TRUCKEE DONNER LAND TRUST

Preserving and protecting important historic, recreational and scenic open Fall Newsletter spaces in the greater Truckee region. Volume 30 ❖ Fall 2006 Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 2 When it rains, it pours Maybe it’s a sign of the times The Truckee Donner Land Trust was or just plain dumb luck, but founded in 1990 in order to preserve whatever the reason, there sure and protect important historic, seems to be a lot of important recreational and scenic open spaces acreage for sale right now. in the greater Truckee region. Properties the Land Trust has eyed for years are now suddenly P.O. Box 8816, Truckee, CA 96162 for sale. So many in fact, we 10069 West River Street, Old Tonini House questioned our capacity to fund I can however, talk in Tel. 530.582.4711 them all. But in the end, Board generalities. The lands we are Fax 530.582.5528 and staff concluded that all pursuing and “have not gone email: [email protected] of these lands are simply too website: www.tdlandtrust.org public with” have a combined important not to protect. We’d be value of over $40,000,000. They remiss of our mission not to try; The Truckee Donner Land Trust is a total over 6,000 acres. 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. All future generations will not easily donations to the Land Trust are tax- forgive us if these lands are lost Most of these properties are of deductible under the Internal Revenue to development. To paraphrase significant acreage with names Service Code. Will Rodgers about our natural on a USGS map that you’d readily landscape, “land, they’re not recognize. Many have familiar BOARD OF DIRECTORS making it anymore.” landmarks that you’d recall Martin D. Bern, President from your adventures Noelle Allen Hetz, Vice President hiking or biking, some William Thauvette, Secretary/Treasurer of these landmarks David Brown are breathtaking. The William Goerke properties are important Jeff Hamilton for a number of reasons Tamara Lieberman including habitat, Scott Ryan recreation, water quality and connectivity to ADVISORS public lands. All of these Gene Bowles lands are irreplaceable John Cobourn and treasured places. Kathleen Eagan The passage of Greg Faulkner Proposition 84 in Ralph Hunt An inholding the Land Trust is pursuing. November was very Judy Mayorga good news for the William McGlashan As much as I’d like to be more Sierra. It puts $54 million for Stephanie Olivieri specific about these properties, it’s conservation into the newly James L. Porter, Jr. in the seller’s and the Land Trust’s formed Sierra Conservancy. Craig Ritchey interests to keep our discussions But even with continued bond Kathleen Ritchie confidential. More than one land funding, if the Land Trust is trust has lost a deal when another going to seize the incredible STAFF buyer with intentions to develop opportunities available today, Perry Norris, Executive Director learns of the transaction and we’ll need to raise significant Stan Wingate, Associate Director makes a more lucrative offer. And money from donors like you. Kellie Wright, Development Director sellers tend to want to keep their I hope we can count on your Sara Taddo, Land Conservation Director discussions with a conservation generous support and continued Dale Lawrence, Membership Coordinator group confidential, lest their concern for the greater Truckee John Svahn, Rim Trail property suddenly be earmarked region. Coordinator as open space in the minds of the Warm regards, public and elected officials. Most FRONT COVER PHOTO: of the Land Trust’s transactions Corridor involve non-disclosure

agreements. Perry Norris, Executive Director Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 3 Donner Lake Rim Trail Update Stunning new section completed on Donner Summit

