The SNC Board awards nearly $1.5 million in new Proposition 68 recreation grants

Two people in kayaks in a river surrounded by reeds with mountains in the background. — Two kayakers enjoy a day out on the Lower Owens River. A grant from the SNC will improve a 6-mile-long paddling route on the river, which includes a new public access, ADA-accessible launch site and take-out site. Photo courtesy County of Inyo.

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC), a California state agency focused on improving the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the Sierra-Cascade, approved nearly $1.5 million from Proposition 68 for new projects that will boost sustainable recreation and tourism in the Sierra-Cascade. The Board also received an update on a $100,000 executive officer-authorized grant that will help communities and individuals affected by gray wolves that have migrated into California from neighboring states.

“It is exciting to see our Board continue the momentum on our goal to build sustainable tourism in the Sierra-Cascade region by approving these investments that will definitely help boost recreation opportunities and increase outdoor access,” said Angela Avery, Executive Officer for the SNC. “Additionally, the emergence of gray wolves back into California is an incredible sight to see, but has come with some serious challenges, especially to Northeast California ranchers. Investing funds to help counties affected by the presence of the wolves, and neighboring counties that could be impacted by migration, is a priority of the SNC and the state.”

Investments boost recreation in three counties

The new recreation and tourism grants went to projects in Alpine, Butte, and Inyo counties. Alpine County received a grant for $498,572 for the Markleeville Disc Golf/Charity Valley Trailhead project that will improve the Charity Valley Trailhead and construct a 27-hole disc golf course adjacent to the trailhead. The new disc golf course will help fill the gap left when the 2021 Tamarack Fire destroyed a very popular nearby disc golf course that generated significant tourism in the county.

In 2020, the North Complex Fire greatly impacted recreation infrastructure at the Feather Falls Scenic Area by destroying much of the 7.3-mile trail, a scenic overlook, three trail bridges, and most of a campground. The Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California were awarded $495,001 from the SNC to implement the second phase of restoration efforts, which includes finalizing designs, completing site preparation, and constructing a new campground on approximately six acres.

A hilltop view of large rocks, trees and a mountain range — View from the top of what will be hole #3 on the new disc golf course outside Markleeville. Photo courtesy Alpine County.

Inyo County received a $498,610 grant for its Owens River Water Trail project, which will help create a 6.1-mile paddling route for non-motorized watercraft and the addition of both a durable, ADA-accessible, public access launch site and take-out site on the Lower Owens River. The new facilities will be located on land owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power but will be managed under a long-term lease by Inyo County.

Grant supports coexistence with wolves

The Board also received an update on a $100,000 Wildlife Coexistence Capacity Grant to the UC Cooperative Extension authorized by the executive officer to support outreach and education in Sierra-Cascade counties impacted by the presence and potential expansion of gray wolves. Despite being driven out of California in the 1920s, some gray wolves have slowly migrated back from neighboring states. It is estimated there are at least 70 wolves representing up to 10 packs, primarily occupying northeastern California.

The intent of the grant is to help build connection and to provide community leaders and decision-makers with the knowledge and skills needed to serve as trusted resources for county residents currently coexisting, and neighboring county residents that may coexist in the future, with gray wolves. The SNC funding will support peer-to-peer learning, regional meetings for ranching communities, and Ranching with Wolves symposiums that facilitate the sharing of information, tools, and strategies.

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