Plumas County General Plan Upate Briefing Report.

1. Plumas County General Plan Update
May 2010
Briefing Report

2. Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Purpose of Setting Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
General Plan Update Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
General Plan Update Process Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Plumas County’s Historical Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Historic Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Geographic Areas Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Existing Conditions and Trends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Air Quality and Global Climate Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Prepared for: Biological Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Open Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Plumas County Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Prepared by: Community Character and Scenic Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Historical Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Design Workshop Art and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Public Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
ESA Public Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
BAE Transportation and Circulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Environmental Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
LSC Transportation Consultants Economy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Sierra Business Council Forest Lands and Forest Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Agribusiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Cover Photo: Double Rainbow over Sugarloaf, courtesy of Kristi Jamason
Table of Contents i

3. Introduction
Introduction 1

4. Purpose and Setting Study
Introduction The Briefing Report
Plumas County is rich in resources, open space, The intent of developing this Briefing Report is
history, and communities that take pride in their two-fold. One is to provide a quick and thoughtful
county. The General Plan update and the goals reference guide that contains baseline information
and policies set forth need to reflect the diversity to help guide both the planning and environmen-
of the landscape and the people. The direction tal analysis efforts. The second is to design this
that is outlined for Plumas County in the updated report such that it becomes a tool that assists in
General Plan will need to be visionary, realistic, the public engagement process, providing partici-
flexible, implementable, and politically sustain- pants with context and perspective as this process
able. evolves.
The General Plan update will integrate the seven The Briefing Report contains a summary of back-
Train Crossing - Keddie “Wye” ground information on Plumas County’s existing
(7) state-mandated elements (Conservation, Land
Use, Recreation and Open Space, Transporta- conditions that affect future planning endeavors.
tion and Circulation, Housing, Noise and Public Included is information about current and past
Safety) with three additional elements Plumas planning efforts, economic trends, development
County has chosen to elevate in focus (Agricul- trends, natural resources, transportation, cultural
ture and Forestry/Forest Products, Water and and historical resources, agriculture, art and
Economics). The plan will clearly articulate the culture, public services and facilities, and environ-
distinct goals and policies to be achieved within mental hazards. Its intended audience includes
each element and identify how the consideration Plumas County staff, Planning Commission and
of these policies as a whole creates opportunities Board of Supervisors, partner and cooperating
for synergies. In other words a general plan that agencies, the planning working groups, workshop
integrates its goals and policies with the values participants, students, and the public at large.
of the community creates an enhanced combined
effect that provides efficiencies that cannot be ac-
complished just looking at one element at a time.
2 Plumas County General Plan Update Briefing Report

5. General Plan Update Process
on the scope and alternatives to be analyzed will outcomes over the next three years of General
The Process occur. The Draft Environmental Impact Report Plan development and environmental analysis.
July 14, 2009 marks the date the Plumas County (DEIR) will be circulated for public review and The Planning Commission’s goals were presented
Board of Supervisors signed the consultant comment for a minimum of 45 days during which and with a few minor changes approved by the
contract to prepare an update of the County’s time at least one public hearing will be held to Board of Supervisors October 13, 2009. Goals
General Plan. Contained within the contract is a receive public comment. There will be additional were identified for the development of the docu-
program of work, budget and schedule that sup- opportunity for public input on the Final EIR at the ment, the update process, the environment, the
ports a three year process. The process can be conclusion of the public comment period. economy, the community and agriculture.
described as three parts; comprehensive plan- To kick off the General Plan update process a
ning efforts to update the General Plan, transpar- goal development session was conducted at the The Document
ent and inclusive public engagement efforts that July 29, 2009 Planning Commission meeting and • The General Plan Update represents the
inform the update process and products, and the during August and September Commission meet- voice of the people of Plumas County
environmental analysis efforts to disclose and ings. The Planning Commission was asked to • The General Plan Update is legally defensible
mitigate potential impacts. identify goals that would provide guidance and di- • The General Plan Update is easily read and
rect measurable outcomes for the update process. interpreted by the public.
The planning efforts include development of the These goals are meant to be high level goals
General Plan vision and goals, review and identifi- which become a metric to evaluate progress and
cation of general plan best practices, development
of the General Plan format and scope, and draft-
ing the General Plan Document.
The public engagement effort includes forma-
tion of five Supervisorial District working groups
to inform the over-all process and the general
plan development, public workshops, and public
presentations and hearings before the Planning
Commission and Board of Supervisors. Plu-
mas County will update its Planning Department
Website on a regular basis to provide schedules,
meeting agendas and summaries, workshop ma-
terials and summaries and other pertinent materi-
als to keep the public and agencies up to date on
the process and outcomes.
The environmental analysis effort will follow CEQA
(California Environmental Quality Act) standards
Working Group Kick-off Meeting
which includes specific and prescribed opportuni-
ties for public input. Solicitation of public input
Introduction 3

