in the area to further public recreational opportunities, while 3) Expand existing facilities at the Yolo maintaining the overall natural character County Upper Recreation Site to develop of this part of the CCNA. This may a boating put in/take out. This require special stipulations in their expansion will facilitate public safety and permits to prevent incompatible activities parking concerns that have been issues from occurring here. at the current site being used at the confluence of Bear and Cache Creeks. 7) Provide adequate roadside parking Close coordination with Yolo County near the Blue Ridge Ranch house and Regional Parks will be necessary to trailheads for public access. Install coordinate use between private and signs, barriers, and/or gates to restrict commercial parties. vehicular access into the closed areas off County Road 40 where vehicle use 4) Manage Buck Island for rafting, has caused soils damage by camping, and other compatible primitive encroaching onto trails and into the open recreational uses. Provide adequate oak-meadow habitat. Enforce the access, camping, and sanitation vehicle closure by increased BLM and facilities. Restrict vehicles outside of CDFG law enforcement patrols. Install designated Buck Island recreational suitable barriers along Fiske Creek Road access system by signage and installing past Fiske Lake where vehicles have barriers as needed. Coordinate with Yolo accessed onto CDFG lands in the County Regional Parks to ensure an Knoxville Wildlife Area. effective permit system for commercial 61 8) Develop and implement an interpretive site plan for the Blue Ridge ranch house area.

9) Provide minimal facilities at Fiske Lake for camping use.

62 Chapter 4: Environmental Impacts

This chapter discusses the anticipated environmental impacts of the Proposed Action in this CRMP to each resource value. Mitigations for these impacts follow each impact. The impacts are insignificant overall because the Proposed Action was specifically tailored to have minimal resource impact. These impacts are followed by suitable mitigation measures. In addition, any benefits to resource values from the Proposed Action are listed. The impacts of the Proposed Action are expected to be minimal, but could affect biological, cultural, and scenic values as a result of construction of visitor use facilities such as trails and access points, and increased levels of recreational use.

The Proposed Action for this Plan prioritizes protection of resource values while secondarily providing for compatible recreational uses.

Impacts from the Proposed Action from off-trail use become significant, may affect the following resources. these areas may be closed or limited. Mitigations for these impacts are also discussed. Impact: Increased visitor use may result in an increase of man-caused wildfires. A. Vegetation Mitigation: Provide environmental Impact: There may be localized losses of education materials, uniformed onsite vegetation due to trail and access visitor use assistance and law developments. enforcement or park rangers at trailheads and major trails during peak Mitigation: Trails will follow any existing times. Recently a Fire routes as much as possible. Education/Mitigation Specialist position Revegetation using native plants will be was approved for the CCNA. This considered if necessary. position will be responsible for making visitor contacts within the CCNA and Impact: Increased visitor use may result educating users about fire safety. in more off-trail travel by users. Benefits to the Vegetation Resource Mitigation: Provide an adequate trail under the Proposed Action include: system with adequate signage, and make environmental education materials a. Removal of noxious plants will benefit available which stress the importance of native vegetation by reducing low impact use. If impacts to vegetation competition for habitat. 63 b. Native oaks will be protected on Benefits to the Wildlife Resource under existing public lands and on new lands the Proposed Action include: as they are acquired. a. Most wildlife populations will likely c. Prescribed grazing will benefit native increase in number due to proposed plants, as specific techniques will be habitat improvements, including employed to reduce noxious weeds. seedings, prescribed burns, weed control, water developments, and riparian area enhancement. B. Wildlife/T&E/Fisheries b. Revegetation with appropriate native Impact: A projected increase in public species in damaged riparian sites will use may result in cumulative impacts to improve habitat quality. wildlife, especially during the breeding/nesting seasons. c. Improvement of habitat by saltcedar removal benefits local fish species by Mitigation: If serious impacts to wildlife lowering salinity levels. including T&E species occur from increased visitor use, seasonal closures will be reinstituted. A permit process C. Cultural Resources may also be implemented for boating. Impact: Increased visitor use may result Impact: Increased public use may result in increased theft or damage to cultural in increased poaching of wildlife. artifacts.

Mitigation: Provide an increased on-the- Mitigation: Any trail developments will be ground law enforcement presence and routed away from known visitor use rangers at trailheads and archaeologically-sensitive areas. along main trails at high use times. Agreements will be pursued with local Coordinate patrols between BLM and Native American representatives and CDFG personnel. An additional BLM academia to assist with periodic Law Enforcement Ranger was recently monitoring of these sites. Interpretation hired and has been able to spend more and education will emphasize the value time patrolling within the CCNA. in preserving these special areas by low impact use. Impact: Fences necessary to manage livestock grazing according to BLM’s Impact: Habitat development projects prescription grazing may have negative could potentially impact archaeologically­ impacts on elk. sensitive areas.

Mitigation: For any authorized grazing, Mitigation: For each proposed habitat require the use of easily removable and development project, an Environmental minimally intrusive electric fencing. Assessment will be prepared with review by an archaeologist to minimize any 64 impacts to cultural resources. opportunities for target shooters, as this activity will not be allowed within the Benefits to the Cultural Resource under CCNA. the Proposed Action include: Mitigation: Recommend alternate sites a. Continued vehicle closures will help on nearby BLM lands which are suitable prevent damage at cultural sites. This is for target shooting. especially critical for certain portions of the CCNA where additional cultural Benefits to the Recreation Resource resources are likely to be discovered under the Proposed Action include: once these areas are inventoried. a. Recreational opportunities will be b. Cooperation with academic enhanced by providing maps, signs, institutions in the study and preservation and other public information. of archaeological sites will further our knowledge of the past. b. Expanding the existing trail system and establishing additional trailheads c. Interpretation and education will help will increase hiking, horseback riding, the public to cooperate in protecting and mountain biking opportunities, archaeological resources. and will enhance primitive recreational experience through better dispersal of visitors. D. Recreation c. Improving boating access and Impact: If it becomes necessary to facilities at Buck Island and institute seasonal wildlife closures, this expanding boating put in/take out could temporarily limit recreational facilities at Yolo County Regional opportunities. Park’s Upper Site would enhance boating opportunities, reduce safety Mitigation: Recreationists will be routed hazards from boaters parking along to alternate trails and other areas not Highway 16, and improve sanitary affected by closures. Further monitoring conditions. will confirm the necessity of continuing a closure. d. Restricting target shooting will reduce conflicts between visitors, improve Impact: An increase in visitor use will visitor safety, and reduce trash and likely result in increased visitor vandalism. interactions with others. e. Providing a crossing near Baton Flat Mitigation: Develop an expanded multi­ will allow access beyond Baton Flat use trail system with dispersed access during periods of high water flows. points. f. Constructing universally accessible Impact: There will be reduced shooting short loop interpretive trails at the 65 Redbud Trailhead and along Bear will help to disperse visitors over a Creek at the Cowboy Camp access broader area of the WSA or site will allow recreational and designated wilderness within the educational use for disabled users Cache Creek corridor. who are unable to access a majority of the area. b. Wilderness quality will be maintained by vehicle closures and adherence to g. Acquisition of priority parcels will BLM’s Wilderness Interim increase recreational opportunities by Management Policy (IMP) guidelines, opening more lands to the public and as well as guidelines for designated creating additional access points. wilderness. h. Vehicle closures will improve c. Managed boating, if necessary, will recreational experiences by allow continued high quality preventing the visual, noise, and soils wilderness experience along Cache impacts of off-highway vehicles Creek during those periods when boating is available. i. Wildlife habitat development projects will improve fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing opportunities. F. Soil/Water/Air

Impact: Increased visitor use could E. Wilderness/Wild & Scenic Rivers accelerate soil compaction and erosion at access points and other high use Impact: Increased visitor use could affect areas. the wilderness experience for visitors. Mitigation: Reroute any problem areas Mitigation: Develop an expanded multi­ on existing trails and carefully plan new use trail system with dispersed access trail alignments. points. Impact: Increased visitor use could Impact: An increase in the incidence of impact soils and aquatic habitats at any man-caused wildfires from increased stream crossing. visitor use could result in greater impacts from wildfire suppression activities. Mitigation: Install foot bridges, employ practices which can successfully harden Mitigation: Develop a Fire Management the trail base in these areas, discourage Plan for the entire CCNA to minimize the any camping within 100 feet of any impacts from fire suppression activities. perennial water.

Benefits to the Wilderness Resource Impact: Construction of new wildlife under the Proposed Action include: ponds may impact water supplies for downstream users. a. An expanded multi-use trail network 66 Mitigation: This impact is expected to be overhanging vegetation to grow. This minimal. Any proposed water would result in a decrease in summer developments will be processed through water temperatures, enhancing water the State Division of Water Rights. quality and the fishery.