The 2006 Donner Lake Rim Jim Zellers, a Trail building season has been long-time resident a remarkable success. Although of Truckee, and delayed by heavy snows until July, professional beyond the new two-plus mile section south of Castle Peak. 150 volunteers completed a mountain biker, new and stunning section of said of the trail, trail across the southern flank of “it is impressive “This trail is exciting and technical, and Castle Peak on Donner Summit. when a trail a crucial link to the surrounding trails.” The new two-mile section through familiar extends from the Summit Lake/ terrain is made – Jim Zellers Warren Lake intersection north interesting.” of I-80 to Castle Valley Road. The Land Trust hosted Meet our new Rim The trail meanders through a numerous volunteer work weeks mature and majestic Red Fir for American Hiking Society and forest, crosses several small members. Numerous Trail Coordinator creeks flowing from Castle businesses and recreation groups Peak and passes through fields came out and volunteered to “The Donner of bleach-white granite. It is a build the new section, and Lake Rim Trail gorgeous trail. triumphed to completion. The trail also provides an We think you’ll agree that this is becoming a important link to the popular is one of the most spectacular treasured asset to Hole-in-the-Ground trail that trails on Donner Summit. The can now be accessed from Tahoe Land Trust welcomes you to our community. Donner or Negro Canyon via the explore this new trail. Donner Lake Rim Trail. I’m proud to be part of it.” – John Svahn Boys & Girls Club volunteer John Svahn is an active member of the trails and mountain biking community in Truckee and North on the Rim Trail Tahoe. He is an International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) trails advocate and is involved Thanks in part to a generous in local trail planning commissions. John and his grant from the Teichert wife Heather have made Truckee their home for Foundation, members of Boys eight years. and Girls Club of North joined the Land Trust on the newly completed section of Adopt a Bridge the Donner Lake Rim Trail for a Your generous donations enable day of trail work, environmental education and a whole lot of fun. the Land Trust to build bridges on We would like to thank Jaime the Donner Lake Rim Trail. Alvarez, Francisco Villalobos, Please call the Land Trust at Jorge Zamora, John Baker, and Volunteers from Boys & Girls Club 530-582-4711 for bridge Lu Lucero for j oining us. of North Lake Tahoe. adoption information. Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 4

L o n g t i m e Land Trust inks protection of over 3,200

About the same time SPP contacted the Land Trust, they also called The Nature Conservancy. A conservation partnership was formed. Earlier this month, after four years of hard work, a deal was signed. What took so long? “As acquisitions go, this was a near perfect storm. A number of very complex issues were all transecting,” explained Mike Conner of The Nature Conservancy. “There were a number of issues well beyond price and terms.” The transaction includes acquiring 3,139 acres in fee title and another 93 acres under a conservation and Sierra Pacific Power Co. acquisitions includes over 3,200 acres of wild upland habitat. public access easement. The Land Trust and The Nature Shortly after wrapping-up the SPP has owned the property Conservancy also have an 2,000-acre Schallenberger Ridge since the 1880’s and looks option to purchase additional acquisition in 2002, tripling the favorably on the idea of their lands lands along the Truckee River size of Donner Memorial State being permanently protected by that SPP at this time is not Park, the Truckee Donner Land selling to a conservation buyer. prepared to part with. Trust received a call from Sierra Pacific Power (SPP) inquiring if the Land Trust was interested in purchasing several thousand acres in the Truckee River Canyon. An emergency meeting of the Land Trust Board was called, the vote was unanimous, champagne was poured, and the Land Trust was onto its next big project.

“It’s rare to have opportunities for conservation of this size and of such biological significance.” The acquisitions include 93 acres of conservation easement on riparian – Sara Taddo, Land Conservation Director habitat and over seven miles of river frontage. Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 5 c o m i n g ... acres in the Truckee River Corridor

