Placer County extends Bear River Fishing Access Area agreement

Placer County will continue managing day-use services at the Bear River Fishing Access Area for the next five years following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors on July 22. The revised agreement replaces the county's previous two-year deal, which expired earlier this year, and allows for an automatic one-year extension. The board approved a new agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) that outlines continued county support for patrol, trash removal and restroom maintenance at the 250-acre site, a popular recreation destination in Colfax. The Bear River Fishing Access Area was previously a campground but was renamed in 2023 when it became a day-use area. The area includes more than three miles of trails and is frequently used for hiking, swimming, fishing and rafting. The county currently patrols the site three days a week, though the new agreement only requires a minimum of two days of service. During the Board of Supervisors meeting, multiple residents spoke during public comment in support of renewing the agreement. Placer County Parks Administrator Erika Seward presented the agreement to the supervisors, highlighting the previous relationship between the county and CDFW. Several community members gave the agreement their support, stressing the necessity of the recreation area. Otis Wallen, who is a neighbor to the day-use area, said it's a vital community resource and has improved since being decommissioned as a campground. "As a neighbor, I'm very active there. I ride a bicycle down there at either dawn or dusk, four or five times a week, and on hot days, I go swimming," Wallen said in his public comment. "It has really shifted to a wholesome day-use area. Previous to that, I often called 911 and reported fire, abuse, altercations, noises, all kinds of stuff. I haven't had to do that. It has really made a big difference." Wallen pointed out there are no public pools for use in the Colfax area, meaning if the Bear River Access Area is lost, kids would have to go to Dutch Flat or Auburn. While the access area lies in Colfax, Wallen said he has met many people from Rocklin, Roseville and Lincoln while he has been out there and believes it's being used by residents from all over the region. William Waters, an Auburn-area resident since 1949, voiced his support for the agreement in the public comment section as well, saying, "You already have people lined up. We have two land trusts. We have two community groups that are working on trails out there. You want people there, using this, loving this, volunteering for it, and we are ready to do it now." Others inquired about finding ways to put up interpretive signage and changing the road name from Campground Road to make it clear there was no overnight access in the area, but that was not part of the original agreement and will have to be revisited by CDFW. "I certainly am optimistic we could work with CDFW on interpretive signs, and especially given the great support in the community to help raise money for such things," said Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. With the agreement officially approved, county officials say the focus now turns to maintaining the site's cleanliness, safety and accessibility throughout the busy summer season and beyond.