Impact: There is a potential of water c. Repair of identified breached water contamination from livestock grazing in developments on the Payne Ranch riparian areas. acquisition will lessen impacts from erosion at these sites. Mitigation: Implement guidelines for prescription grazing which will restrict the timing and intensity of grazing. G. Socio-economics

Impact: There is a potential of an Impact: Changes in grazing increase in man-caused wildfires with management on private lands with increased visitor use. existing grazing that are acquired by BLM could impact local livestock Mitigation: Implement fire restrictions operators by decreases in grazing during declared fire season. Through intensity, duration, and location. environmental education inform visitors of the dangers of wildfires. Implement Mitigation: To the extent allowed by BLM foot patrols of uniformed visitor services guidelines for prescribed grazing and if rangers during high use periods. feasible, manage grazing using the best Recently a Fire Education/Mitigation available science to decrease the Specialist position was approved for the proliferation of noxious plants. This is a CCNA. This position will be responsible benefit to livestock operators under for making visitor contacts within the prescription grazing by contract because CCNA and educating users about fire BLM has the flexibility to waive fees or safety. pay the contractor to graze according to strict guidelines for weed reduction. Benefits to the Soil/Water/Air Resource under the Proposed Action include: Impact: Withdrawing the entire CCNA to mineral entry would eliminate any a. Proposed eradication of saltcedar income to the mining industry. No along Bear Creek will likely increase surface disturbing activities associated water volume during the hot with saleable, locatable, or leasable summers, due to reduced minerals would be allowed. evapotranspiration. Mitigation: None b. Revegetation of the riparian area of Bear Creek with suitable native Impact: Prohibiting any consumptive species will greatly enhance this commercial uses within the CCNA could habitat by improving streambank affect small businesses such as firewood stabilization and allowing cutting and decorative rock businesses. 67 Mitigation: None H. Scenic/Visual

Benefits to the Socio-economic Impact: The scenic quality of the Resource under the Proposed Action viewshed from within the CCNA could be include: impacted by the construction of wind energy developments outside of the a. Expansion of boating facilities at CCNA which would be visible from Buck Island and Yolo County certain areas of the CCNA. Regional Park’s Upper Site will enhance commercial and private Mitigation: Prior to approval of any wind rafting opportunities by providing energy development on BLM land better facilities and improving access. adjacent to the CCNA, a comprehensive This would have a positive economic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) impact to the local economy through that will evaluate impacts to scenic/visual increased purchases of groceries, resources and provide mitigations will be supplies, gasoline, etc. prepared. The public will have several opportunities to provide comments on b. Improving trailhead and trail access, this EIS. particularly within the Payne Ranch acquisition, will provide additional Impact: The scenic quality of the CCNA opportunities for commercial could be impacted by the construction of recreation outfitters (i.e. horseback additional visitor use facilities and the riding, hunting, wilderness outfitters), increased litter, wildfire, and fire as well as non-commercial uses. suppression activities associated with This would also have a positive increased use. economic impact to the local economy and concessionaires. Mitigation: Design facilities to blend in with the surrounding environment. c. Once the overall management Stress low impact use in environmental actions are implemented within the information at access points. Post any CCNA, it is anticipated that there fire safety information during fire season. could be a significant increase in visitor use. This will translate into Impact: Construction of public access local increases in sales of food, facilities along Highway 16 could affect lodging, gas, etc. visual quality along this scenic corridor. d. Cooperative agreements with Mitigation: Close coordination with Cal- universities for academic research Trans and implementing sound design will result in an economic benefit in standards with visual quality in mind the form of paid research. should minimize scenic impacts from these developments.

68 Benefits to the Scenic/Visual Resource scattered throughout the CCNA. under the Proposed Action include: Potential residual and cumulative impacts to the cultural resources in the a. Improved livestock grazing CCNA come from human and animal techniques such as those recommended activities and ongoing erosion problems. for prescription grazing will enhance the Unfortunately some users illegally scenic quality of the management area, remove cultural artifacts found on the particularly along the riparian corridors. surface of sites. Over time the sites can be degraded through casual collecting, b. Removal of unnecessary fence lines, thus removing important valuable many of which are presently in poor information about the past, irretrievably shape, will improve scenic quality of the damaging these sites. Use of rock fire area. rings by those camping in culturally- sensitive areas can also damage these c. Cleanup projects such as removal of sites. abandoned vehicles, equipment, and trash will enhance visual quality, while occasional littering from increased visitor use may temporarily degrade visual quality when those instances occur.

Residual and Cumulative Impacts of Proposed Action

Despite adherence to trail and facility design standards, there will be slight residual soil loss due to increased trail development and use. Cumulatively, these impacts will not be significant, given the size of the area relative to the few miles and dispersion of trails proposed. Residual impacts from wildlife habitat development projects will vary from project to project, but will primarily be soils-related. Water developments will result in some soil and vegetative displacement at project sites. Prescribed burns will result in a temporary increase in erosion in burned areas. Cumulatively these impacts will not be significant because they will ultimately result in improved habitat and will be widely 69 Chapter 5: Monitoring Plan

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Tule Elk The tule elk herd will be surveyed Bald Eagles once a year by helicopter. CDFG will Monitoring of the federally-threatened conduct the survey with assistance from bald eagle will be conducted yearly BLM, dependent upon adequate funding. within this important breeding and This survey will be a herd composition wintering area. count and will document the locations Known nest sites will be monitored and size of the three subherds within the three times yearly during: Cache Creek area. Surveys will attempt (1) mid-February - early March to to determine the locations of sensitive confirm occupancy of nest elk habitat, such as calving areas. (2) mid-April - early May to confirm Several elk in the Wilson Valley and successful hatching of any young; Bear Creek subherds have been collared (3) late June - mid-July to confirm with GPS units to facilitate tracking of elk fledgling success. from the air and on-the-ground Monitoring of nest sites at this time throughout the year. will be completed on foot because aerial Other monitoring of elk habitat will surveys by helicopter could occur on-the-ground, primarily elk use of unnecessarily disrupt breeding and habitat improvement projects (seedings, rearing activity. burns, water developments). If funding permits, an annual mid­ winter helicopter survey will be Other Wildlife Surveys conducted to coincide as closely as Composition counts for blacktail deer possible with the nationwide mid-winter will be completed yearly by CDFG bald eagle count. This is usually done dependent upon funding. Other wildlife during the middle of January. The survey surveys will be completed periodically as route will cover Cache Creek from necessary and as funding allows. Cache Creek Dam to Rumsey and the North Fork from the northern end of Rare Plant Populations Indian Valley Reservoir downstream to Known populations of rare plants will the confluence with Cache Creek. be surveyed once every three years Other winter monitoring will be done during the appropriate flowering season. on-the-ground during site visits to the Surveys will focus on trend and any CCNA and during the mid-winter guided disturbance or potential disturbance eagle hikes. which could occur. If additional nests are observed Other surveys to inventory for new during the annual winter helicopter populations will coincide with the survey, these will be verified on-the- monitoring surveys conducted during the ground during the breeding season. appropriate flowering season. These surveys will focus in sensitive habitats 70 for these plants, and throughout new monthly. Aerial flights will coincide with land acquisitions. other surveys, i.e. bald eagle winter surveys and other overflights. On-the- Riparian Habitat ground monitoring will coincide with Cache Creek will continue to be other field visits into the CCNA. monitored on foot from Cache Creek Monitoring will primarily focus on Dam downstream to the confluence with signs of any unauthorized activities, Bear Creek (BLM, 1990). The North including vehicles in closure areas, road Fork will be monitored from Highway 20 building, grazing trespass, among downstream to the confluence with others. If any unauthorized uses are Cache Creek. Monitoring will occur detected, an investigation will be every three years and will focus on conducted followed by appropriate action habitat conditions, amount of to resolve these violations. reproduction, and invasion of non-native To inform the public as to the location exotics, including saltcedar, arundo, and of the WSA or Wilderness boundary, all ravennagrass. Photos will be taken at trails or other access points leading into established photo-points located every ¼ the WSA or Wilderness from private or mile in order to document changes over other public lands will be marked with time. boundary signs. Other monitoring may occur on an as-needed basis such as surveys for the presence of hydrilla, an aquatic noxious CULTURAL RESOURCES weed, which has been a major threat to the ecosystem of Clear Lake. Lake A monitoring plan has been in place County and the State Department of for several years for the identified Agriculture have been involved in an cultural sites within the CCNA. The plan intensive effort to eradicate this plant consists of monitoring sites from from Clear Lake for over ten years. If established photo points by using hydrilla spreads beyond Cache Creek erosion stakes placed at measured Dam into Cache Creek, it could spaces along the creek corridor, and by potentially become a threat to the making field visits to each site at Sacramento River and Delta intervals varying from annually to as ecosystems. much as ten years. The sites are evaluated on visible site contents, nature and rate of deterioration, possible WILDERNESS threats, public versus private ownership, and current best use of the cultural The Rocky Creek/Cache Creek resource. Each cultural resource is Wilderness Study Area (WSA) will be assigned to one or more of seven monitored once yearly from the air possible management classifications as (dependent upon funding) and a follows: minimum of once a month on-the- 1. Conservation for future use ground. In the event of Wilderness 2. Management use designation, monitoring will occur twice 3. Socio-cultural use 71 4. Public use Trail Monitoring 5. Discharged use Each trail will be traveled a minimum 6. Scientific study or use of once each year, preferably twice, 7. Compatible uses (budget and staffing permitting) to As cultural sites are monitored over determine trail maintenance needs, the years, changes in specific sites from eliminate safety hazards, ensure natural forces, visitors, or management adequate signing, and to get an estimate decisions associated with other of the degree of trail use. Monitoring will resources are recorded. Photos can be be established through visual used to assess changes. Based upon reconnaissance, followed by trip reports these site evaluations, necessary action reviewed by managers to maintain and management decisions can then be records of trail condition and use. made with constructive feedback for past management actions and/or the need for Rafting use Monitoring further action. BLM will monitor rafting, both by A field book depicting cultural site commercial rafters (i.e., Buck Island to locations is kept in the Ukiah Field Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park run) Office. This book contains a map of the and private boaters, to gauge visitor use area and site locations, individual site levels and to identify any problems records, photos and slides, location associated with rafting overuse on maps for erosion stakes and photo Cache Creek. This will involve one or points, resource condition information, two weekend field trips a year to get an and management-use classification. overall look at weekend river-use during the high-use periods. Those operating under special recreation use-permits will RECREATION be monitored as appropriate to ensure compliance with permit stipulations. If Visitor-Use Monitoring problems persist associated with visitor The BLM may provide survey cards use capacities, safety, or sanitation, it at the Redbud Trailhead and other may be necessary to modify the level of access points where appropriate. These boating use allowed on Cache Creek. cards provide an indication of what types Monitoring will also focus on the level of of recreation activities are most sought vehicle traffic on Road 40 and the Langs after within the CCNA. It also serves as Peak Road. a mechanism for providing the public an opportunity to comment on how BLM Access Monitoring and CDFG can improve management of BLM will frequently monitor access the area. Visitor Services and Law points around the perimeter of the CCNA Enforcement Rangers will also include to guard against unauthorized uses, visitor-use observations as part of their particularly illegal vehicle access. written daily reports. Monitoring will normally involve driving along perimeter roads such as Highways 20 and 16, as well as interior roads including Yolo County Road 40, Langs 72 Peak Road to Buck Island, and Fiske Creek Road. Monitoring will focus on intrusions, such as cut fences, and open gates. Interior patrols will also look for vehicle tracks or other signs of unauthorized activities. Patrols will be conducted by both law enforcement rangers as part of their normal patrol responsibilities and by other employees and volunteers to ensure that management prescriptions for the area are not being compromised.

