VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL

Transcription

1 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL October 25, 2006 Revised Edition

2

3 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL I. Introduction II. Overview Map Contents III. Proposed Wild & Scenic Rivers a. Arroyo Seco River & Tributaries i. Tassajara Creek & Church Creek b. Big Creek c. Carmel River & Miller Fork d. Little Sur River e. Nacimiento River f. San Antonio River & Tributaries g. San Carpoforo Creek h. Willow Creek IV. Appendices a. Overview: Federal Wild & Scenic Designation and its Classifications b. Statistical Summary Proposed Wild & Scenic Rivers Tracing rivers to their fountains makes the most charming of travels. As the lifeblood of the landscapes, the best of the wilderness comes to their banks, and not one dull passage is found in all their eventful histories. John Muir, Steep Trails

4 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Introduction Carved by six rivers and many creeks and streams, the Santa Lucia Range is best described by its waterways. It is where land and water overlap that life is the richest and most complex. And that, too, is where a river s greatest value often lies. Because their upper watersheds are largely undisturbed, these rivers and streams are an important source of clean water for Monterey County residents, farmers, and industries. Their highly productive ecology includes rich riparian habitat, the state s southernmost redwood forests, and the rare Santa Lucia fir. They provide opportunities for popular outdoor recreation, and they are rich in historic and pre-historic culture. They also provide the best remaining habitat for a number of threatened and endangered species, including the Central Coast steelhead trout, California condor, foothill yellow-legged frog, Dudley s lousewort (a rare native wildflower), and many others. Although much of the Santa Lucia Range is protected as Wilderness, the rivers deserve the additional protection provided by the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. The Wilderness system prohibits roads, motorized use, and logging, but the Wild & Scenic system helps even more. It requires federal managers to actively preserve the free flowing nature of the rivers and their unique qualities. It specifically protects the rivers for future generations. A good first step was taken toward this important goal in 1992, when the upper portions of the Big Sur River were added to the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. When Congress protected the Big Sur River, it directed the U.S. Forest Service to study additional rivers for possible protection. In that 2005 study, the Forest Service said parts of the Arroyo Seco River, North Fork Little Sur River, and the San Antonio River in the Los Padres National Forest were eligible for Wild & Scenic protection. Yet it recommended that Congress protect only the Arroyo Seco. Friends of the River, the Ventana Wilderness Alliance, and other conservationists who were heavily involved in this process were disappointed by the scant protection proposed. We are convinced that the following rivers and streams draining the Santa Lucia Mountains are eligible for federal protection because they are free flowing and possess outstanding values: the Arroyo Seco River and its tributaries, Tassajara Creek and Church Creek, Big Creek, Carmel River and Miller Fork, the North and South Forks Little Sur River, Nacimiento River, San Antonio River and its tributaries, San Carpoforo Creek, and Willow Creek.

5 Rivers of the Santa Lucia Mountains Proposed Wild & Scenic River Segments Palo Corona Ranch Soledad Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Proposed Designation: Wild Scenic Recreational S. F Andrew Molera State Park N. Fork rk o L L ittl Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park ittle Sur River e Sur River B Los Carm ig Sur River Miller Fo el Rive r rk Carmel River Church Creek Tassajara Cr Hastings Natural History Reserve Ventana M o n t e r e y C o u n t y Greenfield Existing Designation: Wild Land Ownership: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Padres Arroyo Se c o R. Wilderness United States Forest Service U.S. Department of Defense Big Creek Bureau of Land Management State Local Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve S a n Antonio River Boundaries Private Conservation Forest Service Administrative Area Limekiln State Park Nacim iento R National Fort Hunter Liggett i ver Forest Service Wilderness Area P a c i f i State Marine Reserve or Conservation Area ek Willo w Cre County City c O c e a n Silver Peak Wilderness Forest Sa n Carp oforo Creek S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y Map created by GreenInfo Network Note: River corridor boundaries are provisional and are finalized after designation in a comprehensive river management plan. Miles 0 1 2

