Report on Sagehen Creek for Wild & Scenic

Location: Nevada County, Tahoe National Forest, Second Congressional District, California. One hundred percent of the land adjoining the creek is in public ownership. It is accessible by going north off Interstate 80 via Highway 89.

Outstanding Values: Sagehen Creek has been recommended for Scenic designation under the National Wild & Scenic River Act by the U.S. Forest Service. It was found to have Outstanding Remarkable ecosystem values in the form of fens, unique plants, special geologic formations that support the fens, unique water chemistry that supports two class I (threatened and endangered) species, and excellent assemblage of native fisheries, unique wildlife values, and historic logging values eligible to the National Register of Historic Places. This stream possesses the best ecological/botanical value of the Tahoe National Forest eastside rivers. These values are further enhanced by a University of California research station that has provided extensive documentation of the natural values existing in and along this stream.

Threats: Unless the CASPO guidelines are retained, commercial logging by the U.S. Forest Service could be a threat to Sagehen Creek. Erosion and sedimentation resulting from commercial logging could threaten water quality and sensitive wildlife habitat. Future OHV trails for dispersed recreation are also a threat.

Description: Sagehen Creek begins at Carpenter Ridge near the Castle Peak potential wilderness and flows for 8 miles across U.S. Forest Service land crossing under Highway 89 and continuing to Stampede Reservoir. Current logging volumes are determined by CASPO guidelines, so no reduction in timber outputs would result from Wild and Scenic designation. Wildlife includes Northern goshawk, pine marten, and a great variety of other birds, fish and mammals.