73 Chapter 6: Agencies and Individuals Consulted throughout the Planning Process

-Jim Ball, formerly Yolo County Parks and Airport Manager - Linda Fiack, Yolo County Parks and Resources Manager -Frank Sieferman, formerly Yolo County Board of Supervisors - Lynnel Pollock, Yolo County Board of Supervisors -James Eagan, formerly Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District -Mary-Ann Warmerdam, formerly Yolo County FCWCD -Craig Thomsen, Dept. of Agronomy and Range Science, UC Davis -John Kemper, UC Davis -Rob Thayer, UC Davis - Peter Moyle, UC Davis - Darell Slotten, UC Davis -Jeff Smith, Lake County Board of Supervisors -Caroline Constable, Lake County Emergency Services Director -Kim Clymire, formerly Lake County Public Services Department Director -Morty Prisament, formerly Lake County Flood Control/Lakebed Mgmt. -Bill Reed, Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee - Terry Knight, Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee -Douglas White, Colusa County Board of Supervisors - Jim Swanson, California Department of Fish and Game -Jack Booth, CDFG - Scott Koller, CDFG -Phil Pridmore, CDFG -Rick Macedo, CDFG -Steve Cannata, CDFG - Bill Klebe, California Department of Forestry - David Kinkaid, California Department of Forestry -Mike Ammon, California State Department of Boating and Waterways -Steve Evans, Friends of the River, Sacramento -Susan Scheufele, American Whitewater Association, Santa Cruz -Jim Crenshaw, American Whitewater Association, Woodland -Mark Gholson, Whitewater Adventures, Napa -Rick Wilson, Cache Canyon Whitewater River Trips, Rumsey -Ryan Henson, California Wilderness Coalition, Davis -Jim Eaton, California Wilderness Coalition, Davis -Andrew Fulks, California Wilderness Coalition, Davis -Jan Lowrey, Cache Creek Conservancy -James and Anne Austin, Backcountry Horsemen

74 -Irene Davies, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) -Sandy Britzman, COE -Phil Hogan, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA) -Phil Detrich, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento -Ray Krauss, Homestake Mining Company -Tim Playford, Dow AgroSciences -Tim Baldwin, Dow AgroSciences -Ray Carmen, Cache Creek Dam Keeper -Mike Ford, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation -Chet Vogt, California Cattlemen’s Association -Kesner Flores, Cortina Rancheria

Consultation with the public and pertinent Native American Groups and other organizations including the Native American Heritage Commission regarding the use, allocation, protection and condition of sites will continue. The purpose would be to identify changes in public attitudes and ascertain any new concerns for the cultural resources and measure the effectiveness of the management activities of this CRMP. Where any actions are proposed that may have impacts on the cultural resources, local Native American groups will be consulted to evaluate the implications of BLM actions. Cooperative Agreements with professional groups, colleges and universities will continue to be the proactive means of meeting the scientific research goals for the area as well as aiding in the mitigation of possible impacts to sites. Local Native American representatives that will be contacted to ensure cultural values are protected from incompatible land use activities include: . -Mr. Kesner Flores, Cortina Rancheria -Mr. Michael E. Mitchum, Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians, Colusa Indian Community Council -Mr. Philip Knight, Rumsey Rancheria Community Council -Mrs. Rebecca Bill, Colusa -Victoria Eugene, Cache Creek Rancheria -Native American Heritage Commission, Sacramento -Mr. Edward Wright, Cortina Rancheria -Northwest Information Center of the California Archaeological Inventory -Anthropology Department, University of California, Davis -Anthropology Department, California State University, Sacramento -Anthropology Department, California State University, Sonoma - Anthropology Department, California State University, Chico

75 Chapter 7: List of Preparers and Staff Reviewers

-Gregg Mangan, Cache Creek Natural Area Manager (Team Lead) - Rich Burns, Ukiah Field Office Manager -Scott Adams, Outdoor Recreation Planner -Jeff Wilbanks, Outdoor Recreation Planner - Jonna Hildenbrand, Outdoor Recreation Planner -Bob Wick, Outdoor Recreation Planner -Pardee Bardwell, Range Conservationist -James Dawson, Fuels Management Specialist -Charles Whitcomb, Geologist -Dave Fatch, NEPA -Diane Knox, Geographic Information System/Maps -Marlene Greenway, Archaeologist -Julie Burcell, Archaeologist - Larry Ames, Interpretive Specialist - Frank Arriaza, Soil Water Air Specialist - Doug Prado, Law Enforcement Ranger - Alice Vigil, Realty Specialist

76 Appendices

Appendix 1 - Critical Elements for Proposed Action (For further information also see Chapter 4, Environmental Impacts)

Critical Element Affected? Critical Element Affected? yes no yes no

1. Air Quality (CAA, 1955) x 2. T&E Species (ESA, 1973) x Frank Arriaza Gregg Mangan or Pardee Bardwell

3. Water Quality (Surface and Ground; x 4. ACEC's (FLPMA, 1976) x SDWA amend 1996, CWA 1987, EO’s Gregg Mangan 12580, 12088, 12372) Frank Arriaza

5. Wetlands/Riparian Zone (EO-11990) x 6. Hazardous & Solid Wastes (RCRA, x Pardee Bardwell 1976; CERCLA, 1980) Dave Fatch

7. Floodplains (EO-11988) x 8. Farm Lands (SMARA, 1977) x Pardee Bardwell

9. Environmental Justice (EO-12898) x 10. Wilderness (FLPMA, 1976; WA, x Julie Burcell 1964) Jonna Hildenbrand

11. Native American Religious Concerns x 12. Wild and Scenic Rivers (W&SRA, x (AIRFA, 1978) Julie Burcell 1968) Jonna Hildenbrand

13. Cultural Resources (NHPA, 1966) x 14. Invasive, Non-Native Species (Lacey x Julie Burcell Act, Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974) Pardee Bardwell In the following paragraphs describe the impacts (direct, indirect, and cumulative) to the above critical elements and all other resources that might be affected by the proposed action or alternatives. If a critical element is not affected, write a short explanation below, otherwise explain how the critical element is affected. For all impacts, describe a mitigation measure to reduce or eliminate that impact. See NEPA Handbook, Appendix 5, for more info and references to BLM manual sections about these Critical Elements.

1. Air Quality: Affected. There could be a temporary impact to local air quality from increased dust during earth moving activities such as construction of new access locations, dependent upon the timing. If done when there is still sufficient soil moisture, this impact will be almost negligible. If occurring later on during the dry summer months, this impact could be more noticeable, primarily by those involved with construction activities and by travelers along nearby roads. Water will be used to minimize dust followed by gravelling of the access road and parking areas.

2. T&E Species: Affected. It is possible that increased public use near eagle nesting sites could cause disturbance to the birds during the sensitive breeding season. During this time an area approximately ½ mile in diameter will be closed to public use.

3. Water Quality: Affected. Increased visitor use could lead to localized decrease in water quality at creek crossings, seeps located along trails, etc. These will be dealt with on a case-by- case basis, such as routing trails away from seeps, armoring creek crossings, etc. This impact is

77 expected to be minor though, as all trails and facilities will be designed for minimum impact.

Positive impacts to water quality will come from habitat restoration projects, such as tamarisk removal and other projects for reducing sedimentation.

4. ACEC's: Affected. The Cache Creek ACEC will likely see an increase in visitors as new access facilities are developed. These facilities will all be designed for minimum impact. An expanded trail system will spread visitor use throughout the ACEC, minimizing contacts between visitors except at trailheads.

5. Wetlands/Riparian Zone: Affected. Increased visitor use could have impacts to wetlands and riparian areas. All trails will avoid as much as possible extended travel through these areas. Positive impacts will come from various habitat restoration projects, including tamarisk eradication and revegetation with native plants.

6. Hazardous & Solid Wastes: Not Affected. There are no known hazardous or solid wastes within the CCNA.

7. Floodplains: Affected. An increase in visitor use may cause local impacts along Bear Creek. However careful signing and routing of access trails will keep this to a minimal level.

