Upper South Fork American Alert

John T. Gangemi of American Whitewater is circulating the following alert, and has asked Dreamflows to publish it.  Please help circulate the alert below to appropriate locations in the CA paddling community.


Paddlers Alert
Upper South Fork American River Hydropower Project

To:    California Whitewater Community
From:    American Whitewater
Subject:    Upper South Fork American Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2101

American Whitewater urges paddlers to attend the scoping meetings for the relicensing of Sacramento Municipal Utility District's (SMUD) hydroelectric projects on the upper South Fork American River.  SMUD staff will record public comments regarding the scope of the environmental analysis to be conducted.  Attendance by the paddling community is critical to insure that instream flow issues for recreation are included in the relicense process.  See the list of key issues below.  You can also submit written comments on the scoping document.  Written comments are due October 13, 2003.  Contact us if you need assistance filing written comments.

The Upper South Fork American hydroelectric project contains a complex network of dams, diversions, tunnels and powerhouses that alter the timing and volume of flows in the following river reaches:

SF American below Slab Creek
SF Silver Creek below Icehouse
Silver Creek below Camino Reservoir
Silver Creek below Junction Reservoir (i.e. above Camino Reservoir)
SF Rubicon
Upper Rubicon
Gerle Creek

American Whitewater, largely through the efforts of local volunteer Chris Shackleton, has been tracking this relicense proceeding.  Your attendance at the scoping meetings can help lend a voice and support to Chris's hard efforts.

Public Scoping Meeting:
Date:    Tuesday, September 9, 2003
Time:    6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location:    SMUD Customer Service Center, Rubicon Room, 6301 S Street, Sacramento, CA
Directions:    Download the PDF file

Public Scoping Meeting:
Date:    Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Time:    9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location:    SMUD Customer Service Center, Rubicon Room, 6301 S Street, Sacramento, CA
Directions:    Download the PDF file

Public Scoping Meeting:
Date:    Thursday, September 11, 2003
Time:    6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location:    Building C, County Government Center, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA
Directions:    Download the PDF file

Site Visit:
Date:    Friday, September 12, 2003
Time:    8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location:    SMUD's Fresh Pond Office, near Pollock Pines, CA
Note:    Please confirm your attendance with Carol Szuch, phone 916-732-6733 or send e-mail

Key Whitewater Issues:

It's important for members of the whitewater community to be present at the public meeting.  Written comments will be accepted by SMUD through Saturday, October 13, 2003.  Comments should be mailed to:

David F. Hanson
Project Manager
Hydro Relicensing
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
6301 S Street
Mail Stop A352
Sacramento, CA 95816-1899
or comments may be emailed to David F. Hanson.

American Whitewater will be filing comments with SMUD by October 13th.  We encourage local paddlers and paddling groups to coordinate with American Whitewater and Chris Shackleton.  Please contact Chris or John Gangemi as soon as possible if you are able to attend a scoping meeting or the site visit.


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