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Donner Summit
One of the truly iconic landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, Donner Summit is treasured by residents and second homeowners, hikers and skiers, naturalists and historians.
The region includes an incredible array of wildlife habitat. Its creeks and lakes, mountain meadows, and old growth forests are home to a great variety of Sierra plants and animals, including the Bald Eagle, the Pine Marten, and, amazingly, at least 115 different species of butterflies.
It’s the great divide between three important watersheds in the Sierra – the Yuba River, American River, and Truckee River. These rivers are invaluable in delivering water to downstream customers throughout California and Nevada.
And Donner Summit is the most important cultural crossroads of the American West, with a rich history written in the rock art of the Martis Indians, the wheel ruts of the first wagon trains, and the snowsheds of the transcontinental railway.
It all adds up to an incredible sense of place: rustic and rugged, wild and wonderful.
But, while the scenic beauty of Donner Summit is clear, the region’s future is less certain. Recent proposals remind us that the Summit could be subdivided into a series of sprawling developments – unless we secure permanent protection of the Donner landscape.
In 2007, Royal Gorge landowners proposed a massive development – 950 new housing units spreading from the edge of Sugar Bowl, surrounding Serene Lakes, and down into the North Fork American River Canyon – doubling the number already in the region. It was a nightmare scenario of traffic, roads, and rooftops.
Conceptual overlay maps are viewable by clicking on: MAP1 and MAP2.
Working with Summit property owners, regional conservation allies, and local civic groups, Sierra Watch has helped turn back the misguided proposal; now we’re offering an alternative outcome – turning the threat of development into an opportunity for conservation.
For more information, contact Peter Van Zant, Sierra Watch Field Director, and contribute to the Donner Summit Defense Fund by clicking on the 'Donate' tab above.
Donner Summit Conservation Priorities-Report and Map
Sign On Letter: Donner Summit Principles
Donner Summit Conservation Report
Donner Summit Sites of Proposed Development