Monitoring Stream Violations at Loma Rica Ranch
January 2023 — Heavy rains this year, in December & January, led to sediment discharging into Olympia, Whitewater, and Wolf Creeks just downstream of the phase I construction of the Loma Rica Ranch Development. Documentation by WCCA, consultation with the CA Water Board and meetings with the Loma Rica Ranch project manager led to significantly improved BMPs that have reduced sediment and turbidity to levels that no longer threaten aquatic ecosystems and its species, in particular native trout. WCCA is grateful for the support of the Loma Rica Ranch development, the City of Grass Valley, and the CA Water Board for their work in resolving this issue.
Wolf Creek Trail Extension
February 2023 — WCCA met with City of Grass Valley officials to learn more about future plans for the corner parcel recently acquired by the city as a trailhead connecting a future extension of the Wolf Creek Trail into trails along Wolf and Olympia Creeks in the Loma Rica Development. Currently, a modified sewer connection to the Loma Rico Ranch development is being dug near Wolf Creek at the edge of the parcel. The new city property protects the confluence of Olympia, Whitewater and Wolf Creeks, significant riparian and grassland habitat, and an historic stone railroad abutment that connects to the old railroad grade following Wolf Creek. Eventual plans for the parcel depend on funding. WCCA is advocating for development of the parcel that protects and restores its natural features, educates the public about the watershed and the land’s history, and serves as a crucial link in a greater Wolf Creek Trail.
WCCA Completes 2 self-guided walks and 2 interpretive bicycle tours in Grass Valley
Wolf Creek Community Alliance (WCCA) has completed the installation of two self-guided walks and two bicycle tours with intriguing information about the natural and cultural history of the Wolf Creek Watershed. The walking tours use QR codes to highlight points of interest. The bicycle tours use the app Ride with GPS. All information is in English and Spanish.
As you walk the Litton and Wolf Creek Trails in Grass Valley, you can scan the 3-inch square QR codes mounted on posts, using your phone’s camera, to learn more about the watershed. Each trail highlights ten or more points of interest. You may start from any entrance on either trail. The Daspah Seyo Trail, the footpath below the paved Wolf Creek Trail, also has a few points of interest.
In addition, you can learn more when you take your road bike on two Ride with GPS tours. The Wolf Creek Headwaters and Gold Mine Tour (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42489648) is an 8.2-mile loop beginning and ending at Empire Mine State Historic Park (EMSHP) and highlights the headwater tributaries and watershed divides of the Wolf Creek watershed and a couple of large defunct gold mines. The 20-mile Watershed Ride (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42489997) also begins and ends at EMSHP but with several more creek crossings along beautiful sections of the watershed.
This project was created by WCCA in collaboration with the Bear Yuba Land Trust, the City of Grass Valley, the Sierra Express Bike Club, and with generous financial support from the Schwemm Family Foundation for all four tours. The City of Grass Valley and the Redbud Chapter of the California Native Plant Society provided support for work done on the Wolf Creek Trail and Daspah Seyo Nisenan Garden. WCCA is collaborating with the Nevada City Rancheria Nisenan Tribe, Grass Valley Charter School, and students in Nevada Union’s Climate Change Club, with the help of many WCCA volunteers, on the Daspah Seyo Nisenan Garden.