Wilderness Land Trust acquires 20 acres to add to the Mokelumne Wilderness

The Wilderness Land Trust recently acquired 20 acres of formally private property on Raymond Creek within the Mokelumne Wilderness in Alpine County, California, located south of Lake Tahoe, near the town of Markleeville.

The property was one of the few remaining inholding properties in the Mokelumne Wilderness and one of the last near the top of the Raymond Creek watershed which runs to the Carson River. The Carson River watershed encompasses approximately 3,966 square miles. The Carson River makes a journey of approximately 184 miles beginning at the headwaters in Alpine County and terminating at the Carson Sink in Churchill County.

The Carson River Basin is a lifeline for people, wildlife and agriculture in the Hope Valley, in Carson City and the surrounding area. Wildlife common to the area include bears (and their cubs), eagles, picas and sage grouse.  The Carson River Basin also supports towering pines, valleys with sensitive meadows and meandering creeks.  The views from the property include rugged rock formations and some of the tallest peaks in the area.  When approached by The Trust, the owners were excited to have the opportunity to receive a fair value for their property and to permanently protect its wilderness values.

“It is gratifying to add wilderness protection in such a critical location for people and wildlife. This acquisition shows how the persistence of The Trust brings great results for wilderness and watershed protection.  When the owners inherited the property and were ready to sell, The Trust was there to close quickly and help them permanently protect the property,” said President Reid Haughey. 

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest manages the section of the Mokelumne Wilderness Area containing the Raymond Creek Property. 

"The acquisition of these 20 acres by Wilderness Land Trust provides an opportunity to help in the protection of the Mokelumne Wilderness.  We appreciate the role The Wilderness Land Trust plays in protecting the wilderness resource," said Jerry Ingersoll, Acting Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest Supervisor.

Mokelumne Wilderness

The United States Congress designated the Mokelumne Wilderness in 1964 and it now has a total of approximately 99,161 acres, to which the 20-acre Raymond Creek property will be added when The Trust donates the property to the Forest Service.

The Mokelumne River bisects remote mountainous terrain where elevations range from about 4,000 feet to 10,000 feet near Round Top Peak.   Shallow valleys hide many small lakes.  The river canyon is extremely rugged, but glaciers have smoothed much of the area, leaving well-placed trails relatively easy to hike.  In spring and summer, meadows boast a riot of wildflower color.  A prolific trail system includes 20 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as other regional trail systems, providing many opportunities for recreation and solitude.