The Pines to Mines acquisition helps protect the South Yuba Watershed.

Truckee Donner Land Trust, working with the Trust for Public Land, the Tahoe National Forest, and Bear Yuba Land Trust, proudly announce the protection of over 3,500 acres high along the Sierra Nevada crest that will now be a part of the Tahoe National Forest, and will unlock a critical 22-mile trail connection in the landmark Pines to Mines Trail.

This land conservation acquisition will allow for the completion of a multi-use native surface trail system, including the future construction of 22 miles of new trail that closes a missing trail gap connecting Truckee to Nevada City, CA, bridging these eastern and western Sierra Nevada communities via the 72-mile Pines to Mines Trail.

"This land conservation success marks a significant milestone for the Pines to Mines Trail but also protects some of the most majestic landscapes and watersheds in the Sierra," said Guillermo Rodriguez, Trust for Public Land. "By closing the gap and better connecting this trail, we are enhancing public access and recreational enjoyment to some of the most beautiful areas in the Sierra Nevada, while also preserving critical wildlife corridors and water quality. This is a win-win-win and would not have been possible without the support and leadership of our partners at the Tahoe National Forest, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Bear Yuba Land Trust and so many others."

“Staying abreast of evolving, accessible recreation opportunities is a top priority for Tahoe National Forest,”said acting Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Beth Martinez. “We thank our land trust partners for helping the Pines to Mines project come to fruition and thus expanding and protecting our natural public spaces for all to enjoy.”

The Pines to Mines Trail intersects the Pacific Crest Trail and provides access to popular destinations such as Trout Creek, Donner Lake Rim, Lake Spaulding, and the Pioneer Trail. The newly protected land, roughly the size of seven Disneyland parks, will be transferred to the Tahoe National Forest. This acquisition prevents the necessity of redirecting the trail over less scenic former logging roads and ensuring a more enjoyable trail experience for recreators.

“Tahoe National Forest is a year-round recreational haven, drawing more than 1.6 million visitors annually. From hikers to backcountry skiers, the forest offers something for everyone, making it a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in the region for the 11 million people who live within a four-hour drive. This project will offer new and expanded opportunities for hiking, mountain biking including Class 1 e-bikes, horseback riding, endurance running, fishing, camping, backcountry skiing, and hunting,” continued Beth Martinez, Acting Tahoe National Forest Supervisor.

“We are thrilled that TPL saw the immense value that the trail will bring to the Northern Sierra Nevada communities and stepped in to help facilitate this transaction. This acquisition and transfer of land from Sierra Pacific Industries to Tahoe National Forest is such a critical piece of the overall Pines to Mines Trail project. I think I speak for all the local recreation partners who have been working tirelessly for almost 10 years on the trail alignment and funding when I say thank you TPL for getting this land protected forever!” Executive Director, Erin Tarr at Bear Yuba Land Trust.

“Truckee Donner Land Trust is grateful to be a part of such an important project, furthering the protection of the Sierra Nevada Checkerboard and creating connectivity not only for trails, but preserving it for wildlife as well,” said John Svahn, Executive Director for the Truckee Donner Land Trust. "This acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission, and will protect habitat, watershed, and vertical migration corridors while also opening the door for an incredible recreation opportunity for all to enjoy."

Along with recreational benefits, this acquisition safeguards essential habitat connectivity, including 56 identified wetlands, four Sierra meadows, and four miles of intermittent and perennial streams. Additionally, this acquisition protects the headwaters of the South Yuba River and two significant watersheds: Rattlesnake Creek/South Yuba River and Fordyce Creek. These watersheds flow into Lake Spaulding and the State Wild and Scenic section of the South Yuba River, playing a crucial role in maintaining water quality.

The project areas contain habitat that supports several endangered species, including the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, Pacific marten, and North American wolverine. The protection of these landscapes is essential in combating habitat loss while buffering the effects of climate change.

The Pines to Mines Trail project was approved by the Tahoe National Forest this year, after years of collaborative work by the Truckee Donner Land Trust, Bear Yuba Land Trust, Trust for Public Land, Bicyclists of Nevada County, County of Nevada, Gold Country Trails Council, and Truckee Trails Foundation.

TPL facilitated this $7.6 million land deal, acquiring the property from Sierra Pacific Industries, for transfer to the U.S. Forest Service to become a part of the Tahoe National Forest. The lands were purchased entirely with funds competitively awarded to the Tahoe National Forest from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

“Sierra Pacific is proud of our collaborative work with Trust for Public Land and the other partners to help facilitate the build out of the Pines2Mines Trail,” said Mark Emmerson, CEO of Sierra Pacific Industries. “This project opens up more areas for public recreation, supporting both conservation and local communities.”

This project builds on the Truckee Donner Land Trust’s work to protect the Sierra Nevada Checkerboard, an historic land ownership pattern of public and private lands. The Land Trust has protected 45,000 acres of open space in the area, and the Donner Lake Rim Trail, part of the Land Trust’s 50 miles of trail, will serve as a portion of the Pines to Mines Trail.

The Trail is a partnership of the Truckee Trails Foundation, Bicyclists of Nevada County, Gold Country Trails Council, Bear Yuba Land Trust, US Forest Service, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Nevada County, and the Trust for Public Land.