North Beach River Access Improvement Project
Public Meeting – Your Opportunity to Provide Input!
The District is holding a public input meeting at 6:00 PM on November 13, 2024 in the theater at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park museum. The project is in the planning phase and State Parks is seeking public input on draft plans. Public comment can be submitted to northbeachaccess@parks.ca.gov until December 18, 2024.
Project Background
- The North Beach River Access Improvement Project proposes to improve the existing launch area, improve river access to an upstream beach area, expand the existing loading area, install shade ramadas, restore and stabilize the shoreline, develop an accessible shoreline trail that connects the Gold Discovery Trail to pedestrian access along the shoulder of Highway 49, and install a large group/event ramada. Commercial use of the site is prohibited except for the following:
- Commercial put-in is allowed for instructional use and trips that serve people with disabilities.
- Lunch stops and stops for park tours are permitted.
- Commercial use take-out is prohibited.
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Re-licensing for Upper American River Project (UARP) and Chili Bar, Settlement Agreement 2007. This FERC process helped identify downstream needs to support river recreation use and the Settlement Agreement provided a funding source to support river access improvements and other needs.
- Preliminary improvements were made in 2012: paving and striping of loading zone, information sign, animal proof trash containers, etc.
- Several on-site meetings with State Parks staff, American Whitewater, and other stakeholders occurred between 2014-2017 to discuss the future needs for this site.
- Initial planning with the Department’s Northern Service Center design staff began in 2018. Ongoing planning with design and geotechnical staff has continued from 2018 to current to develop and refine options and alternatives.
Project Purpose and Need
- Currently the North Beach River Access is comprised of a rough unimproved river access and boat launch area. The launch area, the upstream informal beach access and the river embankment between these two areas is eroding and in need of restoration.
- Use of the river and this access location increased dramatically during COVID, particularly with inner tube users.
- The current shoreline trail along the North Beach area is an informal trail. Formalizing and improving this trail into an accessible trail experience would benefit park visitors. The shoreline trail is consistent with the Coloma-Lotus Sustainable Community Mobility Plan.
Project Summary
North Beach River Access Improvement Project Information Sheet
The North Beach River Access Improvement project proposes to improve the existing launch and install a new launch upriver, expand the existing loading area, install shade ramadas, restore and stabilize the shoreline, connect the Gold Discovery Trail to pedestrian access along the shoulder of Highway 49 the along the river front, and install a large ramada. These improvements will meet the needs of park users and surrounding communities.
Draft Project Plans
Detailed Draft Project Plan
Public Involvement
The public is invited to the public input meeting at 6:00 PM on November 13, 2024, in the theater at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park museum for a brief presentation followed by a question and answer session. Public comment can be submitted to northbeachaccess@parks.ca.gov until December 18, 2024.
Project Schedule
| Action Item | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Preliminary Plans | 2024 | Completed |
| Public Involvement | 11/13/24 – 12/18/24 | Pending |
| Revised Draft Plans | February 2025 | Pending |
| Environmental Review | May 2025 | Pending |
| Decision and Project Approval | June 2025 | Pending |
| Project Construction | July 2025 | Pending |
