Tribal Cultural Use: Big River Forest

Cultural Use Agreement Form

Fill out this form to access this property for Tribal Cultural Use

Property Description

The Big River Forest (approximately 11,707 acres) is in the middle portion of the Big River watershed and is a high priority watershed for anadromous fish. The forest includes 26 miles of fish bearing streams, 32 miles of perennial streams, and associated riparian habitats. The forest is dominated by redwood and Douglas fir and adapted to the mild temperatures and heavy rainfall common to the region. The forest is richly productive and supports abundant wildlife, including such imperiled species as coho salmon, steelhead trout and northern spotted owls, as well as black bear, mountain lions and numerous bird species. There are many plant species found on the forest and a link to the botanical report can be found below.

Big River Forest adjoins the Big River State Park and Jackson Demonstration State Forest; together these three properties make up the largest contiguous block of non-federal, protected land entirely within Mendocino County.

At The Conservation Fund, we know that well-managed forests can be both economically viable and ecologically sustainable. On California’s North Coast, we continue to refine and demonstrate our pioneering approach to forest conservation, including environmental restoration, sustainable timber harvests, carbon sequestration, and support of the local timber economy.

*image copyright Karine Aigner

Click here to view a botanical assessment for Big River Forest and Salmon Creek Forest.

Accessibility

The mobility rating for this site is 4 / 5. This site is rated a 4, as access is primarily logging roads.

Property-specific Guidelines

• Please follow all CDFW Regulations that pertain to you regarding fishing, and collection of foraged foods (https://wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations).
• If collecting seed, send a list of desired species to hnewberger@conservationfund.org.
• Tribal Cultural Use is on TCF forest only. Please use the provided geo-referenced map on your Avenza app to track your location.

Directions

The property is entered off Highway 20 near the 14 mile marker. Access is available on logging roads.