A year ago we came together to save Canyon Springs, 290 acres of open space in eastern Truckee. Truckee Donner Land Trust, Mountain Area Preservation, and SOS Glenshire are amazed, and grateful, at how quickly the community took action to preserve this beautiful property. 

Since then, the Land Trust has been hard at work evaluating the property and next steps for its management. Forest health and the reduction of wildfire fuels is a top priority.  The property does not appear to need large-scale fuels reduction, but some work may be needed in the wildland-urban interface. Staff will begin planning forest health projects in 2023.  

Looking to recreation, Land Trust staff are evaluating the property’s trail network and is working with trail users to assess potential opportunities at Canyon Springs. An accessible trail leading to a new picnic area, as well as potentially adding new trails that will be more useable during the mud seasons, are being considered.

 “There are opportunities to enhance the trail system and to accommodate for a wide variety of visitors and ability levels,” said Kevin Starr, Stewardship Director for the Land Trust.

 The Land Trust is also working with neighboring homeowners’ associations to provide public access from existing trailheads adjacent to Canyon Springs. Additionally, staff are working to prevent OHV trespass on the land to prevent damage to the natural resources. 

“Canyon Springs is uniquely positioned between the Mount Rose Wilderness and the Martis Valley, and is part of the Loyalton Truckee deer herd migration corridor, so it’s a great opportunity to steward the lands both for nature and for people to enjoy,” Starr said.

Looking forward to 2023, the conservation groups who helped to Save Canyon Springs are planning to host a donor recognition event on the property. Thank you again to the 700+ donors who saved this critical landscape!