Hot topics
💥IMPORTANT!💥The city of Sacramento has proposed a Two Rivers Bike Trail extension that would connect a recently built section at Sutter's Landing Park with the paved section near CSU Sacramento and H Street. Unfortunately, the city has proposed building the trail below the levee which would impact sensitive habitat and wildlife instead of a levee top alternative that would be much cheaper and avoid these impacts to the American River Parkway. See the FORB/FOSL comment letter on the project. Off-pavement bike riding is illegal at SLP or elsewhere in the Parkway except for the designated pilot area across the river in the Woodlake area. Unfortunately off-pavement bike riding has increased greatly in the SLP area resulting in vegetation loss and erosion.
💥Support Expanding Sutter's Landing Park💥
The City of Sacramento has applied for Prop 68 funds to expand and enhance Sutter's Landing Park along the American River Parkway through the Lower American River Conservancy. The LARC technical advisory committee is now reviewing applications received and will likely make a recommendation next February. Show support and/or speak in support of this much needed funding. A model letter is available here but feel free to modify as appropriate. Continue to support this important proposal as it goes through the Conservancy selection process through next February.
💥IMPORTANT!💥The lower American River Parkway has been greatly impacted by tree cutting and vegetation removal undertaken by PGE near their power lines last fall and this winter. Instead of following existing guidance to selectively remove trees in danger of impacting towers and power lines, the utility removed a clear swath of sensitive riparian and upland oak habitat. Besides the loss of habitat, shaded areas were opened up that will increase slough water temperatures, invasive plants are likely to spread into these disturbed areas and wildlife and nature viewing and other recreation were impacted. Parkway groups and others requested documentation of environmental studies, agency permitting and that the work be stopped until a collaborative approach could be initiated. PGE ignored these requests and caused significant impacts in the Parkway. This work did not directly impact Sutter's Landing Park but areas across the American River were among those destroyed.
There is much activity swirling around Sutter's Landing Park these days, but no one knows how these various factors will play out. Greatly increased human activity and recreation, numerous projects, activities, plans, visions, and events could, would, or will impact Sutter's Landing. Recent changes or proposals include the installed solar array, built McKinley Village, proposed Caltrans train maintenance facility, recent fires upriver, City plans Two Rivers Bike Trail extension, homeless activities, the $1.5 million grant improvements, a proposed BMX pump track, and more. Pressures from nearby developments like Township 9 will also have an impact on the park. FORB, along with Friends of Sutter's Landing (FOSL), continue to monitor these issues and will keep you posted.
Our consistent message is that Sutter's Landing Park should be a nature-oriented park for all to enjoy. All activities and facilities sited there must be compatible with that vision. Our vision is a large one: restore and enhance the natural values for the entire park, expand the park by acquiring adjoining parcels as they become available, use creative means and new technology to reclaim the landfill. We want the park to include public art, interpretive information, picnic and gathering areas, a nature-themed children's play area, nature center, viewing platform, non-motorized boat launch, hiking trails, and a connection to the bike trail. We are asking the City to revisit the current inadequate Master Plan for Sutter's Landing and work collaboratively with public stakeholders to create a new plan.
There is a lot to see and do at all times of year. Be sure to check our blog link above for more information including recent observations at Sutter's Landing Park.
We've compiled information about wildlife and plants at Sutter's Landing. Gathered over more than the last 5 years, this information paints a picture of a natural community that is thriving despite proximity to the urban population and a degraded environment. This information will be updated as new sightings are made and will help us document the value of this area for wildlife and plants as we work to restore Sutter's Landing to its natural condition. It will also help with a baseline to measure improvement.
There are some extremely important current events that will affect the future of Sutter's Landing Park.
FORB is participating with Friends of Sutter's Landing (FOSL) in developing a long-term vision for the greater Park area. A copy of the vision is available on the "Important Issues" webpage. Along with this effort, we worked with the City of Sacramento to successfully get a $1.5 million grant that includes major renovations and habitat restoration (including a restroom) for the park (see the blog post on 11/26/12). There will be volunteer opportunities to help implement restoration work of the grant.