8. Farm Lands: Not Affected. There are no farm lands within the CCNA.

9. Environmental Justice: Not affected. No communities or groups will be negatively impacted by this project.

10. Wilderness: Not Affected. Presently there is no designated wilderness within the CCNA. If future wilderness is designated, the Proposed Action of this CRMP is designed to prevent impacts to the wilderness resource.

11. Native American Religious Concerns: Affected. Increased visitor use could result in impacts to sacred Native American sites within the CCNA. Close coordination with tribal representatives has resulted in specific measures being identified to reduce this impact, including directional signage, trail rerouting, and use of barriers where feasible.

12. Wild and Scenic Rivers: Not Affected. Presently there is no WSR designation within the CCNA. If future wild and scenic status is designated for Cache Creek, the Proposed Action of this CRMP is designed to prevent impacts to the wild and scenic river resource.

13. Cultural Resources: Affected. The Proposed Action will result in an increase in visitor use, likely impacting known cultural sites within the CCNA. Measures have been identified that will be taken to minimize impacts to these sites including trail reroutes, fencing or other barriers, and signage. Past research indicates that the Cache Creek Watershed is highly sensitive in terms

78 of prehistoric archaeological remains. The BLM will work closely with tribal representatives and consult on all proposed developments and other project activity.

14. Invasive, Non-Native Species: Affected. One of the major habitat components of this CRMP is to reduce the amount of noxious weeds, both riparian and upland. An integrated approach involving several methods has been proposed, including use of prescribed fire, herbicide, biocontrol agents, prescribed grazing, mowing, revegetation with native species, and hand-pulling for small outlying populations of noxious weeds.

15. Soils: Affected. There will be localized impacts to soils during construction of additional access locations. Prior to placement of fill material at these sites, the top layer of soil (A horizon) containing vegetative and organic material will be scraped off, temporarily stockpiled, and then spread out. The removal of this material will cause an impact to the stratification of the soil. The soil will not transmit water in the amounts it did prior to disturbance, resulting in a decrease in water infiltration into the soil. Nutrient production and absorption will cease in the former A horizon, and root establishment and plant growth will also be decreased.

The intent of this project is to reduce the water infiltration, since the disturbed areas are meant to be used primarily for vehicle access. Best Management Practices (BMP’s) will be employed that will reduce any soils erosion or sedimentation from these sites. These may include use of straw bales and wattles, silt fences, and revegetation with native species.

16. Recreation: Affected. Some types of activities may be restricted by seasonal closures if needed, but for the most part the Proposed Action will provide positive benefits for a broad range of primitive recreation activities within the CCNA.

79 Appendix 2- Wild and Scenic River Eligibility and Preliminary Classification Report for Streams within the Cache Creek Natural Area

Introduction study process has three distinct steps for The BLM is mandated to identify and evaluating identified river segments evaluate all river and stream segments including: on Bureau administered public lands to determine if they are appropriate 1. A determination of eligibility for additions to the National Wild and Scenic designation under the Act. Rivers System (NWSRS). Direction for this process is contained in section 5(D) 2. A tentative classification of each of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of eligible segment as wild, scenic or 1968 (the Act), the Final Revised USDA­ recreational (each class having different USDI Guidelines for Eligibility, management criteria). Classification and Management of River Areas (published in the Federal Register, 3. Completion of a Suitability 47 FR 39454, 1982), BLM Manual 8351, Study/Environmental Impact and several agency policy memoranda. Statement to determine if an eligible This report describes an assessment river segment is suitable for designation of streams and rivers in the Cache Creek under the Act. Natural Area for the purposes of the Act. A total of nine stream or river segments Each of the steps is described in were identified and analyzed for more detail below, although only steps eligibility. Four of the nine were one and two have been to date. The determined to be eligible. Several third step in this process, the completion sources were consulted in identifying of the suitability Study/EIS, can be which segments to study, including the initiated through the passage of specific 1970 USDA/USDI Rivers List, the legislation such as Senator Boxer’s Nationwide Rivers Inventory, input from California Wild Heritage Act of 2003, or BLM public scoping meetings and from through the BLM Planning Process in the BLM resource specialists. development of a Resource Management Plan (RMP). Background To be considered as eligible for The Act was passed in 1968 during designation under the Act, a river or river an era when many of the Nation's rivers segment must currently be free-flowing and streams were being dammed and and, within its immediate environment, diverted for flood control and irrigation. the segment must have one or more Its primary purpose was to provide a outstandingly remarkable values (orv’s) balance by protecting the resource including scenic, recreational, geologic, values of certain outstanding fish, wildlife, cultural, historic, or other rivers, and to retain these river segments similar values. There is no minimum in their free-flowing undammed or length or flow requirements for the undiverted condition. stream to be designated under the Act, The National Wild and Scenic River as long as it meets the above two 80 criteria. In fact, several intermittent rivers strategies are formulated during are already designated as wild or scenic development of the management plan, rivers. which is required within 3 years of The boundaries of any river studied designation (Section 3(d) (1) of the Act). for potential addition to the NW&SRS, as The third step of the process, the specified in section 4(d) of the Act, are suitability study, is an in-depth planning usually limited to that area measured determination based on an within one-quarter mile of the ordinary Environmental Impact Statement to high watermark on each side of the river. provide a basis for recommending Within the CCNA, our analysis has been legislation. The study looks at issues and limited to that boundary on all stream tradeoffs associated with W&SR segments. designation including such factors as After determining that a river is management feasibility, impacts to eligible for inclusion in the NW&SRS, existing rights, landownership, impacts each river segment must be tentatively on other uses of the land, and state and classified into one of the three categories local interest in designation. The W&SR contained in the Act (wild, scenic, or Suitability Study/Environmental Impact recreational). Classification is based only Statement for the CCNA has been on the degree of naturalness and the deferred until specific funding is extent of development of the river and earmarked for the effort. Public lands adjacent lands as they exist at the time along eligible stream segments will of the study, and not on the specific remain under interim management values. Therefore, a "scenic" river may protection until the suitability analysis is be designated for reasons other than completed, or designation occurs. scenery, and a recreational river may not The 9 stream segments within the necessarily have outstandingly CCNA include: remarkable recreational resources. At this time the river is also placed under 1. North Fork: Indian Valley Dam to interim management status, and the confluence with Cache Creek. BLM is required to protect the free- flowing and outstandingly remarkable 2. Cache Creek Segment 1: Cache values of the entire corridor under its Creek Dam to North Fork. jurisdiction. If Congress designates a river or 3. Cache Creek Segment 2: North Fork river segment, allowable land uses and to Bear Creek. management actions would be based on the classification. Congress may classify 4. Cache Creek Segment 3: Bear Creek a river segment at or below the highest to Rumsey Bridge. level for which it qualifies. Specific management strategies may vary 5. Bear Creek: Highway 20 bridge to according to classification, but would be confluence with Cache Creek. designed to protect and enhance the outstandingly remarkable values of the 6. Rocky Creek: BLM land boundary to river area. These specific management confluence with Cache Creek. 81 7. Petrified Canyon: entire length. 2. Outstandingly Remarkable Values The second criteria a river must meet 8. Trout Creek: entire length. to be eligible for inclusion in the NWSRS is the presence of one or more 9. Davis Creek: Davis Creek below outstandingly remarkable scenic, Davis Creek Reservoir to confluence recreational geologic, fish and wildlife, with Cache Creek. historic, cultural or other similar values. The term "outstandingly remarkable" is The following two criteria were used to not precisely defined in the Act. determine the eligibility of the study Consequently, the determination of segments: whether or not a river area contains outstandingly remarkable values is 1. Free-Flowing based on professional judgment of the Free-flowing, as defined in section 16 planning team. The values must be river- (b) of the Act, means "existing or flowing related. For example, the presence of a in a natural condition without nationally significant geologic feature impoundment, diversion, straightening, within the river corridor does not rip rapping, or other modification of the automatically make the river eligible. The waterway." feature needs to be related to the Free-flowing should not be confused presence of the river. Values are with naturally flowing (i.e., flowing considered outstandingly remarkable if without any upstream human-influenced they are unique (rare, one-of-a-kind) or manipulation). The presence of exemplary (best example of a more impoundments above and below the common value) compared to similar segment, including impoundments that values in river corridors in the region. influence the flow through the study The region considered for comparison in segment, and existing minor dams and this analysis was Northern California. diversion structures within the study On stream segments with mixed reach will not by themselves render a ownership, the BLM's policy is to assess river ineligible. There are many eligibility based only on outstandingly segments within the NWSRS remarkable values found on public land downstream from a major dam, such as portions of the corridor. Affects of the Rogue River in Oregon and the lower landownership on manageability of the Klamath River in California, or between river as part of the W&SRS are not dams, such as the Tuolumne River in considered until the suitability phase of California or the Rio Chama in New the analysis. Mexico. Some components of the system, such as the Clackamas, The three classification categories for Deschutes, and Snake Rivers in Oregon eligible rivers are defined in section 2(b) and the Trinity River in California even of the Act as: derive their recreational values, at least in part, from the flow manipulation from 1. Wild river areas: upstream dams. Those rivers or sections of rivers that 82 are free of impoundments and generally developments compatible with inaccessible except by trail with designation are allowed, provided they watersheds or shorelines essentially are accomplished in an environmentally primitive and waters unpolluted. These sound manner. represent vestiges of primitive America. All river segments found to be eligible are placed under interim management 2. Scenic river areas: protection until Congress designates Those rivers or sections of rivers that them as wild or scenic, or they are found are free of impoundments, with unsuitable and dropped from further shorelines or watersheds still largely consideration under the Act. Appropriate primitive and shorelines largely management guidelines, consistent with undeveloped, but accessible in places by the provisions of the Act, will be adopted roads. for interim management. More information about interim management 3. Recreational river areas: guidelines can be obtained at the BLM Those rivers or sections of rivers that office. are readily accessible by road or Where the (eligible) Wild and Scenic railroad, that may have some River and Wilderness Study Area development along their shoreline and designations overlap, the more stringent that may have undergone some interim management guidelines will be impoundment or diversion in the past. followed. The interim management guidelines only affect lands under the A wild river would be a much BLM's jurisdiction, and certain projects undeveloped river with limited access. A where the Federal Government is a scenic classification would be applied to participant. They do not apply to private a river segment that is more developed lands along the river corridors. than a wild river and less developed than a recreational river. A recreational classification would be appropriate in developed areas, such as where a river runs parallel to roads or railroads with adjacent lands that have agricultural forestry, commercial or other developments provided the waterway remains generally natural and riverine in appearance. Water quality, water resources development, shoreline development, and accessibility are the criteria considered when determining classification. Each criterion is important, but the collective significance is more important. Each classification permits existing development. New 83 SUMMARY OF CACHE CREEK CRMP ELIGIBILITY/TENTATIVE CLASSIFICATION

