The Confluence Spring 2004

PARC Unveils Confluence Parkway Proposal

Protect American River Canyons is proud to announce publication of "The American River Confluence Parkway: Building Community Conservation and Stewardship."The parkway plan is PARC's proposal for designation of the American River canyon below the city of Auburn as the "American River Confluence Parkway." It is also a statement of the issues, goals and objectives that we believe should guide future American River management and resource protection efforts.

Several years in the making, PARC's confluence parkway proposal is based on ideas first formulated in meetings with agency and community partners, and later refined by the PARC board of directors with technical assistance from the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program

Part of the much larger Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA), the proposed Confluence Parkway stretches from just below Lake Clementine on the North Fork and Mammoth Bar on the Middle Fork, through the Confluence area, past Mountain Quarries Railroad ("No Hands") Bridge, and downstream through the former Auburn dam construction site to Oregon Bar.

This portion of the canyon is a tremendous community asset, providing local residents easy access to its natural wonders, scenic views, and diverse recreational opportunities. It also provides the city of Auburn with substantial economic benefits as a result of the hundreds of thousands of non-residents who are drawn to Auburn every year to enjoy their own American River experience. We believe it is an area worthy of special recognition, and hence the proposal that it be dubbed the "American River Confluence Parkway."

As PARC's planning document recognizes, ASRA (and in particular the Confluence Parkway area) has experienced a steady rise in visitor use over the past ten years. That trend is certain to continue in future years as regional population growth and recreation demands continue to increase. ASRA's growing popularity is making the job of managing the recreation area's magnificent canyonlands more challenging than ever.

PARC's Confluence Parkway proposal recognizes the need for some additional recreational enhancements to help satisfy user demand, but it also emphasizes that future management efforts will require a commitment to protecting the river canyons' rich natural resources and semi- wilderness qualities.

A central goal of the Confluence Parkway proposal is to assist the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in developing a new general plan for the future management of ASRA, a process that should begin sometime this year. PARC also intends to initiate a community dialogue that will help shape, refine and expand on the goals and objectives outlined in our published plan.

With strong public participation in the planning process, we believe a new ASRA general plan will emerge that accurately reflects local community interests and concerns, and that will allow all of us to continue to care for and enjoy our priceless American River canyons. Much is at stake, for without a strong general plan the future health of the American River canyons is at risk. Please take the time to participate in this important planning process, and support PARC as it continues to advocate for creation of the American River Confluence Parkway.

(The American River Confluence Parkway plan will soon be available for viewing on PARC's website, www.parc-auburn.org).

American River Confluence Festival Art Show

Raku King Salmon return to the American River Confluence Festival Art Show - PARC Photo

The American River has its own spirit, its unique images, its colorful history, its past infused with the present. For artists who are exploring the relationship of art and nature it is a unique rich treasure of inspiration. Artists are invited to submit works for a juried art show on the theme of the American River Watershed to be displayed at the American River Confluence Festival on Sunday, June 13th. Original art works created by the artist will be accepted in all 2 and 3 dimensional media. Works may be representational or abstract but must take their inspiration from the American River's natural and/or cultural history. Prizes will be awarded in various categories. Slides or photos will be accepted. The fee is $5/3 entries. Artists may request entry forms by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to American River Confluence Festival Art Show, P.O. Box 9312 Auburn CA 95604 or email parc@jps.net . Entry deadline is Tuesday, June 1. A gala show opening will be held Saturday evening June 12th, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The show is sponsored by Protect American River Canyons and has been made possible by the Arts Council of Placer County, the County of Placer and the California Arts Council.

Tibetan Monks to Attend the Confluence Festival

Two Tibetan Buddhist monks, Geshe and Lobsang will offer a prayer for the American River at the Confluence Festival in preparation for their 6 day stay in Auburn to create a mandala sand painting and hold a series of workshops on Buddhist teachings. The theme of the mandala will be the healing of the environment through the honoring of the Medicine Buddha. They will conclude their visit with a ritual ceremony of blessing for the Confluence on Sunday June 19th. In conjunction with the monks visit, Stan Padilla is offering Water Spirit: Flow of Liquid Light Workshop on Sunday May 30, from 8 am to 12 noon. Experience the American River in a healing way.

For more information on the Tibetan monks or the workshop contact Stan Padilla @ 887-9209.

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