The acquisitions include most riparian area provides outstanding of the land between Floriston and habitat for fisheries and birds. The Stateline on the Northwest side of uplands provide critical wintering I-80. “Before crossing the river on habitat for the beleaguered I-80 at Floriston, the acquisitions Loyalton deer herd and other large include everything you see up to mammals. (See biological side bar Boca Ridge,” Norris said. “The page 15.) scale of these acquisitions, the The acquisitions also include lands they encompass, is mind an important section of the Lake boggling.” to Lake Trail, a planned 116-mile “It is rare to find opportunities trail along the Truckee River for conservation and open space between Lake Tahoe, and protection of this size and of Pyramid Lake. such biological importance,” Sara Taddo, the Land Trust’s Land Please see page 15 for more Conservation Director said. on the acquisitions’ biological Lisa Wallace of the Truckee importance. Tributaries to the Truckee River Watershed Council commented host the endangered Lahonton that “The benefits Cutthroat Trout populations. to the Town are Photo by Larry Prosser. numerous. Dramatic sections of the scenic I-80 corridor In most instances, raising the are permanently funds to complete a transaction is protected. For those the heavy lifting of a land trust’s heading west, this is work. “With the Truckee River the gateway to Sierra Canyon Project, the funds were and .” in place years before we signed a “Public access to contract,” said Perry Norris, the the river for Land Trust’s Executive Director. recreation and “We owe a huge thank you to enjoyment will be Mike Conner for his tenacity.” vastly improved. The “The conservation values Watershed Council of these acquisitions are so commends the Land tremendous it immediately Trust’s efforts to caught the State’s attention,” protect and preserve Conner added. The acquisitions water quality and include 7.5 miles of Truckee River riparian and aquatic frontage, heretofore technically habitat in the closed to the public, and over Truckee River.” 3,100 acres of upland habitat. Besides the The majority of the funding multiple recreational comes from a Prop 40 River opportunities in Parkway grant and the balance the Canyon, the from a bequest The Nature acquisitions protect Conservancy received restricted to important natural conservation in County. resources. The

Sierra Pacific Power Co. parcels acquired for protection. Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 6 Program Updates & Land Trust News Over $4,650,000 in grants received this year

Martis Valley - For over a year, the Land Trust and our partners at The Trust for Public Land, have been in discussions with the owners of nearly 1,500 acres in the . The property is one of the residential resort developments entitled under the Martis Valley Community Plan. Its entitlements include as many as 1,200 new residences. In September, the Land Trust received a $2,000,000 grant from the Cascade Grant Program administered by the State’s Department of Resources for this important acquisition.

Old stock fences in the Martis Valley. Mt. Rose Wilderness beyond the Valley. Photo by Olof Carmel.

Negro Canyon - The Land Trust also received a $650,000 grant from the Sierra Nevada Cascade Grant Program for 280-acres it currently holds under option. The Land Trust will close on this $1,000,000 acquisition by the end of the year. For mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians, the southern end of the the property immediately off of Interstate-80 is a popular point for accessing the Donner Lake Rim Trail from the bottom of the Canyon. Plans are to eventually convey the property to the Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District.

The view across Billy Mack Canyon to Negro Canyon – Gregory Creek watershed.

Sierra Nevada Checkerboard - The Land Trust, with it partners at the Truckee River Watershed Council, received a $2,000,000 grant from the State Water Board for a 983 acre acquisition that includes 2.5 miles of river frontage on the Little Truckee River. The Land Trust is also in discussions to acquire 680-acres surrounded by the proposed Castle Peak Wilderness Area.

A lush, spring-fed meadow in the Sierra Nevada Checkerboard. Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 7

“You can count on the Land Trust to continue to be aggressive in working with property owners to conserve significant ecological resources, open space and recreational lands.” Scott Ryan, Chairman, Truckee Donner Land Trust Lands Committee

Donner Memorial State Park - The Land Trust is in the process of conveying six parcels totaling 300 acres to the Park. The properties are on Schallenberger Ridge, acquired by the Land Trust and The Trust for Public Land in 2002, and in Emigrant Canyon.

Schallenberger Ridge and the Donner Lake Basin.

Billy Mack Canyon - We’re working on two acquisitions that border lands the Land Trust acquired in the past year. Long term, our goal is to protect as much of the land as we can west of Truckee’s town limits to Donner Summit between Donner Peak and Interstate-80.

The volcanic Castle Peak beyond the Billy Mack batholith cliffs.

