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Keep Cache Creek Wild and Scenic
Cache Creek is a land of deep canyons and steep ridges graced with oak woodlands, grasslands, chaparral, streamside forest, groves of gray pine, and other important low elevation habitats. The region’s chaparral ecosystem is so pristine that according to the Bureau of Land Management, “There are no other stands of this size that are largely free of man's influence.” Assembly Bill 1328 (Wolk), the Cache Creek Wild & Scenic River Act, would add 31 miles of Cache Creek in Lake and Yolo Counties to the California Wild & Scenic Rivers System.
Cache Creek is located in the scenic Coast Range northwest of Sacramento. Upper Cache Creek is eligible for State Wild and Scenic designation because of its outstanding wildlife, cultural, recreational, and scenic value. In addition to being one of the most popular whitewater boating streams close to the Bay Area and Sacramento, the area offers outstanding hiking and horseback riding opportunities. The region hosts the second largest wintering bald eagle population in California, a large herd of tule elk (the world’s smallest elk species), black bear, beaver, river otter, bobcat, mountain lion, prairie falcon, golden eagle and other species. The area is blanketed by a profuse spring wildflower display and a large assemblage of rare plants. It is also rich in Native American cultural heritage. The segment proposed for state designation flows largely through public lands managed by federal, state, and county park agencies.
AB 1328’s Wild & Scenic designation would help protect the creek’s extraordinary scenic, recreational, wildlife, and fishery qualities. The bill was carefully crafted to ensure that it would not affect local water rights, farms, private property, or efforts to abate mine pollution or control non-native vegetation. As a result, AB 1328 has a diverse collection of supporters including county supervisors and city councils, dozens of businesses and the local Chamber of Commerce, conservation groups, and numerous university professors and scientists. Among Republicans supporting the bill is former Rep. Pete McCloskey, who farms on Cache Creek just below the 31-mile stretch. Farmers wouldn’t lose a drop of water under the bill, McCloskey wrote in a letter to the governor.
As California’s population continues to increase and urbanize, the need for open space and recreational opportunities grows. Cache Creek is a remnant of our wild heritage. It provides residents and statewide visitors with a rare and unique opportunity to enjoy the Creek’s aquatic, riparian, and recreational resources. As a State Wild & Scenic River, Cache Creek’s outstanding values can bring additional economic benefit to California.