6. Plumas County General Plan Update Briefing Report
4

7. General Plan Update Process Goals
The Process Community • The General Plan Update supports sustain-
• The General Plan Update document was • The General Plan Update preserves and able development
completed in two years and within budget protects cultural, historical and archaeological • The General Plan Update directs policies that
• Each General Plan element was developed resources compliment and support the County’s educa-
with the appropriate focus and energy • The General Plan Update maintains Plumas tion needs
County’s status as a premier recreation area • The General Plan Update promotes policies
• The General Plan Update promotes both full that are consistent with public health and
Environment time and part time residential opportunities in safety best management practices
• The General Plan Update preserves and pro-
safe and livable housing
tects Plumas County’s natural beauty
• The General Plan Update protects community
• The General Plan Update protects natural
character throughout Plumas County
habitats
• The General Plan Update protects and sus-
• The General Plan Update meets and sustains
tains existing communities
the basic needs of clean and available water
• The General Plan Update meets and sustains
the basic needs of clean air.
Economy
• The General Plan Update promotes economic
development in harmony with surroundings
• The General Plan Update through its Land-
Use and other policies sustains agriculture
and forest Industries
• The General Plan Update promotes the eco-
nomics of pure water resources (quality and
quantity) development
• The General Plan Update considers policies
that address energy production and utilization
Agriculture
• The General Plan Update protects and sus-
tains agricultural lands and encourages best
management practices
• The General Plan Update defines Agricultural
Lands with the intent of meeting the needs of
the ranching and farming families
Indian Valley from Crystal lake, courtesy of Mike Lydon
5
Introduction

8. Plumas County’s Historical Legacy
Plumas County’s unique character and its envi-
ronmental, social, and economic capital is a direct
result of its geographic location in the Sierra, its
diverse geology and the people over time that
have influenced today’s Legacy. Archaeologi-
cal, historic and cultural underpinnings paint a
rich picture from the Maidu who, for thousands
of years, made the lush valleys their home to the
gold seekers searching for wealth in the streams
and rivers and hillsides who stayed to ranch, farm
and harvest timber. It is this rich picture that has
provided Plumas County its foundation on which
the communities of the County have developed.
Each district has developed a unique character
based on the landscape and resources that lie
Meadow Valley Mercantile Company at Silver
Hay wagon at Spanish Ranch Creek and Bucks Lake Road within and surround the towns.
Plumas County was not one of the original 27
Counties that were created by an Act of the Cali-
fornia Legislature on February 18, 1850. Plumas
County was carved out of what was a much larger
Butte County in 1854.
Laborers building Western Pacific Railroad prob-
Panning for gold, 1897 ably near Quincy Junction, California. ca 1908 All photographs on this page courtesy of Plumas
County Museum
6 Plumas County General Plan Update Briefing Report

9. Historic Timeline
early
1821 1848 1850’s 1850’s 1854 1854 1856 1859
Mountain Maidu inhabited “El Rio de las Plu- First county
Discovery of Chinese Im- Plumas county was First official
the area now known as mas” was named by courthouse built
gold in migrants formed, largely from a meeting of
Plumas County Spanish explorer Luis California arrived to north east portion of the Board of
Antonio Argüello (now mine for gold Butte County Supervisors Job Taylor’s
known as the Feather gristmill was built
River) to provide grain
mill service in
Taylorsville ▲
Logging began and the first sawmill was erected
at Rich Bar on the Middle Fork Feather River to
supply lumber for the mining industry and the
influx of population brought with it
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
▲
1864 1884 1893 1905 1915 1937 1957
1863 1885 1889 1916 1950 1959 1981 1983 2009
Miners hold ski
races, the first or- Plumas Plumas Corpora-
County
ganized downhill National tion, the county’s
General
ski races in North Forest non-profit eco-
Plan
America, at Onion created nomic develop-
created
Valley, near La ment entity, was
Porte Feather River chartered
Construction began for Inn opened.
the first railroad line in First golf course Feather River
First Plumas County General
the county - the Sierra in the Sierra Highway
County Fair Plan Housing
Valley and Mohawk Nevada. completed
Plumas-Eureka State Park Element Up-
Lassen County Railroad
opened dated
formed from the Hyraulic mining Plumas Ski
northeast chuck curtailed Lassen Club was County General
of Plumas County Volcanic formed
Quincy Electric Hydraulic min- Plan Updated
after 1863 “Sage National Park
Light and Power ing revived with Established
Brush War”
was formed teh Caminetti
creating hydro- Act
electric power
Introduction 7

