Protected Open Space In The Martis Valley

Waddle Ranch Preserve

The Waddle Ranch Preserve, located in the heart of Martis Valley, is one specific conservation victory where MAP played an important advocacy role by challenging the zoning in the Martis Valley Community Plan, which would have allowed 800 housing units on1,482 acres. The acquisition was a six-year negotiation process with diverse stakeholders that raised $23.5 million for the Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT) to purchase the property in 2007. The land has rich Washoe history and boasts trails for hiking, biking and trail running, along with and early wildflower season and wildlife sightings.

Northstar - Habitat Management Plan

The Northstar ski resort spans nearly 8,000 acres straddling the mountains of North Lake Tahoe and the Martis Valley watershed. MAP challenged development proposals at the resort due to concerns regarding forest health, watershed impacts, wildlife habitat, wildfire and traffic in the early 2000’s. MAP and Sierra Watch negotiated the first Habitat Management Plan to help guide conservation, forest management and future development at the ski resort. The plan has now placed 349 acres under conservation easements managed by the TDLT, treated 564 acres for forest health, established new sustainable trails and decommissioned trails with the USFS that impacted fawning and wildlife habitat. Learn more about the Habitat Management Plan.

Martis Valley Resort Development

After challenging resort developments through the Martis Valley Community Plan litigation in the early 2000’s, MAP was able to negotiate housing reductions and open space settlements at Martis Camp, Hopkins Ranch and Schaffer’s Mill. Martis Camp has 422 acres protected as open space, Schaffer’s Mill has 640 acres and Hopkins Ranch has 219 acres where development is not allowed through land use designations and agreements. MAP eliminated an 18-hole golf course slated for Hopkins Village and supported zoning to allow for a future 50-unit workforce housing project. MAP continues to track and safeguard agreements for community benefits and developments in the Martis Valley through our land use advocacy work. 

The Martis Fund, a 501c3 non-profit organization was created through a settlement by MAP, Sierra Watch and DMB Highlands, the developers of Martis Camp. The Fund supports programs to conserve open space, manage and restore habitat and forests lands and promotes opportunities for workforce housing and related community purposes in the Martis Valley Region. Grant funding for the Martis Fund is generated through a 1% real estate tax transfer fee from the sale and resale of homes in Martis Camp. To date, The Martis Fund has re-invested $11 million dollars back into the environment and community since the Fund’s inception in 2006. Learn more about The Martis Fund.