6

7 10/26/200610/26/2006 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Arroyo Seco River The Arroyo Seco River is the only major tributary of the Salinas River that remains undammed. The river flows east from the crest of the Santa Lucia Mountains, then north along a major fault line, and then east again into the Salinas Valley near the town of Greenfield in Monterey County. Approximately 19 miles of the river are located on public lands in the Los Padres National Forest. The Forest Service completed a Wild & Scenic study of the Arroyo Seco River in The agency concluded that the river was eligible for federal protection and recommended that Congress designate more than 19 miles of the river from its source to the Los Padres National Forest boundary. Outstanding Values: Scenery & Recreation The river flows through a series of deep rocky gorges that provide a rugged and scenic setting for a variety of outdoor recreation pursuits, including camping, hiking, backpacking, swimming, and whitewater kayaking. About 70% of the 50,000 people who visit the Arroyo Seco River every year are Monterey County residents. Fish The Arroyo Seco River supports the most persistent remnants of the threatened Central Coast steelhead that spawn in the Salinas River watershed. It is also an important middle link for salmon migrating from the Salinas River to Tassajara Creek and other tributaries. Wildlife The river s riparian habitat provides foraging and nesting sites for the California spotted owl, and its pools are home to the Southwestern pond turtle (both are listed sensitive species). Geology The river cuts through a complex geological cross section of the Coast Range ideal for research into important tectonic and seismic processes. Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Hannah Schoenthal-Muse, Organizer Friends of the River 99 Pacific St., Suite 555A, Monterey, CA / hannah@friendsoftheriver.org

8 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Comments: Most of the Arroyo Seco River flows through public lands and the Ventana Wilderness. There are two small private inholdings that will be unaffected by designation. The river s proposed Recreational segments accommodate the Monterey County Sportsman s Club on the upper river, as well as lower river campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailhead facilities. The Scenic segments are adjacent to the closed but still existing Indians Road and would not affect its potential re-opening. This proposal differs from the Forest Service s in that includes more of the river near its source and it applies Wild classification to the segment of the river downstream of Escondido Campground clearly within the existing Ventana Wilderness, and it applies Scenic classification to a short section of the river between the Tassajara Creek confluence and Rocky Creek confluence, where the existing Indians Road is significantly vertically separated from the river. Virtually all of the water in the Arroyo Seco River is used for agricultural and municipal purposes downstream. Designation would not affect this use. Segmentation/Classification: Segment 1 Source to Ventana Wilderness boundary 3.68 Wild miles Segment 2 Ventana Wilderness boundary to the confluence with.5 miles Recreational Roosevelt Creek Segment 3 Roosevelt Creek confluence to confluence with unnamed 1.69 Scenic tributary in Sec. 1, T20S, R5E miles Segment 4 Unnamed tributary to the Ventana Wilderness boundary 8.68 Wild upstream of the Tassajara Creek confluence miles Segment 5 Ventana Wilderness boundary upstream of the Tassajara 2.13 Scenic Creek confluence to the Rocky Creek confluence miles Segment 6 Rocky Creek confluence to the Los Padres National Forest boundary 2.53 miles Recreational TOTAL MILES

9 Map created by GreenInfo Network Arroyo Seco River, Tassajara and Church Creeks Proposed Wild & Scenic River Segments

10

11 10/26/200610/26/2006 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Tassajara Creek & Church Creek Tributaries of the Arroyo Seco Tassajara Creek is the largest tributary of the Arroyo Seco River. The creek flows southeast from the slopes of South Ventana Cone past Tassajara Hot Springs and into the Arroyo Seco River. Most of the creek s 10.4 miles are located on public lands in the Ventana Wilderness. Church Creek is Tassajara Creek s largest tributary. It flows southwest from the Church Creek divide that separates Church Creek from Pine Valley and the Carmel River watershed into Tassajara Creek, about 2.5 miles upstream of Tassajara Hot Springs. Most of Church Creek is located on public lands and the Ventana Wilderness. The Forest Service completed a Wild & Scenic study of Tassajara Creek in The agency concluded that the creek was free flowing but did not possess any outstanding values. Conservationists believe that all 10.4 miles of the creek possess outstanding fish, wildlife, cultural, and recreational values. The Forest Service did not assess Church Creek for eligibility. Outstanding Values: Fish & Wildlife Threatened central coast steelhead migrate all the way from the Pacific Ocean up the Salinas and Arroyo Seco Rivers to spawn in Tassajara Creek s high quality habitat. The creek also supports one of the few Central Coast populations of the sensitive foothill yellow-legged frog. Cultural Tassajara Creek and its mineral rich hot springs have been a destination for human use for thousands of years, first as a sacred cultural site of the Esselen Indians, later as a historic resort site, and now the locale of the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, which carries on the 1,000 year-old tradition of monastic zen training. Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Hannah Schoenthal-Muse, Organizer Friends of the River 99 Pacific St., Suite 555A, Monterey, CA / hannah@friendsoftheriver.org

