On May 2, 2025, we teamed up with Sac County Parks to restore the habitat at Turtle Pond, a favorite fishing pond off the American River at Sailor Bar, celebrate this spot’s storied history, and prevent fishing gear injuries to waterbirds and wildlife.
Starting in the 1850s, Sailor Bar was dredged by miners seeking their fortune during the heady days of the Gold Rush. Today, the area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who fish and raft in the river’s waters and horseback ride and walk along its many trails. Turtle Pond is a favorite spot for anglers and wildlife. Unfortunately, abandoned fishing gear poses a threat to the area’s abundant wildlife.
To create a safer and healthier environment for Sailor Bar’s waterbirds, turtles, otters, and beavers, we began by removing over 500 fully intact hooks and lures attached to hundreds of meters of line in a small casting area. We removed gear from the waters by balancing on the submerged tree for hours at a time and by removing gear by hand—it was painstaking work but well worth it in the end.
After the removal of the fishing gear, we planted native plants in the area, which will create a healthy biodiverse habitat for wildlife of all kinds. We crowned our efforts by installing a recycling receptacle for fishing gear and a waterbird awareness sign to invite anglers to play a positive role in keeping the river free of fishing gear.
In the works is an interpretive sign that will communicate the area’s rich history, from the Gold Rush to the present day, and removal of the top of the felled tree that is snagging line!
Interested in joining our cause? Check out our ways to get involved, from volunteering your time to making a donation. Together, let’s make the American River a safer place for all its inhabitants.