
7 minute read
A Holistic Approach to FORESTRY AND LAND MANAGEMENT
By CYNTHIA CENDREDA
For over five decades, Tahoe Donner has committed to protecting, conserving and beautifying its surrounding environment, taking a holistic approach to land management that ensures the maintenance of clean and safe neighborhoods while preserving natural spaces and habitats in and around the community. As the owner and steward of 5,048 acres of natural and open space and an additional 2,622 acres of private properties, utilities and public roads, Tahoe Donner is proud to have a forestry team that is nationally regarded as a leader in their field when it comes to defensible space, wildfire reduction and overall forest health.
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In addition to its robust forestry team and trail crew, Tahoe Donner works in accordance with agencies and organizations like the Town of Truckee, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Truckee River Watershed Council, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, CAL FIRE and Truckee Fire Protection District. Together, objectives are met in the areas of fire protection, forest care, wildlife habitat and watershed restoration, invasive species concerns, recreation and more.
Sustained LAND MANAGEMENT EFFORTS

More than just a forestry crew dedicated to defensible space efforts, the Forestry and Land Management Department is a multifaceted department that works diligently with a wide variety of land management resources to continually address wildfire concerns, residential safety and recreational enjoyment while maintaining a balanced and healthy forest ecosystem. These efforts are guided by the Forestry Management Plan, an initiative first established by retired Tahoe Donner Registered Professional Forester Bill Houdyschell. This plan is updated every five years to stay relevant and safe.
Fuel Breaks
A fuel break is a strategically placed zone between the natural forest and residential areas, also referred to as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Fuel breaks are not created to stop a fire but to help slow its spread by reducing the amount of flammable vegetation in a given zone and allowing for more efficient firefighter intervention.
Common Areas
These areas are owned by Tahoe Donner and maintained by the Forestry and Land Management Department for recreational enjoyment and to preserve essential natural spaces for native flora and fauna to thrive. Tahoe Donner is home to a complex and flourishing ecosystem that includes majestic trees like:


• Sugar Pine
• Lodgepole Pine
• Western White Pine
• Jeffrey Pine
• Red Fir
• White Fir
• Mountain Hemlock
Common areas also provide diverse habitat for a broad range of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, bears, bobcats, mountain lions, beavers, hawks, osprey, eagles, and threatened or endangered species like the wolverine, Sierra marten, great gray owl and Sierra Nevada red fox.
Fuel Reduction Zones
Within a forest, different zones require specific treatment and maintenance plans. Strategic vegetation thinning in certain zones mimics the effects that would occur from natural wildfires. While fuel reduction zones are critical in helping prevent the rapid spread of wildfire, they also contribute to the ongoing forest restoration efforts that preserve important natural resources and biodiversity in the landscape and create healthier and stronger forests overall.
Recreation and THE TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
A Brief History Of Trail Use
Tahoe Donner’s natural spaces have a rich history dating back to the Washoe people who, for generations, sustained a harmonious co-existence with the land. Hunting, fishing and gathering in the warmer months, migrating to lower elevations in colder months and practicing systematic wildfire management, the Washoe preserved this cyclical way of life for centuries until the encroachment of European settlers following the gold and silver rush in the 1850s. The gold and silver rush eventually gave way to intensive logging and ranching operations that helped establish an early network of new trails and access roads, many of which are now incorporated into Tahoe Donner’s unique and extensive trail system.
From the first acquisition of land in the area in the late sixties, when NFL football player Jack Kirby purchased 4,020 acres from a Christmas tree farmer, to the first home built in 1971 and the community’s ski resort constructed in 1972, Tahoe Donner has always carried a vision of a family-friendly mountain community with endless recreational opportunities.
Land acquisitions have been integral in sustaining this vision both for growing the community and protecting the natural resources that contribute to the community’s allure. Since 2002, Tahoe Donner has acquired an additional 1,142 acres, including two Euer Valley purchases, the Bucknam Tract, the McGlashan Springs parcel and an additional 20-acre property, all of which provide an abundance of trails and open space to be enjoyed, preserved and protected over generations.
Over 60 Miles Of Trails Today
At present, Tahoe Donner comprises over 7,000 acres, with over 4,000 acres of recreation space and 1,300 acres of common area interspersed among the more than 6,000 homes. The trail system currently consists of over 60 miles of new and legacy multi-use trails. Legacy trails include historical logging and fire access roads, equestrian trails and user-created trails adopted into the system as a result of repeated use. The existing trail system includes:
• Major and minor trailheads

