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Peter Mayfield (with map) shows a group where developers plan to build homes and parking lots among the trees at Donner Summit.
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ROYAL GORGE — Fifteen people crunched across the season's last remaining snow on a high Sierra trail recently to see where Royal Gorge developers plan to replace red fir and lodgepole pines with parking lots and townhomes.
The morning ramble was one way owners of the resort, Todd Foster and Kirk Syme, have attempted to reach out to the community as plans for their development project of 950 residences takes shape on Donner Summit.
The development, laced with expanded recreation, is necessary to make the cross-country ski area a viable business, said project manager Mike Livak.
The morning ramble was one way owners of the resort, Todd Foster and Kirk Syme, have attempted to reach out to the community as plans for their development project of 950 residences takes shape on Donner Summit.
The development, laced with expanded recreation, is necessary to make the cross-country ski area a viable business, said project manager Mike Livak.
Though some neighbors continue to resist the development, others in the area are starting to accept it, and working to preserve some access to natural areas and soften the impacts on infrastructure.
Peter Mayfield, a mountain guide and environmental educator, led the ramble along the Claim Jumper's cross-country ski trail, where the densest concentration of housing is planned in what developers call a "ski camp."
Mayfield has worked as a consultant in land planning to plot recreation trails. He'll be involved after the development is complete to develop nature programs, he said.
"I am eager to help in the future to make sure this place has some of the best environmental educational programs in the Sierra," Mayfield said.
During the hike, he pulled a Sierra Nevada field guide from his backpack and pointed out tree species and rock formations, and identified wildlife tracks to the group.
Mayfield got involved early on to ensure future recreation would connect people to the rich natural and human history of the region, he said.
Peter Mayfield, a mountain guide and environmental educator, led the ramble along the Claim Jumper's cross-country ski trail, where the densest concentration of housing is planned in what developers call a "ski camp."
Mayfield has worked as a consultant in land planning to plot recreation trails. He'll be involved after the development is complete to develop nature programs, he said.
"I am eager to help in the future to make sure this place has some of the best environmental educational programs in the Sierra," Mayfield said.
During the hike, he pulled a Sierra Nevada field guide from his backpack and pointed out tree species and rock formations, and identified wildlife tracks to the group.
Mayfield got involved early on to ensure future recreation would connect people to the rich natural and human history of the region, he said.
Yet the area is far from pristine, and residential zoning can't be denied, he said.
"This land has this large capitalization now. That has to be dealt with," Mayfield said.
Al Le Bel, who has owned property in Serene Lakes since 1980 and moved there full-time a few years ago, says he doesn't want buildup occuring at the summit.
But if change is inevitable, he wants to have a say in how it occurs.
"I think the more input we give them, the better off we are," Le Bel said.
"Everyone is trying to make it a better fit," Mayfield said.
"This land has this large capitalization now. That has to be dealt with," Mayfield said.
Al Le Bel, who has owned property in Serene Lakes since 1980 and moved there full-time a few years ago, says he doesn't want buildup occuring at the summit.
But if change is inevitable, he wants to have a say in how it occurs.
"I think the more input we give them, the better off we are," Le Bel said.
"Everyone is trying to make it a better fit," Mayfield said.
Despite the opportunities for public input into the project, some vocal year-round and seasonal homeowners remain opposed to any changes in their quiet landscape.
"It's far too big for the area. The quiet solitude is unique and certainly couldn't withstand the scale of this development," said Ed Merrilees, who visits with his wife every six weeks from his other home in Laguna Beach in Orange County.
This summer, Royal Gorge decided to close Rainbow Lodge for the summer because of a lack of business.
Two houses purchased in 2006 by Royal Gorge for staff housing recently were listed for sale but is not an indicator that Royal Gorge is having financial difficulty, Livak said.
"The availability and cost of rental housing for employees has improved recently, and it is no longer necessary for Royal Gorge to own homes for this purpose," Livak said in a statement.
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To contact Staff Writer Laura Brown, e-mail lbrown@theunion.com or call 477-4231.
"It's far too big for the area. The quiet solitude is unique and certainly couldn't withstand the scale of this development," said Ed Merrilees, who visits with his wife every six weeks from his other home in Laguna Beach in Orange County.
This summer, Royal Gorge decided to close Rainbow Lodge for the summer because of a lack of business.
Two houses purchased in 2006 by Royal Gorge for staff housing recently were listed for sale but is not an indicator that Royal Gorge is having financial difficulty, Livak said.
"The availability and cost of rental housing for employees has improved recently, and it is no longer necessary for Royal Gorge to own homes for this purpose," Livak said in a statement.
***
To contact Staff Writer Laura Brown, e-mail lbrown@theunion.com or call 477-4231.
