Gateway to the American River
Fall on the river under continuing low flow conditions
Sutter’s Landing Park is a natural treasure in the heart of Sacramento. It serves as a historic gateway to the 31.5-mile American River Parkway, which enjoys more than 8 million visitor days per year—more than Yosemite National Park! Friends of Sutter's Landing Park (FOSL) has created a vision offers a unique opportunity to enhance the quality of life of residents today and for future generations. The park could become a legacy project for the City of Sacramento, enriching the livability of our city and making it a destination for families, nature-lovers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Sutter’s Landing could be a nature park in the middle of the central city, providing habitat for wildlife, as well as great access to trails along the American River for people. There exists an opportunity to add to the current park by adding to and widening the corridor along the river that supports wildlife, by expanding access for people to enjoy this resource through additional nature trails, and by helping inspire children and their families through increasing opportunities to learn about science, nature, and the history of this important site.
Please consider joining FOSL to make this happen!
IMPORTANT NEWS!
AB 1716 approved creating a new state conservancy for the Lower American River Parkway. The governor signed Assembly Bill 1716, the bill to create a state conservancy program for the Lower American River Parkway, on September 16, 2016. The Lower American River Conservancy Program (LARC) is now in place under the state Wildlife Conservation Board. The governor's recent budgets have provided several million dollars in funding for the LARC and with the passage of Prop 68 this year an additional $10 million in funding for projects is now available. The approved legislation created an advisory committee with representation by various state and local agencies as well as key nonprofit organizations. The committee meets regularly and will soon make recommendations on proposed projects. FOSL's vision for Sutter's Landing Park as Sacramento's gateway to the American River Parkway can become reality through the LARC process. Additional funding could become available later this year if Prop 3 passes in the general election.
Sacramento County is now seeking a $500,000 grant from WCB to finally develop the Natural Resource Management Plan for the American River Parkway which will be a critical tool in setting priorities for protecting and restoring wildlife habitat and other natural resources primarily through the Lower American River Conservancy Program. Public participation in the NRMP and overall LARC are critical. Also note that the approved legislation for the new conservancy requires at least 20% of approved funds target disadvantaged communities along the American River Parkway providing an important means of providing parklands, open space and recreation for these communities.
Friend's of Sutter's Landing Park is now in the process of becoming a 501c3 status with the State of California. This will allow FOSL to work more closely with the Lower American River Conservancy and other organizations and agencies.
How a Former Phoenix Landfill Became Home for Displaced Burrowing Owls
The last known burrowing owl was seen at Sutter's Landing Park in 2007 in an area that has been altered by heavy equipment and the species seems to be on the decline in many locations. There is some habitat remaining at SLP and more could be restored as was the case with a former landfill in Phoenix. This type of effort is a priority for Friends of Sutter's Landing Park, Friends of the River Banks and other local groups. The recent approval of AB 1716 creating a new state conservancy for the Lower American River Parkway should be an effective tool for this type of effort.
A first cut draft map looking at American River Parkway vegetation, habitats, connectivity and surrounding 2050 urban growth projections. The intent is to create a useful tool to help with the development of a Natural Resource Management Plan for the Parkway while learning more about the capabilities of Data Basin, a free mapping and analytical tool. A PDF file of this draft map is also available.
Sutter’s Landing could be a nature park in the middle of the central city, providing habitat for wildlife, as well as great access to trails along the American River for people. There exists an opportunity to add to the current park by adding to and widening the corridor along the river that supports wildlife, by expanding access for people to enjoy this resource through additional nature trails, and by helping inspire children and their families through increasing opportunities to learn about science, nature, and the history of this important site.
Please consider joining FOSL to make this happen!
IMPORTANT NEWS!
AB 1716 approved creating a new state conservancy for the Lower American River Parkway. The governor signed Assembly Bill 1716, the bill to create a state conservancy program for the Lower American River Parkway, on September 16, 2016. The Lower American River Conservancy Program (LARC) is now in place under the state Wildlife Conservation Board. The governor's recent budgets have provided several million dollars in funding for the LARC and with the passage of Prop 68 this year an additional $10 million in funding for projects is now available. The approved legislation created an advisory committee with representation by various state and local agencies as well as key nonprofit organizations. The committee meets regularly and will soon make recommendations on proposed projects. FOSL's vision for Sutter's Landing Park as Sacramento's gateway to the American River Parkway can become reality through the LARC process. Additional funding could become available later this year if Prop 3 passes in the general election.
Sacramento County is now seeking a $500,000 grant from WCB to finally develop the Natural Resource Management Plan for the American River Parkway which will be a critical tool in setting priorities for protecting and restoring wildlife habitat and other natural resources primarily through the Lower American River Conservancy Program. Public participation in the NRMP and overall LARC are critical. Also note that the approved legislation for the new conservancy requires at least 20% of approved funds target disadvantaged communities along the American River Parkway providing an important means of providing parklands, open space and recreation for these communities.
Friend's of Sutter's Landing Park is now in the process of becoming a 501c3 status with the State of California. This will allow FOSL to work more closely with the Lower American River Conservancy and other organizations and agencies.
How a Former Phoenix Landfill Became Home for Displaced Burrowing Owls
The last known burrowing owl was seen at Sutter's Landing Park in 2007 in an area that has been altered by heavy equipment and the species seems to be on the decline in many locations. There is some habitat remaining at SLP and more could be restored as was the case with a former landfill in Phoenix. This type of effort is a priority for Friends of Sutter's Landing Park, Friends of the River Banks and other local groups. The recent approval of AB 1716 creating a new state conservancy for the Lower American River Parkway should be an effective tool for this type of effort.
A first cut draft map looking at American River Parkway vegetation, habitats, connectivity and surrounding 2050 urban growth projections. The intent is to create a useful tool to help with the development of a Natural Resource Management Plan for the Parkway while learning more about the capabilities of Data Basin, a free mapping and analytical tool. A PDF file of this draft map is also available.
Lower American River in Parkway Plan
