BACKGROUND
The Sacramento County Regional Parks Department plans to re-open old gravel access roads to public motor vehicle traffic through the interior of Sailor Bar Park parallel to the banks of the Lower American River. These roads were closed in 2009 due to severe budget cuts. Since then, this 144-acre site has healed from the impacts of vehicle traffic and is now a haven for plants and wildlife. The roads have transitioned into walking paths frequented by those wishing to avoid disturbing nesting birds and salmon spawning areas along the river banks.
The County did not notify the public as required by the American River Parkway Public Notification Procedures 2009 before beginning work to re-open the roads in late 2023. Save the American River Association and the community group Friends of Sailor Bar want the County to reconsider its plans to re-open the roads based on the negative impact experienced when the gravel roads were accessible to public vehicles, causing public safety issues, and potentially harming wildlife habitat.
Since the road closures in 2009, there has been a reduction in the number of motor vehicles being driven recklessly in the park endangering pedestrians and wildlife, the dumping of trash/bulk waste, abandonment of pets, and other illegal activities. Additionally, ample parking and pedestrian access are currently available at the two entrances to Sailor Bar, allowing everyone access to the river's edge. Adding public motor vehicle traffic on these roads is unnecessary and detrimental to the values that make the American River and Parkway Sacramento's regional crown jewel.
JULY 2025 UPDATE
From Friends of Sailor Bar: "Our work continues . . . the focus now is on educating the community about the importance of protecting the habitat of the wildlife at Sailor Bar, and along the American River parkway. We are also working in partnership with the Sacramento County Parks on a bench project aligned with our shared goal of making Sailor Bar accessible for people with limited mobility and disabilities to enjoy being in nature peacefully. Parks Director Liz Bellas shared with me that she is focusing on a holistic approach for making not just Sailor Bar, but other areas along the Parkway accessible for people with disabilities and limited mobility. This approach involves working with members of the community, including the Disability Advisory Commission, to assess locations along the parkway that are most conducive to ADA /or Accessible Nature Trails, obtain grant funding, and to create a holistic and practical plan. The decision to regarding reopening the roads to motor vehicles at Sailor Bar is part of the accessibility /ADA project research. This is our opportunity to educate and inspire the decision makers, and community to value, respect and love the wildlife who depend upon us to preserve their open naturalistic habitat that is enjoyed by humans and animals, and too often taken for granted."
FEBRUARY 2025 UPDATE
On February 27, 2025, the Sacramento County Regional Parks Director will present the Early Notification And Conceptual Approval of 2025 Sailor Bar ADA Concept Plan to the Recreation and Park Commission. The Parks Director confirmed that the purpose of the meeting is "informational only" and not an "action item." The Park Commissioners represent the Board of Supervisors as their advisors. We urge everyone to show up and speak or send comments to [email protected] to be included as a public statement. The Parks Director and our District 3 elected Supervisor are proceeding with an action not supported by the community. Conversely, there is huge public support for protecting Sailor Bar, and a long list of compelling reasons for keeping the gates closed to public motor vehicles.
RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION MEETING
Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM (Meet at 6 PM)
Board of Supervisors Chambers, 700 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW
1) Sign the petition Save Sailor Bar from Motor Vehicle Traffic.
2) Donate to the Sailor Bar defense fund.
3) Contact Sacramento County decision-makers. Your support is crucial in shaping the future of Sailor Bar. Together, we can educate and influence County decision-makers to preserve this wild and scenic treasure for all to enjoy. Let’s protect nature and keep cars out!
Dave Defanti, Deputy County Executive for Community Services: [email protected]
David Villanueva, County Executive: [email protected]
Sacramento County Supervisors
District 1 [email protected]
District 2 [email protected]
District 3 [email protected]
District 4 [email protected]
District 5 [email protected]
NEWS & UPDATES
ABC 10 - February 23, 2025
Fair Oaks organization aims to keep Sailor Bar gravel road closed to cars
KCRA 3 - February 23, 2025
Protestors send message to Sacramento County: Keep cars out of Sailor Bar
Michelle Bandur, Reporter
CBS News - February 23, 2025
Protestors try to stop Sacramento County from paving popular Sailor Bar trail
Where the Rubber Meets the River: How a Pollutant Associated with Tire Rubber Impacts Threatened and Endangered Fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta - November 7, 2024
Jackie Lang – UC Davis, Segarra Lab
KCRA 3 - June 14, 2024
Sacramento County wants to reopen gravel roads at Sailor Bar. Why nearby residents are concerned
Orko Manna, Reporter
April 15, 2024
Fire at Sailor Bar Reinforces Concerns About Opening Roads to Motor Vehicle Traffic
March 29, 2024 - See the memo from Friends of Sailor Bar Legal Counsel, Matthew Chalmers, to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors