The People of the Land Trust: Ken and Joan Bretthauer

People love Webber Lake for its natural beauty and its tranquility, seemingly a world away from the hustle and bustle of Truckee and Lake Tahoe. It has a rich history, is home to diverse and stunning wildlife, and its campground is a popular escape for visitors near and far.

But what makes Webber Lake Campground great, aside from the natural setting, boils down to two people – Ken and Joan Bretthauer. The couple were caretakers of the then-private campground before the Land Trust bought the lake – and helped connect the Land Trust and the owners at the time (Clif and Barbara Johnson) when they were ready to sell.

“The Webber Lake and the Campground wouldn’t be the destination it is today without Ken and Joan,” said John Svahn, Co-Executive Director of the Truckee Donner Land Trust. “They pay attention to the smallest details for the campers and maintain a presence year-round to look after Webber lake and its surrounding mountains and meadows.”

Ken and Joan said they had to adjust to the many changes that came with converting the campground from private to public – handling reservations, taking phone calls, new campers arriving daily, and generally caring for the property with increased visitorship. But their priorities are in keeping the land pristine for everyone to enjoy – perfectly in-line with the mission of the Land Trust.

“People should visit Webber Lake for its beauty,” Ken and Joan said. “It’s a natural alpine lake and the headwaters of the Little Truckee River. We love it for its wildlife, the fishing, the meadows, its history, hiking, biking, boating – it’s awesome.”

As long-time Sierra residents, Ken and Joan support the work of the Land Trust because it protects the places they love.

“Supporting the Land Trust also supports the management of its properties that all the public can enjoy together,” they said.

To find ways you can help support the Land Trust too – click here.

To learn more about Webber Lake – click here.