On June 27, 2018, thirty-seven miles of the North Fork and the main stem of the Mokelumne River were protected as California’s 12th State-designated Wild and Scenic River, when Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 854. The Mokelumne was found eligible and suitable for state Wild and Scenic designation because of its extraordinary scenic and recreational values.
Although the five Mokelumne River segments that were designated are not considered ecologically extraordinary, they still hold great value for rare wildlife, habitat connectivity, and overall ecosystem health. The newly protected segments of the Mokelumne River are home to many wildlife species that are often stressed, blocked, or otherwise at-risk outside the river corridor. This rugged, undisturbed section of the Mokelumne represents a great opportunity to preserve a healthy ecosystem.
In March 2018, the Mokelumne River Wild and Scenic River Study Report prepared by consultants for the California Natural Resources Agency was released to the public, and a public forum was scheduled. Foothill Conservancy, a long-time leader in the campaign to protect the Mokelumne River, organized a highly effective showing of citizen supporters. CSERC staff attended to speak up for the river’s value to nature and recreation. Beyond the wildlife values, it’s vital to protect the river because of the shortage of public parks and recreation areas in Amador and Calaveras counties. All five Wild River segments have extraordinary recreation opportunities - from rafting and kayaking to rock climbing, swimming, and fishing.
This designation as Wild and Scenic means at the state level that new dams cannot be built on the protected stretches of the river, and existing dams cannot be raised. The Mokelumne River is already home to an extensive PG&E hydroelectric project that will not be affected by the designation. The river provides water supplies for residents and for agricultural users in foothill counties, for Central Valley communities, and for residents of the East Bay.
This legislation is a true win-win for people and the environment. The state’s River Study Report found that local water demands can be met while also protecting this very special river through Wild and Scenic designation. People can continue to use the river in all the ways they do today -- including recreation, water supply and hydropower generation -- and the integrity of its unique wildlife habitats will be protected.