Combie Shoreline MP.indd - Lake Combie Association

Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Table of Contents
Page
1.0 Introduction ....................................................................1
1.1 NID Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Project Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2.1 Project Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2.2 Project Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.0 Need for a Shoreline Management Plan ........................................ 5
3.0 Existing Conditions ............................................................ 6
3.1 Environmental Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1.1 Local Hydrology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1.2 Water Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1.3 Shoreline Erosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1.4 Erosion Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1.5 Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.1.6 Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.1.7 Fishery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2 Regional Land-Use and Ownership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.3 Existing Recreational Features and Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.3.1 Visitors to Combie Reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.4 Existing Shoreline Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.0 Management Program ......................................................... 15
4.1 Water Quality and Boating Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.1.1 Water Quality and Public Health Surveillance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.1.2 Swimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.1.3 Domestic Livestock and Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.1.4 Boating Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.1.4.1 Carrying Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.1.4.2 Fuel Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.1.4.3 Wood Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.1.5 Other Recreational Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.1.6 Waste Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.1.6.1 Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.1.6.2 Toilets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.1.6.3 Refuse Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
4.2 Shoreline Development Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.2.1 NID’s Permitting Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.2.2 Dock Permitting System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.2.3 Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.2.4 Other Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.3 Permitted Activities and Watercraft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.0 Enforcement and Emergency Services ...........................................22
5.1 Reservoir Area Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.2 Emergency Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.0 Public Education.............................................................23
6.1 NID Encourages Boater Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6.2 NID Sponsored Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
7.0 Action Program ..............................................................25
8.0 References ...................................................................26
Attachment A - Selected Regulations - California Boating Law .............................27
Attachment B - Sample Permit Application .............................................29
Figures
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
1
2
3
4
5
6
Location Map ................................................................ 2
Combie Reservoir Facilities ................................................... 3
Typical Combie Reservoir Operating Levels Curve .............................. 4
Local Topography .............................................................. 7
Docks and Shoreline Features of Interest ....................................... 11
Combie Lake Restriction Chart ............................................... 17
Tables
Table 1 Combie Reservoir Action Program .......................................... 25
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Acronyms
CBL
CCR
CEQA
cfs
CV RWQCB
DBW
DFG
DHS
DH&S
DPH
DWR
CPC
FERC
GPS
H&S
HNC
LCA
mph
NC
NCGC
NCPD
NID
NPDES
PC
PWC
SMP
USDA
USFS
USGS
California Boating Law, Revision, January 1, 2004
California Code of Regulations
California Environmental Quality Act
Cubic feet per second
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board
California Department of Boating and Waterways
California Department of Fish and Game
California Department of Health Services
California Department of Health and Safety
California Department of Public Health
California Department of Water Resources
California Penal Code
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Gobal positioning system
Health and Safety
Harbors and Navigation Code
Lake Combie Association
Miles per hour
Nevada County
Nevada County General Code
Nevada County Planning Department
Nevada Irrigation District
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Placer County
Personal Water Craft
Shoreline Management Plan
United States Department of Agriculture
United States Forest Service
United States Geological Survey
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Section 1
1.0 Introduction
1.2 Project Description
Combie Reservoir is located on the Bear River within
NID on the Placer County-Nevada County border
eleven miles northeast of the City of Auburn (Figure 1).
At its nominal high water elevation of 1,600 feet above
mean sea level (msl), Combie Reservoir measures
about three-tenths of a mile wide and two and one-half
miles long. With approximately 9.1 miles of shoreline
at full pool (5.2 miles within Nevada County and 3.9
miles within Placer County), its surface area is about
276 acres (CV RWQCB 1988).
This Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
(SMP) contains administrative actions, activities
and improvements to be undertaken by the Nevada
Irrigation District (NID), the Lake Combie Association
(LCA), local governments and other involved parties in
a cooperative effort to sustain and enhance the current
and future water quality, recreation, and environmental
resources of Combie Reservoir.
1.1 NID Policies
According to the 1968 Division of Water Rights Permit
(License 10350, Permit No. 5803) issued by the State
Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), NID has
the authority to operate Combie Reservoir for the
purpose of irrigation, domestic, incidental power, and
recreational uses. Hence, NID policies are to:
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■
manage and protect the Combie Reservoir and its
shoreline in a manner that will protect the municipal
water supply; and,
make the shoreline and reservoir surface available for
recreational use, except where operational, safety,
environmental resource protection or other needs are
incompatible with public access or safety.
1.2.1 Project Facilities
Because NID owns both the property inundated by the
reservoir and a ring of property five to one hundred
feet above the normal high water level, use of the Combie Reservoir shoreline requires NID authorization.
Recreation on NID property conducted in accordance
with this SMP is considered authorized by NID, unless
otherwise amended or specifically prohibited.
In 1926, NID built the 85 foot tall Van Giesen Dam
on the Bear River (Figure 2; CV RWQCB 1988). The
created impoundment, known as Combie Reservoir,
originally stored approximately 5,500 acre-feet of
water from the Bear River and Wooley Creek for
agricultural and municipal uses. However, over the
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Figure 1. Location Map
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Figure 2. Combie Reservoir Facilities
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
1.2.2 Project Operations
years sedimentation has decreased the volume of
water storage to approximately 3,500 acre-feet (CV
RWQCB 1988). This capacity has been maintained
through routine dredging of the reservoir (Department
of Army Permit No. 7720A).
Water stored in Combie Reservoir is used for irrigation
and domestic supply year-round. During the rainy season,
approximately from November to April, water is collected
in the reservoir until it reaches a full pool elevation level of
1,600 feet. NID typically maintains a relatively constant reservoir elevation during the summer months. In September
and October, water is withdrawn from storage to a minimum
pool level of approximately 1590 feet (Figure 3). Project
operations take into account California Department of Fish
and Game’s (DFG) requirement for a downstream minimum
flow of 5 cubic feet per second (cfs) to support fish in dry
water years (Water Rights Permit No. 5803).
Van Giesen dam is a conduit exempt hydroelectric
facility under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations (Project No. 2981 and 7731).
