Jim Wilcox recently marked his 35th anniversary with Plumas Corporation on April 1, solidifying his reputation as a key figure within the organization, where he has served as executive director since 2014. Over his extensive career, Wilcox has been instrumental in designing, mentoring, and constructing 70 meadow and riparian habitat restoration projects, which collectively restored 4,595 acres across diverse channel types and settings. Notably, 55 of these projects are situated within the Feather River Watershed, with additional efforts in the central and southern Sierra Nevada.
Under Wilcox’s leadership, Plumas Corporation expanded its staff from six to 18 and broadened its initiatives from watershed restoration to include Fire Safe Council programs. In 2019, he collaborated with Hannah Hepner to develop a Sierra Nevada/Southern Cascade Landscape Strategy, which has been shared with various local partners and political representatives.
Wilcox’s expertise has been sought throughout the Sierra Nevada, where he has contributed to local knowledge and capacity through on-site training. His guidance has benefited watershed groups, agency staff, and private individuals not only in California but also in neighboring states and internationally.
A significant aspect of Wilcox’s legacy is the establishment and maintenance of the stream gauge monitoring network in the upper Feather River watershed, which has been operational for 26 years. This initiative, supported by partners such as the California Department of Water Resources and Plumas National Forest, represents the longest and largest stream monitoring project in the Sierra.
In 2016, Wilcox secured funding for a network of hydrology monitoring sites, which are essential for understanding changes in meadow hydrology pre- and post-restoration across a wide geographical area. His scientific expertise, coupled with a deep understanding of natural ecosystems, has enabled him to provide valuable insights into meadow functionality and restoration.
Throughout his tenure, Plumas Corporation has evolved from an economic development organization to a significant player in watershed restoration and fire safety. Wilcox’s philosophy of deep commitment to project areas has instilled a culture of stewardship within the organization. He will continue to contribute as a part-time senior executive advisor, ensuring that his legacy and dedication to the land endure.
