News Release Archive

Recreation Advisory: 2004 New Melones Lake Visitor Center Fall Schedule of Interpretive Events for October and November

Thursday Evening Lecture Series -- 7 p.m. at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center. 2004 Fall theme is "Human History of the Stanislaus River."

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, JMCCRACKEN@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: October 06, 2004

Thursday, October 21, "Miwuk Water Memories." Native American Traditional Culture Preservationist, Fred Velasquez, will speak on Miwuk traditional use of the river, seasonal patterns and the Gold Rush impact.

Thursday, November 4, "After the Gold Rush - Water History of Melones." A Bureau of Reclamation speaker will follow the history of water at Iron Canyon, from the gold rush era through construction of the Old Melones Dam in the 1920's, to the completion of the New Melones Dam. Also addressed will be current management and water uses. Where does the Stanislaus River water go?

Thursday, October 11, "Riding the Water Beast - History of White Water Rafting on the Stanislaus." Current owner of OARS - Outdoor Adventure River Specialist, George Wendt will speak on the historic fight to preserve the six mile stretch of the Stanislaus River renowned and beloved by white water rafters and kayakers. Join him for a viewing of the film, "Lady of the Mother Lode" which documents the controversy that gripped the state in the mid 1970's over construction of the New Melones Dam.

Thursday, November 18, "Black Bart Returns." Park Ranger Pattie Guida will describe the local Stanislaus River Ferry crossings and their historical importance before introducing California's most famous stage coach robber "Black Bart" (portrayed by Glenn Wasson) Hear why the Reynolds Ferry Crossing is historically significant to Black Bart's story? Includes a melodramatic presentation of "Legends of the Mother Lode."

New Melones Lake Visitor Center is located 1/4 mile south of the Highway 49 Stevenot Bridge. Through April 1, 2005, the Visitor Center will be open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will be closed Monday and Tuesday.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.