New Donner Museum to be constructed
By Cathy Locke, Sacramento Bee
Preliminary work for construction of a new High Sierra Crossing Museum at Donner Memorial State Park will get under way this week.
The new visitor center has been in the works for several years, according to Scott Elliott, acting superintendent for the State Parks sector that includes Donner Memorial. The project is intended to better exhibit the history of Donner Pass and the entire region.
The preliminary work will include removing about 100 trees in the area of the parking lot. This work will result in a noticeable, though temporary, change to the character of the area but is necessary to expand the existing parking lot to accommodate increased visitor demand and provide appropriate bus and RV parking, according to a State Parks news release.
When the work is completed, forest trees are to be planted to surround the monument and screen the view of passing cars and neighboring commercial development.