1. North Fork: Indian Valley Dam to confluence with Cache Creek.

Conclusion: Eligible, based on wildlife and cultural values

Land Status Summary: Management Corridor Acreage BLM 620 State 320 Private/Other 3,214 Total 4,154

Free-Flowing Determination: Yes. There are several areas of fill and rip-rap along State Highway 20, and along the Spring Valley-Long Valley Road. Overall, these areas are set back from the stream, have minimal impacts on the channel, and are mostly screened by riparian vegetation. They are considered to be minor intrusions and do not impact the overall free-flowing condition of the segment.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values: Yes, wildlife and cultural values. Along with the remainder of the Cache Creek corridor, this segment is considered to have exemplary wildlife values. The North Fork Segment is a major use area for the Cache Creek tule elk Herd. This herd is one of only a few free-roaming tule elk herds. In addition, the corridor is used as a wintering area for bald eagles, although not to the extent of downstream segments. The BLM-Sensitive yellow-legged frog also occurs in this river segment. River otters and beaver are also found along the segment. The lower 2¼ miles of this segment are part of the Cache Creek Archaeological District which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The cultural values are considered nationally significant, and are directly river related. The Hill Patwin group used the rich resources from Cache Creek and the riparian corridor including fish, waterfowl, pond turtles and willow (for basket weaving).

Other Significant Values: The North Fork has a cold water fishery of brown and rainbow trout along its entire length. Although this provides for recreational fishing, other areas in the region offer similar opportunities. The segment also offers floating and tubing opportunities that attracts mainly local visitors. Its primary significance is the lower 2¼ miles which offer access from the Redbud Trailhead put in to the popular run through the

84 Cache Creek Wilderness Study Area.

Tentative Classification: Scenic. There are no impoundments on the segment. Only one bridge (Hwy. 20) crosses the North Fork. The upper and lower parts of the segment are unroaded, while the middle portion is paralleled by a county road and State Highway 20. However, the roads are not visible from the stream for the most part, and for much of their length are one-eighth to one-quarter mile from the creek. Water quality is good.

85 2. Cache Creek Segment 1: Cache Creek Dam to confluence with the North Fork.

Conclusion: Eligible, based on wildlife and cultural values.

Land Status Summary: Management Corridor Acreage BLM 1,697 State 240 Private/Other 760

Total 2,697

Free Flowing Determination: Yes. The entire segment has no diversions or channelization below the Cache Creek Dam.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values: Yes, wildlife and cultural values. Along with the remainder of the Cache Creek corridor, this segment is considered to have exemplary wildlife values. This area is used by the Cache Creek tule elk herd. This herd is one of just a few free-roaming tule elk herds. In addition, the corridor is used as a wintering area for bald eagles. The BLM-Sensitive yellow-legged frog also occurs in this river segment. River otters and beaver are also found along the segment. The lower 4.4 miles of this segment are part of the Cache Creek Archaeological District which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The cultural values are considered nationally significant, and are directly river related. The Hill Patwin group used the rich resources from Cache Creek and the riparian corridor including fish, waterfowl, pond turtles and willow (for basket weaving).

Other Significant Values: This segment has the potential to be a quality recreational whitewater boating resource for expert paddlers. Lack of public access is the current limiting factor, and is addressed elsewhere in the CRMP.

Tentative Classification: Wild. No bridges, major access roads or other developments are located in this segment. Several firebreaks and two-track roads (ways) are visible from the stream, but are considered to be very minor intrusions. Much of the segment traverses the Cache Creek Wilderness Study Area, and contains outstanding natural and primitive recreation qualities. Overall, the level of development in this segment fits well within the parameters for wild classification.

86 Agricultural releases from Clear Lake impacts the water quality throughout this segment. Algae blooms, turbidity and unpleasant odors regularly occur, especially during the later part of summer. Past cinnabar mining in the watershed has also resulted in mercury deposits in Clear Lake. The effects of this mining are unknown on Cache Creek itself. There are currently no known water quality based restrictions on swimming or fishing in this segment. Further data on water quality may preclude classification of this segment as wild. However, until this data is available, the BLM will base interim management on "wild" classification criteria.

87 3. Cache Creek Segment 2: North Fork to Bear Creek.

Conclusion: Eligible, based on wildlife, cultural, and recreational values.

Land Status Summary: Management Corridor Acreage BLM 4,410 State 500 Yolo Co. 25

Private/Other 420 Total 5,355

Free Flowing Determination: Yes. The entire segment has no diversions or channelization.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values: Yes, wildlife, cultural, recreational, scenic, and geological values. Along with the remainder of the Cache Creek corridor, this segment is considered to have exemplary wildlife values. This segment is a major use area for the Cache Creek tule elk herd. This herd is one of just a few free- roaming tule elk herds. In addition, this section of the Cache Creek corridor hosts a breeding population and one of the largest wintering populations of bald eagles in California. The BLM-Sensitive yellow-legged frog is also found here. A portion of this segment has been designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a “core restoration area” for the federally-threatened red-legged frog. The upper four miles of this segment (from the confluence with the North Fork to the lower part of Wilson Valley) are part of the Cache Creek Archaeological District which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The cultural values are considered nationally significant, and are directly river related. The Hill Patwin tribe used the rich resources from Cache Creek and the riparian corridor including fish, waterfowl, pond turtles and willow (for basket weaving). The District may be extended downstream to include an even greater part of this segment, once further archaeological assessments can be completed. This segment of Cache Creek has several recreational attributes of regional significance. First, the bald eagles, elk and other wildlife along the corridor attract visitors from the Bay Area and beyond to view them. The corridor is also a popular wilderness float run, and is one of only a few whitewater rivers in northern California that normally has adequate flows to allow for boating throughout the summer. This is based on Cache Creek flows being augmented by irrigation releases from Clear Lake/Indian Valley

88 Reservoir for downstream agricultural uses. The lower five miles of this segment (downstream from Buck Island) receives substantial boating use, and is currently used by two commercial outfitters. Many popular recreational activities occur on this river segment including camping, picnicking, tubing, fishing, swimming, and wading. Cache Creek above the Bear Creek confluence provides some of the only primitive recreational opportunities available on low elevation public lands in the region. Cache Creek’s scenic value is viewed as a premier attraction of the area. Fascinating geological features, lush riparian habitat, oak and chaparral covered canyon slopes, and expansive vistas all combine to provide a high quality scenic back-drop to the stream. Extensive exposed, folded, and highly eroded rock formations of the Great Valley Sequence and Cache Formation add to the scenic quality and provide excellent geological interpretive opportunities along this segment.

Tentative Classification: Wild. No bridges or other developments are located in this segment. One 4WD road, the Langs Peak Road to Buck Island, does provide vehicular access to a ¼-mile stretch of the creek. This road is used by the rafting concessionaires, as well as hunters, and private parties camping in this area. Several firebreaks and two-track roads (ways) are visible from the stream, but are considered to be very minor intrusions. A private inholding at New Cacheville has a few abandoned trailers visible from the river, but overall these are a minor impact on the naturalness of the canyon. Much of the segment traverses the Cache Creek Wilderness Study Area, and contains outstanding natural and primitive recreation qualities. Overall, the level of development in this segment fits well within the parameters for wild classification. Agricultural releases from Clear Lake impact the water quality throughout this segment. Algae blooms, turbidity and unpleasant odors regularly occur, especially during the summer months. These impacts are less noticeable here than in Cache Creek Segment 1, and progressively lessen as one moves downstream. Past cinnabar mining in the watershed has also resulted in mercury deposits in Clear Lake. The effects of this mining are unknown on Cache Creek itself. There are currently no known water quality based restrictions on swimming or fishing in this segment. Further data on water quality may preclude classification of this segment as wild. However, until this data is available, BLM will base interim management on "wild" classification criteria.

89 4. Cache Creek Segment 3: Bear Creek confluence to Rumsey Bridge.

Conclusion: Eligible, based on recreational values.