The exemption requires compliance with any terms
and conditions that Federal or State fish and wildlife
agencies have determined appropriate to prevent loss
of, or damage to, fish and wildlife resources.
Water is diverted from Combie Reservoir through the
Combie Phase 1 Canal, located on the north side and
downstream of the dam, and two intake facilities for
the hydroelectric power plant are located on the north
and south side of the dam (Figure 2).
Water appropriated from Combie Reservoir is diverted
from Combie Reservoir through the Combie Phase 1 Canal
to the raw water storage reservoirs associated with NID’s
Lake of the Pines and North Auburn Water Treatment
Facilities. Annually, about 43,400 acre-feet (14 billion gallons) are diverted through the Combie Phase 1 Canal.
Figure 3. Typical Combie Reservoir Operating Levels Curve
1600
ELEVATION (FEET)
STORAGE (ACRE FEET)
5555
1595
4176
1590
2986
1585
1990
1580
1213
4/30
5/31
6/30
7/31
8/31
9/30
10/31
LAKE LEVEL
RESERVOIR SPILLS AT ELEV. 1600'
PG&E OPERATION COULD ALTER FORECAST.
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Section 2
2.0 Need for a Shoreline
Management Plan
water quality and wildlife habitat. Specifically, recreational use of Combie Reservoir can potentially
affect NID’s ability:
Land-use in the Bear River watershed is changing from
resource extraction and agricultural uses to residential
uses (Shilling and Girvetz 2003). Consequently, the
demand for clean potable water and recreational
resources is increasing.
■
■
Consistent with regional trends, private property
owners of land adjacent to Combie Reservoir and
their guests have realized the recreation potential
of this publicly owned facility. Yet, recreation and
shoreline improvements by neighboring landowners
have the potential to affect Combie Reservoir’s
to meet the source chemistry requirements of their
Water Supply Permit from California Department of
Health Services (DHS), diminishing the ability to provide high quality drinking water to ratepayers, and
to provide sound stewardship of Combie Reservoir’s natural resources.
Through the administrative actions and cooperation
identified in this SMP, the source water and recreational opportunities should be preserved for all
parties utilizing Combie Reservoir.
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Section 3
3.0 Existing Conditions
states that the reservoir is used for fishing, boating
and water contact sports. There are several small rural
communities and some light industry in the local area
surrounding Combie Reservoir.
The amount of vegetative cover, local population
density, adjacent land-uses, reservoir accessibility,
and types of recreation (non-contact, contact) are all
factors that influence a reservoir’s water quality by
either introducing pollutants to or filtering pollutants
from the water.
3.1.1 Local Hydrology
The Bear River is the primary tributary to Combie
Reservoir. Wooley Creek located in Placer County is
a minor tributary to the reservoir (Figure 2; Figure 4).
The Bear River watershed is approximately 463 square
miles (296,452 acres; Shilling and Girvetz 2003) and
is one of the most heavily managed in California for
water conveyance.
3.1 Environmental Setting
Combie Reservoir is in the foothills of the Sierra
Nevada mountain range at an elevation of approximately 1,600 feet. The reservoir traps winter precipitation and spring snowfall runoff, to make water
available for irrigation in the summer months. During
winter months, some ability to provide flood control is
also achieved. Hydroelectric power is generated with
water in excess of supply and storage needs.
With spring snowmelt as the primary water source,
water quality in the Bear River is high and its water
in great demand. For years 1921-1983 the average
unimpaired flow has been estimated at 323,000
acre-feet/year (446 cfs) with the average impaired
flow estimated at 293,000 acre-feet/year (404 cfs;
Eberhart 2004). However, flows are imported from
the South Fork of the Yuba River and the North Fork
of the American River and flows are exported through
an intensive canal system to municipal and agricultural
customers and to various powerhouses. Based on the
impaired flow and the approximate 3,500 acre-foot
storage volume, the average residence time of water
in Combie Reservoir is 4.4 days. In other words, water
flowing in the Bear River that enters Combie Reservoir
from upstream may be moved through the lake and
released downstream in approximately 4½ days.
Several subdivisions are adjacent to the Combie
Reservoir shoreline. The DHS Water Supply Permit
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Figure 4. Local Topography
Project Area
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
3.1.2 Water Quality
ating properly, the septic systems could affect the
reservoir water quality. The Central Valley Regional
Water Quality Control Board (CV RWQCB) has issued
a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit
(NPDES) to Cheveraux Industries, a sand and gravel
dredging company operating on the eastern portion of
Combie Reservoir where the Bear River enters the lake.
Additional discharges may be present, but have not been
identified1. Wooley Creek enters Combie Reservoir along
the southern portion of the reservoir, about one mile
upstream from the dam, and has the potential to affect
water quality (Figure 2; Figure 4). In addition, Interstate
80 and Southern Pacific Railroad cross the upper end
of the Bear River watershed. Several other bridges also
cross the Bear River and the canal system leading to
and from where the Bear River enters Combie Reservoir; thereby allowing various road-related chemicals to
potentially enter the reservoir.
In general, chemicals that have the potential to be
present in source water before treatment at the two
downstream water treatment plants include:
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■
■
■
■
Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants,
human contact (i.e., swimming) septic systems,
agricultural livestock operations and wildlife
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from
urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic
wastewater discharges, oil and gas production,
mining, abandoned mines, or agricultural practices
Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from
a variety of sources such as agriculture and residential uses
Naturally occurring radioactive chemicals
Organic chemical contaminates, including synthetic
and volatile organic chemicals, can originate from
petroleum products (i.e., boating or other recreational activities), urban stormwater runoff, and
septic systems.
With spring snowmelt as the primary water source,
water quality in the Bear River, and Combie Reservoir, is high. Because of the short residence time of
water in Combie Reservoir (approximately 4½ days),
water quality in the reservoir primarily reflects that
of the Bear River. No wastewater treatment plants
discharge to the Bear River above Combie Reservoir
There are a number of mechanisms by which Combie
Reservoir water quality can be affected. Sewage
disposal around the reservoir is primarily by individual
septic tanks and drain fields (DPH 1971). If not oper-
1
The Water Supply Permit for Lake of the Pines Water Treatment Plant States that “Weimar Medical Center” discharges to a tributary
of Wooley Creek (DPH 1969).