Another potential acquisition

The travels through a property the Land Trust is pursuing west of Frog Creek above Billy Mack Canyon. Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 8 Thanks to our Business Partners

Business and Buck for “The Land Trust Open Space Partners is one organization provide us with the that we feel reliable funding accomplishes the that we need to pursue large-scale projects, same goals we like the Truckee River have: conserving Corridor Project. open space and the To find out more about Hans Wain and Roxanne Duffield. smaller town feel becoming a Business of Truckee.” Partner, please call Kellie Hans Wain and Roxanne – Hans Wain Wright at 530-582-4711 or Duffield have happily called [email protected]. Truckee their home for almost twenty years. They were both drawn to the area for the same reasons we all love Truckee… Thank You Business Partners scenic beauty, outdoor recreation The following businesses have supported the and the small town feeling that Truckee Donner Land Trust by becoming Business makes Truckee so charming. Partners. When you’re out and about in the Hans established an outdoor Truckee Donner area, please do business with products company in 1989 and now owns Offroute.com, offering them as a way of saying “Thank You”. wholesale and retail mapping and Advanced Framework Los Gatos Construction Co., Inc. navigational equipment. For the Andrea’s Tahoe Rentals Northstar-at-Tahoe past 18 years, Roxanne has owned Cabonas Clothing Offroute.com the State Farm Insurance office in Carmelstudios.com/ Pacific Crest Restaurant Tahoe City. Elizabeth & Olof Carmel Parr Goldman & Bryne Hans and Roxanne, accom- Castle Peak Vacation Rentals Pianeta Ristorante panied by their two spoiled dogs, Castle Peak Snow Removal Plumas Bank ski, mountain bike, trail run, Chase International Quality Enterprises and whitewater kayak in the Citizen’s Bank of Northern CA Ryan Group Architects open spaces available to them. Conservation & Preservation Serene Lakes Property In fact, Hans and Roxanne enjoy Counsel Owners Association just about anything they can do Dennis E. Zirbel, Architect Sierra Mountain Mortgage outside. That is why they decided DMB Highlands Group, LLC Squaw Valley Ski Corporation to partner with the Truckee Donner Lake Property Owners State Farm Insurance Donner Land Trust in protecting Association Streamline Consulting Group the valuable recreational wild Donner Memorial State Park lands in the area. Donner Truckee Tahoe Property Group LLC Veterinary Hospital Hans and Roxanne are proud to Tahoe Resort Properties/ Dragonfly Carla Stokes be part of the Land Trust because, East West Partners “Good people are there running Talisman Cellars Faulkner Architects The Estates Group things and we feel proud to be a Geocadd Aerial Surveys part of such an organization.” TIP, Inc. Green River Productions Tony Hardy Construction, Inc. The Truckee Donner Land Trust Hartley Appraisal Services Town & Country Storage could not accomplish its goals Home Concepts Truckee River Associates without partnerships with Isabella O. Truckee River Watershed folks like Hans Wain and Jackass Ridge Council Roxanne Duffield. Law Office of Porter•Simon Truckee Tahoe Lumber Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 9 The third annual Trails and Vistas:

“Origins and Elements” Thank you for participating and making “Origins & Elements” such a wonderful event. Visit www. trailsandvistas.com for information about next year’s event. We look forward to seeing you at Trails and Vistas 2007! We would like to thank the following: Creative Director: Nancy Lopez Choreographers: Elizabeth A poet recites her work near the Pacific Crest Trail. Archer, Cathee van Rossem St. Clair Over 400 people enjoyed an art walk Donner Land Trust, InnerRhythms Arts for Schools on Donner Summit with over twenty Dance Theatre, and Arts for the talented performers collaborating Schools. The event is an original Big Wave Burritos together to offer a wonderful art production that involves dance, Capital Beverage Co. experience in the environment music, and installation art on a hike Choozi Entertainment through the arts. through the landscape of the Sierra. The 3rd annual event, Trails and This year’s performances included Gateway Deli Vistas: “Origins and Elements” singing Tibetan bowls, the sounds of InnerRhythms was co-sponsored by the Truckee Arabic music, interpretive dancers Cesar Lopez and actors, poetry recitals, an ice sculpture from Bano’s Iceworks, and Moody’s Bistro the movement and music of Native Moonshine Ink American artists. Nevada Arts Council The featured guest artist, Chief North Lake Tahoe Resort Red Hawk, combined Native flute Association with the folkloric storytelling Sierra Sun tradition of his Native American Silverleaf Studio roots. Tahoe Mountain Resorts Trail leaders informed the The Cedar House hikers about wildlife, history, and conservation efforts pertaining Truckee Donner Chamber to the land surrounding Donner of Commerce Summit. The spectacular views enjoyed by the hikers were largely And a special thanks protected by the Land Trust. to all the artists and volunteers for making this year’s Trails and Vistas a great A dancer interprets Middle-Eastern music. success! Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 10 A summer of land stewardship

