The Confluence Winter 2000

American River Wilderness Protection Sought

By Tim Woodall

A campaign is now under way to obtain wilderness protection for some of the finest remaining roadless areas in the upper American River watershed. The American River Wildlands campaign is a collaborative effort that includes representatives of the Placer Group Sierra Club, Audubon Society, and PARC, as well as other Placer County wilderness advocates. Part of the statewide California Wild Heritage campaign, the group’s aim is to achieve permanent protection for four roadless areas in Placer County: Duncan Canyon, North Fork American River, Black Oak Potential Wilderness (North Fork of the Middle Fork American River), and additions to the Granite Chief Wilderness. In addition the campaign aims for Wild and Scenic designation for seven river segments: New York Canyon, North Fork of the North Fork American River, Big Granite Creek, Little Granite Creek, North Fork of the Middle Fork American River, Screwauger Canyon, and Grouse Creek.

Wildlands Slide Show Available

American River Wildlands is presently scheduling informational and slide show presentations. If you know of a group that might be interested in a presentation, please contact Terry Davis (916-557-1100 ext. 108; terry.davis@sierraclub.org) or Ed Pandolfino (916-652-7315; ERPfromCA@aol.com). Also check out the California Wild Heritage Campaign website at www.californiawild.org.

State Parks Names New Superintendent

By Tim Woodall

Jackie Ball has been named Superintendent of the newly created Gold Fields District of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The new district encompasses Auburn State Recreation Area, Folsom State Recreation Area, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, Empire Mine State Historic Park, Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, the South Yuba River Project, Brannon Island State Recreation Area, Franks Tract, and Delta Meadows State Park. It replaces in part the former Auburn-Folsom District, administered by Bruce Kranz until his retirement this past summer. Ms. Ball has worked for the California Department of Parks and Recreation for over 25 years, and has broad experience in the areas of interpretation, natural history, cultural history, and recreation. She has served as both a field ranger and an administrator, and most recently served as district superintendent of the San Joaquin District. In her spare time Ms. Ball enjoys whitewater rafting and watercolor painting. She brings fresh enthusiasm and a new perspective to the job of overseeing management of the Auburn State Recreation Area. Welcome Jackie – we look forward to working with you!