|
|
|
|
Welcome! Our MissionSLDSCA is a non-profit public benefit organization set up to provide education, advocacy and opportunities to strengthen and protect the fragile alpine environment, culture, heritage, and future of Serene Lakes and the Donner Summit areas, and to carry on other charitable and educational activities associated with this purpose.
Why we Incorporated
Donner Summit is a unique location and special ecological environment. It is
home to many endangered species of flora, fauna, and wildlife. Donner Summit
is ecologically important because of its wetland environment for bird
migrations and the presence of multiple at-risk species. Donner Summit
contains old growth forests, and watersheds. Donner Summit is the headwaters
of the Yuba and American Rivers, major drainages of the Sierra. The American
is classified at the Summit as a wild river earning it federal protection
and the Yuba as a state wild and scenic river, earning it state protection.
The high lakes of Donner Summit include Serene Lakes, two naturally
occurring, high altitude alpine jewels.
Donner Summit has a rich and varied historical and cultural history. It has
been traversed for centuries. Native Americans have left their mark in the
form of grinding rocks and many petroglyphs. The first transcontinental
highway, railroad, and telegraph lines crossed the Sierra at Donner Summit.
The first transcontinental Sierra wagon train crossed the Sierra at Donner
Summit in 1844, with the Donner Party coming two years later. Until the
railway traversed Donner Summit, it was a major crossing point for
emigration into California.
The Summit is a popular vacation and recreation spot. As such, the
environment has already suffered the increasing environmental and cultural
degradation with an ever increasing number of visitors and vehicles.
SLDSCA activities will preserve the environment and heritage of the summit
for future generations.
Activities
SLDSCA is committed to preserving the special environment and cultural
qualities of the summit, and reducing the degradation and destruction which
is inevitable with any proposed growth that does not align with the special
needs of the summit. SLDSCA expects to perform the following activities both
in the near and extended future:
Sponsor and engage scholars and scientists to conduct scientific,
geological, hydrological, environmental, historical and cultural
research regarding the physical and cultural environments of the area.
Conduct public opinion research regarding matters related to SLDSCA’s
goals.
Educate the public about the unique environment, culture and heritage of
the Serene Lakes and Donner Summit areas through public fora,
educational materials, school programs, and via its website.
Work with the community and any potential developers to ensure that any
proposed developments in and around the Donner Summit and Serene Lakes area
are respectful of the physical and cultural environments and applicable
laws.
Donations If you are interested in making a donation, please see our donations page.
Contact Information
|
|
Serene Lakes/Donner Summit Conservation Association P.O. Box 1095, Soda Springs, CA 95728
|