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
folded metamorphic rocks (i.e., schist, phyllite) that
have been intruded by several igneous events. The
majority of the soils covering these rocks in the area
surrounding Combie Reservoir are part of the Mariposa-Josephine-Sites soil unit (USDA 1980). These
soils are characterized as weathered metamorphic
parent rocks of mixed mineralogy with undulating to
steep slopes. Soils encountered along the reservoir
shoreline vary from brown to reddish brown clayey
sands to silty sands and gravel. As the parent rock is
weathered, the fine-grained silts and clays are more
easily eroded into the reservoir. The steep slopes on
the Placer County portion of Combie Reservoir generally have higher erosion rates than the more gentle
slopes of the Nevada County side.
(Kennedy/Jenks 2001). In spite of its high water quality, Combie Reservoir is listed as impaired for mercury
(CV RWQCB 2000), and both Placer and Nevada
counties have both issued fish advisories. In recent
years, upstream control of sedimentation and erosion
has improved, however mercury may still be transported in sediments downstream to Combie Reservoir
via historic hydraulic mining debris sediments.
3.1.3 Shoreline Erosion
Shoreline erosion and reservoir sedimentation can
adversely affect water quality. The slope of a reservoir
shoreline is one indicator of the erosion potential, with
steep slopes being generally more prone to erosion
than gentle slopes.
Local topography around Combie Reservoir is illustrated
in Figure 4. Shoreline slopes on the Nevada County side
are fairly gentle, with an average of 11 degrees. Shoreline slopes on the Placer County side are somewhat
steeper, averaging approximately 28 degrees.
Different soil types erode a varying rates and can
affect sedimentation and water quality of a reservoir
in various ways. Combie Reservoir is in the western
portion of the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains. This
area is dominated by steeply dipping, faulted and
3.1.4 Reservoir Sediment
Sedimentation occurs when the velocity of flowing water decreases to less than the velocity
required to carry suspended soil particles, and
allows the sediment particles to settle on to the
river or lake bed. This natural process may impair
reservoir storage capacity, impair fish-spawning
beds, and increase filtration costs for water supply treatment facilities.
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Although the original capacity of Combie Reservoir
was approximately 5,500 acre-feet, the current capacity is estimated between 3,400 to 3,500 acre-feet.
The difference is primarily due to sedimentation from
upstream sources, including natural erosion (bedload),
land-altering practices causing increased erosion
rates, and sedimentation from abandoned and collapsing mines. Creation of Rollins Reservoir in 1965,
located approximately 10 miles upstream from Combie
Reservoir on the Bear River, substantially decreased
the amount of sediment entering the reservoir. Cheveraux Industries has historically contracted with NID to
dredge and remove approximately 75,000 – 100,000
cubic yards (46-62 acre-feet) of sediment annually
from the upper half (eastern portion) of Combie
Reservoir to help preserve its holding capacity (CV
RWQCB 1998).
Vegetation surrounding Combie Reservoir consists
primarily of mixed conifer forests with native grasses
and shrubs making up the remainder of the vegetation.
There is limited riparian vegetation present and most of
the reservoir shore is bare soil. A ring of mostly bare
soil, between the high-water mark and the reservoir,
can be observed surrounding the reservoir throughout
much of the year. Where the hydrology of the reservoir is favorable - the mouths of streams entering
the reservoir’s gently sloped shoreline - hydrophytic
vegetation can be observed (pers. obs.; Figure 5).
These observations are consistent with previous findings for the Combie Reservoir shoreline (Affiliated
Researchers 2000).
3.1.6 Wildlife
No special status species have been observed proximate to Combie Reservoir (Affiliated Researchers
2000). Special status species with the potential to
utilize some of the reservoir’s shoreline vegetation
include the Western Pond Turtle (Clemmys marmorata) and Yellow-legged frogs (Rana boylei).
3.1.5 Vegetation
Riparian and wetland areas are among the most
ecologically productive and diverse terrestrial environments (NCPD 2002). Although riparian areas are
usually restricted to relatively narrow bands along
streams, their hydrologic and ecological relationships are dependent on watershed-level processes.
Nutrients in surface runoff from adjacent uplands are
absorbed by riparian vegetation and converted into
particulate organic material that constitutes a food
source for instream organisms. The
filtering effects of riparian vegetation
may also remove particulate inorganic
sediments and toxic nutrients in
surface runoff, thereby benefiting
instream water quality and productivity. Riparian vegetation also
potentially serves a role in helping to
anchor soil and protect streambanks
from the erosive effects of high water
(NCPD 2002).
The foothill yellow-legged frog is a California State
Species of Special Concern and Federal Species of
Concern. Its range is from west Oregon to southern
California, but is absent in the Central Valley (Stebbins
1985). The foothill yellow-legged frog is aquatic and
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Figure 5. Docks and Shoreline Features of Interest
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
prefers gravelly or sandy streams with sunny banks
and open woodlands nearby (Stebbins 1985). It is
found in a variety of habitats, including valley-foothill
hardwood, valley foothill hardwood-conifer, valley
foothill riparian, ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, coastal
scrub, mixed chaparral, and wet meadows.
3.1.7 Fishery
The poorly established shoreline vegetation cover,
along with the filling in of the reservoir with sediments, allows the reservoir’s water to warm fairly
rapidly around the shoreline margins. Hence, Combie
Reservoir provides shallow warm-water habitat for
fish, favoring non-native species over native species
(Department of Army Permit No. 7720A). The following native fish species are known to occur in the
Bear River Watershed upstream of Camp Far West
(the upstream boundary for anadromous fish species)
(Moyle et al., 1996).
The western pond turtle is a U.S. Forest Service
(USFS) Sensitive Species, State Species of Special
Concern and Federal Species of Concern. The western
pond turtle’s range is from San Francisco Bay south
into northwest Baja California (Earnst and Barbour
1989). The pond turtle is generally found in ponds and
small lakes with abundant vegetation, but may also be
seen in marshes, slow moving streams, reservoirs,
and occasionally brackish water (Earnst and Barbour
1989). They are associated with permanent or nearly
permanent water in a wide variety of habitat types.
