History

In December of 2000, a group of Sierra residents and local homeowners learned about impending plans to develop Tahoe's Martis Valley with thousands of new resort houses.  And then they decided to do something about it - they created Sierra Watch to effectively advocate for responsible planning and permanent protection for the heart of the Tahoe-Truckee Region.  Working with local volunteers, engaging planning expertise, and partnering with conservation allies - like the League to Save Lake Tahoe and Mountain Area Preservation Foundation - Sierra Watch launched its ambitious Martis Valley Campaign.

Sierra Watch mobilized hundreds of volunteers to participate in the public planning process, commissioned biologists and planners to create an alternative blueprint for responsible development, and even filed public interest lawsuits to uphold state law.  Most important, Sierra Watch sat down with our conservation allies, Martis Valley landowners, and local political leaders to collaborate on creative resolutions to pressing planning issues.

The results are unprecedented: permanent protection for thousands of acres of priority conservation land, caps on future development, and $100 million in funding to help protect more of the Martis Valley landscape and create much-needed workforce housing.

Our work, of course, is not done.  Sierra Watch is actively following through with conservation goals for Martis Valley, and we are exporting our success to similar efforts up and down the Sierra Nevada.  In Lassen County, we are providing strategic resources to defend Dyer Mountain.  In the southern Sierra, we are working with land trusts and public agencies to permanently protect the slopes of Mount Whitney.  And, on Donner Summit, Sierra Watch is playing a leadership role in defending one of our great Sierra landscapes from irresponsible development.

Sierra Watch is making a critical difference in the efforts to protect the places we love.  Join us!