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Truckee Donner Land Trust Protects 691 Acres in Carpenter Valley

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Truckee Donner Land Trust Protects 691 Acres in Carpenter Valley

In a landmark conservation achievement, the Truckee Donner Land Trust, in partnership with the Northern Sierra Partnership, has acquired 691 acres of pristine wilderness at the headwaters of Carpenter Valley. This significant addition to protected lands secures a vital ecosystem that bridges the Sierra Crest with the meadows of Carpenter Valley.

Nestled among peaks rising to 9,000 feet, the newly conserved area serves as a critical wildlife corridor. The land features granite cliffs, mixed-conifer forests, riparian zones, and a stunning waterfall visible from Red Mountain. It is also home to two streams that feed into Prosser Creek, a key component of Lower Carpenter Valley’s watershed.

“This project is a major victory for regional conservation, safeguarding not only the pristine habitat and Prosser Creek headwaters but also building on neighboring conservation efforts,” said John Svahn, executive director of the Land Trust. “Each conserved parcel contributes to a healthier environment for the Truckee-Tahoe region, and this new acquisition is truly extraordinary.”

Wildlife enthusiasts have noted rare sightings in the area, including wolves and a wolverine, emphasizing its ecological importance. Despite its beauty, the property remains remote and difficult to access. Currently, adventurous visitors can reach it through summer cross-country routes from Warren Lake or winter ski descents from the Land Trust’s Frog Lake Backcountry Huts.

The Land Trust reminds the public that access from Lower Carpenter Valley is prohibited due to private property between parcels. However, plans are underway to develop new trails connecting Frog Lake and Red Mountain to this untouched wilderness.

This acquisition reinforces the Land Trust’s mission to protect the Sierra’s natural resources on a landscape scale. Alongside projects like Frog Lake, Red Mountain, Crabtree Canyon, and Independence Lake, the preservation of Upper Carpenter Valley strengthens the ecological integrity of one of the Sierra’s most unspoiled regions.

Visit https://www.truckeedonnerlandtrust.org/ for more information