12 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Church Creek also has outstanding Native American cultural values. Archeological studies of rock shelters along the creek show that the area was a refuge for the Esselen Tribe following the arrival of Spanish Missionaries. Church Creek s incredible sandstone formations remnants of a seafloor formed millions of years ago create large overhangs, many of which were used by the Tribe as shelters. Most notably, a cave overlooking Church Creek has hand rock paintings estimated to be hundreds of years old. The cave and its rock paintings were celebrated in Robinson Jeffer s poem, Hands. Recreation Both creeks provides popular loop trail connections to routes leading to the Big Sur and Carmel Rivers. Comments: Hands Inside a cave in a narrow canyon near Tassajara The vault of rock is painted with hands, A multitude of hands in the twilight, a cloud of men s palms, no more, No other picture. There s no one to say Whether the brown shy quiet people who are dead intended Religion or magic, or made their tracings In the idleness of art; but over the division of years these careful Signs-manual are now like a sealed message Saying: "Look: we also were human; we had hands, not paws. All hail You people with cleverer hands, our supplanters In the beautiful country: enjoy her a season, her beauty, and come down And be supplanted; for you also are human." Robinson Jeffers ( ) Most of Tassajara Creek flows through public lands. There is one small private inholding encompassing the Tassajara Zen Center. Designation would not affect access to or use of the Zen Center. Church Creek has one private inholding that consists of the Bruce Church Ranch. Designation would not affect access to the ranch or its operations. Segmentation/Classification: Tassajara Creek Segment 1 Source in the Ventana Wilderness to Tassajara Hot 6.5 miles Wild Springs boundary Segment 2 Creek segment within the Tassajara Hot Springs private 1 mile Recreational property boundary Segment 3 Tassajara Hot Springs boundary to the Arroyo Seco River confluence 3.5 miles Wild Church Creek Segment 1 Source to the confluence with the unnamed tributary 1.2 miles Wild flowing in from the north in sec. 13, T19S, R3E Segment 2 Unnamed tributary confluence in sec. 13 to the 1 mile Recreational confluence of the unnamed tributary flowing in from the east in sec. 24, T19S, R3E Segment 3 Unnamed tributary confluence in sec. 24 to the 2.36 miles Wild confluence with Tassajara Creek TOTAL 15.56

13 10/26/200610/26/2006 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Big Creek Big Creek is the only watershed on the Central California Coast dedicated to natural resources research. The upper segments of Big Creek and Devils Canyon are pristine and located on public lands in the Ventana Wilderness. The lower segments of Big Creek and Devils Canyon flow through the 4,000-acre University of California s Big Creek Reserve. Downstream of the UC Reserve, the creek flows into the Big Creek State Marine Reserve in the Pacific Ocean, which was recently expanded from 1,200 acres to square miles. Big Creek was not studied by the Forest Service, however, conservationists believe that it is free flowing and possesses outstanding values. Native American use of Big Creek goes back at least 6,500 years. Shell middens along the creek can be as much as 14 feet deep, indicating a long history of use. In addition, the remains of historic homestead sites still exist, like those of Gamboa and Boronda. Outstanding Value(s): Scientific - The Ventana Wilderness, UC Big Creek Reserve, and Big Creek Marine Reserve together provide unique opportunities for natural resources research from the Coast Range crest to the coast and offshore habitats in the Pacific Ocean. The Big Creek watershed offers diverse vegetation types and habitat, including redwood forest, ponderosa pine/mixed hardwood forest, canyon live oak/fir forest, coastal scrub, manzanita and chamise chaparral, and sycamore/riparian forest that support numerous wildlife and plant species. One survey of Big Creek revealed 344 species of plants representing 42 percent of all California plant families. Reserve research identified four newly discovered species of moths and one new walking stick (insect) species. The creek supports a healthy run of threatened Central Coast steelhead and is fed by more than 23 named springs. Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Hannah Schoenthal-Muse, Organizer Friends of the River 99 Pacific St., Suite 555A, Monterey, CA / hannah@friendsoftheriver.org

14 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Comments: Federal designation is entirely consistent with the research mission and goals, and conservation purposes of both the UC Big Creek Reserve and the Big Creek State Marine Reserve. Recreational segments accommodate existing reserve facilities and access roads. The Scenic segment accommodates a closed road that formerly provided access to Big Creek Hot Springs. A private inholding is located on Devils Canyon Creek. Designation will not affect this property. Central Coast Steelhead Segmentation/Classification: Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3 Segment 4 Segment 5 Segment 6 Segment 7 Segment 8 TOTAL Big Creek main stem from its source to.10 miles upstream of hot springs Big Creek main stem from.10 miles upstream of hot springs to the Devils Canyon confluence Big Creek main stem from the Devils Canyon confluence to Pacific Ocean North Fork Big Creek from its source to the Big Creek confluence North Fork Devils Canyon from its source to the private property boundary in Sec. 30, T21S, R3E North Fork Devils Canyon from the private property boundary in Sec. 30, T21S, R3E to the Big Creek confluence Middle Fork Devils Canyon from its source to North Fork confluence South Fork Devils Canyon from its source to the Middle Fork confluence 4.9 miles.87 miles.71 miles 3.89 miles 2.89 miles 1.56 miles Wild Scenic Recreational Wild Wild Recreational 4.82 Wild miles 3.99 Wild miles MILES

