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The East Carson River
is fed by the melting snows from the Sierra Nevada, flowing eastward
for more than 57 miles through California and into the Nevada desert.
The river is considered only one of two major eastern Sierra streams
that are free flowing and un-dammed over much of their length. The East Carson transitions through a visually and biologically distinctive mosaic of vegetation; from high alpine meadows, to sub-alpine fir and white pine forests, to the dominant eastside forests of Jeffrey pine, and then to the pinyon-juniper-sagebrush ecosystem of the Great Basin desert. A diverse assemblage of wildlife species, including mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, golden eagles, and Canada geese, live in the river canyon. The river also provides habitat for the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout, as well as trophy-sized non-native rainbow and brown trout prized by anglers. An extensive network of backcountry trails for hikers, backpackers, anglers, hunters, and equestrians is found along the upper river in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. Kayakers and rafters enjoy the lower river's gentle class II rapids, as well as its outstanding scenery and river-side hot springs. The East Carson has significant Native American cultural values associated with the Washoe tribe. The river was named after Kit Carson, who explored the area with John C. Fremont in 1844. The Forest Service considers the entire river from its source to the former Ruhenstroth diversion dam just south of Gardnerville, Nevada, to be eligible for National Wild & Scenic status in recognition of its outstanding scenic, recreational, fishery, and wildlife values. Designation as a Wild & Scenic River would preclude new dams and require that the public lands along the river be managed to protect its outstanding natural values. How To Get There: Take Hwy 89 south from Lake Tahoe, past the town of Markleeville, to the rafters access point at Hangman's Bridge. Driving further south on Hwy 89 and then west on Hwy 4 provides access to Carson-Iceberg Wilderness trailheads. For more information on trails and other recreational opportunities, contact the Forest Service's Carson Ranger Station at 1536 S. Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701, phone: (702) 882-2766. Senator Boxer has just introduced a bill, California Wild Heritage Act that would designate over 2.5 million acres of wildlands as Wilderness and 450 miles of river as Wild and Scenic. We are working now to get Senator Feinstein to support the bill. Please take time to send Senator Feinstein a letter. You can use the sample letter below as a guide.
Sample Letter: The Honorable Dianne
Feinstein Dear Senator Feinstein: As a business owner/resident/boater/fishermen enjoying the East Carson River, I am writing to support Wild and Scenic status. (Add personal experience about your trip(s) and why this is important to you, your family, business or community). Having this remarkable river protected for future generations ensures that habitat for terrestrial and aquatic species will be preserved, as well as contributing to the economy of the region as many businesses rely on a healthy and vibrant environment to attract tourists dollars to the area. Please support the California Wild Heritage Act (S.2535) which would protect the East Carson as well as other rivers and important wildlands. I am very interested in your position and look forward to hearing your response on this issue. Sincerely, Name Address For more information
contact Friends of the River at 916-442-3155, mail your questions
or comments to:
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