Wild places > Northern Sierra: Regional Map

Black Oak Potential Wilderness

Managing agency: Tahoe National Forest

Size: Approximately 12,160 acres.

Location: In Placer County, roughly 25 miles northwest of Auburn.

Description:

• The American River in Black Oak provides water for Placer and Sacramento counties.
• This area contains old growth forest that is home to the California spotted owls.
• Black Oak contains habitat for bald eagles, pacific fishers, pine martens, and rare botanical species found nowhere else.
• The historic Michigan Bluff to Last Chance Trail is found here.

This area contains old-growth forests that are home to California spotted owls. There are both Protected Activity Centers (PACs) and Spotted Owl Habitat Areas (SOHAs) designated in the North Fork of the Middle Fork American River corridor. Potential habitat is present for the bald eagle, the pacific fisher, and pine marten. The stream is remarkable botanically because of the presence of Lewisia cantelowii and Lewisia serrata, both extremely rare, the latter of which is a Forest Service "sensitive" species found in only eight locations, four of which are on the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River.

This area also contains the famous Michigan Bluff to Last Chance Trail, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The North Fork of the Middle Fork American also provides water for Folsom Reservoir, which is the municipal water supply for both Placer and Sacramento counties.

For additional information, please contact:
American River Wildlands
P.O. Box 3008
Auburn, CA 95604

Or:
California Wilderness Coalition
(510) 451-1450
info@calwild.org