Independence pools and Eastside Pine Forests. Lake: The Land Along one visit, a rare flowering Trust owns 2,000 plant was positively identified, acres in the the Plumas Mousetail plant Independence Lake (Ivesia sericoleuca). The leaf watershed. These structure is soft to the touch and acquisitions were resembles the common Yarrow, funded in part but this plant has a five-petal by a foundation flower that extends from the concerned about fernlike leaflet the impacts of Hippie Hill-Sierra College snowmobiling in Campus Site: Land Trust staff the watershed. The worked closely with project Land Trust will managers at the future campus be working with site during the planning of the U.S. Forest the timber harvest and road Service and the construction. Best management snowmobiling practices are in place to ensure Land Trust Forester, Scott Wall, and Associate Director, Stan Wingate, community to water quality and erosion control. inspect a revegetated skid trail in Billy Mack Canyon. find a solution Wintercreek Wetland: In acceptable to all parties. early spring, the Land Trust staff The Land Trust owns Truckee River Corridor: With worked with Nevada County and manages over 5,000 the closing of this 3,200 acre officials to monitor the mosquito acres in the Truckee acquisition, the Land Trust is populations on this wetland that hard at work gathering baseline is across from the Regional Park. Donner region. Much of documentation and creating Luckily, there was no hazard this acreage we intend management plans for the river of West Nile Virus carrying to eventually convey to frontage easement. populations, and pesticide use public entities such as Martis Valley: Negotiations in was avoided. the Martis Valley brought forth the U.S. Forest Service, Negro Canyon: With the numerous site visits to the vernal Land Trust soon to own the State Parks and Fish and property in fee title, there Game. In the meantime, are a host of issues including stewardship of these lands erosion gullies, Rim Trail is a high priority for the access and public access that we are addressing. Land Trust. In 2006, we Jackass Ridge Conservation addressed a number of Easement: Squatters are a issues. continuing problem on the property and create a fire hazard. A group of Land Trust We value your time volunteers removed fire rings and literally removed a truck- and expertise! A cougar print in the Martis Valley. load of garbage. We are looking for volunteers to help in the Thank you to the Alpine Winter office, assist at events or work on the Donner Lake Foundation for adopting Rim Trail. Sign-up at the beautiful bridge www.tdlandtrust.org or call for more information. in Negro Canyon. If you have special skills, please let us know. Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 11 Thank you to Elizabeth and Olof Carmel “Brilliant Waters” Book Launch Event

Long-time Land Trust members interaction of light and water and generous supporters, Elizabeth in our natural environment. In and Olof Carmel hosted the addition to Elizabeth’s photos and “Brilliant Waters, Portraits of Lake inspiring poems, “Brilliant Waters” The Land Trust would like to Tahoe, Yosemite, and the High resonates with a conservation thank The Lodge at Tahoe Donner, Sierra” book launch party at the and preservation message. It is Holliday Development Company, Lodge at Tahoe Donner. Elizabeth an enduring testament to the musicians Bob Greenwood and donated half the book sales from accomplishments of previous Bob Moskal, Jonathan Hurt from the evening to the Land Trust. The generations who have worked to Trefethen Vineyards, and Merle event was a great success with over protect the Sierra Nevada. It is Fajans for her extraordinary help 200 books sold in just two hours. also a reminder of what is at stake with the astounding amount of “Brilliant Waters” is an amazing as we strive to protect the natural book sales! collection of Elizabeth’s exceptional world for future generations. photographic work capturing the

