122 replies to this topic

[4thgenFolsomite]

 

 

 

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I know a lot of people are opposed to it and think it should be left natural, but someone reminded me that it's not a natural lake, that it was created by the dam, and its creation flooded the site of the historic Negro Bar settlement.

 

 

 

 

It is very much like it was when it was still the American River.  It is still part of the American River, but with a dam on both ends.  So it is natural.  The vegetation is native, the bluffs, the terraces, the streams and creeks that lead into it, and nature has been reclaiming the environment for over 100 years.  Some sections are exactly as they have been for centuries.  It is not manicured, but I think that is what makes it even more beautiful.

 

And the construction of Nimbus Dam absolutely did NOT flood out the historic Negro Bar townsite. 

 

I am like Ducky and hope that the work that is done is left as natural as possible, using all native vegetation and protecting as much habitat as possible.  There are river otter that make their homes on that bank below the hotel and they are part of the grace and beauty of that incredible open space we sometimes take for granted.  In my opinion, in the long run having natural open space is a greater community good that being able to bring greater numbers of people down to the waterfront.  Other communities would give anything to have what we have here.  I really hope we don't ruin it in the ever growing effort to "improve" things for commercial gain.

[Steve Heard]

 

 

It is very much like it was when it was still the American River.  It is still part of the American River, but with a dam on both ends.  So it is natural.  The vegetation is native, the bluffs, the terraces, the streams and creeks that lead into it, and nature has been reclaiming the environment for over 100 years.  Some sections are exactly as they have been for centuries.  It is not manicured, but I think that is what makes it even more beautiful.

 

And the construction of Nimbus Dam absolutely did NOT flood out the historic Negro Bar townsite. 

 

I am like Ducky and hope that the work that is done is left as natural as possible, using all native vegetation and protecting as much habitat as possible.  There are river otter that make their homes on that bank below the hotel and they are part of the grace and beauty of that incredible open space we sometimes take for granted.  In my opinion, in the long run having natural open space is a greater community good that being able to bring greater numbers of people down to the waterfront.  Other communities would give anything to have what we have here.  I really hope we don't ruin it in the ever growing effort to "improve" things for commercial gain.

 

According to the Folsom History Museum website, "The community of Negro Bar was called "under the hill" after Folsom replaced the old mining camp along the river. Today it is under the water of Lake Natoma. Only the name remains on the opposite side of the river from where African American miners first started mining gold in 1849-1850. Negro Bar State Park is a reminder that a mining camp once bore a similar name."

[4thgenFolsomite]

According to the Folsom History Museum website, "The community of Negro Bar was called "under the hill" after Folsom replaced the old mining camp along the river. Today it is under the water of Lake Natoma. Only the name remains on the opposite side of the river from where African American miners first started mining gold in 1849-1850. Negro Bar State Park is a reminder that a mining camp once bore a similar name."

Yes, this is widely misunderstood and not true. I can guarantee it. Just because something is on the Internet, it's not necessarily true.

[Steve Heard]

Yes, this is widely misunderstood and not true. I can guarantee it. Just because something is on the Internet, it's not necessarily true.

So now we can't trust the Folsom History Museum?

[4thgenFolsomite]

So now we can't trust the Folsom History Museum?

. About a great many things, yes, but this is an often repeated misconception.

[New Girl]

Great news.  Lake Natoma  is a beautiful asset that few people get to enjoy because of limited access.  I hope they treat the area with sensitivity (use natural plants etc.) but am pleased that the area will developed. 

[kcrides99]

Thanks SARA for wasting the City's (AKA tax payers) money on another frivolous law suit! Glad this is moving forward so we can all enjoy a safer more accessible shoreline!

[4thgenFolsomite]

safer?

[kcrides99]

More legitimate trail users = less troublemakers = safer. The improved access is safer access for those with mobility limitations.

[chris v]

Thanks SARA for wasting the City's (AKA tax payers) money on another frivolous law suit! Glad this is moving forward so we can all enjoy a safer more accessible shoreline!

Because this project isn't a waste of money at all.

[kcrides99]

The project is largely funded by a competitive grant from either the State or Feds. The reality is, if Folsom did not get that money some other agency would have. While you can debate whether or not the grant funds themselves are as you say a "waste of money", the reality is if Folsom did not get the money, some other City would have (still on the tax payer dime).

 

I for one am excited and fully supportive for Folsom bringing the competitive money (and construction jobs) to Folsom opposed to seeing it elsewhere in the state or country.

[4thgenFolsomite]

while I support new jobs in Folsom, I don't see Lake Natoma as being an area to be developed for the purposes of bringing new jobs.  To develop an open space for the sake of getting short term money in the economy seems short-sighted.  But I don't think that was the city's intent.  I believe they want to draw the lake more into the visual and physical sphere of the historic district commercial zone.

[kcrides99]

The intent was improved access and connections to the historic district, both important goals. My point was countering the fact that chris v said it was a waste of money. Obviously jobs is just a small part of the value, but not all. My point was that if Folsom didn't get the money someone else would have.

[chris v]

The intent was improved access and connections to the historic district, both important goals. My point was countering the fact that chris v said it was a waste of money. Obviously jobs is just a small part of the value, but not all. My point was that if Folsom didn't get the money someone else would have.

And maybe it should have gone to someplace else with a better idea. Mark my words. This will fail and be an eyesore 1 year after completion.

[Steve Heard]

Work will start this month:

 

Work will begin this month on the Lake Natoma Waterfront and Trail AccessEnhancement Project, which by next summer, will provide greater access to LakeNatoma and the American River from Folsom’s Historic District.

 

The project features a 2,500foot accessible path that will provide dramatic overlooks ofLake Natoma and interpretive signage along the shoreline. Three bridges will bereplaced, new native treeswill be planted, and environmental and soil conditions will be

improved.

 

A new ramp will be constructed that will allow rowers with kayaks,paddleboards and canoes to easily access Folsom’s Historic District. And for the firsttime, a trail suitable for wheelchairs, and more accommodating for families and others with limited ability, will provide access to Lake Natoma.

 

The project is in partnership with the United States Bureau of Reclamation andCalifornia Department of Parks and Recreation. The $1.2million project was funded with two grants from the California River Parkways Grant Program andthe Recreational Trails Grant Program.

 

The City of Folsom collaborated with the California NaturalResources Agency to secure the grant funding. The project will be completed by summer 2016. For more information, contact Jim Konopka, senior park planner, at 3513516 or

jkonopka@folsom.ca.us