Quick Facts:
- 836-acre preserve located near Emigrant Gap
- Protected in 2023 by Conservation Easement granted to Placer Land Trust; land owned by PG&E
- Preserve permanently protects valuable public recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, and Sierra scenery
Lake Valley Preserve is part of the watershed of the North Fork of the North Fork American River, which contributes to the high quality of drinking water in Placer County. The land is owned by PG&E and contains mixed conifer and hardwood forests and abundant wildlife habitat, as well as two reservoirs and hydropower infrastructure. A conservation easement has been placed on the property through PG&E’s Land Conservation Commitment in partnership with Placer Land Trust and the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council (Stewardship Council). Placer Land Trust holds the easement, permanently prohibiting subdivision and limiting development.
Recreation, Wildlife Habitat, and Scenic Value
Lake Valley Reservoir and Kelly Lake are located within the preserve; both reservoirs provide day use areas and opportunities for recreation activities such as camping, fishing, paddling, swimming, and picnicking. The forest provides habitat for a diverse range wildlife, from large mammals (bear, deer, coyote) to reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds and insects.
Protecting and Connecting Sierra Watershed and Habitat
The preserve is adjacent to CAL FIRE state demonstration forest lands recently protected by Placer Land Trust and Bear Yuba Land Trust via conservation easement, as well as to other PG&E lands protected by conservation easements. This extensive 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.
