News.bytes Extra, issue 478

BLM Central California RAC members see issues first-hand

Members of the Bureau of Land Management’s Central California Resource Advisory Council saw issues facing the BLM’s Mother Lode Field Office during their meeting April 8-9 in Nevada City.

RAC members held meetings both days and visited the Deer Creek and San Juan Ridge areas to see cooperative projects among BLM, other agencies and community groups.

At Deer Creek, RAC members saw a new bridge and sculpture along the Tribute Trail, named in honor of the Chinese immigrants who came to the area during the Gold Rush. The trail is being constructed by BLM, the Sierra Fund, the City of Nevada City, the Friends of Deer Creek and volunteer groups. It winds through Nevada City for three miles, beginning at Pioneer Park. (text continues below)

Izzy Martin, Sierra Fund, tells the RAC about cooperative efforts with BLM in front of the new bridge on the Tribute Trail.

RAC members also learned about the cooperative effort to clean up mercury in waterways left from mining operations during the Gold Rush. BLM is working with local government, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, the State Water Board, the Sierra Fund, the U.S. Geological Survey and others to assess the level of contamination and options for cleanup in Deer Creek.

BLM is looking at the project as a model to clean up other sites with multiple ownerships in the Sierras.

At San Juan Ridge, RAC members met with residents who gave the history of the Inimim Forest community planning effort. Area residents developed a framework approved by BLM to manage the forest resources in the area, and they have successfully managed the Inimim Forest in collaboration with BLM for nearly 20 years. Community members also discussed concerns regarding a proposed project to reprocess mining tailings.

The RAC tour concluded with a stop at BLM’s popular Edwards Crossing recreation site on the South Yuba River.

Charles Alpers, USGS, left and Peter Graves, BLM, discuss the mercury work being done at Deer Creek.

San Juan Ridge residents Bob Erickson, left, Tanya Carlone and Gary Snyder give the history of the Inimim Forest planning effort

Bob Erickson shows the RAC the pond next to the tailings that may be reprocessed.

- David Christy, BLM Central California public affairs, 4/26/11

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 478
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