California Donner Memorial State Park Triples In Size
The Trust for Public Land and the Truckee Donner Land Trust have announced the addition of historic Schallenberger Ridge to Donner Memorial State Park. The addition of the 1,923 acre ridge will triple the size of the state park.
The newly protected ridge will surmount the new 25 mile Donner Lake Rim Trail, which will connect Truckee and Emigrant Canyon to the Pacific Coast Trail. Saving Schallenberger Ridge will protect an important Sierra Crest to Truckee River habitat and wildlife corridor. Truckee Donner Land Trust expects six more properties in the region, totaling 341 acres, will be added to the park in the future.
The Schallenberger Ridge is visible from Truckee and the I-80 and forms the scenic backdrop to Donner Lake. Its protection is the result of a partnership between The Trust for Public Land (TPL), the Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT), and California State Parks. The California Department of Fish and Game, Placer County and the philanthropic community also made key contributions.
The Schallenberger Ridge property, adjacent to Donner Lake and the Sugarbowl Ski Resort, was the setting for much California history. The historic Emigrant Trail, used by thousands of California bound pioneers, passes through the property.
The ridgeline is named for Moses Schallenberger, who was a member of the first pioneer party to take wagons over the Sierra Nevada, opening the California Trail.
In 1844, the 18 year old Schallenberger volunteered to remain behind at what is now known as Donner Lake to guard wagons left by the main party. Alone, he survived nearly three months in a small cabin during the extreme winter of 1844-1845 before being rescued. Members of the ill fated Donner Party, who were stranded there in 1846-1847, would later use his cabin.
Using a low interest loan from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, TPL purchased the 1,923 acre ridgeline in 2001 from Croman Timber Corporation, an Oregon logging company. TPL has worked in partnership with the Truckee Donner Land Trust to protect the property, valued at $3.1 million, from logging and subdivision. The acquisition was funded through the Habitat Conservation Fund and state Land and Water Conservation Fund, CDFG mitigation funds, Placer County Placer Legacy funds, as well as through private donations from generous individuals across the state and the local community, including many Sugarbowl homeowners.
“TPL is pleased to have played a part in the protection of Schallenberger Ridge – a spectacular and historic California treasure,” says David Sutton, Sierra Nevada program director for the Trust for Public Land. “Schallenberger Ridge is a gift back to the Sierra and to the public that loves it.”
“The same rugged skyline that greeted the first pioneers to California is now protected forever,” said Mary Nichols, California Secretary for Resources. “And, as part of the Donner Memorial State Park, Schallenberger Ridge will be cared for and made available for the general public to enjoy.”
“In the rapidly growing Truckee area, the protection of these wild lands literally at Truckee’s doorstep is a significant step towards protecting what residents and visitors cherish about the area,” says Perry Norris, executive director of the Truckee Donner Land Trust.
“Protecting Schallenberger Ridge is a fitting finale to TPL’s 30th year of conserving land for people, both here in California and across the nation,” says Reed Holderman, executive director of TPL-California. “From the city of Truckee to Sugarbowl Ski Resort, the Donner Pass community wanted the Ridge saved from development and TPL was glad to have the opportunity to be involved.” v “Schallenberger Ridge is so scenic and so integral to Donner Memorial State Park and adjoining US Forest Service properties that most outdoor enthusiasts assumed it was already in public ownership.” says John Knott, Superintendent for the Sierra District of California State Parks. “It was vital that this property be protected now. This will be part of our legacy to future generations.”
Provided by theEnvironmental News Service.