• Official and unofficial neighborhood access points
• Associated signage
• Kiosks
• Restroom facilities
• Dog waste stations
• Other ancillary infrastructure
Trails And Open Space Master Plan Updated In 2022
With valuable community and stakeholder input, Tahoe Donner revised its existing Trails and Open Space (TOS) Master Plan in 2022, strengthening its efforts toward a more vibrant and sustainable mountain community for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. The plan's purpose affirms Tahoe Donner’s commitment to responsible management of trail systems and open spaces while acknowledging evolving use patterns and Tahoe Donner’s desire to offer a spectrum of family-friendly and year-round outdoor recreational opportunities for its members. This comprehensive and updated plan guides the latest efforts and initiatives of the Forestry and Land Management Department, highlighting areas where they can increase the value and quality of the user experience.
Trails And Open Space Progress
In September 2022, the Forestry and Land Management Department welcomed a new trail manager, Leslie Loveland, who has hit the ground running in continuing the department's current efforts for facilitating new projects according to the TOS plan.
Alder Creek Adventure Center Wetland Restoration
Prior to the winter months, members may have seen trail crews around the Alder Creek Adventure Center working to divert the original trail that crosses designated wetlands onto a boardwalk and away from the protected areas. Moving forward, all hikers and


Trail Signage
A primary initiative of the TOS plan is to improve signage throughout the trail system to mitigate impacts from recreational use. The trail manager is hard at work creating a cohesive design for the signs, which will be installed seasonally starting this summer.
FUEL REDUCTION, MASTICATION AND TREE REMOVAL
Fuel reduction and mastication were completed this past summer around the Alder Creek Adventure Center and Sunrise Bowl. Work will continue once conditions permit, and a primary goal for 2023 is to clear approximately 300 dead trees below the driving range and along the Nature Loop Trail. Heavy maintenance and dead tree removal will also begin on singletrack trails once they are dry enough to access safely.
Coyote Crossing
Coyote Crossing will be closed to all users until the portion of the trail through the meadow is dry. The construction of a bridge and boardwalk is slated to begin in late summer to mitigate the impacts of recreational use on the meadow and erosion from ranching prior to Tahoe Donner owning the property. Additionally, in partnership with the Truckee River Watershed Council, the department will work to restore a reach of Prosser Creek to improve wildlife habitat, protect the stream banks and improve water quality. To learn more about this project, flip to page 8.
Opportunities to WORK WITH THE TRAIL CREW
The Forestry and Land Management Department has begun the hiring process for summer employment. Interested applicants can find part-time and seasonal positions at tahoedonner.com/jobs Additionally, the department offers various volunteer opportunities for trail maintenance. Multiple trail days are held throughout the year, organized by the department or coordinated through various association clubs.

Glacier Way Trailhead Project And New Walking Path
The department is currently in the planning and permitting process for this project. Pending all necessary approvals, trailhead improvements and the addition of a new walking path at Glacier Way can begin in 2024.
Every October on Truckee River Day, in conjunction with the Truckee River Watershed Council, volunteers are called upon to plant trees in designated areas throughout Tahoe Donner. And once the Coyote Crossing bridge and boardwalk are complete, the trail crew will be seeking volunteers to help construct a new quarter-mile trail from South Euer Valley Road to the creek. To get involved as a volunteer and take advantage of fun opportunities to work alongside the Forestry and Land Management Department, visit tahoedonner.com/trails
EncouragingRESPONSIBLE TRAIL USE
Additional Restoration And Trail Maintenance


Come summer, drastic improvements are planned for the trailhead and parking area at the north end of the Nature Loop Trail. Additional improvements are scheduled for the equestrian zone, creating a safer site for horses. Restoration work will begin on South Euer Valley Road. Field reconnaissance and ground truthing will also commence for proposed trails from the TOS plan.
Tahoe Donner encourages members to stay updated on the progress of the Trails and Open Space Master Plan and the status of trails where maintenance work is scheduled. For more information, visit tahoedonner.com/land-management
While the Forestry and Land Management Department works diligently to maintain and protect Tahoe Donner’s natural resources, members are encouraged to stay informed on issues and become active stewards in the preservation and responsible enjoyment of trails and open spaces. This includes avoiding wet and muddy trail areas, politely yielding to other users per trail policies, maintaining safe speeds, staying out of wetlands and other protected areas, obeying all trail closure and designated parking signs, keeping dogs leashed in public areas and properly disposing or packing out pet waste and litter.
The department provides additional resources on the website that further elaborate on and encourage positive trail culture and etiquette. To learn more, visit tahoedonner.com/trails