The Upper Sacramento River, known simply as the Upper Sac, is a storied destination for hikers, sightseers, and anglers alike. However, few realize when they set foot into that cool, clear river that the water weaving around their legs is a prominent thread in a narrative tapestry tying together diverse peoples and communities, industrial and environmental interests, as well as flora and fauna, all for the need of water in an increasingly arid state. As a result of a chemical spill into the river in 1991 and shifting attitudes about watershed management, the Upper Sac is one of the most studied rivers in the State and perhaps the world. The information gathered from this research provides vital resources for fish and wildlife management, but it also shows the critical role that this vulnerable river plays in the wellbeing of an entire state.
Stories by Nick Miley 