The California Natural Resources Agency recently released its draft Mokelumne River Wild and Scenic Study Report, recommending that 37 miles of the Mokelumne River be added to the California Wild and Scenic River System. (Specifically, the NF and mainstem from below Salt Springs Dam to Pardee Reservoir's flood surcharge pool downstream of Highway 49 near Jackson.)

The California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act preserves rivers that have extraordinary scenic, recreational, fishery, or wildlife values. If ultimately designated, the Mokelumne will be protected from new dams and diversions in the designated reaches.

The Mokelumne has something to offer every paddler, and also offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities, including family camping, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, gold panning, wildflower viewing and family outings. Overall, the river is known for its forested granite canyons, wildlife and extraordinary scenery.

Your comments by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 8th, can help support protecting this river for generations to come. 

The draft report recognizes the Mokelumne's extraordinary scenic and recreational resources, and recommends special provisions to protect the river while addressing concerns about water rights, which we support. However, the draft report fails to recognize the extraordinary wildlife values of the Mokelumne. The river corridor is home to numerous special status species and a state-defined natural landscape block for wildlife. There is also potential to restore spawning habitat for fall-run Chinook salmon, and we believe the Mokelumne's wildlife values are worthy of inclusion.

We encourage you to speak up in support of protecting the Mokelumne as a state Wild and Scenic River. Your letter will have more impact if you share a thought or two about why protecting the Moke is important to you, and about your personal experiences on the river. Thanks for taking action today!