PARC is a community-based non-profit organization located in Auburn that is dedicated to creating American River community relationships through collaboration and protection of the natural, recreational and historical resources for the North and Middle Forks of the American River Watershed.
The American River Canyons are the ancestral lands of the Maidu, Miwok, Nisenan and Washoe Tribes
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Big Day of Giving
Please remember Protect American River Canyons on or before May 7, 2026 during our annual Big Day of Giving Campaign.
With your support, PARC is able to accomplish more than we can do alone. If you have donated already, many, many thanks! If not, there is still time to donate. Early donating has already begun, so donations can be made anytime between now and May 7 at 11:59 PM! |
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Highlighting PARC & collaborator events in the photos: a family takes a break to watch the bridge debris clean up, a hike along the river, the Auburn On Demand Shuttle with Laurel Mathe's river art, member raft trip, a group at recent Earth Day clean up, and a field trip.
PARC mourns the passing of American River Crusader William Wauters
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It is with heavy hearts we note the loss of William Wauters, who passed away unexpectedly on May 2nd. Bill was a complex multi-faceted INDIVIDUAL who grew up in the Foothills with a passion for local history and the outdoors that he inherited from his mom Helen Wauters, who loved to hike the trails and X-country ski the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Bill’s enthusiasm and passion for healthy river ecosystems guided his participation in local river conservation groups. He volunteered with PARC to stop the Auburn Dam from flooding the canyons. For many years he organized the public speaker program for the monthly Auburn SRA Canyon Keeper meetings. He collaborated with PARC and the Canyon Keepers to install interpretive trail posts for the Confluence Interpretive Trail. He was a frequent volunteer for American River Cleanups removing litter and graffiti from the canyons. In recent years he was deeply involved in the successful campaign to protect the Bear River from the proposed Centennial Dam. He was also active with Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead efforts to return spawning salmon to the Auburn Ravine. His energy and enthusiasm for river conservation will be sorely missed by all.
Rest in Peace Bill. |
Bill pauses at one if the Confluence Interpretive Trail posts that he installed.
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Since 2013, PARC has offered a scholarship essay contest for local high school seniors in Placer, El Dorado and Nevada counties. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, PARC has awarded $34,000 in scholarship awards over the past 13 years. 2026 will be the 14th year PARC has sponsored this scholarship.
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American River News
PARC's Year-end Newsletter is here! See the December 2025 edition of The Confluence, a publication of PARC. Inside This Issue:
We hope you enjoy catching up on your river news. Click here to download the newsletter. If you would like to stop receiving your PARC Confluence Newsletter by mail, please email Lisa Chambers at our PARC Office: [email protected] |
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American River Bridge Debris Removal Project
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From the County of Placer website:
Project Update
Work began on the American River Bridge Debris Removal Project on August 18, 2025. The first phase of the project will include buildout of a temporary ramp and "beach area" to provide access and storage of heavy equipment throughout the duration of the project. Drivers are urged to be alert for workers in the area and for trucks entering and exiting SR-49. The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone. The Calcutta Falls Trailhead to no hands bridge is closed through the duration of the project. The river, beaches and shoreline will be closed beginning Sept. 2. |
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More information, including Trail closures and detours and History leading to the debris removal project, can be found on the County of Placer website:
https://www.placer.ca.gov/ardebris
https://www.placer.ca.gov/ardebris
From Placer County: Video about the American River Bridge Debris Removal Project
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The Proposed Auburn to Cool Trail Bridge at China Bar:
Linking Trails, Unlocking Adventure Call to Action 1: Sign a petition to Support the Auburn To Cool recreational trail bridge construction at China Bar SRA. Click here. Call to Action 2: Send a postcard, letter or email to Mr. Lessard from the Bureau of Reclamation and Mr. Hilton from California State Parks to ask them to authorize a bridge location for the Auburn To Cool Trail Bridge project, so that we can move forward to the environmental report, bridge planning and bridge design. See more about the proposed Auburn to Cool Trail Bridge here |
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News about the Bear River and the proposed Centennial Dam
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The Centennial Dam, which was proposed to be constructed on our sister watershed the Bear River, is dead.
Nevada Irrigation District Board of Directors voted to end the project on September 25. The Board adopted a resolution to remove Centennial Dam from consideration. NID bought seven miles of riverfront property in anticipation of building the dam. What will become of these lands that NID purchased for this now abandoned project? What happens to the river next? Will there still be public access to these areas? These are some of the questions and concerns that now confront our communities. To find out more, to become involved in the community discussion, or to join online Zoom updates, presentations, interviews, and Q&As, visit the website of Bear PARC, the Bear Protection And Restoration Collaborative. https://bearparc.com/ For background information including timeline, threats, and opportunities, visit Bear River Awakening https://bearriver.us/ |
Bear River Fishing Access Park, Day Use Area
- photo ©Gary Moon |
Your Support Helps PARC Implement Projects
Click the pictures below to learn more and see other PARC efforts
Click the pictures below to learn more and see other PARC efforts
Trail Work Day
Spring Equinox 2025 Trail improvement on the Codfish Falls Trail In partnership with Auburn State Recreation Area Trails Crew |
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Click the Donate/Join button below to see all the different ways to support PARC and help us protect the American River and it's canyons.
Video of PARC Celebrating 50 years is now on our YouTube Channel.
PARC Celebrates 50 Years - view YouTube playlist
PARC Celebrates 50 Years - view YouTube playlist
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PARC Hats
6 colors: Stone Grey, Royal Blue, Pink, Dark Green, Khaki, Orange. One size fits all - adjustable. $30 includes tax and shipping. |
 Hwy 49 Debris Field - courtesy of Gary Hughes
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The Birdsall and Oregon Bar river access dirt/gravel roads are included. Wet weather could force temporary closure of these roads.
The area is very popular for fishermen, swimmers, picnickers, hikers, runners, equestrian and mountain bike riders. The area also provides important access for rafters paddling from the Confluence and kayakers refining their paddling skills at the Pump Station Rapids aka Auburn's Aquatic River Park.
The area is very popular for fishermen, swimmers, picnickers, hikers, runners, equestrian and mountain bike riders. The area also provides important access for rafters paddling from the Confluence and kayakers refining their paddling skills at the Pump Station Rapids aka Auburn's Aquatic River Park.
Auburn To Cool Recreation Trail Bridge
For information on what you can do to make the Auburn To Cool Recreation Trail Bridge a reality please click on the China Bar button below or the image above.
Yankee Jims Bridge over the North Fork of the American River.
PARC has proposed California Wild & Scenic protection for this 16 mile stretch of the North Fork from
Iowa Hill Bridge to Upper Lake Clementine.
The Protect American River Canyon (PARC) Board Members extend to you an enthusiastic invitation to explore the American River Canyons for yourself and discover this area rich in biological diversity, Native American and Gold Rush history and exciting recreational adventure for all to responsibly enjoy and care for. The Auburn State Recreation Area, located along 48 miles of the North and Middle Forks from Auburn to Colfax and Foresthill in the American River Watershed, offers diverse recreational options and seemingly limitlessness opportunities for meaningful wilderness experiences in scenic picturesque canyons for everyone. Over 100 miles of trails, framed in the springtime by a rainbow pallet of wildflowers and butterflies, host world-class endurance events and leisurely trail hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. Both river forks attract whitewater enthusiasts from Class V adrenaline fans to Class 1 family boaters. Swimming and fishing are very popular seasonally. The Cave Valley Limestone Quarry walls offer a challenge to beginner and advanced climbers. Charming picture perfect Lake Clementine offers year-round motor boating, paddling and lake camping.