The availability of basking sites is an important habitat
characteristic and may include partially submerged
logs, rocks, and mats of floating vegetation or open
mud banks. Hatchling and juvenile pond turtles have
a specialized microhabitat consisting of shallow water
(less than 30 centimeters deep) with emergent vegetation consisting of reeds, sedges, cattails or reeds.
■
Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
■
Hardhead (Mylopharodon conocephalus)
■
California Roach (Lavinia symmetricus)
■
Riffle Sculpin (Cottus gulosus)
■
Rainbow trout (Onocorynchus mykiss spp)
■
Speckled dace (Rhinichtys osculus ssp)
■
Sacramento pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus grandis)
■
Sacramento sucker (Catostomus occidentalis)
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and channel
catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were found during a US
Geological Survey of Mercury levels. Other possible
fish that may inhabit Combie Reservoir include various species of sunfish (Lepomis ssp.), white and black
crappie (Pomoxis annularis and P. nigromaculatus),
black and brown bullhead (Ameiurus melas and A.
nebulosus) and golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas). Native fish that are likely to occur include the
Sacramento sucker, Sacramento pikeminnow and
hardhead. Hardhead is the only species potentially
present that is a California Species of Special Concern
(Moyle et al. 1995).
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Primarily, only the adjacent property owners and their
guest have used this facility2. Water levels are kept at
full pool for most of the summer recreational season.
3.2 Regional Land-Use and Ownership
The Bear River watershed is approximately 463 square
miles (Shilling and Girvetz 2003). More than 90% of
the land is privately-owned property and the primary
land-uses of the watershed have been agricultural,
resource extraction (mining, timber harvesting, etc.)
and residential usage (Shilling and Girvetz 2003).
3.3.1 Visitors to Combie Reservoir
Combie Reservoir is fronted by privately owned property in Nevada County and Placer County. Therefore,
the surrounding residents and their guests have been
the primary recreationists at Combie Reservoir. A
recreational use survey was conducted during the
2005 Memorial Day weekend (May 28 and May 29)
in order in evaluate the impacts of high (or increased)
recreational usage on Combie Reservoir. During the
survey, air temperatures were fairly cold, and ranged
from 58ºF to 74ºF, and the water
was somewhat turbid and the temperature ranged from 62ºF to 66ºF.
Although the weather and reservoir
conditions were likely not conducive
to boating usage, the potential is
obviously there for exceeding the
reser voir boating capacity. The
NID owns the property inundated by the reservoir
and a ring of property generally five feet in elevation
above the high water mark (i.e., elevation 1,600 feet).
In some areas in Placer County the district also owns
one hundred feet above the 1600-foot elevation.
Approximately, one hundred twenty properties
abut NID’s property
and many are zoned for
low to moderate density
residential housing (1 to
5 acres per parcel). Parcels adjacent to Combie
Reservoir are primarily
residential, with a few
exceptions: Cheveaux
Industries operates a
facility at the upstream (eastern) end of the reservoir.
The Las Lomas Improvement Club and Meadow Vista
Rod and Gun Club also have properties located on the
reservoir’s shores.
3.3 Existing Recreational Features and
Activities
survey identified 65 pontoon boats, motor boats and
jet skis docked on the lake and an additional 18 docks
that did not have any motorized boats. If even half of the
docked boats were on the reservoir at the same time,
severe overcrowding of the reservoir would result.
NID’s SWRCB permit allows the District to operate
the Combie Reservoir for the purpose of irrigation,
domestic, incidental power, and recreation. Current
recreational use of Combie Reservoir consists of
water skiing, jet skiing, boating, fishing and swimming.
2
There may also be a demand for a whitewater kayaking take-out for the Bear River “Ben Taylor Road to Combie Reservoir” run. See
http://creekin.net/bear.htm.
13
Section
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
3.4 Existing Shoreline Development
On November 4 and November 5, 2004, NID surveyed
the Combie Reservoir shoreline. As the reservoir was
circumvented, more than 180 photos and 105 global
positioning system (GPS) co-ordinates were taken
of the various features of interest on NID property
and adjacent properties. During the initial field
effort, approximately 140 structures or features were
observed on NID property (Figure 5). These include
boat docks, walls or fences, decks, stairways, recreational structures, boat ramps, roadways, beaches or
landscaped areas, and trash or debris. With notable
exceptions, the bulk of the observed structures were
well maintained and of sound condition.
14
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Section 4
4.0 Management Program
general to reservoirs and specific to Combie Reservoir,
are provided as Attachment A. Key regulations related
to Combie Reservoir activities are summarized in the
following section.
Combie Reservoir’s recreational users and local residents are subject to State and County regulations with
respect to boating safety and water supply protection
(Sections 4.1). Best shoreline management practices
- practices that preserve reservoir water quality while
simultaneously providing a more natural shoreline environment - are administered by NID through a Shoreline
Development Permit System (Section 4.2). Key goals
of this SMP are to protect water quality and maintain
a natural looking shoreline that will serve to retain or
enhance adjacent property values.
4.1.1 Water Quality Monitoring & Public
Health Surveillance
In cooperation with DHS, NID regularly monitors Combie Reservoir for pollutants. With its Sierra snowmelt
sources and the water’s short residence time, Combie
Reservoir water is considered to be high quality.
4.1.2 Swimming
There are no designated swimming-only areas on
Combie Reservoir and swimming is prohibited near
the dam. Swimming is however, allowed along the
remainder of the shoreline within two hundred feet
from the shore (Section 12.28.060, NC).
4.1 Water Quality and Boating
Regulations
The California Department of Health Services (DHS)
– Division of Drinking Water have indicated that they
may require NID to restrict future recreational activities on Combie Reservoir to protect the drinking water
supply. Nevada and Placer County Regulations, both
4.1.3 Domestic Livestock and Pets
The polluting of a domestic water supply reservoir is
prohibited. Therefore,
■
■
15
No person shall keep any horses, mules, cattle,
swine, sheep, or live stock of any kind, penned, corralled, or housed on, over, or on the borders of any
stream, pond, lake, or reservoir, in a manner that
the waters become polluted, if water is drawn there
from for the supply of any portion of the inhabitants
of this state (DH&S Code 116990).