Buck for Open Space

Tahoe Donner Toast Preserving open space in the greater Truckee area is simply good business. to the Trails event Please welcome Sierra Pet Clinic, Thanks to the Tahoe Donner A portion of the proceeds from Alpine Meadows and Boreal Association, The Lodge at Tahoe art sales was donated for building to the program. Donner, the talented artists, and maintaining the Donner Lake We would like to thank the following and all who attended the Toast Rim Trail. Due to the generosity of conservation-minded businesses for to the Trails event on June 18. the local artists and the support of The afternoon highlighted art, the Tahoe Donner Association, the participating in the Buck for Open wine, music, and the importance Donner Lake Rim Trail was greatly Space program. of the Donner Lake Rim Trail expanded this summer and will be Alpine Meadows Inn at Truckee by bringing people together well maintained in the future! Best Western Truckee Isabella O. to explore new tastes while Thank you to the following for Tahoe Inn Jackass Ridge discovering new trails. hosting such a great event: Boreal Pacific Crest Bill Houdyschell Cabonas Pianeta Ristorante Darren Shaw Cottonwood Sierra Pet Clinic Heather Harrison Donner Truckee The Village Bistro Veterinary Hospital Monica Spear West End Bistro Dragonfly We hope you will consider adding a $1 or more to your bill for open space and trails. It’s a small investment but important. Here’s why: The greater Truckee region is booming and the wild open spaces we cherish are disappearing at an alarming rate. And, of course, what is open space without trails? We would like to thank the businesses and their customers listed above and encourage Enjoying art, wine and sunshine for trails. you to give them your business. Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 12 There are many ways to support the Truckee Donner Land Trust

The Land Trust’s work is more that your donation has helped to Donner Lake Rim Trail Adopt- urgent than ever. In addition to your protect. A-Quarter-Mile – Enjoy the annual membership, there are a Memorial Gifts – Honor the stunning views of Donner Lake, variety of ways to support our work. memory of a friend or loved one or Castle Peak on Stock Gifts – Gifts of long-term who treasured the open spaces your own portion of the Donner appreciated stock and mutual fund and wild lands of our area. Lake Rim Trail. Contribute $1,000 shares are an easy way to make a Employer Matching & or more to the Donner Lake Rim lasting contribution. Workplace Giving – One of the Trail and we’ll recognize your Gift & Honorary Memberships – simplest and most efficient ways gift on a plaque at one of the Choose a meaningful way to of donating is through your trailheads. This is a great way to both honor your loved ones and workplace. It’s also a great way to create a legacy that will benefit the conserve the open spaces you double or triple your gift if your entire community. cherish. Give a gift membership employer has a program to match Planned Giving – Leave a for birthdays, Christmas, weddings your donations. Please pick up legacy and help us protect open or other special occasions. We’ll a matching gift form from your spaces for future generations by send your recipient a beautiful employer, fill it out, and send it including the Truckee Donner picture showcasing a special place to us. Land Trust in your will or other estate plans. Leaving a bequest is simple and gives you the freedom to make a significant difference. To make a bequest, consult with your legal advisor or contact our office.

Please call Kellie Wright at (530) 582-4711 for more information on any of these programs.

Looking for the perfect gift for someone who seems to have everything? Give the gift of open space for the Holidays.