10. Geographic Area Descriptions
Chilcoot. This district is located at the southeast this part of the district and infrastructure related
Geographic Area Descriptions
corner of Plumas County and borders Lassen to the two manmade lakes are located here, but
This section will describe five discrete geographic County to the east and Sierra County to the south. the residential communities (with the exception of
areas within Plumas County. Each area corre- Southeast Plumas County functions as a gateway Lake Davis) in this district are in the southern half
sponds directly to one of the five supervisorial for travelers that approach Plumas County from of the district. The southern portion of this district
districts in Plumas County. Boundaries between Reno and western Nevada areas. State Highway is part of a unique landform called the Sierra Val-
districts appear irregular due to an effort to utilize 70 and State Routes 49, 284 and County Road ley. The Sierra Valley is described by the Northern
logical physical features while achieving equal A23 access this part of Plumas County with State Sierra Partnership as “The largest mountain valley
population in each district. The purpose for this Route 49 connecting to State Highway 70 in within California”1. It is 120,000 acres in size and
section is to provide a brief overview of the Vinton. The City of Portola has the distinction of extends into Sierra County to the south2 . The
county’s physical attributes and resources using a being the only incorporated city in Plumas County. average elevation of the Sierra Valley is 4880 feet.
landscape level view. This portion of the county is characterized by the
influence of the railroad, historic ranch lands, the
The supervisorial districts have been chosen as headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Feather
a way to present this information to the reader. River and associated wetlands providing migra-
Within each geographic area the district’s location tory bird habitat. The Middle Fork of the Feather
within the county, principle communities, topog- Rivers is federally listed as a Wild and Scenic
raphy and dominant resources will be described. River from the outflow of Sierra Valley much of the
A description of historical highlights will also be way to Lake Oroville.
provided. Each district has its own unique land-
scape, community character, historical sites, and The two largest bodies of water in this district
recreational opportunities that contribute to the include Lake Davis and Frenchman Lake, located
district. Each geographic area contains planning north and east of Portola. Lake Davis, Frenchman
areas that are identified and described in the Lake (both manmade lakes created in the 1960s)
current General Plan. Discussion of the Planning and portions of the Middle Fork of the Feather
Areas can be found in the Land Use section of the River offer recreational opportunities for resident
Briefing Report. Sierra Valley grazing lands, courtesy of Carol and visitors. Both lakes are recognized for their
Dobbas
fishing, hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
Sierra Valley Little Last Chance Creek provides a stream and
Topography and Resources fly fishing destination.
This area corresponds to Supervisorial District The northern part of this district is mountainous
1 and includes the City of Portola, and the com- and undeveloped. Road and trails are located in 1 Northern Sierra Partnership 2010
munities of Beckwourth, Delleker, Vinton and 2 Northern Sierra Partnership 2010
8 Plumas County General Plan Update Briefing Report

11. History 1860; however, a greater influx of Italian-Swiss Highway 70 where it joins State Route 89. These
The area has historic resources related to rail- immigrants arrived between 1870 and 1890. communities along the Feather River Canyon
roads, ranching and timber production. The provide recreational/resort opportunities and are
historic presence of the Western Pacific Railroad Indian Valley collectively referred to as “the canyon”. State
has contributed to the history and development Highway 70 provides a gateway to communities
Supervisorial District 2, known as the Indian Val-
of this area. The City of Portola includes the site west of Plumas County. Several lakes and rivers
ley, is the district with the largest land area and
of an important railyard during the construction of are found in this district and the eastern portion of
the only supervisorial district that extends from
the Western Pacific railroad in the early 1900s. the district is one of the more remote portions of
the western to the eastern boundary of Plumas
An annual Railroad Days celebration marking the Plumas County. The region initially had the largest
County. It includes a higher concentration of
history of the Western Pacific and other railroads number of Mountain Maidu residing there and the
communities on the western side and the remote
associated with early timber production years in Taylorsville/Greenville area has continued to be
areas surrounding Antelope Lake and Taylor Lake.
this part of Plumas County is held in Portola. the center for the existing Mountain Maidu popula-
This area includes the communities of Taylors-
tion.
ville, Crescent Mills, Genesee and Greenville.
The Sierra Valley includes the historic town of
The east shore of Lake Almanor has residential
Beckwourth, named for James P. Beckwourth a Topography and Resources
development between the communities of Ham-
renowned mountain man and trapper who settled This district is mountainous and relatively undis-
ilton Branch to the north and Canyon Dam to the
the area in the 1850s. Portola and Beckwourth turbed to the east with a number of hiking, hunt-
south. Caribou is on the North Fork of the Feather
were both important commercial centers. During ing, camping, and fishing opportunities in this
River. Storrie, Tobin, Belden, Twain, Paxton and
prohibition and partially related to fires that oc- remote part of the county. The Feather River Can-
Indian Falls are located along the State High-
curred in Beckwourth, Portola become the primary yon is the predominant landform on the western
way 70 corridor and Keddie is located on State
trade center for this part of Plumas County. Por- side of the district. State Highway 70 has histori-
tola’s leaders agreed to avoid having saloons in cally provided a recreation corridor for California
the city in exchange for status as a division point residents seeking fishing, hunting and camping
with the Western Pacific Railroad. opportunities provided by this region. The east
shores of Lake Almanor and Butt Valley Reservoir
The Sierra Valley has an agricultural history that can be accessed from this district. Historic re-
begins with farms established in 1852 and 1853.3 sources associated with the Mountain Maidu and
Ranching expanded in this area in the 1860s as with agricultural settlement of the area are found
settlers took advantage of the Homestead Act. in this region. An open valley near Taylorsville and
Italian-Swiss families first arrived as early as Greenville has historically served as grazing land
and presents a pastoral setting. Winter recreation
3 Plumas County - History of the Feather River Region, Jim opportunities can also be found in this district with
Indian Valley from Crystal Lake, courtesy of Mike
Young 2003 Lydon
Introduction 9

12. the road to Antelope Lake as a staging area for sawmill and a four-story gristmill. Today Taylors- Chester/Almanor
winter recreation such as snowshoeing, snow- ville has the distinction of being the “longest con-
mobiling and cross country skiing. A private hot tinually occupied town in Plumas County’s history, The area includes the Lake Almanor basin, the
springs exists in Greenville that has been consid- 1853 to the present” 4 community of Chester and residential settlements
ered for a variety of development concepts over along the southern, western, and northern shore-
the years, none of which were considered beyond Settlement of Greenville was directly related line of Lake Almanor. These residential communi-
a conceptual stage. to rich placer deposits discovered nearby. The ties include Prattville, Almanor, and Lake Almanor
highly productive quartz mines nearby resulted in West on the west shore of Lake Almanor and
History continued growth of the town. Crescent Mills also Bailey Creek, Foxwood and Lake Almanor Coun-
Peter Lassen settled in Indian valley in 1850 grew as a result of mining activity, although the try Club in the Lake Almanor Peninsula at the
constructing a log cabin trading post and planting growth of Crescent Mills was much slower than north end of the lake. Warner Valley includes the
a vegetable garden the following year. Jobe Taylor that experienced in Greenville. The Gold Reserve rural residential development to the north of Lake
(who Taylorsville is named after) also settled in Act of 1934 increased the price of gold and conse- Almanor between Lake Almanor and Juniper Lake
the area to establish a farm after some attempts in quently stimulated mining activity in Indian Val- and Lassen Volcanic National Park. This part
gold mining. Taylor’s property soon expanded with ley. Mining activity continued in the area into the of Plumas County is also Supervisorial District
a home (which also served as a hotel), a barn, a 1890s and has continued at a lower intensity. 3 and is located at the northwest portion of the
Sawmills were constructed in Indian Valley be- county. This district borders Tehama County to the
tween World War I and World War II. The timber
industry continued to contribute to population
growth in Indian Valley.
From the 1960s to the 1980s Indian Valley was in
a state of decline with mill, plant and other busi-
ness closures and younger population moving
away to college or to find work elsewhere. This
population trend has continued and is discussed
further in the Housing section of the Briefing
Report.
4 Plumas County - History of the Feather River Region, Jim
Indian Valley Creamery building Young 2003 Lake Almanor
10 Plumas County General Plan Update Briefing Report

13. west, Shasta County to the northwest, and Las- available options. Winter recreation in this area creation of Lake Almanor. Although this area did
sen County to the northeast. Lake Almanor and included snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and not have gold resources, gold was found in areas
Butt Valley Reservoir are both partially located snowmobiling. Golf courses in this area include down the North Fork of the Feather River nearby.
in this district with their eastern shores within Bailey Creek Golf Course, Lake Almanor Country Also, miners began travelling through this area on
Supervisorial District 2. Several creeks and lakes Club, and Lake Almanor West Community Club. their way to gold fields near Mount Lassen.
are located to the north of Lake Almanor. State Lake Almanor is a destination for boating, swim-
Routes 36 and 89 access Lake Almanor. County ming, and other recreation activities. In the 1860s Big Meadows was settled by ranch-
Road A13 also accesses the northern peninsula ers and later dairy farmers. A hotel was con-
of Lake Almanor. Chester and the communities To the north of Lake Almanor are the headwaters structed in the town of Prattville and a town was
around Lake Almanor are a destination for tourism of several creeks that flow into Lake Almanor. This developed in this area. Additional hotels were
and recreation. watershed is discussed in greater detail in the Wa- constructed in the general area and by the 1870s
ter Resources section of this briefing report. Big Meadows was a popular resort destination for
Topography and Resources the residents of the Sacramento Valley. To serve
Today Chester serves as a gateway to Mount Las- History the local population of residents and visitors, in
sen and provides tourist accommodation for tour- During the Gold Rush and following years, Big 1894 a post office was established in Chester.
ists who choose to recreate in the Lake Almanor Meadows, a Maidu homesite, became a popular
area. Also, visitors to Mount Lassen often choose location for escaping the heat of the Central Valley In the early 1900s the first subdivisions were
to stay or dine in Chester. The resident popula- of California for hunting and fishing and a destina- established in the Chester area. Development
tion in Chester is 2,299 5 with seasonal fluctuation tion for cattle grazing during the warmer months. related to hydropower would soon change the
during the busy summer season. Lodging options This is the area that was later inundated by the area. By 1914, water was filling the Big Meadows
include a range of hotel accommodations, camp-
grounds and RV resorts and vacation rentals. Lo-
cal industries in Chester include tourism and tim-
ber production. The Colins Pines mill is located in
Chester. It was established in 1943 and continues
to employ workers in the timber industry. This mill
is certified under the Forest Stewardship Council
and produces lumber in a manner consistent with
sustainable practices. Recreational opportuni-
ties in the area include fishing, hunting, boating,
waterskiing and wakeboarding. Golf, horseback
riding and birdwatching/nature viewing are also
5 city-data.com 2007 Chester barn in the snow, courtesy of Aaron Seandel
Introduction 11