In May 2013, the City Council approved a 4-acre solar array in the middle of Sutter's Landing Park, despite objections from FORB and FOSL that this was an inappropriate place to site the array. We attempted to work with the City to place the solar array along the railroad tracks and on top of structures and parking lots. We will continue to work with the City to encourage a larger vision that takes the spectacular natural values of the area into account.
picnic and gathering areas, nature-themed children's play area,
There is a lot to see and do at all times of year. Be sure to check our blog link above for more information including recent observations at Sutter's Landing Park.
We've compiled information about wildlife and plants at Sutter's Landing. Gathered over more than the last 5 years, this information paints a picture of a natural community that is thriving despite proximity to the urban population and a degraded environment. This information will be updated as new sightings are made and will help us document the value of this area for wildlife and plants as we work to restore Sutter's Landing to its natural condition. It will also help with a baseline to measure improvement.
There are some extremely important current events that will affect the future of Sutter's Landing Park.
FORB is participating with Friends of Sutter's Landing (FOSL) in developing a long-term vision for the greater Park area. A copy of the vision is available on the "Important Issues" webpage. Along with this effort, we worked with the City of Sacramento to successfully get a $1.5 million grant that includes major renovations and habitat restoration (including a restroom) for the park (see the blog post on 11/26/12). There will be volunteer opportunities to help implement restoration work of the grant.
In May 2013, the City Council approved a 4-acre solar array in the middle of Sutter's Landing Park, despite objections from FORB and FOSL that this was an inappropriate place to site the array. We attempted to work with the City to place the solar array along the railroad tracks and on top of structures and parking lots. We will continue to work with the City to encourage a larger vision that takes the spectacular natural values of the area into account.
💥Support Expanding Sutter's Landing Park💥
The City of Sacramento has applied for Prop 68 funds to expand and enhance Sutter's Landing Park along the American River Parkway through the Lower American River Conservancy. The LARC technical advisory committee is now reviewing applications received and will likely make a recommendation next February. Show support and/or speak in support of this much needed funding. A model letter is available here but feel free to modify as appropriate. Continue to support this important proposal as it goes through the Conservancy selection process through next February.
💥IMPORTANT!💥The lower American River Parkway has been greatly impacted by tree cutting and vegetation removal undertaken by PGE near their power lines last fall and this winter. Instead of following existing guidance to selectively remove trees in danger of impacting towers and power lines, the utility removed a clear swath of sensitive riparian and upland oak habitat. Besides the loss of habitat, shaded areas were opened up that will increase slough water temperatures, invasive plants are likely to spread into these disturbed areas and wildlife and nature viewing and other recreation were impacted. Parkway groups and others requested documentation of environmental studies, agency permitting and that the work be stopped until a collaborative approach could be initiated. PGE ignored these requests and caused significant impacts in the Parkway. This work did not directly impact Sutter's Landing Park but areas across the American River were among those destroyed.
There is much activity swirling around Sutter's Landing Park these days, but no one knows how these various factors will play out. Greatly increased human activity and recreation, numerous projects, activities, plans, visions, and events could, would, or will impact Sutter's Landing. Recent changes or proposals include the installed solar array, built McKinley Village, proposed Caltrans train maintenance facility, recent fires upriver, City plans Two Rivers Bike Trail extension, homeless activities, the $1.5 million grant improvements, a proposed BMX pump track, and more. Pressures from nearby developments like Township 9 will also have an impact on the park. FORB, along with Friends of Sutter's Landing (FOSL), continue to monitor these issues and will keep you posted.
Our consistent message is that Sutter's Landing Park should be a nature-oriented park for all to enjoy. All activities and facilities sited there must be compatible with that vision. Our vision is a large one: restore and enhance the natural values for the entire park, expand the park by acquiring adjoining parcels as they become available, use creative means and new technology to reclaim the landfill. We want the park to include public art, interpretive information, picnic and gathering areas, a nature-themed children's play area, nature center, viewing platform, non-motorized boat launch, hiking trails, and a connection to the bike trail. We are asking the City to revisit the current inadequate Master Plan for Sutter's Landing and work collaboratively with public stakeholders to create a new plan.
There is a lot to see and do at all times of year. Be sure to check our blog link above for more information including recent observations at Sutter's Landing Park.
We've compiled information about wildlife and plants at Sutter's Landing. Gathered over more than the last 5 years, this information paints a picture of a natural community that is thriving despite proximity to the urban population and a degraded environment. This information will be updated as new sightings are made and will help us document the value of this area for wildlife and plants as we work to restore Sutter's Landing to its natural condition. It will also help with a baseline to measure improvement.