No person shall cause or permit any horses, cattle,
sheep, swine, poultry, or any kind of live stock or
Section
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
domestic animals, to pollute the waters, or tributaries of waters, used or intended for drinking
purposes by any portion of the inhabitants of this
state (DH&S Code 116995).
4.1.4.1 Carrying Capacity
The number of boats that can safely operate on Combie Reservoir is a function of its usable surface area.
The planning guideline used by the California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW), California
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), and Placer
County Recreation Commission is one boat per five
usable acres (NID 2001). Since swimming is allowed
within 200 feet of the reservoir shoreline (Section
12.28.060, NC) and Combie Reservoir is a fairly narrow
water body, NID has estimated that only 77 acres of
Combie Reservoir’s 276 acres are usable for boating
(NID 2001). Hence, up to 14 boats could operate safely
on the reservoir at the same time (NID 2001).
The regulations further state that the prohibition of
domestic animals polluting waters includes body contact of pets, as flea control products and pet wastes
can impact water quality.
4.1.4 Boating Activities
The Placer and Nevada County Code, along with
the California Boating Law (CBL), provides regulations concerning boat usage on Lake Combie. These
include the:
■
■
■
■
■
operation of watercraft on Combie Reservoir
(NCGC, Chapter IX, Article 12)
operation and equipment of boats (Chapter
5, Article 1, page 53, CBL);
prohibition of toilets or sink drains that
could discharge into the reservoir (Section
12.28.040, PC);
reference to the California Harbor and Navigation Code (Section 12.36.080, PC); and
guidelines for the number of passengers to
be carried by each boat (Chapter 1, page 3,
ABCs of the CBL).
The regulations further state that all boaters
must register their vessels with the Department
of Motor Vehicles on a yearly basis. The Certificate
of Number should be displayed properly for ease of
viewing by the sheriff. The District does not allow
any boats to be docked up on the reservoir shoreline
bank or floating-on-water tied off to a tree or buoy. In
addition, vehicles are not allowed to be parked along
the shoreline on District property for any purpose,
including but not limited to loading, unloading, or
fueling watercraft.
In addition, the Placer County Sheriff’s Department
has recommended the maximum amount of boats as
“20 boats maximum per day with no more than 4-5 of
those boats being used at once for water skiing” (NID
2001). The Placer County Sheriff had also expressed
that, if 5 mile per hour (mph) no wake zones were in
effect, the reservoir could handle more boats (See the
Combie Reservoir Restriction Chart in Figure 6).
16
Section
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Figure 6. Combie Lake Restriction Chart
17
Section
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Boating use on Combie Reservoir is described as
self-policing (Scott Pringle, LCA President, personal
communication). That is, adjacent residents tend to use
the reservoir when it is not crowded. Because of the
limited access to Combie Reservoir, the current usage
practices, and enforcement limitation, the SMP does
■
■
■
Boating speed limit of 5 MPH within 200 feet of
the dam
Boating speed limit of 5 MPH within 200 feet of the
beaches or swimmers
Boaters are not allowed to tie up to/dock on buoys
or trees.
4.1.4.2 Fuel Facilities
As previously discussed, polluting a domestic water
supply is prohibited and there are no facilities on
Combie Reservoir for fueling. Due to concerns over
potential spillage, the fueling of boats or watercraft
within the reservoir is discouraged, and every possible
measure to prevent fuel from being introduced into the
reservoir should be undertaken.
4.1.4.3 Wood Removal
To improve boating safety, the LCA typically removes
wood debris from within the reservoir to the shore.
Waste disposal, including the burning, within the
reservoir or within 150 feet of the high water mark in
prohibited (Section 374.7 CBL).
not recommend a specific provision to limit the number
of boats on the reservoir. However, NID reserves the
right to limit the number of boats or restrict personal
watercraft (i.e., jet skis) on Combie Reservoir should
overcrowding or public safety concerns dictate that
current usage practices need to be altered. NID
will coordinate such efforts with both Nevada and
Placer Counties. Through the SMP (see Section 6.0,
Public Education), reservoir users are encouraged
to engage in safe boating practices and refrain from
boating usage if the number of boats exceeds the
carrying capacity. These practices include, but are
not limited to:
■
■
4.1.5 Other Recreational Activities
The discharge of any firearm for the purpose of lawful
hunting must comply with Title 14 of the California
Code of Regulations, specifically Title 14, Division
1, Subdivision 2, Chapter 1, Section 251. In addition,
according to the Nevada County Sheriff, it is unlawful
to shoot any firearm or gun operated by compressed
gases or a spring from any boat over the reservoir,
however, it is permissible to hunt waterfowl from a
boat with a shotgun during the lawful hunting season
(NCGC, Chapter IX, Article 1). It is also unlawful to
discharge a firearm within 50 yards (150 feet) of any
dwelling house, residence, or other building or any
barn or any outbuilding used in connection therewith (NCGC, Chapter XII, Article 1). [The previous
sentence does not apply if all buildings within 50
yards of the point of discharge are owned by the
Boating in a counter-clockwise direction
Boating speed limit for any vessel on the waters
of Combie Reservoir of 35 MPH from sunrise to
sunset and 10 MPH from sunset to sunrise
18
Section
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
and boaters are to use restroom facilities that do not
discharge to the reservoir and are not located on NID
property.
person discharging the weapon, is a member of his
or her family, or is an invited guest thereof.] Fishing
licensees are also required for any fishing activities
on Combie Reservoir.
4.1.6.3 Refuse Disposal
4.1.6 Waste Disposal
Polluting a domestic water supply is prohibited (CCR,
Title 17). In addition, it is unlawful to place, throw,
deposit or dump any garbage, swill, cans, bottles,
ashes, refuse, carcass of any dead animal, offal,
trash, or any nauseous or offensive matter upon the
shoreline or into Combie Reservoir (NCGC, Chapter
IX, Article 1).
It is unlawful to place, throw, deposit or dump any garbage, swill, cans, bottles, ashes, refuse, carcass of any
dead animal, offal, trash, or any nauseous or offensive
matter upon the shoreline or into Combie Reservoir.
There are no refuse collection containers on Combie
Reservoir. Waste disposal within the reservoir or within
150 feet of the high water mark is prohibited (NCGC,
Chapter IX, Article 1 and Section 374.7 CBL).
4.1.6.1 Fishing
4.2 Shoreline Development Permits
There are no fish cleaning facilities on Combie Reservoir. Due to potential water quality effects, the cleaning
of fish or disposal of fish wastes within 150 feet of the
high water mark is prohibited (Section 374.7 CBL).
It is unlawful for any person to alter the condition of
land, or to place thereon any structures, in such a manner as to cause the water quality of any lake, river, or
stream to be materially altered from that established
by the (Placer County) board of supervisors under
Section 12.28.170 (Section 12.28.180, PC). In addition,
all proposed land uses and development shall comply
with one of the following (Nevada) County reviews
and/or require one of the following permits (NCGC,
Chapter II, Article 5):
■
Zoning compliance and building permit issuance
■
Administrative Development Permit
■
Development Permit
■
Use Permit.
4.2.1 NID’s Permitting Policy
In addition to the Nevada and Placer County regulations described above, NID requires any existing and
proposed non-dock structures on NID property to be
permitted. This will include boat ramps, riprap and
bulkheads. Fences, walls, utility sheds, rope swings,
swimming pools, constructed sand beaches, animal
shelters, TV satellite dishes, septic tanks or fields,
4.1.6.2 Toilets
There are no restroom facilities on Combie Reservoir.
Due to potential water quality effects, waste disposal
within the reservoir or within 150 feet of the high water
mark is prohibited (Section 374.7 CBL). Swimmers
19
Section
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
structures for human habitation and other non-permitted structures shall not be allowed on NID property.
NID reserves the right to require constructed sand
beaches to be removed, however it does not plan
to do so at this time. (See Attachment B for sample
permit application).
will determine if any additional dock permit applications
are to be considered (as described in Section 4.2.1).
4.2.3 Vegetation
The practice of removing shoreline vegetation (i.e.,
underbrushing) can reduce the ability of the shoreline
vegetation from arresting the introduction of pollutants
into the reservoir from near-shore activities (e.g., lawn
and landscape fertilizing). This is particularly true in
areas with hydrophytic vegetation and wetland and/or
riparian habitat characteristics.
If NID finds the permitted structure is unsafe, needs
replacement, requires major repairs, adversely impacts
the environment, adversely impacts water quality or
adversely impacts Project facilities, NID may require
removal of the structure or modification to bring it up
to acceptable standards. (Standards will be developed by NID in accordance with applicable state and
federal regulations).
Effective October 1, 2005 adjacent property owners will require a permit to perform underbrushing,
burning, tree removal or landscape plantings on NID
property. To the extent possible, it is NID’s policy to
preserve areas with wetland and riparian character
(Figure 5). Landscaping proposals on NID property
should be compatible with other District programs.
When an adjacent property owner sells their property, the new property owner is required to transfer
the permit(s).
4.2.2 Dock Permitting System
In 2002, NID conducted a Combie Reservoir
Encroachments Permit / Removal Project
under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), and performed a Combie Reservoir
Carrying Capacity and Safety Study (NID
2002; NID 2003a). Based on of the results of
these studies, NID began a two-phased process
for permitting floating docks for the reservoir.
Phase one included the development of the
permits for residents to obtain NID’s permission
for installing floating docks system (NID resolution No. 2003-49; NID 2003b). The second
phase of this project is the creation of the SMP.
Boat dock requirements are based upon the
California Boating and Waterways, Boating Facilities
Division, Layout, Design and Construction Handbook for
Small Craft Boat Launching Facilities, March 1991.
NID employees promote landscape water management
and the District maintains a Demonstration Garden
operated by the Master Gardeners of Nevada County
(Kennedy/Jenks 2001). Plants suitable for planting in
the inundation zone may be included in the Garden.
As of Fall 2004, NID has experienced almost 100%
compliance with the boat dock permitting system. NID
20
Section
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
4.2.4 Other Shoreline Improvements
a number of State regulations related to safe recreational and boating practices which are applicable for
Combie Reservoir. These include age restrictions for
use of personal watercraft, speed limit restrictions
for all vessels, water marking restrictions (including
but not limited to the operation of a water ski course),
and discharges to State waters. If future safety or
water quality concerns arise, NID, in coordination
with DHS – Division of Drinking Water and Nevada
and Placer Counties, may limit the type or number
of watercraft permitted on Combie Reservoir, or it
may implement other recreational usage restrictions
that it deems necessary.
Effective October 1, 2005, NID requires a permit to
perform any construction or demolition on NID property. The primary objective of the permitting system
is to ensure best management practices are followed
with respect to sediment control and that the natural
aesthetics of the lake are preserved or enhanced. The
program will expand and enhance that already started
by the dock permitting system.
4.3 Permitted Activities and Watercraft
Due to the relatively small size of reservoir, the water
supply usage, and the results of the 2001 Carrying
Capacity Study for Combie Reservoir, NID reserves
the right to limit the types of future recreational activities, including the number and types of watercraft,
permitted on the reservoir. Attachment A provides
21
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Section 5
5.0 Enforcement and
Emergency Services
tions including, but not limited to, fire prevention,
threats to water quality, threats to NID’s facilities, or
threats to fish and wildlife.
In Nevada and Placer Counties, the Sheriff enforces
the boating code and DHS, through the county health
departments, enforces the Water Supply Permit. All
have the authority to prohibit public use of the reservoir. NID enforces the dock and shoreline improvement
permitting process.
5.2 Emergency Plan
In an emergency, recreational users of Combie Reservoir and the surrounding areas should dial “911” and
provide their exact location to emergency personnel.