14. area in relation to a hydropower project for Great government activity with Quincy as the county character in Quincy. The Feather River College is
Western Power. In addition to serving energy seat for Plumas County. Quincy also has a promi- located in Quincy as is the Plumas-Sierra County
needs, the new Lake Almanor also provided recre- nent historic courthouse and historic town center. Fairgrounds, a destination that draws both local
ational opportunities. New hotels were established residents and tourists to live music festivals and
in Chester as other hotels were inundated by the Topography and Resources other events. The Central Plumas Recreation and
new lake. The establishment of a logging camp This district is mountainous with a primary travel Parks District manages a pool, skateboard park,
in Chester by Red River Lumber Company and route through the center. The road between Gansner Park and Pioneer Park. Bucks Lake is a
the creation of Lake Almanor led to increases in Bucks Lake and communities to the west is not suitable location for winter activities such as cross
Chester’s population – particularly during the sum- accessible in winter months. The Middle Fork of country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
mer months. the Feather River flows through a portion of this
district and forms the border between districts History
4 and 5. Creeks such as Spanish Creek, Cash- Rich gold deposits found near the site of the
American Valley
man Creek, and Meadow Valley Creek also flow Feather River College and at Elizabethtown
American Valley corresponds to Supervisorial through the valley. Bucks Lake, a Pacific, Gas and attracted miners to Quincy and the surround-
District 4. This area includes the communities of Electric Company (PG&E) managed reservoir, and ing area. During the 1850s a number of ranches
Quincy, East Quincy, Bucks Lake and Meadow the surrounding area is a popular recreation desti- were established in and around Quincy. In 1850,
Valley. East Quincy is bisected by the boundary nation with camping, boating, swimming and fish- Plumas County had not yet been established.
between Supervisorial District 4 and Supervisorial ing opportunities. Today the prominent courthouse At that time, this area was part of Butte County.
District 5. This district is located on the western and a number of other historic buildings contribute Discussion of splitting Butte County to form an-
side of Plumas County to the south of Supervi- to a pleasant downtown area with strong historic other began in 1853. Residents of the area were
sorial District 2 and to the north of Supervisorial successful in their lobbying efforts in Sacramento.
District 5. It borders Butte County to the west. The Plumas County was officially created in March
Middle Fork of the Feather River flows through 1854. Quincy was designated as the county seat
the southeastern portion of American Valley and (chosen by the population of Plumas County in
this river forms the boundary between superviso- an election) and the Town of Quincy established a
rial districts 4 and 5. Bucks Lake, Silver Lake, post office, jail and other public buildings. During
Snake Lake and Three Lakes are in this district the 1870s hydraulic mining generated revenue
along with a number of smaller alpine lakes. State that led to the construction of the Town Hall The-
Highway 70, joined with State Route 89 passes atre. This was followed by construction of tele-
through the northeast portion of the district. Bucks graph lines, a new brewery and the first hospital.
Lake Road travels through the district and con- Many buildings in downtown Quincy were lost in a
tinues toward Oroville. This district is a center for fire that occurred in 1934.
Quincy
12 Plumas County General Plan Update Briefing Report

15. Johnsville Road. The Quincy –La Porte Road is a high Sierra. These lakes are a popular recreation
Mohawk Valley historic travel route between Quincy and Marys- area with opportunities for swimming, fishing, hik-
ville. This travel route and the town of La Porte ing, winter snow play and skiing. Plumas-Eureka
Mohawk Valley corresponds to Supervisorial have a rich history related to the Gold Rush. State Park, located near Johnsville is an indoor
District 5 and includes the historic communities and outdoor museum focused on gold mining his-
of La Porte, Johnsville, Graeagle and Blairsden. Topography and Resources tory. This site is also the site of the former Plumas
Surrounding the latter three communities are the The Middle Fork of the Feather River flows Eureka Ski bowl, now referred to as Eureka Bowl
residential communities of Little Grass Valley, Plu- through Mohawk valley and in the western part of and owned by the Plumas Ski Club. This is the
mas Eureka, Mohawk Vista, C-Road, Clio, Plumas the area, this river forms the boundary between site of annual long board ski races where period
Pines, Gold Mountain, Iron Horse, Valley Ranch, supervisorial districts 4 and 5. The South Fork of costume and skiing on historic, long, wooden skis
and Whitehawk Ranch. Residential communities the Feather River also flows through this dis- is celebrated. The La Porte area also offers winter
are also located to the northwest of Cromberg, trict and into Little Grass Valley Reservoir. Both recreation opportunities; however, this area is
Greenhorn and Spring Garden. This district is the Middle and South Fork provide recreational generally not accessible by road from the northern
located at the southern end of Plumas County opportunities. There are a number of lakes in part of the county during winter months.
the southern end of the district that also provide
recreation opportunities. Today Graeagle and History
the surrounding communities are a well-known In the 1850s agriculture was established in Mo-
destination for golfing, tennis and outdoor pursuits hawk Valley area. Later, the area also became
such as camping, hiking and fishing. Several golf a center for timber activity with mills constructed
courses have been established in Graeagle and in the Clio area in the 1880s and railroad access
the surrounding area. These golf courses include: that followed in the early 1900s. Over time a small
• The Dragon at Gold Mountain community formed around mill operations in Clio
• Graeagle Meadows Golf Course
and the surrounding area. Housing for workers
• Grizzly Ranch
• Feather River Inn was constructed, a grocery store was opened and
• Feather River Park by 1918 the Davies Mill post office was estab-
• Plumas Pines Golf Resort lished. In 1919 the California Fruit Exchange of
Blairsden Barn • Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club Sacramento purchased Davies Mill. Lumber from
and borders Sierra County. Several remote lakes the mill was needed by the fruit exchange for fruit
are located in the southern portion of Mohawk The cluster of lakes on the south end of this dis- boxes used in shipping produce. Around this time
Valley. Major roads in this region include State trict is referred to as the Lakes Basin Recreation the name for Davies Mill was changed to Grae-
Highway 70 and State Routes 89 and A15. Other Area. This group of lakes extends into the north- agle and the California Fruit Exchange changed
major roads that serve this part of Plumas County ern part of Sierra County and exhibit the traits of
include Quincy La Porte Road and Graeagle classic alpine lakes found in other parts of the
Introduction 13

16. the name of mill operations to Graeagle Lumber
Company.
By the 1950s the widespread use of cardboard
for shipping containers and the extensive logging
prior to this time period resulted in the closure of
the mill in Graeagle. By 1957, the logging equip-
ment had been sold and taken to other active
logging sites and the mill and associated build-
ings and land was purchased by Harvey West, a
timber operator from Placerville.
During the 1960s the first subdivisions in Graea-
gle were established and the creation of the first
golf course in Graeagle was underway by the late
1960s. Sierra Valley Farms
14 Plumas County General Plan Update Briefing Report

17. Existing Conditions and Trends
15

19. Environment
Environment
The Upper Feather River watershed serves as
Water Resources million acres of land in the Sierra Nevada which
an important supply of surface water resources.
direct flow southwest into Lake Oroville in neigh-
Plumas County contains a number of rivers, lakes boring Butte County. As shown in the table below, Water has been a valuable export from Plumas
and reservoirs, which provide important habitat, the Upper Feather River watershed is divided into County and since the State Water Project (SWP)
recreational, water supply and economic func- four main branches with respective watersheds: located its main storage facility at Lake Oroville its
tions for County residents and nonresidents alike. the West Branch, the North Fork, the Middle Fork importance has only grown. This watershed sup-
This section provides an overview of the existing and the South Fork of the Feather River. The plies 3.2 million acre feet per year for downstream
surface and groundwater resources in the County, North Fork Feather River drainage area is the urban, industrial and agricultural use as part of the
the associated regulatory environment, and identi- largest drainage area in the watershed covering SWP and delivers water to 29 agencies. The SWP
fies several key issues for consideration. approximately 1.4 million acres and contributing also operates three reservoirs in Plumas County,
a yearly average flow of over 2.3 million acre feet Antelope Lake, Frenchman Lake, and Lake Davis,
Setting of water to Lake Oroville. The South Fork Feather which flow into Lake Oroville.
Climate and Precipitation River drainage is the smallest of the four drainage
The amount of precipitation received throughout areas and contributes an average of over 189,000 Surface Water Quality
acre feet to Lake Oroville each year. The main stems of the Upper Feather River water-
the watershed varies but greatly contributes to the
shed in addition to many of the tributaries exhibit
significant amount of water available in the County
some level of degradation, primarily due to human
and throughout the region. The Sierra Crest Table WR-1 Upper Feather River Water- activities. The east side of the County experiences
(centrally located within Plumas County) acts as shed Major River Drainages much more erosion than the west side, which
a barrier to storm systems between the western
Major River Acres Average Yearly
and eastern portions of the County. The western Drainage Inflow to Lake
side of the Sierra Nevada receives over 90 inches Oroville (acre feet)
of precipitation annually while the area east of the West Branch 106,990 250,140
Sierra Crest receives 11 inches. Snowpack levels Feather
River
in the County’s higher elevation areas serve as
natural water reservoirs for surface water that South Fork 81,070 189,390
Feather
becomes available as the snow melts and drains River
into the regional waterway system.1 North Fork 1,380,110 2,336,680
Feather
Surface Water Resources River
As shown in Figure WR-1, the Upper Feather Middle Fork 738,880 1,087,650
River watershed covers a majority of the County Feather
River
(98%), which is about 72% of the entire Upper
Total 2,307,050 3,863,860
Feather River watershed. The tributaries of the
Source: “Upper Feather River Watershed Major River Drain-
Upper Feather River watershed drain over 2 ages” - Integrated Regional Water Management Plan –
1 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan – Upper Upper Feather River Watershed, California, Volume 1; 2005;
Feather River Watershed, California, Volume 1; 2005; Eco- Ecosystem Sciences Foundation; Page 4-13. Middle Fork of the Feather River Beaver Dam,
system Sciences Foundation; Page 4-17
courtesy of Carol Dobbas
16 Plumas County General Plan Update Briefing Report