An honorary gift is a thoughtful way to show your friends and family how much you care about them and the environment. Call the Land Trust 530-582-4711 for more information. Camas lilies bloom in the alpine meadows in spring.  Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 13

New changes in the federal tax law make it easier to make a tax-free charitable gift. Under the new law, by giving directly from your IRA to charity, the money is not included for income tax purposes and – most importantly – is not taxed, preserving the full amount for charitable purposes. However, the contribution will not provide an income tax deduction. Of The Land Under Our Feet... course, please consult your tax advisor. Hiking Schallenberger Ridge, Skiing Coldstream Canyon, In Or simply enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding peaks from the Memory Donner Lake Rim Trail. Susan Reichert Consider including the Truckee Donner Gortner Land Trust in your will or estate plan December 23, 1932 – and leave a legacy that your children September 13, 2006

and grandchildren can hike, bike and Susan, a renowned researcher and former experience under their feet forever. associate dean of the UCSF School of Nursing, loved hiking and fly-fishing in the Sierra. She Please call the Land Trust also enjoyed riding Tennessee walking horses. After retiring to Serene Lakes, she added cross- (530-582-4711) to find out more country skiing to her already considerable about planned giving. skills in alpine skiing. Susan was a good friend of the Truckee Donner Land Trust and to numerous people throughout this country. She will be missed. – Bill Thauvette, neighbor and friend

The Land Trust understands that donors expect their contributions will be put to good use. We’re proud of running... A lean and efficient ship • To date 11,500 acres of land have been conserved. • The value of these lands is over $20,000,000. • For the five years ended 12/31/05 the ratio of management, general, and fundraising expenses to the value of lands conserved was less than 5%. Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 14 ThankThank youyou forfor volunteeringvolunteering onon thethe DonnerDonner LakeLake RimRim TrailTrail 2006 Summer We rely on services from supportive businesses and our many stalwart volunteers, who offer time, expertise, and Hikes passion for the Donner Lake Rim Trail. Thank you to our wonderful Rim Trail volunteers and businesses. Sophie Aaron Bob Hamilton Robin Preston Our Most Adventure Maps, Inc. Toni Hamilton Ted Preston Albertson’s Rory Hayden Porter•Simon Popular Ever American Hiking Society Chad Hirsch Quality Enterprises Christy Barber Steven Hirsch Angela Raso Summers in the Truckee area are meant to Scott Barelso Walter Hirsch REI Emily Barnes Justin Holmes Mark Reynard be enjoyed outdoors. The Land Trust helps get Jeanine Barnes Gary Houk Michael Reynard people outside every summer by leading an Matt Barnes Matt Houk Rotary Club of Truckee impressive list of summer hikes and walks. More Maureen Barnes IMBA Michael Schwab folks attended this year’s hikes than ever before. Roger Barnes Warren Ingalls Susan Sheffield Each one was filled to capacity, brimming with Mary Ellen Berier Lloyd Jacklin Earl Shidler Stefan Berier Harri Jalovaara Hank Shwarz amazing scenery, and the camaraderie shared by BONC Richard James Tom Siebert people who love open space. Gunnar Boon Garrick Johnson Sierra Club Robert Brooke Jeff Johnson Tim Silva Capital Beverage Co. Brian Jones Melinda Smith Special thanks to our Kelley Carroll Patty Kelley Craig Soule Barb Cartwright Kevin Kelley Lance Soule fearless Hike Leaders. Mark Chavez Russell Kennedy Rod Soule Clair Tappan Lodge Andrea Ketchmark Jeannie Stamberger Rob Cofer Rick Koppel Vicki Stanley Elizabeth & John Eaton Amye Cole Kacey Kristian Chris Stearn Tam & Steve Lieberman Michael Cook Pete Kristian Brock Stevens Anna May Cronin Lindsay Krone David Stewart Judy & Bill Mayorga Kevin Cronin Kelly Landa Emily Stewart David Crosley Steve Lieberman John Sturtz Clydia Davenport Bill Luderer John Rodney Supple Robin Diniro Rick Madden Julie Svendsen Kelsey Dion Sarah Madden John Svhan Judy Dowdy James Manley Tahoe Hard Rockers Evan Englesby Christine Manley Tahoe Rim Trail Jim Englesby Michael Masek Tahoe Trampers Pamela Everett Mindy Masek Chris Tingley Farwest Nordic Team Brandon Mayo Town & Country Alex Ferneyhough Rick McConn Storage Lucy Ferneyhough Billy McCullough Jennifer Trombetta Travis Ferre Mark McGrath Troop #15 Reno, NV Gene Furr Jill Messner Troop #267, Truckee Mason Furr Amber Mortensen Truckee Sunrise Rotary Patti Giandonato Stanley Murphy Jan Van Vliet Dan Goddard Lloyd Murray Viking Ski Club Barry Goff Brian Nakagawa Jen Wasson Nate Goff Katerina Nash Alison Waterbury Julia Gold Mary Nelson Bob Watson Aileen Golis NV Conservation Gina Watson Tom Golis Corps Spencer Wood Janet Goolsby Charles Nimsic Jeff Wright Barbara Grasseschi & Dan O’Gorman Christina Wu Tony Crabb Justin Ondry Stephen Zissmos Ben Grassechi Eric Ongerth