There are some extremely important current events that will affect the future of Sutter's Landing Park.
FORB is participating with Friends of Sutter's Landing (FOSL) in developing a long-term vision for the greater Park area. A copy of the vision is available on the "Important Issues" webpage. Along with this effort, we worked with the City of Sacramento to successfully get a $1.5 million grant that includes major renovations and habitat restoration (including a restroom) for the park (see the blog post on 11/26/12). There will be volunteer opportunities to help implement restoration work of the grant.
In May 2013, the City Council approved a 4-acre solar array in the middle of Sutter's Landing Park, despite objections from FORB and FOSL that this was an inappropriate place to site the array. We attempted to work with the City to place the solar array along the railroad tracks and on top of structures and parking lots. We will continue to work with the City to encourage a larger vision that takes the spectacular natural values of the area into account.
picnic and gathering areas, nature-themed children's play area,
There is a lot to see and do at all times of year. Be sure to check our blog link above for more information including recent observations at Sutter's Landing Park.
We've compiled information about wildlife and plants at Sutter's Landing. Gathered over more than the last 5 years, this information paints a picture of a natural community that is thriving despite proximity to the urban population and a degraded environment. This information will be updated as new sightings are made and will help us document the value of this area for wildlife and plants as we work to restore Sutter's Landing to its natural condition. It will also help with a baseline to measure improvement.
There are some extremely important current events that will affect the future of Sutter's Landing Park.
FORB is participating with Friends of Sutter's Landing (FOSL) in developing a long-term vision for the greater Park area. A copy of the vision is available on the "Important Issues" webpage. Along with this effort, we worked with the City of Sacramento to successfully get a $1.5 million grant that includes major renovations and habitat restoration (including a restroom) for the park (see the blog post on 11/26/12). There will be volunteer opportunities to help implement restoration work of the grant.
In May 2013, the City Council approved a 4-acre solar array in the middle of Sutter's Landing Park, despite objections from FORB and FOSL that this was an inappropriate place to site the array. We attempted to work with the City to place the solar array along the railroad tracks and on top of structures and parking lots. We will continue to work with the City to encourage a larger vision that takes the spectacular natural values of the area into account.
Swainson's Hawk near Hwy 160 this March 2015. Photo courtesy Kathy Kayner
Get involved
There are endless opportunities to enjoy nature. Part of that enjoyment can include activities to protect remaining wild areas, enhance habitats that are degraded, and add to our knowledge and understanding of what wildlife species rely on Sutter's Landing Park and surrounding areas. Join with us and others to build a great future for Sutter's Landing Park and more.
- Sutter's Landing Pretty Book--Friends of Sutter's Landing (FOSL) and FORB created a beautiful brochure that includes photos and information about the vision for Sutter's Landing Park.
- We also created a vision map (thanks to H.T. Harvey and Associates) for the entire Sutter's Landing area to show what is possible for this area. This vision should help guide future decisions and opportunities at Sutter's Landing Park.
- A Google shared spreadsheet is now available to help document incidents encountered while at Sutter’s Landing Park. Anyone can enter new info including off-leash dogs, illegal camping, fires, etc. This was requested by city staff to get a better handle on the types of problems occurring. Any help gathering this data is appreciated. You use the County Oak Leaf or County 311 apps for actual reporting to get a ranger response. The 311 app has been updated and is getting more use for regional park issues now. You don’t have to identify yourself if you prefer not to and will get a confirmation for tracking and follow-up. You can also call the Sheriff’s dispatch, 874-5115, for non-emergencies and they will get routed to rangers. You can also use the 875-PARK/7275. For active incidents that need rapid attention, the calls will be more effective. 911 is the right call to use for fires and other immediate threats. Also, a reminder not to be confrontational when taking incident photos and/or reporting.
- An experimental 311 widget has been added below to help with reviewing and reporting issues in the lower American River Parkway area. You may be able to report incidents directly to the 311 system from here. 1/30/16
Sutter's Landing Park Jurisdiction & Coordination Meeting Held.
