Report on Potential

Grouse Lakes Wilderness

Faucherie Falls on Canyon Creek

Prepared by Yuba River Wild Lands Campaign

December 6,2000

Name: Grouse Lakes Roadless Area (USFS ID# 5260)

Acreage: 17,000 acres (RARE II)

Current Status: Non-wilderness

Access: The Grouse Lakes Area is located within T17N, T18N and R12E, R13E. Primary access is from Bowman Lake Road (USFS road 18) that comes from Highway 20 four miles west of the junction with highway 80. Off this road, a dirt road head east and reach a trail head at the west boundary. Bowman Lake Road continues to Bowman Lake, then heads east just outside of the north boundary. Another access is from Jackson Meadow Road (USFS road 07) off of Highway 89 that connects with Meadow Lake Road. This road runs south along, but just outside of, the east boundary.

General Description

The hallmark of the Grouse Lakes Area is its great variety - a remarkable variety that encompasses its geology, topography, scenery, and diverse environmental communities. Into this natural mix are the remains of man's early explorations that include ancient Indian petroglyph sites, as well as some of the earliest mining ventures in the Sierra.

The potential wilderness is in the south central portion of Nevada County. The boundary encloses approximately 17,000 acres. Most of the private lands are owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Nevada Irrigation District. The remaining several hundred acres are owned by private parties.

The geologic history shows that rocks had their origin in the depths of an ancient Paleozoic sea, possibly 250-300 million years ago, are now deformed, tilted and thrust up as 7,000 and 8,000 foot high jagged peaks. Limestone caverns extend 4 miles, including many unexplored sinkholes.

The first evidence of man's venture into this area might date back to possibly 3,000 to 4,000 years, b.p. Midway up one of the peaks are two glaciated granite benches. On one bench are 20 Indian petroglyph panels with approximately 200 elements. On the other bench nearby are 4 panels with 28 elements. According to an archaeological report by Foster, Betts, and Sandolin, these sites are from the Martis Archaeological Complex and are catalogued as stye 7 rock art. As in geology, dating sites is very difficult without radioactive materials. Other sites in the region have dates as old as 4,000 years. At this site two Martis series projectile points were found.

Lakes, Meadows and Streams

Much more recently, during Pleistocene time (2-3 m.y.b.p.), the four great ice ages have shaped the region. The last ice age, the Wisconsin, with its peak advance only 20,000 years ago, has left the most indelible mark in this area. The textbook examples of glaciation have left the previously mentioned rocks striated, polished and sculpted. Fortunately, the sculpting created numerous deep hollows that are now filled with water. The result is an impressive array of 40 lakes and probably double that number of ponds.

Due to the whims of the glaciers, the lakes vary in depth and surrounding glacial debris. This makes for varied plant life and scenery. Some lakes are deep and rock bound, others shallow and going through natural succession of lake to meadow. Along one trail, a hiker can take a time trip by visiting several lakes in a row, each one showing a progressing evolution to meadow. Many have completed the evolution and have turned into lush flower-filled meadows. At a few sites the evolution continues as willows, aspen and even pine are now encroaching.

The streams that have now taken over from the glaciers as eroders have not, fortunately, had the time to smooth the terrain. Consequently all the streams in the area are white water streams with numerous cascades and small waterfalls.

Five Lakes Basin Bowman Lake Cascade

Botany and Wildlife

This region contains a mixed conifer belt, including old-growth red fir, white fir, Ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, lodgepole pine and Incense cedar. Aspen shield lush areas of flowers and ferns, and willow and dwarf alder feed the many mountain warblers. On one mountain peak 64 wildflower species were found. Rare Rosy Sedum and Pasque Flower have been found around a limestone area.

Mammals include mule deer, black bear, fox, marmots, pine marten, and possibly fisher. Bald eagles have been seen more frequently in recent years, along with Golden eagles, Pine grosbeaks, and Black-backed woodpeckers.