June 16, 2005
The meeting of the American River Watershed Group (ARWG) meeting was called to order by Bill Templin, American River Watershed Coordinator at 10:15 a.m. at the Auburn Recreation District Canyon View Community Center located at 471 Maidu Drive, Auburn.
Present: Bill Templin, American River Watershed Coordinator; Stewart Feldman, Director and Katie Maloney, Sr. Administrative Assistant, Placer County Resource Conservation District (RCD); Eric Nichol, CA Dept. of Water Resources (DWR) Engineer; Kevin Roberts, Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) Biologist; and Debra Curry, US Geological Survey.
Check-In:
Bill Templin led the “Check-In” procedure that entails telling who you are, how you are, if you have any time constraints, bring forth emergent issues, and express individual expectations.
Review & Approval of Minutes:
No changes to the minutes for the May 19, 2005 meeting were requested.
Additions to the Agenda:
No additions were made to the agenda.
Rubicon Trail Water Quality Monitoring:
Bill Templin reported attending a Rubicon Trail Oversight Committee meeting where a master plan for the trail is being developed. He noted the Rubicon Trail (trail) runs through some of the most pristine areas in the Sierra. He gave an overview of water quality issues that have resulted in the US Forest Service (USFS) closure of a section of the trail in the Silver Lake area due to fecal matter contamination. He indicated that closure has spurred progress on the development of the master plan that includes a water quality monitoring component. Bill solicited help with the quick development of a water quality monitoring effort that will sample for bacteria, oil, and gas.
Bill reviewed who has been attending the oversight meetings and his subsequent meeting with the consultant developing the master trail plan, Environmental Stewardship & Planning (ESP), to assist with the development of the water quality monitoring component of the draft master plan.
CA State University-Sacramento (CSUS) has been brought in by the trail users in an attempt to acquire an unbiased opinion regarding the water quality issues related to recreational use of the trail.
Bill noted USFS closure of a portion of the trail is pushing recreation users to trespass on Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) lands. SPI is actively pursuing and prosecuting trespassers. Off Highway Vehicle use and their impacts has the potential to be a huge issue in the watershed.
Bill coordinated a collaborative meeting to plan the initiation of water quality monitoring near the Rubicon Trail.
The group was interested in having a presentation on the master plan at a future meeting.
American River Regional Recreation Collaborative Project:
Bill reported that he and Liz Mansfield have been working on the development of a preliminary concept proposal to address Silver Lake water quality issues and Colfax area water quality issues and potential health impacts on down stream area recreational users.
Other Proposals in Action:
Bill briefed the group on other proposals being developed including a USGS proposal to monitor hormones, endocrine stressors, caffeine, and steroids and their potential impacts on ground water.
Bill has collaborated in the development of another Cosumnes, American, Bear, and Yuba (CABY) proposal to explore surface/ground water/water quality relationships. CABY partners are exploring additional studies that need to be pursued in more depth.
Activity Updates:
Public Outreach Team:
Get WET (Water Education Today) Event and American River Confluence Festival Updates: Bill gave a brief review of his ARWG representation at both public education and outreach events.
CSUS Center for Regional and Environmental Science & Technology (CREST) Update:
Bill reviewed the potential opportunity for collaboration with CSUS Professors and students with the formation of CREST meant to respond to intensifying needs for high quality independent studies of the natural and physical environment.
Sediment Dynamics Study: Bill reported the TAC reviewed the first progress report submitted by Tetra Tech (TT). While TT has begun to send out requests for information no matrix to track requests sent and information received was submitted, as requested. The TAC continues to work through issues and provide feedback to the study process. PCWA has reviewed and approved the first invoice in the amount of $5K.
Watershed Coordinator: Bill briefly reviewed his activities over the past month, and handed out copies of his activity report dated June 16th for review.
Open House for Regional Watershed Center Planning: Not discussed.
Stakeholder Reports:
Placer County Water Agency: No report.
Recreation Subcommittee Plans for New Map: No report.
Regional Watershed Coordination Update: No report.
South Fork American River Update: No report.
Next Meeting:
Open Discussion:
Kevin Roberts noted the SPI website now includes water quality monitoring information being generated in the Klamath Basin. He noted the effort may present an opportunity for public education and outreach regarding watershed stewardship.
Adjournment:
The next regular meeting will take place on July 21st at the Canyon View Community Center. The meeting was adjourned at 12:06 p.m.