15 Big Creek Proposed Wild & Scenic River Segments Los Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Ventana Wilderness Proposed Designation: Wild Padres Scenic Recreational Land Ownership: Boundaries United States Forest Service U.S. Department of Defense Bureau of Land Management State Local Private Conservation Forest Service Administrative Area Big Creek State Marine Conservation Area Big Creek State Marine Reserve Landels-Hill N. Fo rk B ig C reek B ig Cre N. Fo Big Creek Reserve ek r k De vils Canyon S M. Fo National. Fork Devil r k Devils Canyo n s C anyo n Forest Service Wilderness Area State Marine Reserve or Conservation Area County M o n t e r e y C o u n t y Forest City P a c i f i c Limekiln State Park O c e a n Map created by GreenInfo Network Note: River corridor boundaries are provisional and are finalized after designation in a comprehensive river management plan. Miles

16

17 10/26/200610/26/2006 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL The Carmel River is one of the most popular trail routes into the Ventana Wilderness. The river flows northwest out of the Los Padres National Forest and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. The portion of the Carmel River and much of the Miller Fork considered for Wild & Scenic status are located entirely within the Ventana Wilderness. The Forest Service did not find the Carmel River and the Miller Fork to be eligible for federal protection, due to supposed lack of outstanding values. However, the agency s own study confirms outstanding values. Carmel River & Miller Fork Outstanding Values: Scenery & Recreation Distinctive sandstone formations along the river, spectacular tributary waterfalls, house-size boulders, deep rocky gorges, and lush riparian habitat and woodlands, complete with six foot tall ferns, all contribute to the river s outstanding scenery and diverse recreational opportunities. The rivers offer one of the most popular trail routes into the Ventana Wilderness. According to the Forest Service, the river is unique to Southern California, due to its diverse recreation uses, including backpacking, horsepacking, fishing, bird watching, scenery viewing, camping, swimming, nature study, and photography. Wildlife The Carmel River and its riparian habitat supports nesting spotted owls, endangered California red-legged frogs, a remnant population of threatened steelhead, and sensitive Southwestern pond turtles. Cultural Esselen Indian archeological sites along the upper Carmel River provide unique evidence of their conflict with Spanish missionaries and the armed Spanish garrison, late in the contact period and just prior to the demise of the Esselen people. Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Hannah Schoenthal-Muse, Organizer Friends of the River 99 Pacific St., Suite 555A, Monterey, CA / hannah@friendsoftheriver.org

18 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Comments: The Carmel River flows entirely through public lands. The upper segment of the Miller Fork flows through two private inholdings. The Recreational segment accommodates these inholdings and access roads. Designation would not affect access to or use of the properties. Segmentation/Classification: Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3 TOTAL Carmel River from it source in Pine Valley to the National Forest boundary The Miller Fork from its source to the western boundary of the private inholding (Tanoak Property) in Sec. 1, T19S, R3E The Miller Fork from the western boundary of the private inholding in Sec. 1 to its confluence with the Carmel River 10.9 Wild miles 1 mile Recreational 6.16 Wild miles MILES

19 Carmel River and Miller Fork Carmel River Proposed Wild & Scenic River Segments Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign M o n t e r e y C o u n t y Bloomquist Open Space Proposed Designation: Wild Scenic Recreational Land Ownership: Hastings Natural History Reserve United States Forest Service U.S. Department of Defense Bureau of Land Management M iller Fo r k Car m State Local e l R i ve r Private Conservation C a rmel R i v e Boundaries Forest Service Administrative Area r Forest Service Wilderness Area State Marine Reserve or Conservation Area County City Los Padres National Forest Ventana Wilderness Map created by GreenInfo Network Note: River corridor boundaries are provisional and are finalized after designation in a comprehensive river management plan. Miles