20. Environment
H Y D R O L O G I C F E AT U R E S
Up p e r F e a th e r Ri v er Wat er sh e d
G R O U N D WAT E R B A S I N S
S HA S TA CO UNTY
HA COUNTY American Valley
Susanville
Su sa n ville Clover Valley
Grizzly Valley
Humbug Valley
L A S S E N CO U N TY
ASSEN C O T Y Indian Valley
Lake Almanor Valley
Last Chance Creek Valley
TE H A
T E HA M A Honey Lake
L ake Meadow Valley
COUNTY
CO UNTY Middle Fork Feather River
Lake Alma n o r
L a ke Almanor Modoc Plateau Pleistocene
Mohawk Valley
ee k
d i a n Cr
Mountain Meadow Valley
Sacramento Valley Eastside
In
Sierra Valley
Yellow Creek Valley
R ed C
l ov G E O G R A P H I C A L F E AT U R E S
er
Communities
C
Cr ee
er Plumas County Boundary
r Ri v
k
k
Co u n ty B ou n d a ry
e is
th Sp an h Cr eek Lakes / Rivers
ea
rk F
Lake Davis
L a ke Da vis
Fo
th
r
i v er
No
0 10
e rR
at h
rk F
Miles
e
e Fo
Mi d d
l
Paradise
P a r a d i se er
Ri v
r
he
e at
rk F
Fo
h
B U T T E CO UNTY
UTTE C O U N T Y
So ut
SIERRA COUNT Y
SIERRA COUNT
L a ke Oroville
Lake O r o vi l l e
YUBA
YU BA
COUNTY
Figure WR-1, the Upper Feather River watershed Source: U.S. Geologic Survey. 2005. USGS Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangles. (Spatial Data) and California Department of
Water Resources. 2002. Surface and Groundwater Resources GIS data.
Existing Conditions and Trends 17

21. greatly affects surface water quality. Timber har- Beginning in the late 1970’s, increases in ground- groundwater levels and installed flow meters to
Environment
vesting, water diversion dams, irrigation practices, water pumping in the basin resulted in the ces- monitor pumping on all wells in the Sierra Valley
road and railroad construction, grazing and mining sation of flow to many artesian wells, with some Groundwater Basin pumping 100 gpm or more. In
have all contributed to in-stream water quality is- wells in the northeast portion of the basin declin- response to the declining groundwater levels, the
sues, such as increased sediment transport, that ing to more than 50 feet below ground surface by Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District
impact aquatic life and riparian vegetation. the early 1990s (Ecosystem Sciences Founda- established water budgets in the areas of signifi-
tion, 2005). Subsequent reductions in ground- cant agricultural pumping.
Groundwater Resources water pumping through the 1990s have helped to
Plumas County contains 14 groundwater basins, recover groundwater levels to mid 1970’s levels. Groundwater Quality
which are primarily located in the valleys on the However, grazing practices and groundwater Groundwater quality is currently monitored by the
east side of the Sierra Crest. These groundwater pumping to meet crop irrigation needs continue to California Department of Water Resources and/
basins are also shown on map on previous page. affect the condition of the aquifer and this remains or the California Department of Health Services in
Sierra Valley is the largest groundwater basin an issue of concern for the Sierra Valley Ground- nine of the County’s groundwater basins. Ground-
(125,250 acres) and underlies the Middle Fork water Basin (Ecosystem Sciences Foundation, water quality in the County varies by basin.
of the Feather River. The smallest groundwater 2005). Water quality in the Sierra Valley basin is primar-
basin identified in the figure is Yellow Creek Valley ily affected by geothermal activity which causes
Groundwater Basin covering 2,310 acres. Since its inception in 1980, the Sierra Valley the groundwater to contain high concentrations
Groundwater Management District (an entity of boron, fluoride, iron and sodium. Some wells
Groundwater depletion is an issue of concern for created by the Sierra Valley Groundwater Man- within the Sierra Valley Sub-Basin also exhibit
a portion of the Sierra Valley Groundwater Basin. agement District Legislation) has monitored high levels of arsenic and manganese. Localized
groundwater quality has been influenced in some
areas by the use of septic systems.
Regulatory Framework
Clean Water Act
The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) is the major
federal legislation governing water quality. Sec-
tions 303 and 304 of the CWA provide for water
quality standards, criteria and guidelines. Section
402 establishes the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES), a permitting system
for the discharge of any pollutant into waters of
the United States.
State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
The SWRCB administers California water rights
procedures and manages various federal and
state water quality control programs.
Lakes Basin, courtesy of Eva Rocke
18 Plumas County General Plan Update Briefing Report

22. Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control • Lassen National Forest past February, the Director of the Department of
Environment
Board (CVRWQCB) • Plumas Watershed Forum Water Resources, signed the certification for the
Within the County, the CVRWQCB is respon- • Sierra Valley Groundwater Management final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the
sible for the protection of beneficial uses of water District Monterey Amendment to the State Water Project
resources. The CVRWQCB sets water quality • Sierra Valley Resource Conservation District Contracts (Including Kern Water Bank Transfer)
objectives for all surface waters in the region, and Associated Actions as Part of a Settlement
administers the NPDES program, and implements Issues Agreement (Monterey Plus). The implications of
other plans, policies, and provisions for water the Settlement Agreement could affect the existing
Future growth within and outside of the County
quality management. operation of the watershed.
will place increasing demands on water supplies
that originate in the County. Climate change ef-
Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Additionally, this watershed is an energy source
fects may also contribute additional demands on
(IRWMP): Upper Feather River Watershed contributing power to the region through the
water supply. Climate change effects, including
The IRWMP serves as a guidebook for how to Feather River Ladder of Power. Continued func-
increased snow melt runoff earlier in the season
manage water resources at the watershed level tion of this vital water supply is necessary for Plu-
and increased precipitation as rain instead of
in localized mandatory plans. The IRWMP also mas County residents and many more residents
snow, could result in impacts to the storage ca-
encourages inter-agency cooperation and inte- outside of the area.
pacity of water storage facilities located through-
grated water management. The IRWMP is coor-
out the County and the surrounding region. Water
dinated through the Feather River Regional Water
quality issues associated with erosion could have
Management Group, which is organized under a
impacts on local fish and wildlife populations.
memorandum of understanding between more
than 30 local, state, and federal agencies and lo-
The Feather River Watershed contributes water to
cal non-governmental organizations.
the California State Water Project, a comprehen-
sive system that meets the water supply needs
Watershed Management
of urban and agricultural water users in Northern,
A number of public agencies and groups coor-
Central and Southern California. The allocation of
dinate in the effort to manage and restore wa-
water from the California State Water Project to
tershed resources in the County. These groups
various contractors in the State is governed by the
include (Brian Morris, General Manager, Plumas
Monterey Plus Settlement Agreement. This Settle-
County Flood Control and Water Conservation
ment Agreement originated in Monterey, Califor-
District, personal communication):
nia, between the Department of Water Resources
• Feather River Coordinated Resource Man-
and California State Water Project contractors to
agement Group
address fundamental contract issues and provide
• Feather River Regional Water Management
additional flexibility in how the water contracts
Group
are administered. To identify and address the
• Feather River Resource Conservation District
environmental impacts associated with implemen-
• Plumas County
tation of the Settlement Agreement, an environ-
• Plumas County Flood Control and Water Con-
mental impact report (EIR) was prepared by the Lake Almanor and Lassen Peak at sunset, cour-
servation District
California Department of Water Resources. This tesy of Carl Felts
• Plumas National Forest
Existing Conditions and Trends 19

23. Environment
Environment
basin located entirely within the Sierra Nevada The County’s largest sources of PM are unpaved
Air Quality and Global Climate
Mountains and extending from Plumas County road dust, prescribed burning and residential fuel.
Change
southward to Mariposa County. Within this basin Primary activities contributing to these pollutant
Located within the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management emissions include wildfires, use of woodstoves,
Plumas County is a largely rural (low popula- District (NSAQMD) regulates air quality conditions forestry management burns, residential open
tion base) and mountainous area which results in Plumas County along with those in Sierra and burning, vehicle traffic and windblown dust.
in a number of unique and localized air quality Nevada Counties. The varying topography of the air basin also
conditions. This section provides an overview of contributes to localized air quality issues within
existing climate and atmospheric conditions, the Plumas County is in attainment or unclassified for valley areas. For example, the Portola Valley area
associated regulatory environment, and identifies all federal Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS); consistently has high levels of PM2.5 primarily
several key issues for consideration. however, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agen- due to the use of woodstoves and residential and
cy is considering designating the Portola Valley prescribed burning.
Air Quality Setting as being in non-attainment for PM2.5 (dust/par-
ticulate matter 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller) Sources of Particulate Matter Emissions (2005)
Topography and Climate
based on federal standards. Plumas County is 1%1% 3% Unpaved Road Dust
The County’s topography greatly influences its 2%
1%
currently designated as non-attainment for PM2.5 Prescribed Burning
climate, which results in disproportionate levels 5%
Residential Fuel Combustion
7%
and PM10 based on state standards administered
of precipitation through out the County. More Paved Road Dust
by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
commonly known as the rain shadow effect, this 13%
Construction and Demolition
Recorded trends are likely to continue because Fugitive Windblow n Dust
condition is created by the Sierra Nevada Crest,
the primary causes of PM 10 (road dust, wildfires) Cogeneration
which acts as a barrier to storm systems between 67%
Mineral Processes
are not expected to decrease. These designa-
the western and eastern portions of the County. Other
tions are based on annually collected data from
Consequently, while the western side of the Sierra Source: California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2009. Top 25
three air quality monitoring stations located in the Sources of Air Emissions Statewide PM Annual Average Emis-
Nevada receives over 90 inches of rain annually, sions. Emission Projections by Summary Category published
County. by the California Air Resources Board. http://www.arb.ca.gov/
areas east of the Sierra Crest receive only 11 app/emsinv/t25cat/top25pdf.php?e_season=A&e_season
inches, with the majority occurring from October 2=+Annual+Average&tbl=t25cat2009a&e_year1=2005&e_
year2=2005&g_area=CO&s_co=32&s_ab=GBV&s_
to April (Ecosystem Sciences Foundation, 2005). dis=AMA&e_pol=PM&temp1=0.0009999999999908&temp2=0
.0009999999999908&other1=0&other2=0&edition=&sub_ttl=E
Throughout the year, average temperatures (mea- mission+Projections+by+Summary+Category&dd=1 Accessed
October 29, 2009.
sured at Portola) can range over 80 Fahrenheit
(F) during the summer months to 18F during the
Ozone is also a concern in the County. Ozone is
winter months.
formed when reactive organic gases (ROG) and
nitrogen oxides (NOx) react in the presence of
Air Quality Conditions
sunlight. Industrial processes account for the ma-
Plumas County is located within the Mountain
jority of emissions as shown on the next page.
Counties Air Basin, which is a relatively large air
20 Plumas County General Plan Update Briefing Report