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Field Trips and River Float Schedule:
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This field trip will cover the history and rehabilitation of the Lower Clear Creek watershed. Included in the field trip will be a tour of the CBDA-funded Lower Clear Creek Floodway Rehabilitation Project, a multi-phase restoration project that to date has created over 100 acres of floodplain and revegetated 50 acres with native plant species. Additionally this is the perfect time to view fall run Chinook salmon and learn about their recovery both in the project area and at the former Saeltzer Dam site. Please bring a sturdy pair of shoes for walking.
Location: Begins and ends at the SRDC.
Cost: $10 to cover refreshments
Sponsors: Western Shasta RCD and Sacramento River Watershed Program.
Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge Restoration Tour
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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In 1989, Congress authorized the creation of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge. This authorization included the potential purchase of up to 18,000 acres of riverine lands between Red Bluff and Colusa. At this time, approximately 12,000 acres have been acquired, encompassing 27 different units within the River Refuge. One of the largest of these is the 1,200-acre River Vista Unit, which was purchased in 1991.
This field trip will begin with an orientation and poster presentation at the SRDC by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We will then proceed to the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge where you will see floodplain and riparian habitat restoration from the earliest stages of planning and orchard removal to well established re-vegetated sites reconnected to the river channel. A variety of wildlife may be encountered during the trip including wintering landbirds such as the Red-shafted Flicker, Black Phoebe, Western Bluebird, Audubon’s Warbler, Ruby-crowned Sparrow, and Oregon Junco.
First stop will be the Ohm Unit where Ryan Luster will describe how and why The Nature Conservancy
restored the riparian forests here. Next we will break for lunch at the Flynn Unit gravel bar. Joe Silveira, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will describe the fish, wildlife, endangered species, and habitat management at this refuge unit. Our final leg of the tour will be at the La Barranca Unit where Tom Griggs will discuss the proposed floodplain topography and riparian forest restoration by River Partners.
Location: Begins and ends at the SRDC.
Cost: $10 to cover refreshments
Sponsors: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, River Partners, The Nature Conservancy and Sacramento River Preservation Trust.
Hike of the Bend Area of Critical Environmental Concern
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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This field trip will begin with an orientation and presentation at the Sacramento River Discovery Center by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). We will then form a carpool and drive to the beginning of the Yana Trial. You will be spending the day hiking along a portion of the Trail, exploring the Sacramento River and Paynes Creek. The hike will cover riparian zones, blue oak savannah, steeply incised volcanic canyons and will include some dramatic vistas of the Sacramento River and surrounding landforms. Points of interest, history and BLM management will be discussed. The region being visited is part of a special management unit known as the Sacramento River Bend Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) or Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The hike will be easy to moderate and approximately 5 miles round-trip. At least half of the hike will be cross-country so sturdy boots will be a necessity.
Location: Begins and ends at the Sacramento River Discovery Center.
Cost: $10 to cover refreshments
Sponsors: The Bureau of Land Management and SRDC.
River Rafting Float from Red Bluff to Los Molinos
9:00 a.m. – mid-afternoon
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We will be starting at the boat ramp just downstream of the Red Bluff Diversion Dam, near the SRDC. To begin we will coordinate a shuttle to the take-out at Mill Creek Park in Los Molinos. This will be followed by a brief introduction to the Red Bluff Recreation Area, which is managed by Mendocino National Forest. Once on the water, you will have a great time viewing wildlife such as osprey, river otter and bald eagles along this Class One float down the Sacramento River. We will have a bring-your-own on-river lunch so please remember to pack food, water and snacks as needed. Rafts, paddles, and life-vests will be provided. Children are welcome to come. It is asked that they be a minimum of 90 lbs or around 8 years old.
Location: Begins and ends near the SRDC.
Cost: $40
Sponsors: North Country Rentals and Sacramento River Preservation Trust.
Click to see Thursday's Conference .