Kern River Valley Community Park and River Recreation Planning Project (SNC1942-RT)

Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) would provide funding to the Kernville Chamber of Commerce to conduct community engagement, design, and environmental studies for the Kern River Valley Community Park and River Recreation Planning Project. The project consists of (1) planning and design activities needed to bring upland features of the park to shovel-ready status for future implementation and (2) a site-specific feasibility study, early agency consultation, and draft aquatic permitting for riverside and in-stream recreation features. The planning effort would evaluate the potential retrofit and revitalization of the former Kernville Golf Course and adjacent lands, which are operated under a special-use permit through the Sequoia National Forest. The project would evaluate conceptual design elements for a future public park that may include disc golf, walking paths, hard-surface recreation courts, gathering areas, and in-stream modifications for river recreation. The studies would also evaluate opportunities for habitat restoration, streambank stabilization, floodplain conveyance, and fuel reduction. The project is intended to support recreation planning and economic development in the Kern River Valley, which would benefit nearby communities, including those identified as disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged communities. No construction or ground-disturbing activities would be authorized under this action.