2,457 acres — our largest land protection project to date!
Placer Land Trust and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) are pleased to announce the permanent protection of Lower Bear Valley Preserve! Located along the Bear River from Alta to Emigrant Gap, the preserve contains approximately 2 miles of the Bear River, starting at the lower end of Bear Valley and running downstream to encompass Drum Forebay and Alta Forebay. At 2,457 acres, this represents the largest single land protection project that Placer Land Trust has completed to date!
The land is owned by PG&E and contains hydropower infrastructure as well as vast areas of forested land and wildlife habitat. A conservation easement has been placed on the property through PG&E’s Land Conservation Commitment in partnership with the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council. Placer Land Trust holds the easement, permanently prohibiting subdivision and limiting development.
The preserve is adjacent to CAL FIRE lands protected by Placer Land Trust and Bear Yuba Land Trust via conservation easement, as well as to other PG&E lands protected by Bear Yuba Land Trust easements. This vast area of adjacent protected open space provides a robust east-west corridor for wildlife migration seasonally, annually, and over time as species adapt to climate change.
“Protecting this land provides a lasting benefit for all living beings — from native plants and animals to us humans who enjoy clean water, healthy forests and outdoor recreation,” says Executive Director Jeff Darlington.
The preserve’s mixed-conifer and hardwood forests provide habitat for black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, and various species of birds. Several rare plants have been observed in the surrounding area. The State-listed threatened foothill yellow-legged frog has also been seen nearby, indicating good water quality and a healthy ecosystem.
Protection of this land helps safeguard the Bear River from runoff, sedimentation from development, and harmful land uses along and near the river. It will forever preserve scenic values with its sweeping views of the Bear River, Bear Valley, and the Sierra Nevada.
The property will remain open to fishing, swimming, hiking and general sightseeing. There are no formal, managed trails on the property, but unpaved PG&E roads and old logging roads are open to public access.
“The Stewardship Council is pleased to participate in the conveyance of a conservation easement to Placer Land Trust, in partnership with PG&E, on the Lower Bear Valley Preserve,” said Erin Healy, Executive Director of the Stewardship Council. “This project ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy the natural beauty, recreation opportunities, and the forest resources this property offers to the people of California.”
