Donner Summit is one of the truly historical landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, treasured by many throughout California, Nevada and the world. Visitors, hikers, skiers, naturalists, historians, climbers, train buffs, second homeowners and residents alike have enjoyed and continue to enjoy Donner Summit's unique environment and offerings.

Donner Summit with its irreplaceable resources is now at risk: in 2005, Foster-Syme, or Royal Gorge LLC, the partnership of Foster Enterprises (controlled by the grandson of the Foster that created Foster City in the Bay Area) and Woodstock Development (controlled by Kirk Syme ), purchased Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Area and 3,000 acres of adjacent private land, along with Ice Lakes Lodge and the historic Rainbow Lodge (Rainbow is now back on the market). The Foster-Syme group is proposing major development on Donner Summit in four separate locations. Their initial plans include 600+ "shared ownership" condominiums, two hotels, employee housing, several ski lifts and runs, two artificial lakes, and hundreds of home sites. Most of the development will be put right in the middle of currently pristine forest and meadow areas. Thousands of trees will have to be cut down. Roads, parking lots, ski lift corridors and ski runs will have to be plowed out of the forest. Erosion and watershed issues will effect both the South Yuba River and the North Fork of the American River as well as the local summit lakes and wetlands. Traffic, water supply, overcrowding, public safety, and sewer capacity are just a few of the additional concerns created by the proposal.

PROTECT OUR RIVERS!

Concerned citizens (including many from outside the local community) are working with existing conservation and community groups to form a long-term strategic campaign to defend the Donner Summit area and safeguard its future for generations to come.

IS THERE A VERSION OF JINGLE MAIL FOR DEVELOPERS?

In our opinion, walking away may be the cheapest option: A- Our "back of the envelope" calculation shows that the minimum size of a new subdivision to break even is 600, given past and running expenses, cost of loans (including servicing a $17 million construction loan taken with a mid-west bank at the time of the purchase, as per county records), and the costs of the needed infrastructure: second egress, expansion to sewage plant, roads, and utility pipes (sewage and water). B- Although the SLCWD has not yet released its final analysis, it is most likely that the district will not be able to provide water for 600 new homes under current regulations, and by a long shot! (refer to Serene Lakes Depth Analysis). C- Given the high cost of any significant subdivision, we believe that the land is today not worth what it was paid for (refer to county records - pdf). D- It must be a challenge to run Ice Lake lodge at a profit given the price it was purchased at (refer to same county records). E- One wonders if the good will ($21 million, amount available through liquor license statements filed with the County) on the Royal George cross country business will have to be written off, given it is consistently losing money every year, as communicated by a friend of the owners (Loss of $1 million per year).
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ABOUT US

This web site is operated and owned by concerned citizens. It is dedicated to raising awareness about Foster-Syme plans. It attempts to give information and resources about the proposed development and its effect on the summit land, environment, communities and individuals. We make available a bumper sticker `Save Donner Summit` to create global awareness. We also provide updates top of this page.

The savedonnersummit.org is just a website; we don't accept donations (but we encourage you to support and donate to local groups). We don't have a contact page because we are not a legal 'entity'. However, if you have a comment or question about this website, something you wish to add or correct, please email to the Webmaster. And if your are bored you can read some legal stuff.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Want to get involved? See our What can I do? Who can I contact? page. Become familiar with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Concerned citizens (including many from outside the local community) are working with existing conservation and community groups on a long-term strategic campaign to defend the Donner Summit area and safeguard its future for generations to come. These groups have concerns about the impact of irresponsible development on Donner Summit. Each has its own approach and focus. For examples, Save Serene Lakes provides the latest news and status, and Sierra Watch is bringing its extensive experience gained in the Martis Valley controversy. You find links below, and a custom search which spans all these web sites and a few more related to Royal Gorge LLC. Join them and help `Save Donner Summit`.