20

21 10/26/200610/26/2006 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Little Sur River The Little Sur River is considered by the California Deparment of Fish and Game to be the most important steelhead spawning stream on the Central Coast. The North and South Forks of the Little Sur River flow northwest from the slopes of Ventana Double Cone and are divided by the limestone buttresses of Pico Blanco, which is visible from Highway 1. Dudley s Lousewort The Forest Service found 8.1 miles of the North Fork to be eligible for Wild & Scenic status due to its outstanding botanical values. In addition, conservationists believe that both forks of the Little Sur within the Los Padres Forest boundary possess outstanding ecological, fish, wildlife, and scenic values. Outstanding Values: Fish The Little Sur River is considered by the California Department of Fish and Game to be the most important spawning stream for threatened steelhead on the Central Coast. This is due to the pristine nature of the Little Sur in comparison to other Central Coast watersheds. Ecological The entire drainage was identified by the Forest Service as an area of high ecological significance due to its pristine habitat for a diversity of fish and wildlife species and few non-native species. Botanical The North Fork supports the largest known aggregation of Dudley s lousewort on public lands. Dudley s lousewort is a rare plant endemic to redwood forests with fewer than 10 known populations. Wildlife Sensitive, threatened, and endangered species that live in and along the Little Sur include the spotted owl, California red-legged frog, Pacific salamander, and giant salamander. Scenery Both forks of the Little Sur flow through deep canyons shrouded in redwood forests, and offer attractive and popular routes into the Ventana Wilderness, complete with numerous cascades and deep pools. Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Hannah Schoenthal-Muse, Organizer Friends of the River 99 Pacific St., Suite 555A, Monterey, CA / hannah@friendsoftheriver.org

22 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Comments: The upper segments of both forks are publicly owned. There are private inholdings on both forks within the Forest boundary. None of these properties would be affected by designation. Recreational designation of the lower segment of the North Fork accommodates the Pico Blanco Boyscout Camp access road and would allow continued seasonal impoundment of the North Fork by the Camp, as long as the impoundment did not continue to harm the outstanding steelhead fishery. A portion of the Wild segment of the South Fork flows through an undeveloped area of Andrew Molera State Park. Wild designation of this segment is consistent with the state s management of this portion of the Park. Segmentation/Classification: Segment 1 Source of the North Fork to Ventana Wilderness boundary 4.6 Wild miles Segment 2 Ventana Wilderness boundary to National Forest boundary 3 miles Recreational Segment 3 Source of the South Fork to the northwestern boundary of 7.2 Wild Andrew Molera State Park miles Segment 4 Stake Park boundary to National Forest boundary in Section miles Scenic TOTAL MILES

23 North Fork and South Fork Little Sur River Proposed Wild & Scenic River Segments Palo Corona Ranch Santa Lucia Preserve Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Proposed Designation: Glen Deven Ranch Los Wild Scenic Recreational Mill Creek Redwood Preserve Land Ownership: United States Forest Service Brazil Ranch North Fork Litt Padres U.S. Department of Defense Bureau of Land Management State M o n t e r e y C o u n t y l e Su r Riv er Boundaries Local Private Conservation Forest Service Administrative Area South F Andrew o r k Litt le S u r Ventana Wilderness R iver National Forest Service Wilderness Area State Marine Reserve or Conservation Area Molera State Park County City Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Forest P a c i f i c O c e a n Map created by GreenInfo Network Note: River corridor boundaries are provisional and are finalized after designation in a comprehensive river management plan. Miles

24

25 10/26/200610/26/2006 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Nacimiento River The Nacimiento River flows east from the Santa Lucia Range crest into Fort Hunter Liggett. It is one of the few rivers in the range easily accessible by road. Arroyo Toad The Forest Service did not study the Nacimiento River. Conservationists believe the river is free flowing and possesses outstanding values. Outstanding Values: Recreation The Nacimiento Fergusson Road makes the Nacimiento River one of the few streams in the mountain range easily accessible for recreation, including scenic driving, hiking, swimming, angling, and camping. Two roadside Forest Service campgrounds provide good opportunities to explore the river. Wildlife The Forest Service identified the Nacimiento River as supporting a highly significant population of endangered arroyo toad. Botanical The Nacimiento supports some of the southern-most stands of rare and endemic Santa Lucia Fir in the mountain range. Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Hannah Schoenthal-Muse, Organizer Friends of the River 99 Pacific St., Suite 555A, Monterey, CA / hannah@friendsoftheriver.org

26 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Comments: The Recreational segment accommodates the Nacimiento Road and the two adjacent campgrounds. Although it flows into Fort Hunter Liggett, none of the segments of the Nacimiento River proposed for designation are located on the military reservation. The river corridor can and should be established by the Forest Service after designation to avoid overlap with the military reservation on the northeast side of the river and Nacimiento Road. Designation will not affect military water rights to the river. Virtually all of the water in the Nacimiento River is captured by the Nacimiento Dam and Reservoir for agricultural and municipal use. Designation of upstream segments on the National Forest will not affect the dam, reservoir, or water uses. Santa Lucia Fir Segmentation/Classification: Segment 1 Source to Ventana Wilderness boundary 3 miles Wild Segment 2 Ventana Wilderness boundary to National Forest boundary 6 miles Recreational TOTAL 9 MILES

