The Truckee River watershed has recently been designated as one of the newest sites by the National Forest Foundation as a part of the “Treasured Landscapes – Unforgettable Experiences” program.

Vance Russell, National Forest Foundation California director explained the vision for the area, “As one of the 14 designated Treasured Landscape sites nationwide, our goals for the Truckee River watershed are to ensure healthy forests and healthy and abundant water in the Truckee River watershed in conjunction with the community. There are many beautiful National Forests, but the Truckee River stood out due to the partnerships and the community support for its restoration.”

The Truckee River watershed NFF site is 234,000 acres and includes public land within the Tahoe National Forest and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. The primary objective will be to complete key restoration work by 2017 with ecological, economic, and social benefits from the work continuing in perpetuity.

Impacts to the watershed have occurred over the past 150 years and date back to the construction of the transcontinental railroad and the discovery of gold and silver. A legacy of resource extraction, road and railroad construction, hydrologic modification, fire and fire suppression, and development and extensive recreation has seriously impacted the watershed.