The Land Trust would not be able to accomplish our goals on the Rim Trail without the incredible financial support of foundations. Thank you to everyone who Thank you to the following foundations for your contributed to the Patricia support in funding the Rim Trail. Lahontan Community Foundation Crow Memorial Fund. Bill & Diane Zuendt The Fund adopted the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation boardwalk in Negro Canyon. Teichert Foundation Fall 2006 Newsletter Page 15

Understanding the Truckee River Corridor’s biological importance

The 3,236 acres being acquired by Both sides of the river have been the Truckee Donner Land Trust and designated by the Department of Fish The Nature Conservancy in fee and and Game as major migration corridors easement in the Truckee River Corridor for the Verdi subunit of the Loyalton- is of enormous biological importance. Truckee mule deer herd. In addition, The acquisitions’ connectivity to lands the eastern section of these acquisitions already in public ownership, the length (downstream from Farad) are within of river frontage, nearly 7.5 miles along an area cited as critical winter range for the Truckee River, and its geographic mule deer. position in a transitional zone between During the spring migration, mule alpine and desert environments, make it deer leave this critical winter range and truly unique and significant. move in a southwesterly direction along The acquisitions contain outstanding the canyon toward critical fawning areas cottonwood-willow riparian habitat and on their summer range throughout the excellent instream habitat. Cottonwood Martis Valley. This cycle is reversed every trees are able to reproduce well along fall as the herd migrates back to critical this reach of the Lower Truckee River, wintering range downstream from Farad. due primarily to natural high water Besides heavy mule deer use, The events, which is the usual mechanism by Nature Conservancy biologists have which cottonwood seeds are dispersed. identified mountain lion, bobcat, and There is adequate water on this stretch coyote as well as gray fox and bear in of river to promote germination and Canyons 23 and 24 near Mystic. Such growth, and thus a healthy, multi-story corridors connect thousands of acres cottonwood habitat exists. This riparian of public land in the Humbolt-Toiyabe habitat provides excellent breeding National Forest (including the Mount habitat for riparian dependent birds Rose Wilderness Area) to thousands such as yellow warbler and warbling of acres of public land in the Tahoe vireo. Riparian vegetation is not only National Forest. found along the banks of the Truckee, but also along approximately seven miles of the perennial creeks that drain into the Truckee. The aquatic habitat supports Lahontan basin native fishes. Despite the manmade barriers, I-80 and the railroad, the Truckee River Canyon provides important movement corridors and connections to protected land for a variety of mammals.

The uplands provide habitat for a number of large mammals. The Board and staff of your Land Trust hope you share our pride in what we have accomplished. We hope you believe we merit your continued and generous support. You can count on us to leverage your support to make multi-million dollar conservation efforts happen.

For more details on the Land Trust’s projects , see updates on page six.

A picture is worth a million words; why our work is so important.  This newsletter is printed on Photo courtesy of Catherine Howard – www.cathphoto.com. recycled paper using soy ink.

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