(Photo of Otter at Sailor Bar by Soroush Mostafanejad)

We, the friends of Sailor Bar, respectfully ask that the Sacramento County of Parks and Recreation keep the gravel/dirt roads leading into the interior of the Sailor Bar area, and parallel with the river, closed.

SAILOR BAR is a haven to the many species of wild animals who rely upon this secluded space as their naturalistic habitat.  Deer, coyotes, skunks, turkeys, otters, beavers, reptiles, and a variety of wild birds are amongst the animals who live at Sailor Bar.  There are at least 218 wild bird species, making Sailor Bar the number 5th out of 100, according to the Sacramento e-Bird Hotspot.  The Salmon Habitat Restoration, and the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beatle Projects are at Sailor Bar. 

Sailor Bar has become a popular place for photography.  Capturing the breathtakingly beautify sunsets and the wild animals flourishing at Sailor Bar is a photographer's dream.  Birdwatchers, and people who just want to sit and meditate, or walk on the pathways visit Sailor Bar.

This quiet and peaceful haven is in danger of exploitation by public motor vehicle traffic.  It is the impending plan of the Sacramento County to allow public vehicles onto the gravel/dirt roads going through interior of Sailor Bar.  Opening these roads will obviously have negative impact on the wild animals who live in the interior of Sailor Bar, along the riverbank, and in the river.  

Prior to 2009, these gravel roads were opened to public motor vehicles. It was a relief for many when, due to severe budget cuts, the Sacramento County closed the access points.  Neighbors recall eyewitness accounts of the area being littered with garbage, broken glass from bottles and shattered car windows, dumping of animals (even a donkey!), fireworks, lots of alcohol and drug parties which resulted in drunk and reckless driving.  People gathered in large numbers on the very river banks that the birds, spawning salmon, snakes, beavers and otters rely upon to thrive.

Today, over fifteen years later, the dirt/gravel roads have transitioned into pedestrian pathways.  Joggers, families with children in strollers, equestrian riders and dogwalkers are amongst those who regularly use these roads.  During the spring and summer, snakes are found daily sunning themselves on these roads.  People who have limited mobility use the gravel roads (pedestrian pathways) to gain strength and mobility because one can maneuver without having to worry about dodging vehicles.

Sailor Bar is for many, a sacred space for All too enjoy.  Let's keep it that way.  Thank you for signing this petition to respectfully voice our affirmation to Sacramento County, Department of Parks and Recreation to keep public motor vehicles out of the interior of Sailor Bar.  

For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/protectsailorbar/

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https://www.sarariverwatch.org/sailor_bar