Land Status Summary: Management Corridor Acreage BLM 240 State 80 Yolo Co. 600 Pvt/Other 1,816 Total 2,736

Free-Flowing Determination: Yes. This segment contains numerous stretches of fill and rip-rap along State Highway 16. However, these areas are limited to one side of the stream, and only impact the channel through a small percentage of its overall length. No dams or major diversions exist on this segment.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values: Yes, wildlife, recreational, scenic, and geological values.

This segment of Cache Creek is one of Northern California's more popular whitewater floats, and is considered to be an exemplary regional recreation resource. It is the closest whitewater stream to many of the Bay Area's 5 million residents. The outstanding scenery in Cache Creek Canyon combined with easy access, dependable summer flows, and moderate whitewater (class II-III) combine to make it an outstanding recreational boating area.

Other values: This segment of Cache Creek also provides some habitat for breeding and wintering bald eagles, and for tule elk, but not to the extent of the remote upstream segments. Cache Creek’s scenic value is viewed as a premier attraction of the area. Fascinating geological features, lush riparian habitat, oak and chaparral covered canyon slopes, and expansive vistas all combine to provide a high quality scenic back-drop to the stream. Extensive exposed, folded, and highly eroded rock formations of the Great Valley Sequence and Cache Formation add to the scenic quality and provide excellent geological interpretive opportunities along this segment.

90 Tentative Classification: Recreational. This is by far the most easily accessible and highly developed of the Cache Creek segments in the study area. State Highway 16 parallels and is often visible from the creek from Cache Creek Canyon upstream. Several bridges cross the creek including a low water crossing on Yolo County Road 40. Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park provides facilities for intensive recreation use including camping and picnicking. Downstream from Cache Creek Canyon, the stream enters the agricultural lands of the Capay valley.

91 5. Bear Creek: Highway 20 bridge to confluence with Cache Creek.

Conclusion: Ineligible.

Land Status Summary: Management Corridor Acreage BLM 2034 Private/Other 500 Total 2,534

Free Flowing: Yes. Most of the Bear Creek corridor is paralleled on one side by State Highway 16. Although rip-rap and fill slopes impact the channel in numerous locations, the overall character of the stream is still considered to be free-flowing.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values: No. Bear Creek reportedly had a quality warm-water fishery in the past, but overgrazing and the introduction of non-native saltcedar has greatly impacted the naturalness and fishery quality. The creek corridor provides a scenic backdrop for State Highway 16, but the scenery is not exemplary when compared to other stream corridors in the Coast Range.

92 6. Rocky Creek: BLM land boundary to confluence with Cache Creek.

Conclusion: Ineligible.

Land Status Summary: Management Corridor Acreage BLM 1586 State 80 Pvt/Other 30 Total 1696

Free Flowing: Yes.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values: No. Rocky Creek contains native populations of rainbow trout. This fishery is only locally significant in that numerous streams in the Coast Range contain more substantial trout populations. As the name implies, the stream corridor is extremely rocky, with large rounded boulders covering the channel. Although scenic, this is not considered unique or exemplary.

93 7. Petrified Canyon: Entire length.

Conclusion: Ineligible.

Land Status Summary: Management Corridor Acreage BLM 910 State 30 Pvt/Other 0 Total 940

Free Flowing: Yes. No diversions, impoundments or channelization.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values: No. Petrified wood has been found in this canyon. Although this is not common in the region, it is not considered to be a stream related value. The petrified wood and other mineral values will be managed through the BLM Wilderness Study Area interim management policy.

94 8. Trout Creek: Entire length.

Conclusion: Ineligible.

Land Status Summary: Management Corridor Acreage BLM 523 State 45 Pvt/Other 0 Total 568 Free Flowing: Yes. No diversions, impoundments or channelization.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values: No. Trout Creek contains a resident population of trout and perennial flows. These values are only considered to be locally significant.

95 9. Davis Creek: Davis Creek Reservoir to confluence with Cache Creek.

Conclusion: Ineligible

Land Status Summary: Management Corridor Acreage BLM 902 State 0 PVT/Other 1,150 Total 2,052

Free Flowing: Yes. No diversions, impoundments or channelization.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values: No. The stream has perennial flows, and provides quality wildlife habitat, especially for blacktail deer. These values are only considered to be locally significant.

96 Appendix 3- Birds of the Cache Creek Natural Area

Herons and Egrets Coots, Rails, Sandpipers Great blue heron American coot Great egret Virginia rail Green-backed heron Killdeer Black-crowned night-heron Greater yellowlegs Solitary sandpiper Geese, Ducks, and Mergansers Spotted sandpiper Canada goose Western sandpiper Wood duck Least sandpiper Green-winged teal Long-billed dowitcher Northern pintail Common snipe Mallard Northern shoveler Pigeons, Doves, Roadrunner American widgeon Band-tailed pigeon Common merganser Mourning dove Greater roadrunner Vultures, Hawks, Kites, Eagles Turkey vulture Owls Osprey Barn owl Northern harrier Western screech-owl Sharp-shinned hawk Great horned owl Cooper's hawk Northern pygmy-owl Northern goshawk Burrowing owl Red-shouldered hawk Long-eared owl Red-tailed hawk Short-eared owl Ferruginous hawk Northern saw-whet owl Rough-legged hawk White-tailed kite Nighthawk, Poorwill Bald eagle Common nighthawk Golden eagle Common poorwill

Falcons Swifts, Hummingbirds American kestrel Vaux's swift Merlin White-throated swift Peregrine falcon Anna's hummingbird Prairie falcon Rufous hummingbird Allen's hummingbird Turkey and Quail Wild turkey California quail Mountain quail

97 Kingfishers, Woodpeckers Nuthatches, Wrens, Creeper, Belted kingfisher Dipper Lewis' woodpecker White-breasted nuthatch Acorn woodpecker Rock wren Yellow-bellied sapsucker Canyon wren Nuttall's woodpecker Bewick's wren Downy woodpecker House wren Hairy woodpecker Brown creeper Northern flicker American dipper Pileated woodpecker Kinglet, Thrush, Bluebird, Robin Flycatchers, Phoebe, Kingbird Ruby-crowned kinglet Olive-sided flycatcher Blue-gray gnatcatcher Western wood-pewee Hermit thrush Western flycatcher Varied thrush Black phoebe Western bluebird Say's phoebe Mountain bluebird Ash-throated flycatcher Townsend's solitaire Western kingbird American robin

Larks, Swallows, Martin Wrentit, Mockingbird, Thrasher, Horned lark Pipit Purple martin Wrentit Tree swallow Northern mockingbird Violet-green swallow California thrasher Northern rough-winged swallow American pipit Bank swallow Cliff swallow Waxwing, Starling, Vireos Barn swallow Cedar waxwing Loggerhead shrike Jays, Raven, Titmouse, European starling Chickadee, Magpie Solitary vireo Steller's jay Hutton's vireo Scrub jay Warbling vireo American crow Common raven Warblers Plain titmouse Orange-crowned warbler Chestnut-backed chickadee Nashville warbler Bushtit Yellow warbler Yellow-billed magpie Yellow-rumped warbler Black-throated gray warbler Townsend's warbler MacGillivray's warbler Common yellowthroat Wilson's warbler Yellow-breasted chat 98 Tanagers, Bunting, Grosbeak Blackbirds, Oriole, Meadowlark Western tanager Red-winged blackbird Lazuli bunting Yellow-headed blackbird Black-headed grosbeak Brewer's blackbird Brown-headed cowbird Sparrows, Junco, Towhee Northern oriole Rufous-crowned sparrow Western meadowlark Sage sparrow Chipping sparrow Finches, Grosbeak Lark sparrow Purple finch Fox sparrow House finch Song sparrow Lesser goldfinch Savannah sparrow Lawrence's goldfinch Lincoln's sparrow American goldfinch Golden-crowned sparrow White-crowned sparrow Dark-eyed junco Green-tailed towhee Rufous-sided towhee California towhee

NOTE: More detailed information on the birds of the CCNA is available on the Ukiah Field Office’s webpage at: www.ca.blm.gov/ukiah/ccbird.html

99 Appendix 4- Public Participation Plan

The following are notes taken during public review meetings held October 11, 2002, in Lakeport; October 15, 2002, in Woodland; and October 16, 2002, in Colusa.

Lakeport, CA October 11, 2002

BLM Staff attending: Rich Burns, Field Manager; Gregg Mangan, Cache Creek Natural Area Manager; Jonna Hildenbrand, Outdoor Recreation Planner; Larry Ames, Interpretive Specialist.

There were 21 public participants at this meeting providing the following comments:

• Should sign Davis Street gate with explanation. • Would vote for proposed action. • What is water situation at Blue Ridge Ranch House? Need potable water. • Get cattle in early spring for star thistle control. • Substantial area not accessible during irrigation releases. Suggest building bridges over creek crossings. • Zone B: map looks like it touches highway (public access). • Cache Creek plan is not multiple-use friendly. • If wilderness bill is overturned, consider making OHV corridors. • Needs to be a place for motorized recreation. Some wilderness, some multiple use. • Will need roads for fire control access. • Endorse alternative #4. Protect what undisturbed areas are left. • Are we doing anything to manage for diseases common to Elk (brucellosis, etc.) • Ask for data from Fish and Game • Endorse alternative #3. Provides for most multiple use. • Grazing is good for the land. • Develop Cowboy Camp to allow for bigger rigs. • Omit recreation aspect for zones C and F for expansion and/or continued level of use. Eliminate or forget the Twin Sisters trail. Trespass issues on private land. Focus money for improvement to other trails near Blue Ridge, etc. • Regarding private property (personal) liabilities and rights: will boundaries be posted and signed? • Grazing: experiment with a variety of techniques and time of year. • Recreation: recognizing more users in the area. • Biological: Is tamarisk dominant noxious species? What are other species? 100 • Improve trees on Upper Cache Creek and portions of Payne Ranch. Fisheries will improve too. • Of the 70,000 acres none is identified for OHV use. Will any be identified for OHV? • Hunting has pretty much been eliminated from the Perkins Creek Ridge area due to vehicle restrictions. • Indian Valley uses for OHV: will use change if suggested as wilderness? • Endorse alternative #4. • Will need emergency road access (search and rescue, fire, ambulance, etc.) • Prescribed burns: mosaic burn patterns effective. • Would like surveys of other large animals than elk. • Endorse alternative #3 • If there is a place suitable for OHV, it should be in a location as not to impact wildlife (noise, sensitive habitat, etc.) • Would like to preserve some land the way it was for future generations. Access is necessary to be viewed and appreciated by future generations. • Concepts of wilderness not realistic. • Plan keeps in tune with Boxer bill. • Will Cowboy Camp access remain open? Concerns about soil compaction near oaks. Favor barriers to prevent. • Would like notes from all meetings posted on Internet.

101 Woodland, CA October 15, 2002

BLM Staff attending: Rich Burns, Field Manager; Gregg Mangan, Cache Creek Natural Area Manager; Jonna Hildenbrand, Outdoor Recreation Planner; Larry Ames, Interpretive Specialist.

There were 40 public participants at this meeting providing the following comments:

• Would like plan to include a comparison table of all alternatives • Mountain bikes and water developments are questionable (per wilderness values) • Adequate law enforcement is important • Use environmental factors to establish grazing plan, not a date (i.e. 2003) • Mountain bikes don’t belong in Cache Creek on trails. Restrict to gravel roads. • Allow overnight camping in Zone A • Best management practice for grazing should include exclosures near water courses and gullies. • Wildlife issues: include California Red-Legged Frog. • Geologic Values: Folded formations and eroded areas provide interpretive opportunities. • Support alternative #4. Prescribed burning in the fall. • Look at Henry Coe State Park for plan examples • Coe Park is different geologically and vegetation. • Was wind energy omitted intentionally? Consider in CRMP for scenic changes. • Support control burns and grazing to control invasive weeds. • Fence ponds and install remote water sites for livestock. (BLM should fund) • Grazing needs to be practical for lessee. • Consider microplot approach to weed control studies. (controlled burns, grazing, etc.) • Don’t allow mountain bikes in WSA prior to designation decision. • Consider methods other than grazing for weed control (prefer no grazing) • Keep options open by maximum protection now. • Dislike seeing “entitled” people (inholders, administrative access) driving into areas that are closed to public vehicles. • Would like dispersed car camping to be available. • Address minimum water flow levels in plan. • What did the Cache Creek area originally look like (vegetation, etc.) • Why is camping in Zone A restricted ½ from parking lot (Fish and Game rule) • Off highway vehicles: Trails should be closed unless signed open. 102 • Prohibition of non-hunting shooting is OK • Initiate a suitability study for wild and scenic designation to include water flows to protect wildlife. • In favor of barrier installation in Zone F. Identify some ponds for grazing and some for recreation (keep them separate) • Cache Creek qualifies as a significant component to wilderness. Interim management as wilderness – other areas for recreation uses. • Support a hybrid of alternative #1. Support multi-use. Support noxious weed eradication by burns and grazing. • Support alternative #4 • Keep mountain bikes out of WSA. • Would like plan to mention other areas that offer recreational opportunities elsewhere (specifically OHV, mountain biking and target shooting) • Regional approach to recreational opportunities (Yolo County parks, etc.) • Projects/Planning for Tule elk: look at expanding range as opposed to intensive non-native seedings and plantings.

103 Colusa, CA October 16, 2002

BLM Staff attending: Rich Burns, Field Manager; Gregg Mangan, Cache Creek Natural Area Manager; Jonna Hildenbrand, Outdoor Recreation Planner; Frank Arriaza, Natural Resource Specialist; Larry Ames, Interpretive Specialist.

There were 7 public participants at this meeting providing the following comments:

Comments

• Evaluate livestock grazing based on a longer period of time – not just the last two years. • Livestock grazing: possible exchange of services for grazing (i.e. fencing) • Include list of partners and contributors in plan. • Page 81 of plan – under benefits A and B – most concern with B. It may or may not be true. • Need to understand demand for use based on increased use being seen now. • May be increased need for mountain bike use in future. Needs to be addressed in plan, esp. Payne Ranch. • The monitoring plan focuses on invasives; nothing in the plan for sediment monitoring. • Manage for mountain bike use where elk aren’t. (Zone management)

104 Summary of Public Comments on the September, 2002 Draft CRMP

The following is a summary of the public comments received at the Ukiah Field Office following the release of the Draft CRMP. Comments were received by mail, email, fax, and telephone.

The main recurring issues in the comments included:

1. Recommended Alternative

Which alternative, including the Proposed Action, should be recommended as the most suitable for guiding the future management direction within the CCNA?

2. Mountain bikes

Should mountain bike use be allowed within the CCNA, and if so, where?

3. OHV use

Should the closure to OHV use with the CCNA continue, or should limited use in certain areas be allowed?

4. Grazing

Should any grazing even for noxious weed control be allowed within the CCNA?

5. Land acquisition

Should BLM continue to seek acquisition of key private lands from willing sellers?

Additionally, even though the Draft CRMP took no position on wilderness designation on all or part of the CCNA or a Wild and Scenic River designation for Cache Creek, there were many comments dealing with these two issues.

There were many other issues identified in the comments which were not as controversial as those mentioned above. Most of these dealt with the need for certain visitor services, including access locations with minimal facilities, better trail system, and a good brochure map of the CCNA that also includes useful visitor information.

Most comments also placed protection of the special resource values of the CCNA above the needs of primitive recreation.

105 Results:

1. Recommended alternative

The majority of respondents supported the Proposed Action, as described in the Draft CRMP. The breakdown was as follows:

- Proposed Action: Prioritizes protection of resource values while providing for compatible recreational uses 25 of 36 respondents (69%)

- Alternative 1: No Action 1 of 36 respondents (3%)

- Alternative 2: Expanding opportunities for primitive recreation and eliminating all conflicting uses 4 of 36 respondents (11%)

- Alternative 3: Provide the widest range of recreational opportunities, while allowing other uses that do not detract from the recreational experience 1 of 36 respondents (3%)

- Alternative 4: Provide the most stringent protection of resource values while minimizing any increase in recreational use 5 of 36 respondents (14%)

2. Mountain bikes

The use of mountain bikes within the CCNA was one of two issues considered a “hot button” item for comments.

Respondents were clearly split among those supporting wilderness designation for the CCNA and mountain biking advocates. Those advocating wilderness generally supported a total ban on mountain bike use on any BLM land proposed for wilderness designation or a potential wilderness area, as described in the California Wild Heritage Act of 2003.

Mountain biking advocates supported the position of allowing their favored activity to occur, sharing trails with other users especially in locations such as the WSA and Payne Ranch where there are many old jeep trails suitable for biking. 106 31 of 43 respondents (72%) supported a total ban on mountain bikes on those BLM lands described above, while 12 of 43 (28%) supported allowing mountain bikes within the WSA and the Payne Ranch.

3. OHV use

Retaining a total vehicle closure for the CCNA had strong support. The closure was endorsed by 45 of 53 respondents (85%). Several comments also suggested that the CRMP provide alternatives and direct those who want to ride OHV’s to an appropriate area outside of the CCNA.

Proponents of OHV use for the most part advocated a limited use, rationalizing that somewhere in the 72,000-acre CCNA there must be some location where members of local communities could ride dirt bikes or ATV’s.

4. Grazing

Grazing was the second “hot button” issue during the public comment process. Those opposing grazing generally preferred a total ban on any use of livestock, even prescribed grazing specifically for exotic weed control. The general consensus was that livestock would cause resource damage despite strict controls, and weed control could be better accomplished by methods other than through the use of grazing animals.

Those favoring grazing primarily advocated the use of livestock as a tool for controlling the spread of noxious weeds under carefully prescribed conditions. There was one comment advocating grazing under the general conditions of a typical BLM lease to support the local livestock industry.

Of those responding, 29 of 38 (76%) favored a total ban on all grazing. Those favoring grazing for weed control included 9 of 38 (24%) respondents.

5. Land acquisition

There was significant support for BLM continuing with the present policy of working with willing sellers to acquire additional high quality habitat and other lands important for access and other recreational values.

Of those responding, 20 of 21 supported the BLM’s current policy. The one opposed to any further acquisition stated that “unwilling sellers can be turned into willing sellers” by limitations on their property caused by surrounding BLM land.

107 Additionally there were many comments for Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River designations for the CCNA, even though this was not part of the Proposed Action of the Draft CRMP.

35 of 40 respondents (88%) favored a wilderness designation for those BLM lands described in the California Wild Heritage Act of 2003. Proponents felt that it was necessary to give these lands the ultimate protection in order to prevent any future development, particularly related to energy and minerals. Those opposed felt that wilderness designation was unnecessary and too restrictive.

