USFS acquires 120 acres on Brockway Summit to protect from development

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Much sought-after parcels of land near Northstar Ski Resort have been purchased by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU). The purchase brings to a close proposed developments which over the years have included 112 ridgeline homes and the Brockway Campground, a sprawling resort with 550 campsites and commercial and additional commercial facilities.

LTBMU used funds from the Santini-Burton Act to purchase two parcels that total approximately 120.4 acres of Brockway Summit land on the rim of the Tahoe Basin.

“We are excited to announce the completion of this long-awaited purchase,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor, Danelle D. Harrison. “By adding this parcel to the National Forest System, we can better protect the water quality, scenic and recreational resources and help preserve the quality of experience on the Tahoe Rim Trail, which is adjacent to the property.”

These parcels are part of a much larger property on the north side of the ridgeline outside of the LTBMU owned by Sierra Pacific Industries and adjacent to Northstar Ski Area. All other private lands on the LTBMU side of the ridge have been previously acquired by the NFS from Sierra Pacific's predecessors in ownership.

“This property will never again be threatened by development,” said Tom Mooers of Sierra Watch. “And that’s great news for anyone who loves Tahoe.”

“We wish to thank everyone who’s hard work and determination contributed to this highly anticipated acquisition, and we also thank Sierra Pacific Industries for giving the Forest Service the opportunity to purchase this property,” said Lands Program Manager, Bob Rodman.

USFS extended appreciation of the California Tahoe Conservancy who were integral partners during the purchase, assisting with the appraisal and helping to keep the landowners engaged during the arduous purchase process.

There are two other developments that the conservation group Sierra Watch are fighting, the Martis Valley West project and the Squaw Valley Village project. The Martis Valley West project proposes 760 new second homes in a gated subdivision adjacent to the newly protected property between Highway 267 and Northstar. In nearby Squaw Valley, Alterra Mountain Company proposes a series of high-rises with 1,493 new bedrooms − as many as three of South Lake Tahoe's Stateline casinos combined, an indoor waterpark, and a roller coaster.

The Forest Service land acquisition program dates to Dec. 23, 1980, when Congress passed the Santini-Burton Act that directed the LTBMU to acquire environmentally sensitive lands around the Tahoe Basin to safeguard them from potential development in order to protect the water quality of Lake Tahoe. This property is one of the few remaining large properties in the Lake Tahoe Basin that was suitable for acquisition by the Forest Service.