Tahoe’s biggest development threat hovers over the legendary property between Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley known as White Wolf.
The proposed new gated development and resort at the crest of the Sierra would spread subdivisions from Alpine Meadows Road, along the Five Lakes Trail, and into land designated for federal wilderness protection.
READ THE STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT
The White Wolf Property
The White Wolf property consists of approximately 455 acres, including the granite cliffs that define the eastern boundary of the Granite Chief Wilderness Designation; portions of the Palisades Tahoe ski area, notably the peaks of KT-22, Olympic Lady, and Red Dog Ridge; and a segment of the Five Lakes Trail, a publicly owned and accessible United States Forest Service trail.
Nearly all (452 of 455 acres) of the White Wolf Property is currently zoned as Open Space.
What’s Proposed
On November 5, 2019 Placer County released a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for a new proposal to develop White Wolf.
According to initial planning documents, the project would climb from Alpine Meadows Road north towards Olympic Valley and west to the Granite Chief Wilderness Area.
Development would include:
- 38 upscale single-family custom home lots;
- 14 guest units;
- 6 employee lodging units;
- 2 private ski lifts;
- new roads and parking lots;
- equestrian facilities; and
- tennis courts.
Some of the project is proposed for land designated for protection under the California Wilderness Act – signed into law in 1984 by then-President Ronald Reagan. New subdivisions would border the Five Lakes Trail, which famed outdoors writer Tom Stienstra of the San Francisco Chronicle calls “gorgeous and pristine… one of the best short day hikes in California.”
The project would be a gated development, with access (including ski access) restricted to property owners. Project proponent Troy Caldwell told the San Francisco Chronicle in 2019 potential owners would be “guys like (Elon) Musk.”
Approval would require a general plan amendment and rezoning. The next step in the planning process will likely be release of a Draft Environmental Impact Report.
What’s at Stake
In 2021, Sierra Watch engaged experts in planning, law, biological resources, and wildfire safety to research and compile a strategic assessment of the proposed development, seeking to understand the values at stake and potential impacts of the project.
According to the research, proposed development on the White Wolf property presents a clear threat to valuable Sierra resources. Initial review of the proposed project and the property at stake reveals a number of significant issues and potential impacts:
- Development on land designated for National Wilderness
- Degradation of the wilderness experience in the existing Granite Chief Wilderness
- Deterioration of the popular Five Lakes Trail
- Destruction of regional scenic values
- Threats to public safety, including wildfire and avalanche
- Damage to biological resources, including potential endangered species habitat
What We Can Do
Sierra Watch seeks a better outcome, based on sound Planning Principles:
- Honor and implement the national commitment to lands designated for protection as part of the Granite Chief Wilderness.
- Protect the Five Lakes Trail as an important regional asset and unique outdoor experience.
- Ensure that new development does not degrade or overwhelm existing infrastructure.
- Acknowledge the growing danger of wildfire and protect the health and safety of new and existing residents.
- Protect lives and property from avalanche danger.
- Protect the biological resources of the White Wolf property and the habitat value of the surrounding area.
- Process any application for development with full public involvement, thorough environmental assessment, and adherence to existing law.
Join Sierra Watch in seeking a better outcome
Sign the petition to keep White Wolf wild.
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