TRUCKEE, Calif. October 19, 2012 - 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. At a reception Sunday, October 14, in Truckee to launch this Treasured Landscape site, 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."
Forest Supervisor Tom Quinn commended the Truckee River Watershed Council for their ongoing role in generating interest and support for the restoration of the Truckee River. "The Truckee River Watershed Council has done an outstanding job of watershed restoration along the Truckee River corridor. We are very pleased to be a part of the Treasured Landscapes program as the ecological restoration goals of the Forest Service are quite similar with the goals of the National Forest Foundation (NFF) and those of the Truckee River Watershed Council. The Truckee River is a perfect location to spotlight these shared goals of restoration, collaboration, and community involvement."
Lisa Wallace, Executive Director of the Truckee River Watershed Council, echoed her delight at being part of the collaboration, "We are excited to be part of this effort and look forward to the restoration accomplishments that this new partnership will bring to our streams, meadows, wetlands, and forests."
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.
Truckee River Watershed Council brings the community Together for the Truckee. It focuses on collaborative solutions for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of the Truckee River watershed.
National Forest Foundation is the nonprofit organization established by Congress to enhance the health of National Forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. For more information on the Treasured Landscapes – Unforgettable Experiences program or the Truckee River Treasured Landscape site, visit - www.nationalforests.org/ca .
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