27 Map created by GreenInfo Network Nacimiento River Proposed Wild & Scenic River Segments

28

29 10/26/200610/26/2006 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL San Antonio River and tributaries The San Antonio River flows east from the Santa Lucia Range crest into Fort Hunter Liggett. The upper portion of the river, its North Fork, and several small tributaries flow through an area on the Los Padres National Forest unusually rich in Native American heritage. The Forest Service identified 8.6 miles of the main stem of the San Antonio River from its source to the National Forest boundary to be eligible for federal protection, but the agency did not recommend its designation. Instead, the Los Padres Forest Plan established the 9,933 acre Milpitas Special Interest Area encompassing both the main stem and North Fork and several tributaries. SIA designation provides inferior protection of the river s cultural values in comparison to Wild & Scenic status. Conservationists believe that the main stem, its North Fork, Carrizo Creek, Santa Lucia Creek, lower Rattlesnake Creek, and several other unnamed tributaries all collectively contribute to this area s outstanding cultural values and are therefore eligible for protection. Outstanding Values: Cultural The river flows through an area with unusually dense and varied concentration of historic and pre-historic cultural values, probably spanning thousands of years, and offering a unique interpretive potential. The river and tributaries record the ancient uses of the native Salinan people as well as the earliest contact between the Salinan and the Missionera explorers. It also offers insights into the postsecular history of the Indians who withdrew to the upper river and its tributaries to live after the closure of the Mission San Antonio de Padua downstream. Low rock walls along Santa Lucia Creek outline the Salinan s milpitas or small gardens. First established by the Salinans, the Carrizo Trail along Carrizo Creek was used by early homesteaders to transport supplies to and from the coast. The entire watershed is dominated by the peak sacred to the Salinans that is known today as Junipero Serra. Later expanded into a hunting resort, the historic Indians adobe, vineyard, and family cemetery provide a glimpse of rustic life in the backcountry. Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Hannah Schoenthal-Muse, Organizer Friends of the River 99 Pacific St., Suite 555A, Monterey, CA / hannah@friendsoftheriver.org

30 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Historic Indians Adobe Scenery The North Fork originates from and flows through a spectacular setting of oak savannah and massive sandstone rock outcrops formed under an ancient sea. Wildlife The upper river supports nesting spotted owls, a sensitive species. The lower river in Fort Hunter Liggett supports the northern most population of endangered arroyo toad in California. Ecological The valley oaks along the banks of the river and its tributaries are the only valley oaks in the National Forest system and have been proposed as a Research Natural Area. Wagon Cave

31 10/26/200610/26/2006 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Comments: There are a few private inholdings adjacent to the main stem, North Fork and Santa Lucia Creek. These private parcels will not be affected by designation. Although the San Antonio River flows into Fort Hunter Liggett, none of the river or tributary segments proposed for designation are located on the military reservation. Designation will not affect military water rights to the river. Virtually all of the water in the San Antonio River is captured by the San Antonio Dam and Reservoir for agricultural and municipal use. Designation of upstream segments on the National Forest will not affect the dam, reservoir, or water uses. Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Hannah Schoenthal-Muse, Organizer Friends of the River 99 Pacific St., Suite 555A, Monterey, CA / hannah@friendsoftheriver.org

32 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Segmentation/Classification: San Antonio River Segment 1 Source to Wilderness boundary 7.6 miles Wild Segment 2 Wilderness boundary to National Forest boundary 1 mile Scenic North Fork San Antonio River Segment 1 Source to Wilderness boundary 1.15 miles Wild Segment 2 From the Wilderness boundary west of the Indians Road 1.32 miles Recreational to where the North Fork leaves the Indians Road Segment 3 Indians Road to the main stem confluence 4.26 miles Scenic Carrizo Creek Segment 1 Source to the North Fork confluence 2.55 miles Wild Rattlesnake Creek Segment 1 From the Fort Hunter Liggett boundary to the confluence with the North Fork.31 miles Scenic Santa Lucia Creek Segment 1 Source to the Wilderness boundary.75 miles Wild Segment 2 Wilderness boundary to confluence with the North Fork San Antonio River 2.88 miles Recreational Unnamed creek near Indians Ranch Segment 1 Pond dam to the North Fork confluence 1.25 miles Recreational Unnamed creek flowing from Junipero Serra Peak Segment 1 Source south of Junipero Serra Peak in Sec. 34, T20S, 2.96 miles Wild R5E to confluence with unnamed western tributary in Sec. 17, T21S, R5E Segment 2 Source west of Junipero Serra Peak in Sec. 33, T20S, 1.38 miles Wild R5E to confluence with unnamed eastern tributary in Sec. 17, T21S, R5E Segment 3 From the confluence of unnamed creeks in Sec. 17,.89 miles Scenic T21S, R5E to the confluence with the North Fork San Antonio River Segment 4 Source of unnamed tributary in Sec. 4, T21S, R5E to the confluence with unnamed creek in Sec. 17, T21S, R5E 2.39 miles Scenic TOTAL MILES

