Protect American River Canyons

PARC began in 1972, with its primary mission of opposing construction of Auburn Dam and advocating for the long-term protection of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. Our tools are volunteers, community involvement, and river education. The North and Middle Forks of the American River flow westward through scenic Sierra Nevada canyons. Within these two forks is the Auburn State Recreation Area encompassing 48 river miles and over 30,000 acres that include nationally significant recreational, cultural, and natural features and which draws one million visitors each year from all over California.

PARC has been protecting the North and Middle fork of the American river and canyons for the past 50 years. With a membership and volunteer base of over 500 people, our accomplishments include:

-Working with State and county officials to remove bridge debris from the confluence of North and Middle fork of the American river.
- Published the The American River: Insider's Guide to Recreation, Ecology, and Cultural History of the North, Middle, and South Forks, a 416-page resource guidebook to the canyons (2013);
- Produced 'The Wild and Scenic North Fork American' film/DVD (2013) production

California Wild & Scenic River designation for the North Fork as a way to obtain permanent protection.
- Published the Auburn State Recreation Area Trails and River Map in two versions, paper and waterproof synthetic (2015);
- Sponsors the annual PARC High School Senior Scholarship Essay Contest (since 2012) as an effective means to make contact with the next generation of river advocates and to make them aware of PARC's existence and mission
- Present the "On Tour Wilde Scenic" film festival
- Established the PARC Legacy Fund in partnership with the Placer Community Foundation to build an endowment for financial support for the future (2013)
- Organizes outdoor events, such as hikes, trail maintenance projects, and Paddle Safety Day to help people connect with the watershed and its resources
- Coordinates annual spring and fall river canyon clean-up events (for over 20 years) to promote canyon stewardship
- Collaborates with local land trusts to protect American River watershed lands
- Conducts multimedia watershed education presentations to public and school groups
- Publishes and distributes seasonal newsletters and events calendars
- Collaborated with State of California Attorney General for the closure of the Auburn Dam diversion tunnel and 2007 restoration of the North Fork to its natural channel
- Purchased and continues to oversee over 100 acres of canyon land on the North Fork
- Created and produced annual American River Confluence Festival for 21 years (1992-2012)
- Published a new information brochure