Wild and scenic river status for Cache Creek was advocated by 25 of 30 respondents (83%). The consensus among proponents was that Cache Creek is such a sensitive resource that it needed the ultimate protection to preserve its many outstandingly remarkable values. Opponents to wild and scenic river status felt that this designation could potentially affect water deliveries for agricultural purposes.

108 Appendix 5 - MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Between

THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, UKIAH FIELD OFFICE

And

THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME, CENTRAL SIERRA REGION 2 AND CENTRAL COAST REGION 3

I. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to establish and record terms and conditions of agreement between the Bureau of Land Management's Ukiah Field Office, hereinafter referred to as the Bureau; and the California Department of Fish and Game's Central Sierra Region 2 and Central Coast Region 3, hereinafter referred to as the Department, for cooperative management of lands within the Bureau’s Cache Creek Natural Area (CCNA) and the Department’s contiguous Cache Creek Wildlife Area (CCWA). These lands have been identified in several planning documents as important for the diversity of sensitive resources present, including biological, cultural, recreational, and scenic values with regional and national significance. This includes approximately 71,000 acres of Bureau-managed land and 3,500 acres of Department-managed land. In addition to these lands, this MOU will apply to any future acquisitions by either agency within or adjacent to these two designated units.

Biological values on federally and state managed Cache Creek lands covered by this MOU include a breeding population of the federally threatened bald eagle, California’s endemic tule elk, the riparian habitat of Cache Creek and Bear Creek, native oak woodlands, and serpentine habitats that support rare plants.

The Cache Creek lands also include very sensitive archaeological values, both prehistoric and historic, as well as traditional cultural values including use of the area for plant procurement by basket weavers and other traditional practitioners.

Because of the scenic qualities of the Cache Creek area, many recreationists are drawn here. Diverse primitive recreational opportunities abound along the Cache Creek corridor and are also concentrated in areas such as the Payne Ranch and Fiske Creek acquisitions, as well as the adjacent Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park managed by Yolo County. This MOU recognizes that these special resources require coordinated management by the Bureau and Department to protect, enhance or restore these values, including the prevention of human-caused impacts.

II. AUTHORITY 109 A. Bureau. Section 307(b) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA - 43 U.S.C. 1701-1782) provides that the Secretary of the Interior may conduct investigations, studies, and experiments, on her own initiative or in cooperation with others, involving management, protection, development, acquisition, and conveyance of the public lands and may enter into assistance relationships for these purposes, subject to applicable law.

The Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a-670o) encourages and provides program opportunities for states and the federal government to cooperate in wildlife resource management. The Master Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau and the Department, approved June, 1983, provides for "cooperation in the identification of lands having significant fish and wildlife values and in the formulation and execution of plans or programs for the management of fish and wildlife resources on the public lands and by revisions as needed to keep such plans or programs current."

B. Department. The Department has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species pursuant to Sections 1801, 1802, and 1900 of the California Fish and Game Code.

III. OPERATIONS

WHEREAS, the Bureau and the Department mutually agree to manage these lands for the protection, improvement, or restoration of biological, cultural, recreational, and scenic values,

A. The Bureau agrees to:

1. Provide the expertise in cultural resource management, as staffing is available, on Bureau and Department lands, including archaeological monitoring, cultural inventories for proposed projects, and coordinating research efforts within the CCNA ;

2. Schedule interpretive hikes for wintertime bald eagle viewing and springtime wildflower viewing, as staffing and volunteers are available.

3. Provide visitor use information at trailheads as funding becomes available.

B. The Department agrees to:

110 1. Coordinate management activities between Regions 2 and 3.

2. Develop and manage hunting programs on public lands in the Cache Creek Wildlife Area (Department) and Cache Creek Natural Area (Bureau).

3. Coordinate and conduct wildlife surveys (deer and elk).

4. Coordinate and conduct wildlife studies.

C. The Bureau and the Department mutually agree to:

1. Implement the Cache Creek Coordinated Resource Management Plan (CRMP). Other more specific activity plans such as the Tule Elk Habitat Management Plan (HMP) or the Cache Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Management Plan may also be used as management guidelines;

2. Assist each other with management of resource values found on Bureau- and Department-managed lands. This assistance will include monitoring and inventory (along with associated reports), pre-project work, and on-the-ground construction projects and facilities planned for the area;

3. Review and consult with each other prior to any planned or permitted activities on public lands within the Cache Creek Natural Area and Cache Creek Wildlife Area. This would include any planned actions routine or new that are proposed by the Department on Bureau lands, such as the Pluth acquisition; or others proposed by the Bureau on Department lands, such as the Redbud or Judge Davis trailheads;

4. Coordinate the preparation of environmental documentation for all actions and projects to meet each agency’s requirements;

5. Continue to pursue acquisitions of identified lands which support significant resource values within the Cache Creek Natural Area and Cache Creek Wildlife Area. High priority will be placed on parcels with significant resource values that also provide public access. Public access will be managed within the constraints required to protect biological, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources.

6. Enter into new partnerships and build on existing partnerships with 111 conservation organizations and other public agencies that will adhere to the provisions of this MOU.

7. Cooperate in law enforcement patrols within the Cache Creek Natural Area and Cache Creek Wildlife Area. This can include, but is not limited to, coordination of routine and investigative patrolling, investigations of illegal drug activity, posting any special closures or restrictions at trailheads, and the development of interagency delegation agreements in order to allow interagency enforcement of rules and regulations on Bureau and Department managed lands. Any unauthorized uses discovered and subsequent actions taken will be brought to the attention of each agency.

8. Identify and seek solutions to public hazards that could impact visitor safety.

9. Share the costs of contracting out the routine maintenance and clean-up of visitor use facilities at the Redbud and Judge Davis trailheads, if funding allows. Dependent upon staffing and fund availability, pursue alternate funding such as grants or volunteer assistance. This would primarily include cleaning restrooms and picking up accumulated trash.

IV. AMENDMENT PROCESS

This MOU may be amended, as necessary or desirable, by a written amendment approved by the Bureau and the Department. Either the Bureau or the Department may propose an amendment by providing a written copy of the proposed amendment to the other. No amendment shall become effective unless and until it has been approved in writing by both the Bureau and the Department.

V. APPLICABILITY OF STATE AND FEDERAL LAW

Notwithstanding any other provision herein, this MOU is subject to, and shall not be interpreted to be inconsistent with, any requirement of the federal Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. Section 1531 et seq.) or any other applicable federal, state, or local law or regulation.

VI. TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT

This MOU shall become effective on the date signed by the remaining signatory, and shall remain in effect for a period of five (5) years from that date. This MOU may be terminated by the Bureau or the Department with 30 days written notice to the other 112 party.

VII. EXECUTION

This MOU is executed in three (3) duplicate originals, each of which is to be considered an original.

VIII. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS

Implementation of this MOU by either the Bureau or the Department shall be subject to the availability of funding.

IX. ELECTED OFFICIALS NOT TO BENEFIT

No member of or delegate to Congress or resident commissioner (county supervisor) shall be entitled to any share or part of this MOU, or to any benefit that may arise from it.

X. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this MOU is judicially determined or held to be invalid for any reason, that invalidity shall not, however, be imputed to any other provision of this MOU that was not so determined or held to be invalid.

113 APPROVAL

The Cache Creek MOU between the Bureau of Land Management's Ukiah Field Office and the California Department of Fish and Game's Central Sierra Region 2 and Central Coast Region 3 is hereby approved. This agreement will be in effect for a period of five years following signed approval by both agencies. At that time the MOU may be updated and extended for an additional five-year period.

114 List of Maps and Tables

Vicinity Map……………………………………………………………Back of Document

Geographic Zone Maps…………………………………………………Back of Document

Cache Creek ACEC…………………………………….Map C of Geographic Zone Maps

Cache Creek Archaeological District………………… Map C of Geographic Zone Maps

Wilderness Study Area Boundary………………………Map C of Geographic Zone Maps

Table 1 - Fish Species of Clear Lake………………………………………………page 23

Table 2 - Fish Species of North Fork ……………………………………………...page 24

Table 3 - Fish Species of Bear Creek………………………………………………page 24

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Thomsen, C.D., 1997. Yellow Starthistle Control Program for Bear Valley, Colusa County: Considerations, Control Options, and Recommendations 119 Turner, C.E., L. Fornasari, 1992. Biological Control of Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) in North America

United States Bureau of Land Management. "Bald Eagle Seasonal Use of the Cache Creek Drainage - Results of the Winter 1984-1985 Surveys". BLM Ukiah Field Office, Ukiah, California. 1985.

______. Management Framework Plan Update. BLM Ukiah Field Office, Ukiah, California. 1984.

______. Rocky Creek/Cache Creek Wilderness Study Area EIS. BLM Clear Lake Resource Area, Ukiah, California. 1986.

______. Cache Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern Management Plan. BLM Ukiah Field Office, Ukiah, California. 1987.

______. Northern California Chaparral Research Natural Area Management Plan. BLM Ukiah Field Office, Ukiah, California. 1985.

______. Cache Creek Tule Elk Wildlife Habitat Management Plan. BLM Ukiah Field Office, Ukiah, California. 1983.

______. Cache Creek Riparian Habitat Monitoring. BLM Ukiah Field Office, Ukiah, California. 1990.

United States General Land Office. Various Land Status and Use Records: Historical Index, Cadastral Survey Plats, Mineral Survey Plats, and Rancho Survey Plats.

Vredenburgh, Larry. Geology and Mineral Resources of the Cache Creek-Rocky Creek Wilderness Study Area. Bureau of Land Management, Ukiah Field Office, Ukiah, California. August, 1981.

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