33 San Antonio River and Tributaries Proposed Wild & Scenic River Segments Map created by GreenInfo Network

34

35 10/26/200610/26/2006 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL San Carporforo Creek San Carpoforo Creek flows south out of the Santa Lucia Range in the northern Los Padres National Forest, onto lands owned by the Hearst Corporation and then to the Pacific Ocean. The creek was the route of the historic Portola Expedition and it was identified as an area of high ecological significance by the Forest Service. San Carpoforo Creek was not studied by the Forest Service. Conservationists believe that it is free flowing and possesses outstanding values. Outstanding Values: Cultural San Carpoforo Creek was the route of the historic Portola Expedition of 1769, which led to the establishment of the California Missions and ultimately the European colonization of northern California. According to journal entries by Portola members, contact between Portola and native people took place on the banks of the San Carpoforo and therefore, the area is considered to be one of the last primal remnants of the original encounter between indigenous and European consciousness anywhere on the Pacific coast. In addition, a venerable grove of olive trees near the confluence of San Carpoforo and Dutra Creeks marks the location where an outpost of the Mission San Antonio de Padua once stood. Wildlife The creek supports one of the few remaining populations of sensitive foothill yellowlegged frogs on the Central Coast, as well as endangered California red-legged frogs. Fish The California Department of Fish and Game considers the creek to be one of two of the most important spawning streams for threatened steelhead in San Luis Obispo County (the upper section of the creek on National Forest lands is in Monterey County). Ecological The creek was identified as an area of high ecological significance by the Forest Service due to the presence of sensitive and rare frogs and the threatened steelhead. Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Hannah Schoenthal-Muse, Organizer Friends of the River 99 Pacific St., Suite 555A, Monterey, CA / hannah@friendsoftheriver.org

36 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Comments: There is a private inholding on the lower segment encompassing the Baldwin Ranch and its access road. The Recreational segment accommodates the ranch and its access road. Designation would not affect access to the property or ranch operations. The lower portion of the creek downstream of the forest boundary is not proposed for designation. The lower creek flows through Hearst lands protected by conservation easements. California Red-legged Frog Segmentation/Classification: Segment 1 Source to Silver Peak Wilderness boundary 2.75 miles Wild Segment 2 Silver Peak Wilderness boundary to the National Forest 1.54 miles Recreational boundary TOTAL 4.29 MILES

37 k San Carpoforo Creek Proposed Wild & Scenic River Segments Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Proposed Designation: Wild Scenic Fort Hunter Liggett Recreational Land Ownership: United States Forest Service U.S. Department of Defense Boundaries Bureau of Land Management State Local Private Conservation Los Padres National Forest Silver Peak Wilderness r S an Carpoforo C e e M o n t e r e y C o u n t y Forest Service Administrative Area Forest Service Wilderness Area State Marine Reserve or Conservation Area County P a c i f S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y City i c O c e a n Map created by GreenInfo Network Note: River corridor boundaries are provisional and are finalized after designation in a comprehensive river management plan. Miles

38

39 10/26/200610/26/2006 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Willow Creek Willow Creek flows west from the Santa Lucia Range crest to the Pacific Ocean. It represents one of the few opportunities on the Central Coast to protect a stream from its source to the ocean as a Wild & Scenic River. It is located entirely on public lands and mostly within the Silver Peak Wilderness. Willow Creek was not studied by the Forest Service for its Wild & Scenic River attributes. Conservationists believe that the creek is free flowing and possesses outstanding values. Outstanding Values: Hydrological Willow Creek represents one of the few opportunities to protect an entire Central Coast stream from its source to the Pacific Ocean in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. Fish The California Department of Fish and Game considers Willow Creek to be one of the most productive spawning streams for threatened steelhead in southern Monterey County. Botanical Lower Willow Creek supports the only know occurrence of the La Graciosa thistle on National Forest land. The plant is proposed for federal listing as endangered. It is found in serpentine seeps surrounded by chaparral that receives exposure to coastal fog near Willow Creek. The upper Willow Creek drainage supports the largest of the most southerly know coastal stands of Douglas fir. Wildlife Willow Creek supports one of the few populations of sensitive foothill yellow-legged frog in the Santa Lucia Range of the Los Padres Forest. Cultural Historic remnants of 1880s gold mining occur along Willow Creek including an extensive dry laid stone retaining wall believed to have been built by a crew of Chinese miners over one hundred years ago. Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Hannah Schoenthal-Muse, Organizer Friends of the River 99 Pacific St., Suite 555A, Monterey, CA / hannah@friendsoftheriver.org