Access points to Combie Reservoir for emergency
personnel include:
5.1 Reservoir Area Closure
Although the SWRCB permit allows NID to operate Combie Reservoir for the purpose of irrigation,
domestic, incidental power, and recreation, NID, the
County Health Departments, DHS, and the (Placer
and Nevada County) Sheriff are authorized to restrict
public use of, or if necessary, close Combie Reservoir
to protect public or environmental health and safety
(DH&S Code 115825). This applies under any condi-
■
Boat ramp at the end of Peninsular Driver
■
Near where Wooley Creek enters Combie Reservoir
■
NID is currently obtaining access for a third access
point on the reservoir, and this will be updated in
future updates of the SMP.
Access points that require traversing private property
are assured to be kept free and clear of obstruction
by the property owner(s).
22
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Section 6
6.0 Public Education
The Department of Boating and Waterways offers a
home study guide, California Boating Safety Course.
In addition, Aquatic Centers, operated by colleges,
universities, and nonprofit organizations throughout
California, offer on-the-water boating safety courses
for a number of different boating activities, including
sailing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, and the use
of personal watercraft. Please see the Department of
Boating and Waterways web-site at www.dbw.ca.gov
under “education” for more information.
NID encourages all of the surrounding property owners
and their tenants to understand and comply with all
of the applicable State and County regulations which
govern the operation of, and recreation on, Combie
Reservoir. Selected boater and safety information
related materials are presented below.
6.1 NID Encourages Boater Training
DBW recommends that boaters take a boating safety
class offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the
U.S. Power Squadrons, or certain chapters of the
American Red Cross. For more information on Coast
Guard Auxiliary and Power Squadron classes call: Toll
Free: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: 800-869-SAIL; U.S.
Power Squadrons: 800-SEA-SKIL; U.S. Coast Guard
Customer Infoline: 800-368-5647.
6.2 NID-Sponsored Education
NID provides on-going support to local homeowners
through periodic communications and the demonstration garden. In the event that reservoir water quality
decreases to unsafe levels, either NID or the County
Department of Health will contact the LCA.
Shoreline Management Plan. The SMP will be made
available to Combie Reservoir area residents whose
property abuts NID’s. The LCA will assist NID in
notifying NID when property has changed hands
and to disclose NID-property and reservoir-related
responsibilities to new homeowners. Updates of this
plan will be periodically provided to residents and LCA
or posted to the NID website.
Best Management Practices for Adjacent Property
Owners. NID will incorporate articles on best management practices for adjacent reservoir property owners
into their existing public communications (including
the NID website) and newsletters. For practices conducted on NID property, the series will include:
23
Section
■
■
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Limiting the impact of recreation on water supply
Developing shoreline landscapes and construction
guidelines
■
Stabilizing the shoreline to prevent erosion
■
Valuing shoreline trees
■
Preserving shoreline wetlands
■
Preventing the introduction of exotic species
■
Sand/Aggregate removal.
■
Maintaining a septic system near a reservoir shoreline
■
Minimizing runoff from shoreline property
■
Managing crops and animal pens near reservoirs
■
Reducing the use of hazardous household and landscaping products.
The permits described in Section 4.2, Shoreline
Improvement Permits, will incorporate requirements
for best management practices to be followed on
NID property.
Best management practices on residents’ property
(not NID property) will be addressed through this
campaign as well.
24
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Section 7
7.0 Action Program
This portion of the Combie Reservoir SMP outlines a
six-year suggested action program to carry out the plan
(Table 1). Actions are assigned to three time frames:
0 to 3 years, 3 to 6 years, and greater than 6 years. A
responsible party is suggested for each action. Periodically, NID will update the SMP based on future needs
and regulations, and these updates will be provided to
the neighboring Combie Reservoir residents via the NID
website and through the LCA newsletter.
This SMP is designed to assist NID, LCA and others
to use the Combie Reservoir and its environs wisely. In
general, the SMP outlines applicable laws and regulations to be followed by adjacent property owners, as
well as best management practices adjacent property
owners should use to protect the reservoir’s primary
function as a drinking water supply reservoir.
Table 1. Combie Reservoir Action Program
Responsible Time Frame for Implementation
Parties
0-3 years 3-6 years > 6 years
Recommendation
BOAT DOCK PERMITTING SYSTEM
· Map boat dock locations & periodically update map
· Provide guidance on new docks
· Provide guidance for property transfers
NID
X
SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT PERMITTING SYSTEM
· Permit and map existing shoreline structures
· Provide guidance for new structures and plantings
· Provide guidance for property transfers
NID
X
NID & LCA
X
BOATER EDUCATION AND SAFETY
· Develop a plan for ensuring and supporting boating safety, especially for
high use weekends and holidays
· Provide copy of SMP to homeowners
LCA
X
EDUCATION
· Provide Best Management Practices to homeowners for their property and
NID property
NID
X
LAKE ACCESS FOR EMERGENCY PERSONNEL
· Provide reservoir access to Sheriff and emergency personnel
· Provide access map to Sheriff & emergency personnel
EVALUTE NEED TO CONSOLIDATE BOAT RAMPS
NID & LCA
X
PROTECTION & ENHANCEMENT OF PLANT, WILDLIFE & FISHERY
RESOURCES
NID & LCA
X
NID would continue to update the SMP as appropriate, including but not limited to, additional restrictions or modifications to the plan.
25
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Section 8
8.0 References
Moyle, P.B., R.M. Yoshiyama, and R.A. Knapp, 1996.
Status of fish and fisheries. In Sierra Nevada Ecosystem
Project: Final Report to Congress, vol. II, chap. 33.
Davis: University of California Centers for Water and
Wildland Resources.
Affiliated Researchers, 2000. Biological Assessment for the
Proposed NID Combie Reservoir Property Restoration
Project. Prepared by J. McKeon and R. Reineck, Jr.
November.
Nevada County General Code. Chapter II - Zoning
Regulations, Article 5, Sec. L-II 5.1. Revised May 10,
2005.
California Department of Boating and Waterways.
