Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the local BLM Mother Lode Field Office’s control, BLM recently announced the closure of Big Bar to vehicles through October 15. (Walking in is still possible, but parking nearby is very limited and has safety concerns). To get the facility reopened for easy access and parking, volunteers are needed to clean and restock the toilet facilities once a week through October 15 to supplement the weekly BLM cleaning.
The Foothill Conservancy is currently working with the BLM and other organizations to recruit volunteers and help set up a cleaning system and schedule. If you’d like to volunteer to help out, even for just one day this summer or fall – please contact the Foothill Conservancy at 209-223-3508 or email fhc@foothillconservancy.org.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Big Bar Launch facility on the Mokelumne River at Highway 49 is the only legal boating takeout for the Mokelumne’s popular Electra Run and the easiest access for river lovers who can’t walk or scramble down steep river banks. It opened in 2011 after more than 25 years of effort by the Foothill Conservancy, the local boating community, river advocates, the State Lands Commission, and the BLM. We need your help to keep the site open to vehicles this summer and fall.
Big Bar provides river access for boaters, anglers, swimmers, birders, wildlife lovers, and anyone who enjoys the river. It includes parking, an easy walk to the river, and bathroom facilities. It’s important for boaters who don’t want to continue downstream to the Middle Bar Takeout or who aren’t yet ready to boat the Class III Devil’s Toilet Bowl rapid just downstream of the facility. Big Bar provides safe and legal river access and helps fulfill one of the key missions of the Foothill Conservancy, making the Mokelumne a River for Everyone.
Thank you for helping keep our California Wild and Scenic Mokelumne River open and accessible!