40 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Comments: There are no private inholdings on Willow Creek or its North Fork. The Recreational segment accommodates the lower portion of the creek flowing under the Highway 1 bridge and the adjacent day use area. A cherry-stemmed road in the Silver Peak Wilderness approaches the proposed Wild River corridor in sec. 28, T23S, R5E, but does not reach the creek. This is permissible for Wild Rivers under federal guidelines. Segmentation/Classification: Segment 1 Source of the main stem to the Silver Peak Wilderness 5.1 Wild boundary miles Segment 2 Silver Peak Wilderness boundary to the Pacific Ocean.5 miles Recreational Segment 3 The North Fork from its source to its confluence with the main stem 4 miles Wild TOTAL 9.6 MILES

41 Willow Creek Proposed Wild & Scenic River Segments Los Ventana Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign Wilderness Proposed Designation: Wild Scenic Recreational Padres M o n t e r e y C o u n t y Land Ownership: United States Forest Service Fort Hunter Liggett U.S. Department of Defense Bureau of Land Management State Local Private Conservation National F ork Nort h Silver Peak Willow Creek Boundaries Wilderness Forest Service Administrative Area Forest Service Wilderness Area State Marine Reserve or Conservation Area Forest County P a c City i f i c Silver Peak Wilderness O c e a n Map created by GreenInfo Network Note: River corridor boundaries are provisional and are finalized after designation in a comprehensive river management plan. Miles

42

43 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Overview: Federal Wild & Scenic Designation and its Classifications The National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act was passed by Congress in 1968 specifically to complement our existing national policy of developing rivers for their water and power resources, with a new federal policy to protect the free flowing conditions, water quality, and outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, and cultural values. The intent of Congress was to protect certain selected rivers and their immediate environments to fulfill vital national conservation purposes. Federal protection ensures that no new dams or large diversions will be constructed on designated rivers, which are to be protected in perpetuity for future generations. In addition, the federal public lands through which designated rivers flow are managed to protect the river s free flowing character and outstanding values. Federal permits required for water resource projects (defined as any project that touches the water, such as bridges, bank protection, etc) must ensure that such projects do not have a direct and adverse effect on the values of Wild Rivers are vestiges of primitive America, where access is primarily by trail and is nonmotorized. Scenic Rivers have largely undeveloped shorelines, but may have occasional road or bridge crossings and structures adjacent to but unseen from the shoreline. Access may be motorized or nonmotorized. Recreational Rivers may have parallel roads and adjacent structures and other development visible from the shoreline. Access is primarily motorized. designated rivers. Water resource projects upstream or downstream of protected rivers may not invade or unreasonably diminish the river s outstanding values. Upon designation, a protected river corridor averaging 320 acres per mile (approximately ¼ mile on each side of the river) is established. The river corridor is classified as Wild, Scenic, or Recreational based on the level of existing development at the time of designation. Wild Rivers are vestiges of primitive America, where access is primarily by trail and is non-motorized. Scenic Rivers have largely undeveloped shorelines, but may have occasional road or bridge crossings and structures adjacent to but unseen from the shoreline. Access may be motorized or non-motorized. Recreational Rivers may have parallel roads and adjacent structures and other development visible from the shoreline. Access is primarily motorized. A comprehensive river management plan is developed and adopted by the appropriate federal management agency within three years after designation by Congress. The final river corridor boundaries, classifications, specific management standards to ensure protection of outstanding river values, and determination of the river s recreational use carrying capacity are all key components of

44 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL the management plan. The process for developing comprehensive river management plans includes extensive public input. Many protected rivers have private lands or inholdings within their corridors. Federal designation confers no additional authority over private lands or local land use, except to prohibit or limit federal permits or support for dams, diversions, and other water resource projects. Local zoning and land use regulations still apply to all private lands on protected rivers. Local governments may but are not required to adopt zoning and land use regulations that are complementary to the purposes of federal designation. Federal agencies may pay fair market value to acquire private property from willing sellers along designated rivers. No private lands have ever been condemned on a Wild & Scenic River in California. Federal condemnation authority on designated rivers is actually limited in comparison to pre-designation authority. Fee title condemnation is prohibited if 50 percent or more of the designated river corridor is already public land. Scenic easements may be condemned to prevent inappropriate development along protected rivers. All of the rivers proposed for designation in the Ventana Wild Rivers Campaign are more than 50 percent public. But as a practical matter, the use of condemnation is limited because it is politically unpopular and most federal agencies do not have funding to condemn private property.

45 VENTANA WILD RIVERS PROPOSAL Statistical Summary Wild Scenic Recreational Total Miles Arroyo Seco River Tributaries: Tassajara & Church Creeks Big Creek Carmel River & Miller Fork Little Sur River Nacimiento River San Antonio River & Tributaries San Carpoforo Creek Willow Creek Total Miles