Being good stewards of the environment means we care for the land, air, water and wildlife.
We protect these resources while we perform our operations and produce carbon free electricity that supports the power grid.
Since 1957, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, we’ve worked to make Crystal Basin a spectacular destination in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s not only home to our Upper American River hydroelectric system, but it’s also home to wildlife and native plant species, and the public for enjoyment of outdoor recreation.
Learn more about our stewardship of natural resources in El Dorado County.
Environmental leadership
Environmental leadership is a top priority at SMUD. We strive for exemplary stewardship and going above and beyond compliance standards. Our vegetation management program maintains safe clearance from our power lines, poles and transformers by responsibly and strategically managing vegetation growth around our infrastructure and assets.
Their work creates a natural fuel break around our transmission lines and hydro generation assets throughout the Upper American River watershed that extends beyond SMUD’s easements and totals more than 3,000 acres.
We’re always working to enhance our wildfire prevention efforts, put new and improved safety measures in place and make the electric grid even more resilient in the case of extreme weather events.
Learn more about what we’re doing to protect trees and power lines and reduce the risk of wildfire.
Recreation
In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Crystal Basin Recreation Area is open for outdoor recreation for everyone to enjoy.
Upper American River Project (UARP) and Chili Bar Project
We own and operate the Upper American River Project, located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada. The UARP lies within El Dorado and Sacramento counties, primarily within lands of the Eldorado National Forest.
The project is a large hydroelectric development composed of 9 powerhouses and 12 reservoirs.
Learn more about stream flows and reservoir elevations at South Fork American River, below South Fork Powerhouse.