California Boating Law
http://www.dbw.ca.gov/pdf/cbl2004.pdf
NCGC, Chapter IX - Waterways and Watercraft, Article
1-Section G-IX 1.4, Revised October, 5, 2004.
http://dbw.ca.gov/pubs/abc/index.htm
NCGC. Chapter XII - Misdemeanors, Article 1-Section GXII 1.27. Revised March 7, 2000.
California Code Regulations. http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/
calaw.html
Nevada County Planning Department (NCPD), 2002.
Nevada County Natural Resources Report, A Scientific
Assessment of Watersheds and Ecosystems.
California Department of Public Health (DPH), 1969.
Water Supply Permit for Lake of the Pines Subdivision.
Water Permit No. 69-25. June 6.
Nevada Irrigation District (NID), 2002. Combie Reservoir
Encroachments Permit/Removal Project. June.
DPH, 1971. Water Supply Permit for North Auburn Area.
Water Permit No. 71-058. December 3.
NID, 2003a. Combie Reservoir Carrying Capacity and
Safety Study.
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board
(CV RWQCB), 1988. Petition of the Lake Combie
Association, Inc., to Review Order Number 88-025 of
the California Regional Water Quality Control Board,
Central Valley Region, Staff Report by the Division of
Water Quality, File No. A-530.
NID, 2003b. NID resolution No. 2003-49. Resolution
Authorizing Continued Presence of Existing Docks at
Combie Reservoir.
Placer County Codes: http://ordlink.com/codes/
placer/index.htm
CV RWQCB, 2000. Basin Plan
http://www.placer.ca.gov/county-government/
county-government.htm
Earnst, C.H., and R.W. Barbour, 1989. Turtles of the world.
Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. and
London. pp. 313.
Shilling, F., and E. Givetz, 2003. Bear River Watershed
Disturbance Inventory & Spatial Data Encyclopedia,
A Report for the Bear River Coordinated Resource
Management Plan (CRMP) Group and the Nevada
County Resource Conservation District. Department
of Environmental Science and Policy, University of
California, Davis. August 22.
Eberhart, Allan, 2004. White Paper #4 Bear River
Watershed Assessment. Foothills Water Network.
Motherlode Sierra Club. http://motherlode.sierraclub.
org/FoothillsWaterNetworkIntroductionweb.htm
Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, 2001. Urban Water
Management Plan, 2000 Update. Prepared for Nevada
Irrigation District. October,
Stebbins, R.C. 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles
and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston,
Massachusetts. pp. 336.
Moyle, P. B., R. M. Yoshiyama, J. E. Williams, and E. D.
Wikramanayoke. 1995. Fish species of special concern
of California. California Department of Fish and Game.
Second edition. Final Report for Contract No. 2128IF.
Rancho Cordova, California.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1980.
Soil Survey of Placer County, California, Western Part.
July 1980.
26
Section
Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Attachment A
Selected Regulations - California Boating Law
(Revised – January 1, 2004)
A. Speed Limits for Vessels in Certain Areas
California Boating Law (CBL), Harbors and Navigation Code (HNC), Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 655.2
(no speed in excess of 5mph (are permitted) in following situations: 100 feet of swimmer/bather, 200 feet
of beach with swimmers, swimming float, diving platform or lifeline, landing for embarkation or discharge
of passenger/docks)
CBL, Inland Navigation Laws, Rule 6 (33 USC 2006)
(every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action
to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and
conditions)
B. Life Jacket Requirements
CBL-HNC, Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 658.3
(no person shall operate a motorboat, sailboat, or vessel that is 26 feet or less in length, unless every
person on board who is 11 years of age or less is wearing a type I, II, III or V Coast Guard approved
personal flotation device while that motorboat, sailboat, or vessel is underway)
C. Age Limitations
CBL-HNC, Chapter 5, Article 1, Section 658.5
(no person under 16 yrs of age shall operate a vessel powered by a motor greater than 15 horsepower)
California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) Regulations
(to operate a personal watercraft (PWC), the operator must 16 years of age or older. A person 12-15
years of age may operate a PWC if supervised onboard by a person 18 years or older)
D. Water Pollution
California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Code, Division 6, Part 1, Chapter 2, Article 1, Section 5650
(it is unlawful to deposit in, permit to pass into, or place where it can pass into the waters of this state
any of the following: petroleum, acid, coal, oil tar, lampblack)
E. Vessel Sanitation, Lakes
California Department of Health and Safety (DH&S) Code, Division 104, Part 13, Chapter 4, Article 3,
Section 117505
(no person shall maintain or operate in or upon the navigable waters of any lake, reservoir, or fresh water
impoundment of this state any vessel that is equipped with a toilet unless the toilet is sealed or otherwise
rendered inoperable or designed so that no human excreta can be discharged into waters)
F. Littering, Crimes Against the Public Health and Safety
California Penal Code (CPC), Title 10
(this regulation prohibits: littering waste matter, beverage containers, hazardous materials, etc., into State
waters)
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
G. Discharges from Houseboats on or in the Waters of the State
California Water Code (CWC), Division 6, Part 3, Chapter 11, Article 5, Section 13900-13908
(this regulation prohibits: discharges of waste from houseboats in or on the waters of the state that may
impair the beneficial uses of the waters of the state to the detriment of the health, safety, and welfare of
the people of the state)
H. Waterway Marking System
CBL, Article 6, Section 7000-7009
(no waterway marker shall be placed on, in, or near the waters of the State unless such placement is authorized by the agency or political subdivision of the State having the power to give such authorization)
I. Additional Regulations Applying to Personal Watercraft (PWC)
California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) Regulations
(some additional regulations with specific PWC implications include prohibiting:
■
Jumping another vessel’s wake within 100 feet of the vessel creating the wake
■
Operating a PWC toward any person or vessel in the water and turning sharply at close range so as
to spray that vessel or person
■
Operating at a speed in excess of 5 mph within 200 feet of a beach or within 100 feet of swimmers,
surfers, or anyone else in the water)
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Attachment BCombie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
Sample Permit Application
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Combie Reservoir Shoreline Management Plan
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