Shutamul Bear River Preserve
Shutamul Bear River Preserve
Quick Facts:
- 40 acres of wilderness along the Bear River
- Protected by acquisition since 2005
Remote Wilderness Protection
Placer Land Trust’s Bear River Protection Program envisions protection of the Bear River watershed from Lake Combie to Camp Far West Reservoir. This area contains some of the last roadless areas in western Placer County, as well as significant oak woodlands, rangelands, and wilderness areas.
Biodiversity
The area between Coon Creek and the Bear River represents the largest contiguous area of oak woodlands remaining in Placer County. Approximately 331 species of wildlife inhabit Placer County’s oak woodlands including mountain lions, bobcats, several species of hawk, rodents, snakes, owls, and songbirds. The regional blacktail deer herd uses the Preserve area for winter migration.
River Habitat
The Bear River flows along two sides of the property, moving from a gradual slope into a steep rocky gorge. Healthy riparian zones provide critical habitat for a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic species while also contributing to water quality by filtering excessive nutrients and other pollutants before the water reaches the stream. The Bear River and the adjacent riparian area supports fish, otters, frogs, turtles, snakes, birds and butterflies.
Wildlife Corridors
Large areas of intact wilderness provide critical habitat for larger animal species. The oak woodlands between Bear River and Coon Creek form an important north-south corridor complimenting the east-west corridors formed by the rivers and the adjoining riparian habitat.
Cultural Heritage
In addition to its natural values, the Preserve also contains archaeological sites dating to the Gold Rush and earlier. Nisenan and other Native Americans lived on this land for over 5,000 years. Shutamul was a historic Nisenan village located on the Bear River downstream from the property. Aside from an unimproved dirt access road, the property is relatively untouched by man - a prime example of the dwindling wilderness left in Placer County.