On 9/9/15, FOSL, FORB and other concerned citizens met with local city and county elected officials and representatives from the many local agencies that have management or enforcement responsibilities at Sutter's Landing Park. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the greatly increased use of the Park and American River Parkway at this location including more illegal activities and conflicts. The meeting helped all have a better understanding of the many issues and agencies with a role. Some suggestions were shared with Councilman Harris and Supervisor Serna with the understanding that there would be followup. A town hall was proposed earlier by citizen participants but no further details are available at this time. A Sutter's Landing Park incident reporting table has been initiated by FOSL to help document problems and responses. Further changes will likely be made to this report as it is used more.
Sutter's Landing Park Tree Removal Mitigation Committee Report
The attached 28th Street Landfill Tree Removal Mitigation Committee Report to City Council (Report) provides recommendations to the City Council from the Committee on how to accomplish the goals established in Resolution 2011-609 while meeting the City’s post- closure requirements for the Landfill and maintaining consistency with the Sutter’s Landing Park Master Plan. Staff recommended that City Council approve the Report, with the amendments proposed by the Parks and Recreation Commission as discussed below, and approve a determination of exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act. 3/13/12.
The report was approved by the City Council and habitat restoration work conducted to establish new habitat on adjacent land in Sutter's Landing Park and the American River Parkway. The site is now established and being monitored to ensure it is successful.
On 9/9/15, FOSL, FORB and other concerned citizens met with local city and county elected officials and representatives from the many local agencies that have management or enforcement responsibilities at Sutter's Landing Park. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the greatly increased use of the Park and American River Parkway at this location including more illegal activities and conflicts. The meeting helped all have a better understanding of the many issues and agencies with a role. Some suggestions were shared with Councilman Harris and Supervisor Serna with the understanding that there would be followup. A town hall was proposed earlier by citizen participants but no further details are available at this time. A Sutter's Landing Park incident reporting table has been initiated by FOSL to help document problems and responses. Further changes will likely be made to this report as it is used more.
Sutter's Landing Park Tree Removal Mitigation Committee Report
The attached 28th Street Landfill Tree Removal Mitigation Committee Report to City Council (Report) provides recommendations to the City Council from the Committee on how to accomplish the goals established in Resolution 2011-609 while meeting the City’s post- closure requirements for the Landfill and maintaining consistency with the Sutter’s Landing Park Master Plan. Staff recommended that City Council approve the Report, with the amendments proposed by the Parks and Recreation Commission as discussed below, and approve a determination of exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act. 3/13/12.
The report was approved by the City Council and habitat restoration work conducted to establish new habitat on adjacent land in Sutter's Landing Park and the American River Parkway. The site is now established and being monitored to ensure it is successful.
Report on June 19 Community Meeting
- A community meeting, sponsored by Councilman Steve Cohn, was held on June 19 at the old Bailer Building. Over 200 people turned out to share their vision for Sutter's Landing Park. The majority came to champion a nature-oriented park; there was another large contingent in support of a BMX Pump Track. However, to the disappointment of many, the format of the meeting did not allow for open discussion but was instead an "open house" in which city staff stood at stations with exhibits and the public was invited to talk with them one-on-one. Steve Cohn has said there will be a follow-up Town Meeting in the near future.
The city had a packet of material which included a "wish list" of proposed projects, however, there were not enough for most of the crowd (we have scanned them below). Public comment on these items will be received until July 19. Friends of Sutter's Landing is urging the city to stop doing piecemeal development and look at the entire Sutter's Landing Park (including areas that the city is planning to annex in the future) to come up with an overall cohesive master plan. Note that the current master plan is obsolete, having been largely ignored in the development that has been done to date.
The public has until July 19 to comment on the wish list. We'll link to the city's website when the documents become available.
Information Packet (includes meeting agenda, maps, city's wish list)
Comment Card (two-sided; due July 19)
Archived issues
- City of Sacramento's Sutter's Landing Solar Project--a proposal to put solar panels on the Great Mound at Sutters Landing. FORB has many concerns about this plan. Here are some draft talking points that explain why Sutter's Landing is the wrong location for this project (these will be refined soon).
- A revised solar project is under development for Sutter's Landing Park. There are issues remaining to be resolved and a chance to participate. An update on the current situation is available below. Also see 12/26/12 "North Forty at Sutter's Landing Park" blog post.
Conergy_Solar_Bio_Resources_11.16.12DTSreview | |
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Sutters_Landing_Solar_Project-Stockpile_Update | |
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