Bear PARC
Bear Protection And Restoration Collaborative
Bear River Breaking News!
Centennial Dam is dead. Nevada Irrigation District Board of Directors voted in their September 25 meeting to end the project. From NID General Manager Jennifer Hansen: “The Board adopted a resolution to remove Centennial Dam from consideration.”
NOW: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT TO THE RIVER? WHAT HAPPENS TO THE LANDS NID PURCHASED FOR THIS NOW ABANDONED PROJECT?
Our community voices must be heard in the planning and decisions that will determine the future of our Bear River now that the dam is dead. Learn more and get involved!
What will become of those lands? Will they go on the auction block and return to random private ownership? Or will all those lands stay in public ownership and be dedicated to watershed health, firesafe ecosystem management, and the scenic and recreational benefit to our community?
Even the future of a Bear River Park (formerly Bear River Campground) is at risk.
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The map below shows what’s at stake.
BearPARC is dedicated to convening the community dialogue to explore the most beneficial next steps for those seven miles of river canyon. We are going from the chaos and divisiveness of the reservoir proposal to a future vision that can embrace our highest community interests and values. Let’s fall in love with this stretch of the river, and work together to fashion its future.
The map shows the seven miles of river at stake, from Rollins Reservoir to Combie Reservoir. The Bear River Fishing Access (formerly Bear River Campground) is at the heart of this river reach. Accessible 6 minutes off Interstate 80 by either Milk Ranch Road from Colfax or Plum Tree Road from the Canyon Way exit, this park has been operated for decades by Placer County and is much used and loved by thousands of people from Placer and beyond every year.
Downstream of Bear River Public Access is Dog Bar Bridge, which has been a favorite recreational destination accessible from Weimar/Applegate/Meadow Vista and Lake of the Pines (LOP) on the Nevada County side. Decades ago there was even a campground on Dog Bar. The reach of river between the park and Dog Bar bridge is a favorite of kayakers, rafters and inner tubers every spring and early summer, as it is a gentle yet thrilling float through gorgeous Bear River canyonlands (photo at top of this page is taken just upstream of the Dog Bar Bridge).
Even further downstream, the river is can be reached on Combie Road from Meadow Vista or Rutherford Road from LOP via Magnolia on the Nevada County side. Unfortunately, NID and the Teichert quarry operations have prevented access to this part of the river. And the Peaceful Valley road access is likewise blocked by private owners and NID.
Way upstream above Bear River park and below Hwy 174 is the historic Ben Taylor crossing, which was the old stage crossing from Grass Valley/Nevada City to the railroad in Colfax. NID now owns the old Hansen quarry on the Nevada County side at the end of Dog Bar Road, but that access is blocked by NID. And the access from Ben Taylor Road on the Placer County side is likewise blocked by NID and private ownership.
Imagine for a moment if this seven miles was managed for scenic, recreational and wildlife benefits, with ready access all along the way. What are the benefits to the community, to the river and to the earth, if these lands remained in public ownership and were managed for social, economic, and environmental values? Are you ready? Let’s do this together!
And, if you want to really dream big, the future of the Bear River is NOT just about the future of the NID post-Centennial Dam property disposition or the Bear River Campground future. Relax, sit back, and take a tour of what the possible futures are for the whole Bear River watershed. Visit BearPARC’s Watershed Vision page.
