OPTION C        Management addresses impacts of current use levels (using 2019 levels) with seasonal closure of Powerdam parking. Establishment of a parking area at Potato Salad Hill as the primary access spring through fall.

 

Option C changes management to mitigate some impacts from current use levels by shifting the primary access to Potato Salad Hill and restricting Powerdam access to pedestrians and bicycles during the busiest part of the year spring through fall.  Potato Salad Hill is developed with a paved parking area, information kiosk, toilets, and trail that provides access to the creek for users of all abilities, while avoiding conflict with the 4WD feature.  A fee station is located off Sand Flats road, and the access road to the trailhead is paved.

  

The Powerdam trailhead is walk- or bike-in only spring through fall, and during that period the gravel road is closed to vehicles except for SAR/EMS purposes. A gate and turn around area with a fee/information booth are located on the City parcel at the end of the Powerhouse Lane pavement. Like in Option B, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge connects the Powerdam and Potato Salad Hill areas, and allows bicycles to travel to Sand Flats from town.

 

Trails in the Powerdam/Potato Salad Hill area are designated and hardened. The main trails are delineated and informal user-made trails are closed to the falls in North Fork and to Cowboy Jacuzzi.

 

Stream crossings may be hardened with stone or other methods between Powerdam and the confluence of the North and South Forks.  In addition to informational signage at all trailheads, informational signage may be added at key locations in the canyon such as the falls, or at frequently damaged rock art sites. There is increased patrolling and enforcement in parking areas in town and the county, as well as in BLM areas, including upstream of Powerdam. 

 

No significant changes occur in other parts of the canyon beyond monitoring for increased impacts.