River Canyon Acquisition Advances Protection of Free-Flowing River

On August 29th the American River Conservancy completed the purchase of 1,059 acres of Cosumnes River canyon lands from Angelo Tsakopoulos for $4.8 million. These purchased lands protect an additional 1.5 miles of river canyon from future residential development on the North and Main Forks of the Cosumnes River immediately east and west of Highway 49 in both El Dorado and Amador Counties.

Acquired lands make up the southern portion of the larger 7,868 acre El Dorado Ranch (historically known as the Cook Ranch). In the mid-1990’s, McCuen Properties proposed a subdivision of 569 rural lots across this ranch. The project was abandoned when it met with legal challenges from neighboring residents, environmental groups and Amador County. Angelo Tsakopoulos purchased the ranch from the McCuen family in 2005.

“One of the goals of the American River Conservancy,” stated its director, Alan Ehrgott, “is to protect the native fisheries, the extensive wildlife corridor and preserve the excellent quality of water flowing downstream to Sacramento and other communities throughout central and southern California. This acquisition will allow for the construction of a trailhead that will provide future access to the Cosumnes River. “

The Cosumnes River is one of the last undammed river systems on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada. The Cosumnes River does not have dams on its North, Middle, South or Main Forks and serves as a rare model of a free-flowing river system. The acquisition of this property will help expand the protection of the Cosumnes River from its headwaters to its confluence with the Mokelumne River.

Over the past 10 years, the American River Conservancy has completed the purchase of twelve properties fronting the upper Cosumnes River, protecting 5,000 acres of significant riparian habitats beneficial to a number of native fishes, including rainbow trout and fall run Chinook salmon, and other mammals, birds and insect populations.

Purchase funds were provided through competitive grants from the State Wildlife Conservation Board, the River Parkways Grant Program administered by the California Natural Resources Agency, The Conservation Alliance and donations provided by American River Conservancy supporters.

“Modern California developed around rivers, and over time the rivers became secondary to what was around them.  State voters provided bond funds to upgrade access and take advantage of the opportunities provided by rivers in urban and rural areas of our state. The River Parkway grants help communities connect with nature, promote public health by providing greater outdoor recreation opportunities, and protect the rivers that provide us with clean water,” said Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird. “The El Dorado Ranch project is a great example of a non-profit working together with the state to protect one of California’s most unique river systems.”

The American River Conservancy is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary. It has completed 77 conservation projects protecting over 13,549 acres of native fisheries, endangered species habitat and recreational lands within the upper American and Cosumnes River watersheds. The Conservancy also provides interpretive hikes, educational programs to schools and volunteer opportunities to the greater Sacramento metropolitan region. For program information contact American River Conservancy 

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Mailing Address: American River Conservancy PO Box 562 Coloma, CA  95613     US
Contact Name: Alan Ehrgott & Elena DeLacy Telephone Number: (530) 295-2190