Title
Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division, recommends the Commission approve the Draft River Management Annual Report 2023.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The annual report is a requirement of the River Management Plan specified in Chapter 4 of the plan. Annually a report of the year is prepared and this report goes to the Parks and Recreation Commission for approval. The complete report is attached. The highlights of the year are as follows:
January 1, 2023 started off with major flooding all over El Dorado County which everyone along the South Fork of the American River experienced. High water remained a factor as the rafting season began resulting in a late start to the season. County river staff met with outfitters to discuss high water safety measures including a two-boat minimum and wet suits for clients. The water found a consistent flow by the end of June. Fortunately, the rafting season ended with close-to-normal user days with August and September having good user day numbers. Yearly averages have been above 70,000 over the last 5 years except for 2020 which was low due to Covid 19.
County staff temporarily closed Henningsen Lotus Park due to flood waters in the parking lot at the park. The storm damaged the well pump, parking lot, boat ramp and safety kiosk. The park was reopened as soon as most of the repairs and clean up was done. FEMA was contacted for repair and mitigation measures to minimize flooding damage in the future.
River use totals for 2023 were 72,598 as compared to 73,097 in 2022.
Goals set in the 2022 report were accomplished in 2023. These included Inner Tuber counts at Hwy 49 bridge and more focus on river use between Marshall Gold State Park and Henningsen Lotus Park. Public education at river access locations regarding PFD (life jackets), Glass and Trespassing were also a high focus.
Our goals for 2024 will be to continue public education and monitor river use between Marshall Gold and Henningsen Lotus Parks. We will also work on the boat ramp area repair and improvements.
CONTACT
Tim Canavarro, Parks Program Coordinator
Jennifer Franich, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer