Briefing report

Plumas County General Plan UpdateMay 2010

Briefi ng Report

i Table of Contents

Table of ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Purpose of Setting Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2General Plan Update Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3General Plan Update Process Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Plumas County’s Historical Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Historic Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Geographic Areas Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Existing Conditions and Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Air Quality and Global Climate Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Biological Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Open Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36Community Character and Scenic Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Historical Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Art and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Public Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Public Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Transportation and Circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63Environmental Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72Forest Lands and Forest Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72Agribusiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78Mining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Prepared for: Plumas County

Prepared by: Design WorkshopESABAELSC Transportation ConsultantsSierra Business Council

Cover Photo: Double Rainbow over Sugarloaf, courtesy of Kristi Jamason

1Introduction

Introduction

Plumas County General Plan Update Briefi ng Report2

IntroductionPlumas County is rich in resources, open space, history, and communities that take pride in their county. The General Plan update and the goals and policies set forth need to refl ect the diversity of the landscape and the people. The direction that is outlined for Plumas County in the updated General Plan will need to be visionary, realistic, fl exible, implementable, and politically sustain-able.

The General Plan update will integrate the seven (7) state-mandated elements (Conservation, Land Use, Recreation and Open Space, Transporta-tion and Circulation, Housing, Noise and Public Safety) with three additional elements Plumas County has chosen to elevate in focus (Agricul-ture and Forestry/Forest Products, Water and Economics). The plan will clearly articulate the distinct goals and policies to be achieved within each element and identify how the consideration of these policies as a whole creates opportunities for synergies. In other words a general plan that integrates its goals and policies with the values of the community creates an enhanced combined effect that provides effi ciencies that cannot be ac-complished just looking at one element at a time.

Th e Briefi ng ReportThe intent of developing this Briefi ng Report is two-fold. One is to provide a quick and thoughtful reference guide that contains baseline information to help guide both the planning and environmen-tal analysis efforts. The second is to design this report such that it becomes a tool that assists in the public engagement process, providing partici-pants with context and perspective as this process evolves.

The Briefi ng Report contains a summary of back-ground information on Plumas County’s existing conditions that affect future planning endeavors. Included is information about current and past planning efforts, economic trends, development trends, natural resources, transportation, cultural and historical resources, agriculture, art and culture, public services and facilities, and environ-mental hazards. Its intended audience includes Plumas County staff, Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, partner and cooperating agencies, the planning working groups, workshop participants, students, and the public at large.

Purpose and Setting Study

Train Crossing - Keddie “Wye”

3Introduction

Th e ProcessJuly 14, 2009 marks the date the Plumas County Board of Supervisors signed the consultant contract to prepare an update of the County’s General Plan. Contained within the contract is a program of work, budget and schedule that sup-ports a three year process. The process can be described as three parts; comprehensive plan-ning efforts to update the General Plan, transpar-ent and inclusive public engagement efforts that inform the update process and products, and the environmental analysis efforts to disclose and mitigate potential impacts.

The planning efforts include development of the General Plan vision and goals, review and identifi -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 fi ve 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 which includes specifi c and prescribed opportuni-ties for public input. Solicitation of public input

General Plan Update Processon the scope and alternatives to be analyzed will occur. The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) will be circulated for public review and comment for a minimum of 45 days during which time at least one public hearing will be held to receive public comment. There will be additional opportunity for public input on the Final EIR at the conclusion of the public comment period. To kick off the General Plan update process a goal development session was conducted at the July 29, 2009 Planning Commission meeting and during August and September Commission meet-ings. The Planning Commission was asked to identify goals that would provide guidance and di-rect measurable outcomes for the update process. These goals are meant to be high level goals which become a metric to evaluate progress and

outcomes over the next three years of General Plan development and environmental analysis. The Planning Commission’s goals were presented and with a few minor changes approved by the Board of Supervisors October 13, 2009. Goals were identifi ed for the development of the docu-ment, the update process, the environment, the economy, the community and agriculture.

Th e DocumentThe General Plan Update represents the • voice of the people of Plumas CountyThe General Plan Update is legally defensible• The General Plan Update is easily read and • interpreted by the public.

Working Group Kick-off Meeting


5Introduction

CommunityThe General Plan Update preserves and • protects cultural, historical and archaeological resourcesThe General Plan Update maintains Plumas • County’s status as a premier recreation areaThe General Plan Update promotes both full • time and part time residential opportunities in safe and livable housingThe General Plan Update protects community • character throughout Plumas CountyThe General Plan Update protects and sus-• tains existing communities

General Plan Update Process GoalsTh e Process

The General Plan Update document was • completed in two years and within budgetEach General Plan element was developed • with the appropriate focus and energy

EnvironmentThe General Plan Update preserves and pro-• tects Plumas County’s natural beautyThe General Plan Update protects natural • habitatsThe General Plan Update meets and sustains • the basic needs of clean and available waterThe General Plan Update meets and sustains • the basic needs of clean air.

EconomyThe General Plan Update promotes economic • development in harmony with surroundingsThe 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) developmentThe General Plan Update considers policies • that address energy production and utilization

AgricultureThe General Plan Update protects and sus-• tains agricultural lands and encourages best management practicesThe General Plan Update defi nes Agricultural • Lands with the intent of meeting the needs of the ranching and farming families

The General Plan Update supports sustain-• able developmentThe General Plan Update directs policies that • compliment and support the County’s educa-tion needsThe General Plan Update promotes policies • that are consistent with public health and safety best management practices

Indian Valley from Crystal lake, courtesy of Mike Lydon


Plumas County’s Historical LegacyPlumas 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 infl uenced 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 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.

Hay wagon at Spanish Ranch

Panning for gold, 1897

Meadow Valley Mercantile Company at Silver Creek and Bucks Lake Road

Laborers building Western Pacifi c Railroad prob-ably near Quincy Junction, California. ca 1908 All photographs on this page courtesy of Plumas

County Museum

7Introduction

Historic Timeline1854

Plumas county was formed, largely from a north east portion of Butte County

1848

Discovery of gold in California

First Plumas County Fair

Plumas Corpora-tion, the county’s non-profi t eco-nomic develop-ment entity, was chartered

1983

“El Rio de las Plu-mas” was named by Spanish explorer Luis Antonio Argüello (now known as the Feather River)

1821 1850’s

Chinese Im-migrants arrived to mine for gold Job Taylor’s

gristmill was built to provide grain mill service in Taylorsville

1959

Plumas-Eureka State Park opened

1916

Lassen Volcanic National Park Established

Miners hold ski races, the fi rst or-ganized downhill ski races in North America, at Onion Valley, near La Porte

Mountain Maidu inhabited the area now known as

Plumas County

Construction began for the fi rst railroad line in the county - the Sierra Valley and Mohawk Railroad

1856early 1850’s

Logging began and the fi rst sawmill was erected at Rich Bar on the Middle Fork Feather River to supply lumber for the mining industry and the infl ux of population brought with it

Quincy Electric Light and Power was formed creating hydro-electric power

1854

First offi cial meeting of the Board of Supervisors

1957

County General Plancreated

First county courthouse built

1859

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▲▲▲▲▲

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188918851863

County General Plan Updated

1981

County General Plan Housing Element Up-dated

20091915 1937

Feather River Highway completed

1950

Plumas Ski Club was formed

Feather River Inn opened. First golf course in the Sierra Nevada.

Lassen County formed from the northeast chuck of Plumas County after 1863 “Sage Brush War”

1864

Hyraulic mining curtailed

1884 1893

Hydraulic min-ing revived with teh Caminetti Act

1905

Plumas National Forest created


Chilcoot. This district is located at the southeast corner of Plumas County and borders Lassen County to the east and Sierra County to the south. Southeast Plumas County functions as a gateway for travelers that approach Plumas County from Reno and western Nevada areas. State Highway 70 and State Routes 49, 284 and County Road A23 access this part of Plumas County with State Route 49 connecting to State Highway 70 in Vinton. The City of Portola has the distinction of being the only incorporated city in Plumas County.

Topography and ResourcesThe northern part of this district is mountainous and undeveloped. Road and trails are located in

Geographic Area Descriptionsthis part of the district and infrastructure related to the two manmade lakes are located here, but the residential communities (with the exception of Lake Davis) in this district are in the southern half of the district. The southern portion of this district is part of a unique landform called the Sierra Val-ley. The Sierra Valley is described by the Northern Sierra Partnership as “The largest mountain valley within California”1. It is 120,000 acres in size and extends into Sierra County to the south2 . The average elevation of the Sierra Valley is 4880 feet. This portion of the county is characterized by the infl uence of the railroad, historic ranch lands, the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Feather River and associated wetlands providing migra-tory bird habitat. The Middle Fork of the Feather Rivers is federally listed as a Wild and Scenic River from the outfl ow of Sierra Valley much of the way to Lake Oroville.

The two largest bodies of water in this district include Lake Davis and Frenchman Lake, located north and east of Portola. Lake Davis, Frenchman Lake (both manmade lakes created in the 1960s) and portions of the Middle Fork of the Feather River offer recreational opportunities for resident and visitors. Both lakes are recognized for their fi shing, hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Little Last Chance Creek provides a stream and fl y fi shing destination.

1 Northern Sierra Partnership 20102 Northern Sierra Partnership 2010

Sierra Valley grazing lands, courtesy of Carol Dobbas

Geographic Area DescriptionsThis section will describe fi ve discrete geographic areas within Plumas County. Each area corre-sponds directly to one of the fi ve supervisorial districts in Plumas County. Boundaries between districts appear irregular due to an effort to utilize logical physical features while achieving equal population in each district. The purpose for this section is to provide a brief overview of the county’s physical attributes and resources using a landscape level view.

The supervisorial districts have been chosen as a way to present this information to the reader. Within each geographic area the district’s location within the county, principle communities, topog-raphy and dominant resources will be described. A description of historical highlights will also be provided. Each district has its own unique land-scape, community character, historical sites, and recreational opportunities that contribute to the district. Each geographic area contains planning areas that are identifi ed and described in the current General Plan. Discussion of the Planning Areas can be found in the Land Use section of the Briefi ng Report.

Sierra ValleyThis area corresponds to Supervisorial District 1 and includes the City of Portola, and the com-munities of Beckwourth, Delleker, Vinton and

9Introduction

HistoryThe area has historic resources related to rail-roads, ranching and timber production. The historic presence of the Western Pacifi c Railroad has contributed to the history and development of this area. The City of Portola includes the site of an important railyard during the construction of the Western Pacifi c railroad in the early 1900s. An annual Railroad Days celebration marking the history of the Western Pacifi c and other railroads associated with early timber production years in this part of Plumas County is held in Portola.

The Sierra Valley includes the historic town of Beckwourth, named for James P. Beckwourth a renowned mountain man and trapper who settled the area in the 1850s. Portola and Beckwourth were both important commercial centers. During prohibition and partially related to fi res that oc-curred in Beckwourth, Portola become the primary trade center for this part of Plumas County. Por-tola’s leaders agreed to avoid having saloons in the city in exchange for status as a division point with the Western Pacifi c Railroad.

The Sierra Valley has an agricultural history that begins with farms established in 1852 and 1853.3 Ranching expanded in this area in the 1860s as settlers took advantage of the Homestead Act. Italian-Swiss families fi rst arrived as early as

3 Plumas County - History of the Feather River Region, Jim Young 2003

1860; however, a greater infl ux of Italian-Swiss immigrants arrived between 1870 and 1890.

Indian ValleySupervisorial District 2, known as the Indian Val-ley, is the district with the largest land area and the only supervisorial district that extends from the western to the eastern boundary of Plumas County. It includes a higher concentration of communities on the western side and the remote areas surrounding Antelope Lake and Taylor Lake. This area includes the communities of Taylors-ville, Crescent Mills, Genesee and Greenville. The east shore of Lake Almanor has residential development between the communities of Ham-ilton Branch to the north and Canyon Dam to the south. Caribou is on the North Fork of the Feather River. Storrie, Tobin, Belden, Twain, Paxton and Indian Falls are located along the State High-way 70 corridor and Keddie is located on State

Highway 70 where it joins State Route 89. These communities along the Feather River Canyon provide recreational/resort opportunities and are collectively referred to as “the canyon”. State Highway 70 provides a gateway to communities west of Plumas County. Several lakes and rivers are found in this district and the eastern portion of the district is one of the more remote portions of Plumas County. The region initially had the largest number of Mountain Maidu residing there and the Taylorsville/Greenville area has continued to be the center for the existing Mountain Maidu popula-tion.

Topography and ResourcesThis district is mountainous and relatively undis-turbed to the east with a number of hiking, hunt-ing, camping, and fi shing opportunities in this remote part of the county. The Feather River Can-yon is the predominant landform on the western side of the district. State Highway 70 has histori-cally provided a recreation corridor for California residents seeking fi shing, hunting and camping opportunities provided by this region. The east shores of Lake Almanor and Butt Valley Reservoir can be accessed from this district. Historic re-sources associated with the Mountain Maidu and with agricultural settlement of the area are found in this region. An open valley near Taylorsville and Greenville has historically served as grazing land and presents a pastoral setting. Winter recreation opportunities can also be found in this district with

Indian Valley from Crystal Lake, courtesy of Mike Lydon


the road to Antelope Lake as a staging area for winter recreation such as snowshoeing, snow-mobiling and cross country skiing. A private hot springs exists in Greenville that has been consid-ered for a variety of development concepts over the years, none of which were considered beyond a conceptual stage.

HistoryPeter Lassen settled in Indian valley in 1850 constructing a log cabin trading post and planting a vegetable garden the following year. Jobe Taylor (who Taylorsville is named after) also settled in the area to establish a farm after some attempts in gold mining. Taylor’s property soon expanded with a home (which also served as a hotel), a barn, a

sawmill and a four-story gristmill. Today Taylors-ville has the distinction of being the “longest con-tinually occupied town in Plumas County’s history, 1853 to the present” 4

Settlement of Greenville was directly related to rich placer deposits discovered nearby. The highly productive quartz mines nearby resulted in continued growth of the town. Crescent Mills also grew as a result of mining activity, although the growth of Crescent Mills was much slower than that experienced in Greenville. The Gold Reserve Act of 1934 increased the price of gold and conse-quently stimulated mining activity in Indian Val-ley. Mining activity continued in the area into the 1890s and has continued at a lower intensity. Sawmills were constructed in Indian Valley be-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 fi nd work elsewhere. This population trend has continued and is discussed further in the Housing section of the Briefi ng Report.

4 Plumas County - History of the Feather River Region, Jim Young 2003

Chester/AlmanorThe area includes the Lake Almanor basin, the community of Chester and residential settlements along the southern, western, and northern shore-line of Lake Almanor. These residential communi-ties include Prattville, Almanor, and Lake Almanor West on the west shore of Lake Almanor and Bailey Creek, Foxwood and Lake Almanor Coun-try Club in the Lake Almanor Peninsula at the north end of the lake. Warner Valley includes the rural residential development to the north of Lake Almanor between Lake Almanor and Juniper Lake and Lassen Volcanic National Park. This part of Plumas County is also Supervisorial District 3 and is located at the northwest portion of the county. This district borders Tehama County to the

Lake AlmanorIndian Valley Creamery building

11Introduction

creation of Lake Almanor. Although this area did not have gold resources, gold was found in areas down the North Fork of the Feather River nearby. Also, miners began travelling through this area on their way to gold fi elds near Mount Lassen.

In the 1860s Big Meadows was settled by ranch-ers and later dairy farmers. A hotel was con-structed in the town of Prattville and a town was developed in this area. Additional hotels were constructed in the general area and by the 1870s Big Meadows was a popular resort destination for the residents of the Sacramento Valley. To serve the local population of residents and visitors, in 1894 a post offi ce was established in Chester.

In the early 1900s the fi rst subdivisions were established in the Chester area. Development related to hydropower would soon change the area. By 1914, water was fi lling the Big Meadows

west, Shasta County to the northwest, and Las-sen County to the northeast. Lake Almanor and Butt Valley Reservoir are both partially located in this district with their eastern shores within Supervisorial District 2. Several creeks and lakes are located to the north of Lake Almanor. State Routes 36 and 89 access Lake Almanor. County Road A13 also accesses the northern peninsula of Lake Almanor. Chester and the communities around Lake Almanor are a destination for tourism and recreation.

Topography and ResourcesToday Chester serves as a gateway to Mount Las-sen and provides tourist accommodation for tour-ists who choose to recreate in the Lake Almanor area. Also, visitors to Mount Lassen often choose to stay or dine in Chester. The resident popula-tion in Chester is 2,299 5 with seasonal fl uctuation during the busy summer season. Lodging options 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 certifi ed under the Forest Stewardship Council and produces lumber in a manner consistent with sustainable practices. Recreational opportuni-ties in the area include fi shing, hunting, boating, waterskiing and wakeboarding. Golf, horseback riding and birdwatching/nature viewing are also 5 city-data.com 2007

available options. Winter recreation in this area included snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Golf courses in this area include Bailey Creek Golf Course, Lake Almanor Country Club, and Lake Almanor West Community Club. Lake Almanor is a destination for boating, swim-ming, and other recreation activities.

To the north of Lake Almanor are the headwaters of several creeks that fl ow into Lake Almanor. This watershed is discussed in greater detail in the Wa-ter Resources section of this briefi ng report.

HistoryDuring the Gold Rush and following years, Big Meadows, a Maidu homesite, became a popular location for escaping the heat of the Central Valley of California for hunting and fi shing and a destina-tion for cattle grazing during the warmer months. This is the area that was later inundated by the

Chester barn in the snow, courtesy of Aaron Seandel


area in relation to a hydropower project for Great Western Power. In addition to serving energy needs, the new Lake Almanor also provided recre-ational opportunities. New hotels were established in Chester as other hotels were inundated by the new lake. The establishment of a logging camp in Chester by Red River Lumber Company and the creation of Lake Almanor led to increases in Chester’s population – particularly during the sum-mer months.

American ValleyAmerican Valley corresponds to Supervisorial District 4. This area includes the communities of Quincy, East Quincy, Bucks Lake and Meadow Valley. East Quincy is bisected by the boundary between Supervisorial District 4 and Supervisorial District 5. This district is located on the western side of Plumas County to the south of Supervi-sorial District 2 and to the north of Supervisorial District 5. It borders Butte County to the west. The Middle Fork of the Feather River fl ows through the southeastern portion of American Valley and this river forms the boundary between superviso-rial districts 4 and 5. Bucks Lake, Silver Lake, Snake Lake and Three Lakes are in this district along with a number of smaller alpine lakes. State Highway 70, joined with State Route 89 passes through the northeast portion of the district. Bucks Lake Road travels through the district and con-tinues toward Oroville. This district is a center for

government activity with Quincy as the county seat for Plumas County. Quincy also has a promi-nent historic courthouse and historic town center.

Topography and ResourcesThis district is mountainous with a primary travel route through the center. The road between Bucks Lake and communities to the west is not accessible in winter months. The Middle Fork of the Feather River fl ows through a portion of this district and forms the border between districts 4 and 5. Creeks such as Spanish Creek, Cash-man Creek, and Meadow Valley Creek also fl ow through the valley. Bucks Lake, a Pacifi c, Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) managed reservoir, and the surrounding area is a popular recreation desti-nation with camping, boating, swimming and fi sh-ing opportunities. Today the prominent courthouse and a number of other historic buildings contribute to a pleasant downtown area with strong historic

character in Quincy. The Feather River College is located in Quincy as is the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds, a destination that draws both local residents and tourists to live music festivals and other events. The Central Plumas Recreation and Parks District manages a pool, skateboard park, Gansner Park and Pioneer Park. Bucks Lake is a suitable location for winter activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

HistoryRich gold deposits found near the site of the Feather River College and at Elizabethtown attracted miners to Quincy and the surround-ing area. During the 1850s a number of ranches were established in and around Quincy. In 1850, Plumas County had not yet been established. At that time, this area was part of Butte County. Discussion of splitting Butte County to form an-other began in 1853. Residents of the area were successful in their lobbying efforts in Sacramento. Plumas County was offi cially created in March 1854. Quincy was designated as the county seat (chosen by the population of Plumas County in an election) and the Town of Quincy established a post offi ce, jail and other public buildings. During the 1870s hydraulic mining generated revenue that led to the construction of the Town Hall The-atre. This was followed by construction of tele-graph lines, a new brewery and the fi rst hospital. Many buildings in downtown Quincy were lost in a fi re that occurred in 1934. Quincy

13Introduction

Mohawk ValleyMohawk Valley corresponds to Supervisorial District 5 and includes the historic communities of La Porte, Johnsville, Graeagle and Blairsden. Surrounding the latter three communities are the residential communities of Little Grass Valley, Plu-mas Eureka, Mohawk Vista, C-Road, Clio, Plumas Pines, Gold Mountain, Iron Horse, Valley Ranch, and Whitehawk Ranch. Residential communities are also located to the northwest of Cromberg, Greenhorn and Spring Garden. This district is located at the southern end of Plumas County

and borders Sierra County. Several remote lakes are located in the southern portion of Mohawk Valley. Major roads in this region include State Highway 70 and State Routes 89 and A15. Other major roads that serve this part of Plumas County include Quincy La Porte Road and Graeagle

Johnsville Road. The Quincy –La Porte Road is a historic travel route between Quincy and Marys-ville. This travel route and the town of La Porte have a rich history related to the Gold Rush.

Topography and ResourcesThe Middle Fork of the Feather River fl ows through Mohawk valley and in the western part of the area, this river forms the boundary between supervisorial districts 4 and 5. The South Fork of the Feather River also fl ows through this dis-trict and into Little Grass Valley Reservoir. Both the Middle and South Fork provide recreational opportunities. There are a number of lakes in the southern end of the district that also provide recreation opportunities. Today Graeagle and the surrounding communities are a well-known destination for golfi ng, tennis and outdoor pursuits such as camping, hiking and fi shing. Several golf courses have been established in Graeagle and the surrounding area. These golf courses include:

The Dragon at Gold Mountain• Graeagle Meadows Golf Course• Grizzly Ranch• Feather River Inn• Feather River Park• Plumas Pines Golf Resort• Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club•

The cluster of lakes on the south end of this dis-trict is referred to as the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. This group of lakes extends into the north-ern part of Sierra County and exhibit the traits of classic alpine lakes found in other parts of the

high Sierra. These lakes are a popular recreation area with opportunities for swimming, fi shing, hik-ing, winter snow play and skiing. Plumas-Eureka State Park, located near Johnsville is an indoor and outdoor museum focused on gold mining his-tory. This site is also the site of the former Plumas Eureka Ski bowl, now referred to as Eureka Bowl and owned by the Plumas Ski Club. This is the site of annual long board ski races where period costume and skiing on historic, long, wooden skis is celebrated. The La Porte area also offers winter recreation opportunities; however, this area is generally not accessible by road from the northern part of the county during winter months.

HistoryIn the 1850s agriculture was established in Mo-hawk Valley area. Later, the area also became a center for timber activity with mills constructed in the Clio area in the 1880s and railroad access that followed in the early 1900s. Over time a small community formed around mill operations in Clio and the surrounding area. Housing for workers was constructed, a grocery store was opened and by 1918 the Davies Mill post offi ce was estab-lished. In 1919 the California Fruit Exchange of Sacramento purchased Davies Mill. Lumber from the mill was needed by the fruit exchange for fruit boxes used in shipping produce. Around this time the name for Davies Mill was changed to Grae-agle and the California Fruit Exchange changed

Blairsden Barn


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 fi rst subdivisions in Graea-gle were established and the creation of the fi rst golf course in Graeagle was underway by the late 1960s. Sierra Valley Farms

15

Existing Conditions and Trends


EnvironmentWater ResourcesPlumas County contains a number of rivers, lakes and reservoirs, which provide important habitat, recreational, water supply and economic func-tions for County residents and nonresidents alike. This section provides an overview of the existing surface and groundwater resources in the County, the associated regulatory environment, and identi-fi es several key issues for consideration.

SettingClimate and PrecipitationThe amount of precipitation received throughout the watershed varies but greatly contributes to the signifi cant amount of water available in the County and throughout the region. The Sierra Crest (centrally located within Plumas County) acts as a barrier to storm systems between the western and eastern portions of the County. The western side of the Sierra Nevada receives over 90 inches of precipitation annually while the area east of the Sierra Crest receives 11 inches. Snowpack levels in the County’s higher elevation areas serve as natural water reservoirs for surface water that becomes available as the snow melts and drains into the regional waterway system.1

Surface Water ResourcesAs shown in Figure WR-1, the Upper Feather River watershed covers a majority of the County (98%), which is about 72% of the entire Upper Feather River watershed. The tributaries of the Upper Feather River watershed drain over 2 1 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan – Upper

Feather River Watershed, California, Volume 1; 2005; Eco-system Sciences Foundation; Page 4-17

million acres of land in the Sierra Nevada which direct fl ow southwest into Lake Oroville in neigh-boring Butte County. As shown in the table below, the Upper Feather River watershed is divided into four main branches with respective watersheds: the West Branch, the North Fork, the Middle Fork and the South Fork of the Feather River. The North Fork Feather River drainage area is the largest drainage area in the watershed covering approximately 1.4 million acres and contributing a yearly average fl ow of over 2.3 million acre feet of water to Lake Oroville. The South Fork Feather River drainage is the smallest of the four drainage areas and contributes an average of over 189,000 acre feet to Lake Oroville each year.

The Upper Feather River watershed serves as an important supply of surface water resources. Water has been a valuable export from Plumas County and since the State Water Project (SWP) located its main storage facility at Lake Oroville its importance has only grown. This watershed sup-plies 3.2 million acre feet per year for downstream urban, industrial and agricultural use as part of the SWP and delivers water to 29 agencies. The SWP also operates three reservoirs in Plumas County, Antelope Lake, Frenchman Lake, and Lake Davis, which fl ow into Lake Oroville.

Surface Water QualityThe main stems of the Upper Feather River water-shed in addition to many of the tributaries exhibit some level of degradation, primarily due to human activities. The east side of the County experiences much more erosion than the west side, which

Table WR-1 Upper Feather River Water-shed Major River DrainagesMajor River Drainage

Acres Average Yearly Infl ow to Lake Oroville (acre feet)

West Branch Feather River

106,990 250,140

South Fork Feather River

81,070 189,390

North Fork Feather River

1,380,110 2,336,680

Middle Fork Feather River

738,880 1,087,650

Total 2,307,050 3,863,860Source: “Upper Feather River Watershed Major River Drain-ages” - Integrated Regional Water Management Plan – Upper Feather River Watershed, California, Volume 1; 2005; Ecosystem Sciences Foundation; Page 4-13.

Environment

Middle Fork of the Feather River Beaver Dam, courtesy of Carol Dobbas

17Existing Conditions and Trends

SHASTA COUNTY

BUTTE COUNTY

LASSEN COUNTY

Susanv i l le

Lake Dav is

Lake Orov i l le

Lake Almanor

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R ed Clover Cre ekSpanish Creek

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Mid d le Fork F eather River

SHASTA COUNTY

BUTTE COUNTY

LASSEN COUNTY

Susanv i l le

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Lake Orov i l le

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TEHAMACOUNTYTEHAMACOUNTY

YUBACOUNTY

YUBACOUNTY

Parad iseParad ise

SIERRA COUNTYSIERRA COUNTY

HYDROLOGIC FEATURES

Upper Feather R iver Watershed

GROUNDWATER BASINS

Amer ican Va l ley

C lover Va l ley

Gr izz ly Va l ley

Humbug Va l ley

Ind ian Va l ley

Lake A lmanor Va l ley

Las t Chance Creek Va l ley

Meadow Va l ley

Midd le Fork Feather R iver

Modoc P la teau P le is tocene

Mohawk Va l ley

Mounta in Meadow Va l ley

Sacramento Va l ley Eas ts ide

S ie r ra Va l ley

Ye l low Creek Va l ley

GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES

Communi t ies

P lumas County Boundary

County Boundary

Lakes / R ivers

0 10

Miles

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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.


greatly affects surface water quality. Timber har-vesting, water diversion dams, irrigation practices, road and railroad construction, grazing and mining have all contributed to in-stream water quality is-sues, such as increased sediment transport, that impact aquatic life and riparian vegetation.

Groundwater ResourcesPlumas County contains 14 groundwater basins, which are primarily located in the valleys on the east side of the Sierra Crest. These groundwater basins are also shown on map on previous page. Sierra Valley is the largest groundwater basin (125,250 acres) and underlies the Middle Fork of the Feather River. The smallest groundwater basin identifi ed in the fi gure is Yellow Creek Valley Groundwater Basin covering 2,310 acres.

Groundwater depletion is an issue of concern for a portion of the Sierra Valley Groundwater Basin.

Beginning in the late 1970’s, increases in ground-water pumping in the basin resulted in the ces-sation of fl ow to many artesian wells, with some wells in the northeast portion of the basin declin-ing to more than 50 feet below ground surface by the early 1990s (Ecosystem Sciences Founda-tion, 2005). Subsequent reductions in ground-water pumping through the 1990s have helped to recover groundwater levels to mid 1970’s levels. However, grazing practices and groundwater pumping to meet crop irrigation needs continue to affect the condition of the aquifer and this remains an issue of concern for the Sierra Valley Ground-water Basin (Ecosystem Sciences Foundation, 2005).

Since its inception in 1980, the Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District (an entity created by the Sierra Valley Groundwater Man-agement District Legislation) has monitored

groundwater levels and installed fl ow meters to monitor pumping on all wells in the Sierra Valley Groundwater Basin pumping 100 gpm or more. In response to the declining groundwater levels, the Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District established water budgets in the areas of signifi -cant agricultural pumping.

Groundwater QualityGroundwater quality is currently monitored by the California Department of Water Resources and/or the California Department of Health Services in nine of the County’s groundwater basins. Ground-water quality in the County varies by basin. Water quality in the Sierra Valley basin is primar-ily affected by geothermal activity which causes the groundwater to contain high concentrations of boron, fl uoride, iron and sodium. Some wells within the Sierra Valley Sub-Basin also exhibit high levels of arsenic and manganese. Localized groundwater quality has been infl uenced in some areas by the use of septic systems.

Regulatory FrameworkClean Water ActThe 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.

Environment

Lakes Basin, courtesy of Eva Rocke


Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB)Within the County, the CVRWQCB is respon-sible for the protection of benefi cial uses of water resources. The CVRWQCB sets water quality objectives for all surface waters in the region, administers the NPDES program, and implements other plans, policies, and provisions for water quality management.

Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP): Upper Feather River WatershedThe IRWMP serves as a guidebook for how to manage water resources at the watershed level in localized mandatory plans. The IRWMP also encourages inter-agency cooperation and inte-grated water management. The IRWMP is coor-dinated through the Feather River Regional Water Management Group, which is organized under a memorandum of understanding between more than 30 local, state, and federal agencies and lo-cal non-governmental organizations.

Watershed ManagementA number of public agencies and groups coor-dinate in the effort to manage and restore wa-tershed resources in the County. These groups include (Brian Morris, General Manager, Plumas County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, personal communication):

Feather River Coordinated Resource Man-• agement Group Feather River Regional Water Management • GroupFeather River Resource Conservation District• Plumas County• Plumas County Flood Control and Water Con-• servation District Plumas National Forest•

Lassen National Forest• Plumas Watershed Forum • Sierra Valley Groundwater Management • DistrictSierra Valley Resource Conservation District•

IssuesFuture growth within and outside of the County will place increasing demands on water supplies that originate in the County. Climate change ef-fects may also contribute additional demands on water supply. Climate change effects, including increased snow melt runoff earlier in the season and increased precipitation as rain instead of snow, could result in impacts to the storage ca-pacity of water storage facilities located through-out the County and the surrounding region. Water quality issues associated with erosion could have impacts on local fi sh and wildlife populations.

The Feather River Watershed contributes water to the California State Water Project, a comprehen-sive system that meets the water supply needs of urban and agricultural water users in Northern, Central and Southern California. The allocation of water from the California State Water Project to various contractors in the State is governed by the Monterey Plus Settlement Agreement. This Settle-ment Agreement originated in Monterey, Califor-nia, between the Department of Water Resources and California State Water Project contractors to address fundamental contract issues and provide additional fl exibility in how the water contracts are administered. To identify and address the environmental impacts associated with implemen-tation of the Settlement Agreement, an environ-mental impact report (EIR) was prepared by the California Department of Water Resources. This

past February, the Director of the Department of Water Resources, signed the certifi cation for the fi nal Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Monterey Amendment to the State Water Project Contracts (Including Kern Water Bank Transfer) and Associated Actions as Part of a Settlement Agreement (Monterey Plus). The implications of the Settlement Agreement could affect the existing operation of the watershed.

Additionally, this watershed is an energy source contributing power to the region through the Feather River Ladder of Power. Continued func-tion of this vital water supply is necessary for Plu-mas County residents and many more residents outside of the area.

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Lake Almanor and Lassen Peak at sunset, cour-tesy of Carl Felts


EnvironmentAir Quality and Global Climate ChangeLocated within the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Plumas County is a largely rural (low popula-tion base) and mountainous area which results in a number of unique and localized air quality conditions. This section provides an overview of existing climate and atmospheric conditions, the associated regulatory environment, and identifi es several key issues for consideration.

Air Quality SettingTopography and ClimateThe County’s topography greatly infl uences its climate, which results in disproportionate levels of precipitation through out the County. More commonly known as the rain shadow effect, this condition is created by the Sierra Nevada Crest, which acts as a barrier to storm systems between the western and eastern portions of the County. Consequently, while the western side of the Sierra Nevada receives over 90 inches of rain annually, areas east of the Sierra Crest receive only 11 inches, with the majority occurring from October to April (Ecosystem Sciences Foundation, 2005). Throughout the year, average temperatures (mea-sured at Portola) can range over 80 Fahrenheit (F) during the summer months to 18F during the winter months.

Air Quality ConditionsPlumas County is located within the Mountain Counties Air Basin, which is a relatively large air

basin located entirely within the Sierra Nevada Mountains and extending from Plumas County southward to Mariposa County. Within this basin the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (NSAQMD) regulates air quality conditions in Plumas County along with those in Sierra and Nevada Counties.

Plumas County is in attainment or unclassifi ed for all federal Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS); however, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agen-cy is considering designating the Portola Valley as being in non-attainment for PM2.5 (dust/par-ticulate matter 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller) based on federal standards. Plumas County is currently designated as non-attainment for PM2.5 and PM10 based on state standards administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Recorded trends are likely to continue because the primary causes of PM 10 (road dust, wildfi res) are not expected to decrease. These designa-tions are based on annually collected data from three air quality monitoring stations located in the County.

The County’s largest sources of PM are unpaved road dust, prescribed burning and residential fuel. Primary activities contributing to these pollutant emissions include wildfi res, use of woodstoves, forestry management burns, residential open burning, vehicle traffi c and windblown dust.The varying topography of the air basin also contributes to localized air quality issues within valley areas. For example, the Portola Valley area consistently has high levels of PM2.5 primarily due to the use of woodstoves and residential and prescribed burning.

Ozone is also a concern in the County. Ozone is formed when reactive organic gases (ROG) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react in the presence of sunlight. Industrial processes account for the ma-jority of emissions as shown on the next page.

Environment

Sources of Particulate Matter Emissions (2005)

67%

13%

7%

3%1%

5%2%

1%1%Unpaved Road Dust

Prescribed Burning

Residential Fuel Combustion

Paved Road Dust

Construction and Demolition

Fugitive Windblow n Dust

Cogeneration

Mineral Processes

Other

Source: California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2009. Top 25 Sources of Air Emissions Statewide PM Annual Average Emis-sions. Emission Projections by Summary Category published by the California Air Resources Board. http://www.arb.ca.gov/app/emsinv/t25cat/top25pdf.php?e_season=A&e_season2=+Annual+Average&tbl=t25cat2009a&e_year1=2005&e_year2=2005&g_area=CO&s_co=32&s_ab=GBV&s_dis=AMA&e_pol=PM&temp1=0.0009999999999908&temp2=0.0009999999999908&other1=0&other2=0&edition=&sub_ttl=Emission+Projections+by+Summary+Category&dd=1 Accessed October 29, 2009.


As shown in the two bar charts that follow, the County has experienced very few days that exceed the state and national 8-hour ozone and PM10 standards since 2002. Before 2001, the County consistently had several days that exceed-ed these standards each year. A variety of factors can affect local ozone conditions including weath-er conditions and patterns. Additionally, weather patterns can transport pollutants from neighboring air basins. For example, ozone generated in the more populated Sacramento Valley Air Basin can contribute air pollutants to surrounding areas.

The CARB provides information relative to the State and federal status of all recorded air quality pollutants. According to recent records, Plumas County is in State “Attainment” status for all other recorded pollutants (including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, sulfates and lead) and in federal “Attainment/Unclassifi ed” status for carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.

Regulatory FrameworkFederal Clean Air Act (CAA)The CAA establishes ambient air standards for six pollutants: ozone, carbon monoxide, lead, nitro-gen dioxide, particulate matter and sulfur dioxide. Areas that do not meet the ambient air quality standards are called “non-attainment areas”.

California Clean Air Act (CCAA)The (CCAA) establishes an air quality manage-ment process that is similar to the federal process. The CCAA focuses on attainment of state ambient air quality standards that are more stringent than the comparable federal standards.

Northern Sierra Air Quality Management Dis-trictThe NSAQMD is responsible for implementation of state and federal air quality regulations for Plu-mas County, Sierra County and Nevada County. As part of their responsibilities, the NSAQMD implements a variety of air quality programs and regulations designed to improve local and regional air quality conditions. These include the Greater Portola Area Woodstove Change-out Program, a variety of open burning rules (including Rule 318 - American Valley Burning Restrictions), and Rule 226 “Dust Control”.

Global Climate Change SettingGlobal climate change refers to changes in weath-er patterns across the Earth resulting from green-house gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. GHGs are comprised of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (NH4), nitrous oxide (N20), sulfur hexafl uoride (SF6), hydrofl uorocarbons (HFCs), and perfl uoro-carbons (PFCs). GHGs are the result of some hu-man activities (i.e., fossil fuel consumption, some agricultural practices, landfi lls, etc.) that result in the production of large quantities of CO2 and methane emissions. There is widespread interna-tional scientifi c agreement that increases in GHGs

Greatest Contributors of Ozone Emissions in Plumas CountyOxides of Nitrogen (NOx)Facility Name Town Tons/Year

Sierra Pacifi c Industry Quincy 305

Collins Pine Chester 159

Reactive Organic Gases (ROG)Facility Name Town Tons/Year

Sierra Pacifi c Industries Quincy 107

Source: California Air Resources Board. 2009. California Almanac of Emissions and Air Quality – 2009 Edition.

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Days Above State and National 8-Hour Ozone Standards

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have contributed and will continue to contribute to climate change. However, there is uncertainty concerning the magnitude and rate of change that could result. Additionally, not all locations will experience the same effects in relation to global climate change.

While global climate change is a global phenom-enon, it has economic and environmental implica-tions at local and regional levels. Some effects of climate change specifi c to Plumas County will include decreases in snow pack, more extreme heat days per year, more high ozone days, more frequent and larger, higher intensity forest fi res, and more frequent or severe drought years. These climate changes could lead to a variety of secondary effects including impacts to exist-ing agriculture, changes in disease vectors, and changes in habitat and biodiversity. Because the Feather River Watershed provides much of the State’s water supply, changes in snow pack levels could seriously affect the water supply availability for many of California’s downstream users.

Regulatory FrameworkCalifornia Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Assembly Bill AB32) AB 32 requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to design and implement emis-sions limits, regulations and other measures such that statewide greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020.

Climate Change Proposed Scoping PlanCARB developed this plan subsequent to AB 32. The plan proposes a set of actions designed to

reduce overall carbon emissions in California. The plan also includes a list of measures that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from key sources and activities, including transportation, electricity and natural gas use, water use, indus-try, and agriculture.

Air Quality/Climate Change IssuesTypically population growth has the potential to contribute to particulate levels based on the increased fuel consumption and re-entrained road dust. Additionally, the potential increase in wildland fi res related to changes to global climate could contribute to particulate level increases due to smoke associated with wildland fi res and longer fi re seasons. The County and partner agencies will need to consider a variety of forestry and fuels management techniques along with the ef-fi cacy of fi re response agencies to address these challenges in meeting air quality standards for PM2.5 and PM10.

While the County’s contribution of GHG emissions is considered relatively minor compared to other parts of the State, the County will need to contin-ue to plan for growth that minimizes greenhouse gas emissions to help meet state mandates. In addition, it will need to consider methods to ad-dress the future economic and environmental effects of climate change on public safety (i.e., increased seasonal fl ooding and wildfi res) within the County and the broader issue of watershed management to help minimize these impacts to surrounding counties.

Environment

Hazy Lassen Peak


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Biological ResourcesThe County is comprised of a range of habitat types many of which infl uence the water quality and quantity of the Feather River Watershed. The unique geographic location of Plumas County at the northern extent of the Sierra Nevada and the southern reach of the Cascades results in unique geology, fl ora and fauna. This section provides an overview of existing habitats and plants/wildlife species, the associated regulatory environment, and identifi es several key issues for consideration.

SettingHabitatsHabitats (or vegetation communities) provide food, shelter, movement corridors, and breeding opportunities for a variety of wildlife species. For Plumas County, the type and distribution of these habitats is closely linked to elevation. As shown in the table, Conifer (including Mixed Conifer) habitat types comprise the majority (72%) of land cover-age in the County (see Table BIO-1 and Figure BIO-1) and are habitats commonly found at higher elevations. Plants characteristic of this habitat include a variety of pines and fi rs. While not con-sidered a comprehensive list of plant and wildlife species, Table BIO-1 identifi es some of the more common species found through out the County by habitat type.

Table BIO-1. Primary Habitats in Plumas CountyHabitats Percent of

CountyCommon Species1

Agriculture 4% Annual Grassland 2% Plants: wild oats, soft chess, ripgut brome, red brome,

wild barley, foxtail fescue, broadleaf fi laree, redstem fi laree, turkey mullein, true clovers, bur clover, popcorn fl ower

Chaparral 5% Animals: black-tailed deer, mule deer, small mammals, and various songbird species.Plants: scrub oak, whitethorn ceanothus, bittercherry, huckleberry oak, chaparral oak, manzanita, birchleaf mountain mahogany, and toyon.

Conifer & Mixed Conifer 72% Animals: long-eared myotis, long-legged myotis, Gray-headed pika, American marten, and Sierra marten. Plants: Douglas fi r, eastside pine, Jeffrey pine, lodge-pole pine, ponderosa pine, red fi r

Freshwater Emergent Wetland

1% Animals: fringed myotis, sandhill crane.Plants: big leaf sedge, baltic rush, redroot nutgrass, saltgrass, common cattail, tule bulrush, river bulrush, and arrowhead.

Montane Hardwood 2% Animals: northern goshawk, bald eagle, great gray owl, long-eared myotis, long-legged myotis, Gray-head-ed pika, American marten, Sierra marten, and pacifi c fi sher.Plants: huckleberry oak, canyon live oak, Ponderosa pine, Coulter pine, Douglas fi r, and tan oak, among others.

Sagebrush 6% Animals: black-tailed deer, mule deer, rabbits, hares, other small mammals, and various songbird species.Plants: big sagebrush, sagebrush, rabbitbrush, horse-brush, gooseberry, western chokecherry, and curl-leaf mahogany.

1 These species are those most likely to occur within each of these habitats; however, this does not preclude the possibility of a species to be found within other habitat types throughout the County.

Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. 2002. Multi-source Land Cover Data v2. (Spatial Data).


Travelling away from the higher Sierra regions of the County, the pines and fi rs give way to sage-brush, annual grasslands, and the freshwater emergent wetland habitat types that are more common at lower elevations. Additionally, agricul-tural-related habitats comprise a large portion of land within the Sierra, American, Indian and Red Clover Valley areas.

FisheriesPlumas County and the larger Feather River Wa-tershed area contain a variety of aquatic habitats including small alpine streams, natural ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, that provide habitat to a variety of regionally signifi cant fi sh species (both economic and environmentally). Within the watershed, two types of fi sheries are found: cold water river/stream species and warm water lake/reservoir species. Historically, the watershed was habitat to Chinook salmon and steelhead. However, construction of the Oroville Dam has prevented these species from entering the upper portions of the watershed. Proposals to reintro-duce these species have been discussed with no actions taken to date. The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) manages many of the fi sh species in the County and have stocked several streams with rainbow and brown trout. A special strain of rainbow trout (Eagle Lake) has been planted by CDFG and is now found in many areas throughout the larger watershed.

Species and Habitats of Special ConcernSpecial-status species are plants or animals that are legally protected under the State and/or federal Endangered Species Acts (ESAs) or other regulations, and species that are considered by the scientifi c community to be suffi ciently rare to qualify for such listing. The CDFG has document-ed habitat for over 90 different species of special concern in the County. These include several amphibians (i.e., red-legged frog) bald eagles, osprey, several mammals, and plant/wildlife spe-cies associated with vernal pool habitats. Figure BIO-2 identifi es some of these locations. (NOTE TO READER: in process of updating fi gure with staff from Forest Service and CDFG).

Regulatory FrameworkFederal Endangered Species Act (FESA)The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) administers the FESA for the protection of feder-ally listed threatened, endangered, and proposed species.Clean Water Act, Section 404The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have jurisdiction over wetlands and other waters of the U.S.

California Endangered Species ActThe CDFG regulates the listing and take of state-listed species. The term “listed” refers to a plant or wildlife species that meets local, state or federal requirements designed to protect endangered species and to achieve a status of legally protect-

ed. The term “take” includes a number of activities that threaten a listed plant or wildlife species.

IssuesHuman activity has resulted in some impacts (increased urban runoff, habitat fragmentation, disruption of migratory corridors) to biological re-sources throughout the County. While the County has experienced a minimal amount of growth and development, future growth will need to consider these implications and incorporate best man-agement practices (i.e. erosion control, replace streamside vegetation, maintain wildlife corridors, etc) from the County’s general plan in order to minimize future impacts to natural habitats and the species associated with them.

Many tributary streams feeding into the main stems of the South, Middle and North Forks of the Feather River are blocked by human caused barri-ers, reducing or blocking entirely fi sh migration up stream. Currently, FERC re-licensing and planning efforts involve evaluation of these barriers to fi sh passage.

Environment

Backyard Deer, courtesy of Carl Felts


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139

395

36

44

89

70

49

SHASTA COUNTY

PLUMAS COUNTY

SIERRA COUNTYBUTTE COUNTY

YUBA

LASSEN COUNTY

Susanv i l le

Ches te r

Greenv i l le

Tay lo rsv i l l e

R ich BarTwain

Kedd ie

Qu incy

S loa t

Eas t Qu incy

B la i rsden

Por to la Vin ton

Loya l ton

Lake Dav is

La Por te

Lake Orov i l le

Lake Almanor

Honey Lake

Sout

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R ed Clover Cre ek

Spanish Creek

In d ian

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SHASTA COUNTY

PLUMAS COUNTY


YUBA

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Susanv i l le

Ches te r

Greenv i l le

Tay lo rsv i l l e

R ich BarTwa in

Kedd ie

Quincy

S loa t

Eas t Qu incy

B la i rsden

Por to la Vin ton

Loya l ton

Lake Dav is

La Por te

Lake Orov i l le

Lake A lmanor

Honey Lake

Sout

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R ed Clover Cre ek

Spanish Creek

In d ian

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Union Pac i f i c Ra i l road

Unio

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Ra i l r oad

Un ion Pac i f i c Ra i l road

Unio

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Ra i l r oad

HABITAT TYPES

Agr icu l tu re

Annua l Grass land

Bar ren

Chapar ra l

Con i fe r

F reshwater Emergent Wet land

Mixed Con i fe r

Montane Hardwood

Montane R ipar ian

Sagebrush

Urban

Water


Communi t ies


In te rs ta tes and H ighways

Ma jor Roads

Ra i l roads

County Boundary

Lakes / R ivers

0 10

Miles

Figure BIO-1 Source: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. 2002. Multi-source Land Cover Data v2. (Spatial Data) and U.S. Geologic Survey. 2005. USGS Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangles. (Spatial Data).


139

395

36

44

89

70

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SHASTA COUNTY

SIERRA COUNTY

BUTTE COUNTY

YUBA

LASSEN COUNTY

Susanv i l le

Ches te r

Greenv i l le

Tay lo rsv i l l e

R ich BarTwain

Kedd ie

Quincy

S loa t

Eas t Qu incy

B la i rsden

Por to la Vin ton

Loya l ton

Lake Dav is

La Por te

Lake Orov i l le

Lake Almanor

Honey Lake

Sout

h Fork F eathe

r River

R ed Clover Cre ek

Spanish Creek

In d ian

Cree

k

No

r th Fo rk

Feath

e

rRi

ver


SHASTA COUNTY

SIERRA COUNTY

BUTTE COUNTY

YUBA

LASSEN COUNTY

Susanv i l le

Ches te r

Greenv i l le

Tay lo rsv i l l e

R ich BarTwa in

Kedd ie

Quincy

S loa t

Eas t Qu incy

B la i rsden

Por to la Vin ton

Loya l ton

Lake Dav is

La Por te

Lake Orov i l le

Lake A lmanor

Honey Lake

Sout

h Fork F eathe

r River

R ed Clover Cre ek

Spanish Creek

In d ian

Cree

k

No

r th Fo rk

Feath

e

rRi

ver




Unio

n Paci fic

Ra i l r oad


Unio

n Paci fic

Ra i l r oad

IMPORTANT SPECIES HABITATS

Deer Migra t ion Seasona l

Raptor Nes t ing Area

Raptor Win te r ing Area

Deer Fawn ing Area

Deer Ho ld ing Area

Deer Migra t ion Seasona l

Deer Summer Range

Deer Win te r Range

Water fow l Nes t ing Area

Water fow l Win te r ing Area

Other

R iver Ot te r Range


Communi t ies



Ma jor Roads

Ra i l roads

County Boundary

Lakes / R ivers

0 10

Miles

Figure BIO-2 Source: U.S. Geologic Survey. 2005. USGS Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangles. (Spatial Data) and County of Plumas. 2009. GIS Data Layers for Important Species Habitats. Quincy, CA.

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Open Space

SettingThe open-space element of the general plan details plans and measures for preserving open-space for natural resources, outdoor recreation, public health and safety, and for agriculture. The open-space element guides the comprehensive and long-range preservation and conservation of “open- space land” as defi ned by the California Government Code (§65563)1. Open-space land is defi ned in statute as any parcel or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to open-space use. This may include lands set aside for the preservation of natural resources, recreation, public health and safety, or lands set aside for the managed production of resources such as rangeland, forestland, agricultural produc-tion land, groundwater recharge areas, fi shery lands, and other lands deemed necessary to economic productivity of resources.

According to the Governors Offi ce of Planning and Research the open space element, along with the housing element, has the most detailed statutory intent2 and, next to land use, is the broadest in scope. Because of this breadth, open-space is-sues overlap those of several elements and the open-space element is commonly combined with

1 California Government Code Sections 65560-655702 State of California General Plan Guidelines, 2003 Gover-

nors Offi ce of Planning and Research

other elements. For example, the land use ele-ment’s issues around agriculture, natural resourc-es, recreation, enjoyment of scenic beauty and, to a certain extent, public grounds are covered by open-space provisions. “Open space for the pres-ervation of natural resources” and “open space used for the managed production of resources” encompass the concerns of the conservation ele-ment. “Open space for public health and safety” covers issues similar to those found in the safety element.

The existing general plan includes a number of policies identifying and directing the use of lands to support maintaining and preserving the desired “mountain and rural character” of the county. Plumas County has three national forests (Plu-

mas, Lassen and Tahoe) covering approximately 60% of the county. These lands are managed for a combination of resource values, including but not limited to recreation, mining, timber produc-tion, and cultural and historic resources. Most of Plumas County is timberland (87%). 94% of the county is managed for some type of resource value and just 6% of the county’s land is set aside for some type of residential or commercial use.3 Approximately 159, 200 acres of land in Plumas County is used for agricultural purposes4, this represents approximately 10% of the landmass. A signifi cant amount of the county’s agricultural land is enrolled in the Williamson Act, approxi-mately 82,000 acres in 1990. Plumas County had approximately 8% of its contract in non-renewal

3 County of Plumas Vision 2020 Report4 Plumas County Agricultural Commission Report 2008

Lake Almanor


between 2004-20075 and as the state support for Williamson Act tax subventions has declined non-renewals have increased.

Plumas County also has an increasing amount of agricultural and resources production land protect-ed by conservation easement or fee ownership by conservation organizations. A number of private sector organizations are active in Plumas County including the California Rangeland Trust and the Feather River Land Trust. It is estimated that ap-proximately 30,000 acres of lands in the county are protected in this fashion.

Regulatory FrameworkEvery local open-space element is required to contain a specifi c action program (CGC §65564). Open space elements have equal standing with every other element of the general plan, conse-quently it is important that the land use element and the open space element be reviewed for inter-nal consistency. The internal consistency clause is found in Government Code 65300.5. Several challenges to what constitutes internal consisten-cy have been decided, with Sierra Club v. Board of Supervisors of Kern County (1981) establish-ing state precedent. Since open space lands can be used for “managed production of resources”, specifying the types of land uses that open space designated lands are intended to include is par-ticularly important.

5 The California Land Conservation Act 2008 Status Report

IssuesThere are a number of issues ordinarily addressed in an open space element. These include:

Open space identifi ed for the preservation of • plant and animal life and their habitats;Open space required for ecological or other • scientifi c study such as rivers, streams, wet-lands and watersheds;Open space required for the managed pro-• duction of resources such as forestland, rangeland, agricultural lands, and lands nec-essary for the production of food and fi ber;Open space areas required for the recharge • of ground water basin;Open space required for the management of • major mineral deposits;

Open space areas with specifi c scenic, cul-• tural and historical value;Open space areas suitable for parks, recre-• ation areas, and recreational access, includ-ing access to lake shores, beaches, rivers and streams, trails, and roads used for recreation-al purposes;Open space areas that serve as a link be-• tween major recreation or resource production areas including rivers and streams and scenic highway corridors;Open space areas that require special man-• agement because of hazardous conditions such as earthquake zones, unstable soil areas, fl oodplains, and areas of high fi re risk.

There are a number of common planning tools used to address these issues.

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Feather River Headwaters at Steel Bridge, courtesy of Catherine Tanner


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Many jurisdictions conduct an inventory of natural vegetation, fi sh and wildlife, and their habitats, including rare and endangered species. These inventories typically include an inventory of plants, natural communities and special animals us-ing the California Department of Fish and Game Natural Diversity Database, or data developed by the United States Forest Service as part of their planning processes. These inventories also typi-cally list the types of animals that might be found in a particular habitat, time of year most likely, and their activities, using data derived from the Wildlife Habitat Relationships Program. One signifi cant issue in our process is likely to be what level of species and habitat inventory is necessary to base decisions on and what level is necessary for legal defensibility of those decisions.

Most jurisdictions also inventory vegetation type, water resources, including lakes, rivers streams reservoirs, groundwater basins, groundwater recharge areas, and the boundaries of wetlands. Signifi cant base mapping of these assets already exist within the county Geographic Information System, and many of the needed data sets can likely be located at little cost to the county.

Many jurisdictions also assess the quality of vari-ous bodies of water, water courses and ground-water. This analysis generally includes delineating the boundaries of water resources and mapping fl ood plains using Federal Emergency Manage-ment Agency data.

Some jurisdictions conduct and assessment of likely demand for parks, recreation and recre-ational facilities, and needed capacity for provid-ing services.

In Plumas County, considering the importance of forest resources for both economic and natural resource values, it may be necessary to map forest resources, including describing the type, location and ownership of forests with value for commercial timber production, wildlife protection, recreation and watershed protection.

It is likely that the open space element will also need to identify the following assets as a guide to decision-making:

Agricultural lands• Soil Type• Groundwater recharge areas• Mineral Resources• Scenic Areas and Corridors• Historic and Cultural Resources• Recreational trails and areas•

Finally, since every open space element is required to contain a specifi c “action program”, one overarching issue to be addressed is what will constitute that “action program” in the general plan. There are a number of typical mechanisms designed to act as the “action program”. First and foremost is the creation of a specifi c open space land use designation and a delineated list of open

Clover Valley Camas, et al, courtesy of Kristi Jamason


space types with defi ned uses by type. Next is a specifi c defi nition of mechanisms for the acquisi-tion of open space, by either public or private entities. Also commonly deployed is a standard for the inclusion of open space in subsequent specifi c plans, provision for open space in development agreements, or development of policy to support transfer of development rights.

There are a number of fi nancing options available to implement the open space “action program: including the use of existing or creation of new development impact fees, development of com-munity facilities districts under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act, the development of tax increment fi nancing districts utilizing Infrastructure Financing District’s. Another typical mechanism is collaboration with private sector conservation and preservation organizations. Most land trusts are local, private nonprofi t entities with boards of directors made up of private citizens. They rely on private funds, cor-porate or foundation grants, and property gifts to carry out their land acquisition and management activities. A number of trusts in California also use public funds, such as those from Proposition 84 or the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, to purchase open space.

Land conservation trusts preserve open space and resource lands in a variety of ways. Some use their funds to acquire fee simple interest in real estate and then manage or lease back their

holdings. Others purchase conservation ease-ments, which protect sensitive land from develop-ment while allowing owners to sell their remaining property interests to whomever they please. Land trusts also purchase land and resell it with deed restrictions that guarantee the property’s open space character in perpetuity.

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Feather River under ice, courtesy of Catherine Tanner


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Land UseExisting land use patterns in Plumas County are refl ective of the historic use of the land, the resi-dent population of the area, the local geography and the level of service extended to the different areas of the county. Plumas County is comprised of small communities with populations that range from less than one hundred up to 4,277 for Quincy the largest population center in the county (with Quincy and East Quincy populations combined). One incorporated city exists in Plumas County. The incorporated City of Portola has a population of 2,069 people.1 Accessibility of Plumas County by major roadways is limited compared to other parts of California. This unique roadway layout has contributed to the rural character and associ-ated land use of Plumas County. Local industries of timber production, ranching, recreation and mining have played a signifi cant role in the devel-opment patterns that exist in the county.

Currently, development is governed in part by specifi c zoning designations and General Plan “Opportunity Areas”. Opportunity Areas direct development opportunities and standards for development for smaller geographic regions within the county.

Opportunity Area land use designations are es-sentially a vision for potential future development in Plumas County. The general plan considers

1 City-data.com July 2008

existing development patterns, potential future development, and the relationships between com-munities within the county. This section provides an overview of the existing regulatory framework and how it affects land use. Issues related to existing and future development patterns will be identifi ed.

SettingAn engineering study conducted prior to comple-tion of the 1980 General Plan evaluated avail-ability and feasibility of services such as water, fi re protection, and sewage. This study was completed for the purpose of determining devel-opment opportunities throughout Plumas County. Based on this engineering study and public input, Opportunity Areas were delineated. Opportunity Areas were categorized as Prime, Moderate, or

Limited (with fi ve subcategories within the Moder-ate classifi cation) based on existing availability or the feasibility of providing public services. Ad-ditionally, existing development patterns, access to public or private roadways, and the historic use patterns were considered. All Opportunity Areas classifi ed as Prime have services; however, some do not have all services (water, municipal sewer, fi re protection, power and telephone). For the Moderate and Limited Opportunity Areas, the key limiting service is typically roadway access. Limited Opportunity Areas usually have little or no legal access and no fi re protection. The Opportu-nity Areas are discussed in greater detail under Regulatory Framework below.

The existing general plan includes land use des-ignations for residential, commercial, industrial, open space, general agriculture, prime agriculture, general forest, timber production zones, mining, public facilities, waste management and areas that are subject to fl ooding. The basis for these designations is provided by the availability of sewage, energy, accessibility via transportation routes, water supply and fi re protection. Develop-ment standards provide for the range of land use types accounted for in the General Plan.

The existing General Plan includes projected development intensity and population for eight specifi c planning areas. For the purpose of man-aging and updating the planning areas, some are

Community

Graeagle - residential


grouped together so that each planning area, in a rotating fashion, can be updated once every fi ve years. Although these planning areas do not function as master plans, there are planned development permits associated with some of the more recent subdivisions in Plumas County. Ad-ditionally, a special management area has been designated for the Genesee area. Both Greenville and Chester have recently engaged in processes to develop streetscape and revitalization plans. Greenville’s and Chester’s plans are completed (2/2008 and 12/2009 respectively) and awaiting implementation.

Floodplain areas and management strategies are identifi ed in the land use element of the existing General Plan. Criteria for the determination of primary and secondary fl oodplain areas are based on fl oodplain depth and velocity. Specifi c direction for management of fl oodplain areas is provided in the Plumas County Code. Potential hazards associated with fl oodplain areas are discussed in greater detail in the Public Health and Safety sec-tion of this document. Areas with scenic designa-tion are managed through maintaining specifi c land uses suitable for maintaining the scenic integrity of those areas with scenic designation. A design review process is followed for areas with scenic designation and for areas within desig-nated historic districts. The open spaces, mead-ows and agricultural lands within Plumas County contribute signifi cantly to the local character and

this land use pattern provides a template for future decisions.

Historic use of the land and land use management practices play a role in how future development is likely to occur. Historically, four activities largely affected the local economy and the observable land use patterns of the county. They were recre-ation, the resource utilization/extractive industries of ranching, mining, and timber production activi-ties.

Land Use ManagementPast and current land use management practices provide a baseline for understanding the regula-tory framework that relates to land use. Land use

management of the primary commercial activities in Plumas County is discussed below. It should be noted that the commercial enterprise related to residential subdivisions has resulted in a construc-tion industry that has grown around development of new subdivisions in Plumas County.

Agricultural production areas may have one of two designations under the current General Plan including Agricultural Preserve (which are also eligible for inclusion in the Williamson Act) and Important Agricultural Areas. The criterion for Agricultural Preserve includes a parcel that is at least 80 acres in size having arable soils that also includes adjacent non arable grazing lands. Adja-cent non arable grazing lands must meet specifi c

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Haystacker, courtesy of Mike Lydon


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criteria for the number of range animals that could be supported. Lands meeting the above criteria currently are also eligible for designation as Agri-cultural Preserves and by extension, inclusion in Williamson Act.

Important Agricultural Areas are determined through evaluation of several factors including: soil type or fertility, availability of water, length of growing season, and pattern of large parcel sizes. This would include a parcel with arable soils that is at least 20 acres in size. As with Agricultural Preserves, this designation includes criteria for the number of range animals that could be sup-ported. Currently, Important Agricultural Areas includes a single parcel between 20 and 80 acres in size.

Currently there are approximately 80 Williamson Act contracts and 4 Farmland Security Zone contracts in Plumas County. Reported acreage for 2009-2010 is 5,570.0 acres of Prime under Williamson Act Contract and 66,363.33 acres Nonprime (Open Space Subvention Act 2010). Prime Non-Urban land in Farmland Security Zones currently amounts to 1,160 acres and Non-Prime Non-Urban Farmland Security Zones is cur-rently at 3,435 acres. These contracted lands are located in Humbug Valley, Almanor, Indian Valley, Meadow Valley, American Valley, some isolated valley areas north of Sierra Valley and in Sierra

Valley with the majority of the contracted lands in Sierra Valley.

Lands under contract must be designated as Agri-cultural Preserve and zoned AP. Plumas County’s Agricultural Preserve designation and zoning cor-respond with qualifi cation for Williamson Act Con-tract. All lands under Williamson Act Contracts and Farmland Security Zone Contracts, therefore, are zoned Agricultural Preserve. However, not all lands designated Agricultural Preserve are under Williamson Act Contracts.

Plumas County’s subvention act funding received from the State has been approximately $100,000 for many years. A study completed some years ago by the Assessor’s offi ce determined that the subvention act funding per year was more than enough to compensate the County for the loss of tax revenues. Most of the grazing lands in the County are lower valued lands due to various fac-tors. Although most of the Agricultural Preserve lands are located in the Sierra Valley, there is little qualifying Prime land in Sierra Valley. Irrigated lands that produce alfalfa may qualify as prime if they meet income criteria. Otherwise, most are of low quality soils and are used for grazing. Ameri-can and Indian Valley have some prime lands with high quality soils.

Timber resource areas within Plumas County are classifi ed based on the Dunning Timber Site Clas-

sifi cation System. For the purpose of making land use decisions related to forests in Plumas County, Classes I, II and III within the Dunning Timber Site Classifi cation System are also designated as “important timber resource areas”. Timber Sites IV and V may also be identifi ed as important timber resource areas if they are part of a timber man-agement unit. Timber Site III may be identifi ed as an Opportunity Area, for development purposes, if it is not part of a timber management unit, is not in Timber Production Zones (TPZs), is accessible by a maintained year-round public road, and if it can be demonstrated that the economic, social, and environmental benefi ts of development are greater than the benefi t associated with leaving the land in timber production.

Prime mining resource production areas currently are identifi ed as those areas “where accessibility, surrounding land uses, and environmental setting will permit extraction of materials without major adverse environmental impacts.” This defi nition is inclusive of geothermal resources.

Permitting the extraction of materials and geother-mal power is handled on a case-by-case basis through an administrative review process that must involve public notice and shall contain condi-tions of approval necessary to mitigate adverse environmental impacts. In the event that certain impacts cannot be mitigated, the activity may be permitted if a fi nding can be made that there


would be greater economic or social benefi ts to the county.

Regulatory FrameworkUnder the County’s Planning Department’s ad-ministration Opportunity Areas are described as Prime, Moderate, or Limited based on the ability to satisfy development standards and mitigate development constraints within that area. Prime, Moderate, and Limited Opportunity Areas have been designated “primarily on the basis of the availability of existing public services and facilities or the ease with which these services and facili-ties can be extended to new areas.” Although the availability of public services or potential for such services is a factor in the determination of Op-portunity Areas, the availability of public services does not necessarily mean that all areas with these services will be designated as Opportunity Areas.

The land use designations applied as part of the 1980 General Plan are similar to zoning that ap-plies in many communities. The number of Gen-eral Plan amendments that have occurred during the period of time the plan has been in effect is partly attributed to the current General Plan’s approach to land use classifi cations and zoning. Currently the General Plan identifi es the specifi c uses permitted under each Land Use Classifi ca-tion. So what would typically only need a zone change consideration in other jurisdiction plans,

requires a General Plan Amendment in Plumas County..

Land use designations in some cases were based in part on historic land use patterns. For example an agricultural buffer was set around existing agricultural or ranching areas thereby preserving agricultural areas and encouraging compatible land uses. Another example is the designation of industrial areas for those areas with proximity to both highway and railroad tracks. Sites formerly used as mill sites were also considered appropri-ate for industrial uses. This provides industrial areas with the necessary transportation infrastruc-ture or space for industrial activity.

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In some cases, Plumas County functions as the lead agency for review and approval of mining activity under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975. This legislation provides a regulatory framework for the review and permitting of mining activity and provides reclamation requirements for lands that have been mined. Timber Harvest Plans are usually reviewed by CalFire when the timber harvest is proposed for private lands. The US Forest Service has a separate review process for timber harvest activity on federal lands.

Downtown Quincy, courtesy of Eva Rocke

35

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interest in modifi cation to residential densities allowed for agricultural lands. Although residential density can be indirectly infl uenced by large ag-ricultural parcels, Plumas County has not deter-mined specifi c density goals for the portions of the county with agriculture as a predominant land use.Very recently the County Planning Department has been asked to consider re-zoning industrial designated areas to high-density residential. Cur-rently high-density residential is a limited residen-tial product in the county. Having the inventory of the right mix of safe and livable housing is a Plu-mas County goal. Approving such a zone change makes sense for housing. However, Plumas County also needs to re-invigorate its economy. Removal of land that will be needed in the future for economic development could reduce options in the future. There is a need to balance jobs and housing opportunities through the County’s land use goals.

to be demonstrated that economic, social, and en-vironmental benefi ts are greater than the benefi ts associated with the potential timber production. This issue will become increasingly important as strategies to address global climate change are developed.Floodplain maps used at the General Plan level incorporate FEMA fl oodplain boundaries. How-ever, in decisions related to specifi c sites, it may be necessary to examine fl oodplain boundaries in fi ner detail. Plumas County maintains three levels of fl oodplain including Primary, Secondary and FEMA. The Primary and Secondary cat-egories are determined by depth and velocity of fl ow. FEMA maps for Plumas County have been modifi ed on a case by case basis through studies of specifi c fl oodplain areas. Floodplain maps are updated annually and this information is contained on zoning maps.

The designation of agricultural lands has an effect on population densities for the communities in Plumas County and also infl uences scenic quality and economics. Specifi c residential densities cur-rently allowed on Agricultural Preserves are one dwelling unit per parcel. Specifi c residential densi-ties currently allowed on Important Agricultural Areas (referenced as General Agricultural Zones under Plumas County zoning) are one dwelling unit per parcel. These designations are based on one residential unit per parcel with opportunities for employee housing. Currently, there is some

IssuesThe following issues are suggested discussion topics to guide the process toward a General Plan that functions as a working tool for land use deci-sions.

Community interest and concern regarding septic systems has been evaluated by the Almanor Basin Watershed Advisory Committee (AB-WAC). The current approach to septic systems by ABWAC is to address maintenance needs and provide public education on the appropriate maintenance of septic systems. Another matter of public concern relates to the establishment of new subdivisions and recent changes in the housing market and economy. Economic conditions, hous-ing needs, and availability of infrastructure will infl uence future housing development. There has recently been heightened interest in fi re protec-tion. The construction of houses has created the need for fi re protection in areas that currently have no existing fi re protection services.

There have recently been requests to expand Op-portunity Areas into TPZs on the edges of some communities. This process does require approval at the state level by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) and the California Board of Forestry. Additionally, this process would normally require the private land owner to demonstrate no net loss of timber pro-duction areas. Under this scenario, it would have


CommunityHousingContextThe housing market has changed drastically over the last ten years in Plumas County. Housing values rose signifi cantly before dropping to lower levels by 2009; however, prices in 2009 remained signifi cantly higher than in 2000, making hom-eownership unaffordable for many County resi-dents. Detailed information on the Housing sector in Plumas County is available in the County’s 2009 Housing Element Update.

General DescriptionTable H-1 on the next page presents informa-tion on the median asking price for homes for sale in Plumas County as a whole, from the 2009

Plumas County Housing Element.1 The median home price increased to $404,500 in 2004, before decreasing slightly to $369,000 in 2009. In 2004, about 63 percent of the homes had asking prices of $300,000 or over. The proportion of homes with asking prices of $300,000 or more remained high in 2009, at 62 percent. This indicates that although the average value fell, a percentage of homes prices over $300,000 remained relatively the same. It should be noted that the 2000, 2004 and 2009 data are from surveys of homeowners regarding estimated home values and will not necessarily be equivalent to the median price of recorded sales; however, the data do provide an indicator of the overall trend in home costs.

The percentage of homeowners is higher in Plu-mas County as a whole compared to California, as shown in Table H-2. In 2000, the unincorpo-rated area consisted of 72 percent homeowners and 28 percent renters, and the percentages remained virtually unchanged through 2009. Plu-mas County had 70 percent homeowners and 30 percent renters as of 2000, and these percentag-es were stable through 2009. Tenure for Califor-nia households also held relatively constant from 2000 to 2009. In 2000 and 2009, California had a signifi cantly smaller percentage of homeown-ers than either the unincorporated area or Plumas County as a whole. Statewide homeownership

1 Plumas County Housing Element, 2009. (Table 81.1)

rate changed less than one percent between 2000 and 2009.

Table H-3 summarizes household incomes for Plumas County over the period 1969 through 2007. The purpose of this table is to show that household incomes have not increased at the rate of housing prices. While the unadjusted median household income rose from 1969 through 2007, the adjusted median income (in 1970 dollars) fl uc-tuated over the same time period. The adjusted median household income in 1969 equaled about $8,600 before dropping to $7,100 by 1989, rising in 1999 to $8,100 and fi nally settling at $7,700 in 2007. Overall, the highest median household income in Plumas County was in 1969, and since then the median household income has remained below 1969 levels after adjusting for infl ation. Therefore, in the future, the homeownership rate in the County could fall if housing prices remain high and incomes do not keep pace.

Data gathered for the Plumas County Housing Element on the amount of prime opportunity land currently available for housing in the unincorporat-ed Area offer insight into the total amount of land available for housing units through 2014, during the fi ve year life of the housing element. Prime opportunity land is defi ned in the Housing Element as “lands that are in existing communities where infrastructure is in place, [and] where most envi-ronmental constraints would be minimal because

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Table H-1: Housing Sales Prices, Plumas County 2000, 2004, and 2009

Units (a) AverageAnnualPayment

Minimum AnnualHousehold In-comeRequirement (b)

Number Number Mortgage Options (a)Unit Price Asked 2004 Survey 2009 Survey A B CLess than $10,000 0 0 $24 $32 $27 $322 $1,074

$10,000 to $14,999 0 0 $60 $80 $67 $806 $2,685

$15,000 to $19,999 0 0 $84 $112 $94 $1,128 $3,760

$20,000 to $24,999 1 0 $108 $145 $121 $1,454 $4,847

$25,000 to $29,999 1 0 $131 $177 $148 $1,776 $5,921

$30,000 to $34,999 0 0 $155 $209 $175 $2,099 $6,995

$35,000 to $39,999 0 0 $179 $241 $202 $2,421 $8,070

$40,000 to $49,999 1 1 $215 $273 $237 $2,840 $9,467

$50,000 to $59,999 0 0 $263 $354 $296 $3,553 $11,843

$60,000 to $69,999 3 3 $311 $419 $350 $4,201 $14,004

$70,000 to $79,999 2 1 $359 $483 $404 $4,846 $16,153

$80,000 to $89,999 1 3 $406 $547 $458 $5,490 $18,301

$90,000 to $99,999 2 0 $454 $612 $512 $6,139 $20,463

$100,000 to $124,999 8 9 $538 $725 $606 $7,271 $24,235

$125,000 to $149,999 16 13 $657 $926 $754 $9,046 $30,153

$150,000 to $174,999 6 25 $777 $1,047 $883 $10,600 $35,332

$175,000 to $199,999 12 25 $896 $1,208 $1,010 $12,116 $40,388

$200,000 to $249,999 12 39 $1,075 $1,450 $1,212 $14,541 $48,471

$250,000 to $299,999 15 40 $1,314 $1,772 $1,481 $17,772 $59,239

$300,000 to $399,999 29 87 $1,673 $2,256 $1,885 $22,621 $75,405

$400,000 to $499,999 33 57 $2,151 $2,900 $2,419 $29,026 $96,754

$500,000 to $749,999 44 51 $2,987 $4,029 $3,360 $40,319 $134,397

$750,000 to $999,999 15 31 $4,182 $5,640 $4,704 $56,444 $188,148

$1,000,000 or more 18 30 $5,975 $6,446 $6,183 $74,190 $247,301

TOTAL 219 415

Median Price Asked $404,500 $369,000

Notes:

(a) Monthly payments for three typical mortgages are shown for each price range.(b) Assumes households spend 30 percent of their income on housing. Sources: Plumas County, 2009, BAE, 2009.

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of the limited amount of development potential”.2 The acreage of land available in each zoning district combined with the anticipated number of units per subdivision indicate that a maximum of 626 new units could be built in the Unincorporated Area of Plumas County through 2014. This esti-mate is based on the Housing Element submitted to HCD on August 31, 2009 and is also based on what the zoning would allow for at that time.

Regulatory FrameworkThe Housing Element is unique among other General Plan elements, in that it is the only ele-ment that must be reviewed and approved every fi ve years by the State of California. The Plumas County Housing Element was certifi ed by the

2 Plumas County Housing Element, 2009. (Page 35)

California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the County Board of Su-pervisors approved the update Housing Element February, 2010. It will be important to ensure that as other General Plan elements are updated, they do not contain policies that would confl ict with the Housing Element, ensuring internal consistency within all of the elements of the General Plan.

IssuesWhile the increase in property values in Plumas County during the last decade signals that proper-ty owners value the quality of life that is available within the County, it also means that households with lower and moderate incomes may struggle to afford housing, particularly if their goal is hom-eownership.

Table H-2: Tenure TrendsUnincorporated Area 2000 2007 2009 Homeowners 72% n.a. 73% Renters 28% n.a. 27%

Plumas County 2000 2007 2009 Homeowners 70% 62% 71% Renters 30% 38% 29%

State of California 2000 2007 2009 Homeowners 57% n.a. 58% Renters 43% n.a. 42%

Sources: Census, 2000; American Communities Survey 3-Year Estimates, 2005-2007; Claritas, 2009; California Department of Finance, 2008; Plumas County, 2009; BAE, 2009.

Table H-3: Median Household Income, Plumas County

YearUnadjusted MedianHousehold Income

Adjusted MedianHousehold Income (a)

1969 (b) $9,755 $8,6101979 (c) $17,227 $7,6411989 (d) $29,967 $7,0641999 (e) $46,119 $8,1322007 $53,430 $7,718

Notes:(a) In 1970 dollars

(b) 1969 fi gures are based on Census 1970

(c) 1979 fi gures are based on Census 1980

(d) 1989 fi gures are based on Census 1990

(e) 1999 fi gures are based on Census 2000

Sources: Census 1970, 1980,1990, and 2000; American Communities Survey 3-Year Estimates, 2005-2007; Plumas County, 2009; BAE, 2009.

The recent decline in housing values is of concern both in terms of the loss of wealth of local prop-erty owners as well as the reduction in property taxes and related revenues that accrue to public agencies. At the same time, the decline in values has at least moderated some of the pressure on housing affordability, since homes are now more affordable than when the market was at its peak.

Arguably, the other part of the General Plan that most impacts the Housing Element is the Land Use Element. Thus, it will be particularly impor-tant that Housing Element objectives and poli-cies be considered as the Land Use Element is updated, to ensure consistency between the two elements.

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ityCommunityCommunity Character and Scenic ResourcesThe community character in Plumas County is defi ned by the history of the area, the relative distance from major metropolitan areas, open space and public lands, scenic resources and the rural or small town setting present in the commu-nities of Plumas County. The General Plan Update process will evaluate those factors that make up community character and develop strategies or tools to maintain the community character. This section provides an overview of the elements of community character, the regulatory environment that pertains to each element and identifi cation of community character issues as they relate to other issues within the County.

SettingPlumas County residential areas are generally clustered in or near small towns established as part of historic commercial activities that occurred in these locations. The history of the valleys and towns of Plumas County has infl uenced the built environment and, therefore, contributes to com-munity character. Scenic resources that are visible from local scenic roads and designated scenic highways (State Routes 49, 70, 89 and 284) have been evaluated and described in the current Gen-eral Plan. Open space, forested areas, views of mountain peaks and ridgelines, water bodies such

as lakes, streams, and rivers, ranch home sites, barns and associated grazing lands are some of the local contributions to community character.The communities in Plumas County have been infl uenced by local history resulting in building styles and designs that are refl ective of that local history. The layout or plan for many of its com-munities is traditional with streets organized in a grid pattern, on-street parking and public gather-ing spaces. You will also fi nd a mix of residential, commercial and public service facilities within walking distance of town centers.

Parts of Plumas County have existing conditions that have blemished community character. Strip development, blighted areas, buildings that are

boarded up and highway design issues detract from community character in some areas.

Regulatory FrameworkThe current General Plan contains an inventory of scenic resources and land use protection mea-sures and development standards designed to protect those elements that contribute to overall scenic quality in Plumas County. Specifi c contribu-tions to scenic quality and community character identifi ed in the current General Plan include:

Scenic roads and state scenic highways,• Victorian era ranch structures,• Historic farm implements and outbuildings,• Open space and forested viewsheds,• Grazing lands and open meadows,•

Family Ranching Heritage, courtesy of Carol Dobbas


Signage in similar scale to structures with little • or no off-site signage,Views of natural features such as lakes, • streams, rivers and associated wetland veg-etation or waterfowl habitat; and,Views of mountain peaks, ridgelines and adja-• cent forests.

The county is divided into planning areas and each planning area contains smaller areas with scenic designation. The scenic values of these ar-eas are protected through land use maintenance (continuation of land uses that complement the scenic values for a particular area) and through limitations on signage. A design review process is utilized to conduct review of projects within or that would affect these areas with scenic designation.Measures incorporated in the current General Plan to maintain scenic resources in specifi cally identifi ed areas (thus contributing to preservation of community character) include:

Retain agricultural land uses,• Maintain vegetation or timber resources,• Continue rural residential land uses,• Encourage the nomination of ranch homesites • and barns with potential to qualify as state or national historic landmarks,Utilize density transfer options to encour-• age open space in scenic areas and relocate residential density out of natural creekside environments,

Exclude buildings in buffer areas that sur-• round creeks and streams, Continue recreation land uses,• Establish boundaries for overhead utility lines • and associated infrastructure,Manage the design and size of signage to • promote signage that is in accord with scenic qualities and community character; and,Protect natural topographic features (such as • rock outcroppings, hillsides and rock faces) as public health and safety considerations would allow.

The Design Review process for Plumas County is focused on built environments that are refl ective of the local history. Areas subject to the Design Review process have been mapped and are considered to be important components of com-munity character. Design Review incorporates a set of guidelines and goals that apply to exterior

alterations of existing buildings, new construction, development of public spaces, and commercial landscapes. These guidelines and goals are ap-plicable to designated “Design Review Areas” in Quincy and Chester.

In addition to Design Review Areas, the General Plan designates several discrete Scenic Areas in places such as the Middle Fork of the Feather River, and for several rivers, meadows, valley fl oors, mountain peaks and lakes in the county. Special Plan Historical Areas are also designated for the historic communities in Plumas County. These include the communities of La Porte, Johnsville, Blairsden, Greenville and Taylorsville. La Porte and Johnsville have established review guidelines.

IssuesCommunity character is closely related to histori-cal resources, scenic resources, design review, recreation and land use. Any changes to these resources or practices could potentially have an effect on community character. Some developed areas in Plumas County could be redeveloped or modifi ed in a way that is consistent with the local assets that make a positive contribution to com-munity character. As the General Plan is updated, interrelated components of community character should connect in a way that supports achieve-ment of the community vision.

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Middle Fork Feather River winter season, cour-tesy of Carol Dobbas


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Community character includes several related elements and can vary from one small community to another. Community character is, therefore, dependent on a holistic and site specifi c decision making process. The use of specifi c plans has been suggested in the community survey as a way to maintain the unique character of each town and to develop a sense of community (Plumas County General Plan Update Qualitative Survey Results, November 2006).

There are recognized connections between community character, tourism and economics. Community character is, therefore, integral to an economically sustainable way of life in Plumas County. There is also local support to maintain the existing rural character and quality of life (Plumas County General Plan Update Qualitative Survey Results, November 2006). Proposed changes should, therefore, balance the needs for economic development and maintenance of the existing rural quality of life.

Recent economic infl uences have resulted in a state of economic decline in many communi-ties in Plumas County. As stated in the Plumas Corporation Annual Review 2008 – 2009, “Plumas Corporation, along with many private businesses, governments and individuals, was negatively impacted by the national downturn and particularly by the fi nancial troubles of the State of California.” Continuing negative impacts on the local econo- Spanish Creek, courtesy of Carol Dobbas

my, including business closures has resulted in negative effects on community character. Feasi-bility of encouraging new business is infl uenced by existing infrastructure including transportation, distance from markets and the need to attract and locate new business that would complement com-munity character.


CommunityHistorical ResourcesThe local history and relative isolation of Plumas County contributes to the character of the region. Based on the distinctive historical character of the communities in Plumas County, and the value placed on that historical character, local historic resources will likely continue to provide guid-ance for development in the County. This section provides an overview of existing historic resources and the regulatory environment that pertains to those resources. The historic issues that relate to other issues within the County will be identifi ed.

SettingPrior to the arrival of Euro-Americans, the dominant people to inhabit the valleys of Plumas County were the Mountain Maidu people (mem-bers of the Washoe tribes inhabited the Sierra Valley and eastern portion of the county). The Mountain Maidu language is a spoken language (not existent in print) and is closely related to the dialects of the neighboring Konkow Maidu and Nisenan Maidu. Although land ownership was not in practice with the Mountain Maidu, groups tended to inhabit the same valleys for much of the year. During warmer months, they would migrate to the mountains for hunting or the gathering of food. The summers were typically a time for the gathering of any necessary materials for their way of life. Winters would be spent in the valley villages where shelter from harsh winters was pro-

vided and access to hunting areas and necessary plants was also possible.

As agricultural areas were later established in Plumas County, Mountain Maidu dispersed to live on portions of ranch properties and in many cases, adopted the name of the ranching family associated with the ranch on which they resided. There were no extermination programs in the Plu-mas County area during the European Settlement period. There were in fact attempts to establish treaties in order to avoid confl ict between Moun-tain Maidu and European settlers.

The population of the Maidu prior to contact by Euro-Americans was estimated to be roughly 2,000 to 3,000. Although extermination programs

were not in existence in the Plumas County area, the population of Maidu declined signifi cantly due to illness. By 1847, the Mountain Maidu popula-tion had declined to roughly 500. By the early 1900s this number declined further to about 250 (Young 2003).

Gold miners fi rst appeared in Plumas County dur-ing 1850 in pursuit of a famed “Gold Lake”. As the story of this lake spread, prospectors fl ooded into the area in search of gold. Mining camps sprung up rapidly along the North, Middle, and South forks of the Feather River. Gold mining continued to be the primary industry in the area over the subsequent decades. Around this time multiple settlements of Chinese miners were established in the area, developing their own communities near white settlements. Chinese settlers mined for

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Young Indian Child, courtesy of Plumas County Museum

Hydraulic mining at Secret Diggings nearLa Porte, courtesy of Plumas County Museum


gold, and provided manual and domestic labor for residents in the area. When gold mining opera-tions began to decline in the early 1900s, many of the Chinese settlers left the area.

Ranching operations in the area began dur-ing the gold rush years. Several ranches were established in the valleys of Plumas County. Dairies provided milk, butter, and cheese to the gold fi elds and later provided dairy products to the silver mining operations in northern Nevada. Many of the Swiss and Italian families who settled and ranched the local meadows and valleys have third and fourth generations living and ranching their agricultural lands in the county today. Sheep herding initially took place on the valley ranches and later involved ranging sheep to mountain ar-eas by Basque sheepherders in the early 1900s. Evidence of Basque sheepherders can still be seen through the dendroglyphs (tree carvings) left behind on aspen trees in the area.

Today some of the early ranches have been divided into smaller agricultural properties and some have been subdivided for development. In addition acreage has been placed into conserva-tion easements or have been acquired in fee by land trusts.1 The ranching tradition has continued for many families. Dairies are no longer in opera-tion and production of fruits, vegetables and other

1 As of 2004, the Feather River Land Trust had protected 27,000 acres within the Feather River Region (90% of this is functions as ranch land) www.frlt.org.

crops has declined. Currently, cattle ranches and forage crops are the primary agricultural activities in the valleys of Plumas County.

The Western Pacifi c Railroad, constructed in the early 1900s, provided an opportunity for expan-sion of Plumas County timber operations which had previously supplied timber for local use. The railroad served as a key transportation route that allowed export of timber across the nation. Timber production has been a signifi cant industry in the area over the years. Current timber production is low due to slow housing market, regulatory climate and mill closures.

Railroads also helped to advance Plumas County as a tourist destination such as the Feather River Inn, Keddie and Paxton were developed to com-

pliment the railroad lines. Although tourism was already part of the local economy, passenger rail service, provided by trains such as the California Zephyr from 1949 to 1970, allowed passengers to travel to destinations in Plumas County along the railroad lines.

Due to fi nancial reasons, passenger rail service came to an end in 1970. Railroads that are in use today for freight transport include the Union Pacifi c Railroad, the Quincy Railroad Co., and Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSA). The BNSA was recently purchased by Warren Buffet.

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Cattle at Spanish Ranch, Spanish Peak in back-ground, courtesy of Plumas County Museum

Western Pacifi c Railroad Chandler Creek Bridge looking west, ca1906, courtesy of Plumas County Museum


Although railroads are no longer a key component of the local transportation infrastructure, they have left a legacy of notable bridges and other railway features in the area.

Hydroelectric power was fi rst brought to the Feather River Canyon in 1908 when the Big Bend Powerhouse was built by the Eureka Power Company. This powerhouse is now under Lake Oroville. To allow for the fl ow needed to run a powerhouse, it was understood that water control would be necessary. Steps to gain control of land and water rights (and smaller power companies) to create Lake Almanor took several years. By 1912, Great Western Power had secured title to the necessary lands for this project. Construction

took until 1914 to complete and in another four years, Lake Almanor had fi lled to capacity. Ad-ditional hydropower projects would be completed elsewhere in Plumas County and on the North Fork of the Feather River in a network known as the “Stairway of Power”.

Local historic preservation organizations and museums have been established to document the local history and preserve artifacts associated with that history. Historic resources inventories have been conducted for the area by California State University, Chico. One of these studies included a historic resource inventory of Portola, Quincy, Chester and Taylorsville. Another similar study by Pat O’Halloran a local historian was completed

for the commercial businesses in Greenville. Nine museums documenting the local history exist in Plumas County. All are run by volunteers, with the exception of the history museum in Quincy. The nine museums tend to focus on specifi c regional infl uences.

Regulatory FrameworkMany residential and commercial areas within Plu-mas County have maintained their unique historic character. Although state and federal regulations do not necessarily offer mechanisms for protec-tion of these districts in all cases. For example, the California Environment Quality Act, CEQA, requires fi ndings be made regarding the preser-vation of historic resources, however, over-riding considerations can be made for public health and safety and economic reasons that would allow the demolition of a historic building. Based on the local context, many structures have a historic signifi cance at the local level. The General Plan includes a Special Plan area which incorporates review of historic buildings (listed historic build-ings qualify for protection and certain exemptions under the Historic Building Code).

Quincy and Chester have a local design review process and design review committee that pro-vides oversight related to the design and charac-ter of the community including review of poten-tially historic structures.

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Plumas House (Hotel) in Quincy, California 1900, courtesy of Plumas County Museum


The Federal Register of Historic Places includes eligibility requirements for the listing of archaeo-logical sites, historical sites and cultural sites. Evaluation for eligibility involves evaluation of the property’s age, integrity, and signifi cance. For age and integrity, the factors considered are whether the property is old enough to be considered his-toric (generally at least 50 years old) and whether the property looks much as it did in the past.Evaluation of properties for National Register list-ing includes an evaluation of the signifi cance of the property. The essential questions associated with this part of the evaluation are:

Is the property associated with events, activi-• ties, or developments that were important in the past?With the lives of people who were important in • the past?With signifi cant architectural history, land-• scape history, or engineering achievements?Does it have the potential to yield information • through archeological investigation about our past?

Eligibility of historic resources for listing of proper-ties on the California Register involves compari-son of the property to the following criteria:

Association with events that have made a • signifi cant contribution to the broad patterns of local or regional history or the cultural heritage of California or the United States.

Associated with the lives of persons important • to local, California or national history.Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a • type, period, region or method of construction or represents the work of a master or pos-sesses high artistic values.

Evaluation of historical signifi cance in the local context does not necessarily involve properties or sites eligible for state of federal listing. The current General Plan for Plumas County includes goals for the protection and preservation of historic and prehistoric sites, structures and objects for scien-tifi c, educational, and cultural values. Additionally, the General Plan states private property owners are encouraged to rehabilitate historic buildings and continue their use as an integral part of the community.

The General Plan provided direction to map known cultural heritage resources and areas within the county judged to have potential to yield unrecorded historic and archaeological resources in order to identify locations worthy of specifi c review processes related to historic preservation. Plumas County historic resources have been mapped and this map of historic resources was adopted as part of the General Plan. Addition-ally, historic archives including maps have been and continue to be maintained by the Plumas County Museum. As appropriate, these archives are referenced during review of development projects to avoid disturbance to historic resources. Plumas County requires an archaeological review for certain development projects based on the potential to fi nd historic or archaeological artifacts/resources. Historic resources documented as part C

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Gopher Hill Mine site, view during early 1900s, courtesy of Plumas County Museum

Gopher Hill Mine site, 1996, courtesy of Plumas County Museum


of timber harvest activities have been recorded by the USFS for lands managed by the USFS and by CalFire in relation to timber harvest activities on state and private land.

Plumas County contains several points of his-toric interest including state landmarks that have been documented and marked with signage and interpretive displays. Many of these landmarks are related to events associated with ranching, min-ing, or timber production in the area. The types of historic resources in Plumas County include:

Buildings or commercial districts• Bridges or thoroughfares• Ranch sites• State landmarks•

Cultural sites• Mining sites• Mill sites• Railroad remnants• Recreation sites and resorts •

IssuesPotentially historic resources are discussed above in relation to state and federal eligibility criteria. A local register of historical resources as described by state public resources codes would be a “list of properties offi cially designated or recognized as historically signifi cant by a local government pursuant to a local ordinance or resolution”. The Historic Resources map used by Plumas County

was adopted in 1980. The adopted map of historic resources should be updated to refl ect information gathered since 1980.

Preservation of the historic character of the area is needed. Based on responses to public sur-veys, a signifi cant number of responses identifi ed preservation of historic resources as important. Historic resources were considered important by full-time residents and second home owners. 2

Consideration of context sensitive design would be appropriate in those neighborhoods or towns with historic character.

There is a need to educate owners of potentially historic buildings of best practices that would help

2 (Plumas County General Plan Update Qualitative Survey Results 2006).

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Quincy, ca. 1910-13, courtesy of Plumas County Museum


maintain historic integrity of those historic build-ings. Potentially historic resources have been altered, damaged, or destroyed. Due in part to this problem, a number of resources have been modi-fi ed without appropriate documentation of those historic resources.

The local social climate is mixed in support of restrictions on private property which can hinder the protection of potentially historic structures. Additionally, in some cases CEQA review has still resulted in loss or modifi cation to historic resourc-es. Questions for decision makers to consider are whether there should be local mechanisms to

apply state or federal criteria for historic resource protection and whether a historic preservation ordinance with an appropriate fi t for the local area is feasible.

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Beckwourth view of the south, courtesy of Plumas County Museum


CommunityArt and CultureLocal arts and culture contributes a depth to Plu-mas County’s character. On-line listings of events include live theater performances, art walk events, rodeos, and cultural and historic themed festivals such as Railroad Days. Arts related events include performing arts, music, literary events and oppor-tunities to view visual art. Residents and visitors alike enjoy a range of festivals, picnics, concerts and events related to local history throughout the year. Existing arts and culture programs will be considered in the context of future development of the County. Existing Plumas County arts and culture programs and applicable objectives will be described. Identifi cation of arts and culture issues as they relate to other issues within the County will also be discussed in this section.

SettingSeveral types of local organizations are involved in local arts programs and cultural events. The groups range from Plumas Arts which functions as a non-profi t organization to support the arts to historical and cultural organizations or groups that are focused on a particular interest such as creative writing or visual art.

Organizations:Plumas Arts (formerly the Plumas County Arts Commission) coordinates a variety of arts and culture activities, including art tours and festivals.

As discussed on the Plumas Arts website, stated goals of this organization are to:

Introduce, promote and support the arts, • Cultivate a cultural awareness that enriches • quality of life,Enhance and provide opportunities for artistic • development and excellence; and,Present the arts as a vital economic and tour-• ism industry resource.

Plumas Arts maintains an arts and events calen-dar. Also, this organization operates the Town Hall Theatre in Quincy thereby continuing to keep the only movie theater in Plumas County open. This organization has a board, relies heavily on volun-teer involvement and has been awarded grants for arts projects, art education programs and has one grant to help with operating costs. Since the signifi cant cuts for arts programs at the state level, Plumas Arts has relied heavily on fund raising ef-forts and membership fees although that revenue has recently declined.

Plumas Arts works collaboratively with the Plumas County Offi ce of Education, members of Plumas Arts and the California Arts Council to provide art activities and assemblies in local schools, Artist in the Classroom workshops, Student Art Month, Dream Works Theater, and other art activities in Plumas County schools.

The Feather River Fine Arts Association serves to provide local artists with an opportunity to con-nect, participate in educational activities, promote their artwork and support the arts. The Mohawk Valley Artists Guild is another local organization that provides support to local artists.

A Maidu Cultural and Development Group has been active in promoting Maidu culture and has been involved with the US Forest Service and the Sierra Institute on the Maidu Stewardship Project which is an effort to blend Maidu forest manage-ment practices with those of the USFS. This pro-gram focused on the vegetation traditionally used in the Maidu way of life. Oak trees were tradition-ally an important food source for the Maidu. Oak understory vegetation has also been important to

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Jr. Rodeo hosted by FRC Rodeo Team, courtesy of Carol Dobbas


the Maidu as a source for food, basketry material, and ceremonial plants.

Maidu forestry practice involved what is called traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) which is essentially an approach to forest management based on observation of the forest ecosystem and a direct relationship with the forest for materials considered essential for survival. The opportunity to bring forest managers with the Sierra Institute and the US Forest Service together with members of the Maidu tribe to discuss traditional Maidu practices for forest management provided a forum for exchange of information related to the Maidu culture. Involvement of Feather River College students also offered an opportunity for exchange of cultural knowledge. Discussion of TEK and the Maidu Stewardship Project is documented in an article available at the Sierra Institute website: Maidu Stewardship Project, Blending two knowl-edge systems by: Farrell Cunningham with Katie Bagby, Pacifi c West Community Forestry Center, May 2004.

In addition to the organizations discussed above, several local organizations are focused on par-ticular arts and culture events. Groups related to specifi c interests include:

Antique car enthusiasts• Athletics based groups (skiing, running, cy-• cling)Railroad enthusiasts•

Antique collectors• Performing arts groups related to theater or • musicCraft related organizations (quilting, knitting, • sewing)Creative writing groups, poetry or storytelling • societies

Regulatory FrameworkArts and culture is designated an optional topic to include in county general plans (according to the State of California). Many counties recognize the socio-economic benefi ts of promoting and sup-porting the arts as a way to nurture arts programs and support tourism and are including arts and culture in their general plans.

Although the current General Plan does not specifi cally address arts and culture, planning for arts and culture is indirectly addressed through ordinances that address commercial activities, outdoor festivals and special events. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors has authorized Plumas Arts to serve as a representative to the Califor-nia Arts Council (CAC). The CAC functions as a state agency with a mission to advance California through arts and creativity. An emphasis is placed on children and artistically underserved communi-ties.

Vision 2020 was a local effort to defi ne the vision for Plumas County’s future. Extensive public in-volvement, including public meetings and surveys of both local and part-time residents resulted in a “framework for the future of Plumas County” C

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Plumas County Museum


(Vision 2020 Project Report 2002). The Vision 2020 Project Report outlines multiple topic areas including one for arts, culture and heritage. The goal for this topic is “To preserve and promote a rich environment and heritage in Plumas County into the 21st Century.” Several county-wide objec-tives were established to achieve this goal. Some of these objectives are to support arts education programs in schools, and to develop and sustain cultural and art programs and activities.

Plumas County has its own unique traits that bolster the arts community. Historical sites, open space, forests, lakes, the Feather River Canyon along with the pastoral setting of historic ranches and each unique community all contribute to Plumas County having something to offer that is exceptional. The links between this setting, tourism and arts programs along with a variety of cultural activities have the ability to provide socio-economic benefi ts for Plumas County Residents.

IssuesParticipants in the Plumas County General Plan Update Survey completed in November 2006 noted a need for new and/or enhanced existing museums, libraries and schools. Additionally, participants suggested a need for a cultural arts/performing arts center.

The Plumas County Unifi ed School District Strate-gic Plan for 2009 – 2010 includes strategic goals

for curriculum and instruction. One of the stated objectives under strategic goals is to increase op-portunities and participation in visual and perform-ing arts programs in the schools. This year the emphasis for arts in the Strategic Plan appears to be focused on music program participation and on obtaining feedback from school principals on satisfaction with the music program.

Promotion of arts events and activities have the potential to enhance tourism opportunities in the Plumas County area. The Plumas Arts website contains information regarding arts related events and activities. The Plumas County Visitors’ Bureau website also includes an arts calendar for local art events. Local and regional art galleries and muse-

ums are listed through the Feather River Fine Arts Association website. Arts related tourism has the potential for positive effects on the local economy due to arts clientele having a willingness to spend as they travel.

Funding sources have been a constraint for arts programs in Plumas County. Total grant amounts have declined and few grants are intended to sup-port the operating costs of Plumas Arts. Although the organization has been forced to be resource-ful, and community volunteerism helps, current economic conditions have created a situation where expansion of programs is not possible. Continuation of the broad range of performing arts, literary events, visual arts, cultural events

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and school programs will likely continue to be challenging from an economic perspective.

Feather River College is another educational amenity in Plumas County that can help infl uence and foster art and culture awareness. Although there have been opportunities for Plumas Arts to collaborate with the Feather River College in the past, recent funding cuts at the state level have impacted the college and consequently there are not collaborative opportunities at this time. Feather River College does have an international exchange program and reports that students from at least 12 different countries have attended the college over the years.

There are a number of examples of other ways that community colleges located in rural California and Nevada have contributed to their communi-ties culturally and economically. For example, Lake Tahoe Community College in South Lake Tahoe hosts an annual Intensive Spanish Institute (ISSI) that attracts over 500 participants for the two week program. This program is focused on the Spanish language and Latin culture. Another example is Great Basin Community College, in Elko, Nevada which hosts live music and cowboy poetry events. Lassen Community College hosts live dance performances.

Local opportunities to improve and expand or increase effi ciency for existing arts and culture programs, identifi ed through an interview with the Executive Direct of Plumas Arts, could include community housing with an “artists in residence” program designed to be accessible to all income brackets. Another possibility is additional renova-tion of the Town Hall Theatre to allow co-location of the business operations for Plumas Arts at this building. Additionally, public gathering places in each community for artists and performers have been identifi ed as a future need.

County long term plans can support local oppor-tunities to improve and expand existing arts and culture programs. An example of this would be land use decisions that incorporate public gather-ing spaces in each community to accommodate additional forms of arts and culture.

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Parade in Greenville


CommunityPublic ServicesA range of public services (including law enforce-ment, fi re protection, etc.) are provided in Plumas County by a variety of service providers including the County, special districts and, in some cases, through partnerships with federal agencies or neighboring Sierra and Lassen Counties (i.e., law enforcement services). The General Plan Update will be an important tool for helping the County and other agencies plan for the future expansion of these services in order to meet the needs of fu-ture growth within the County and ensure viability of providers.

In addition to describing these key public services, this section describes the associated regulatory environment, and identifi es several key issues for consideration.

SettingLaw EnforcementThe Plumas County Sheriff’s Offi ce provides law enforcement services for the entire County, including the City of Portola (by contract). Main of-fi ces for the Plumas County sheriff are located in Quincy with substations in Chester, Greenville and Portola. Divisions that serve discrete functions within the Sheriff’s Department include:

Administration, • Communications, • Investigations, •

Corrections, and • Patrol. •

The Sheriff’s Offi ce Special Units include: Search and Rescue, • Swat Team, • K-9 Unit, • Off-Highway Vehicles, and • Reserve Deputies. •

The Sheriff’s Offi ce also functions as the County Coroner and Drug Enforcement Agency for the County. The Plumas County Sheriff’s Offi ce operates the County Correctional Center, which houses a maximum of 67 inmates.

Fire Protection and Emergency ResponseFire protection in Plumas County is provided by 19 local fi re protection districts, as shown in Figure PS-1. The majority of the local fi re districts are staffed by volunteers. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) also provide fi re protection in the County. USFS provides wildfi re protection within the Plumas and Lassen National Forests, which cover a majority of the County. The Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc-Plumas Unit (LMU) also provides fi re protection services within the Lake Almanor Basin outside of the local fi re district areas. The Cal Fire Butte Unit covers the southern portion of the County. Cal Fire also assists other fi re departments within the State when resources

are available under the California Master Mutual Aid Agreement. Ambulance providers serving Plumas County include Peninsula Fire District, Chester Fire Department, First Responder Emergency Medi-cal Services (EMS), South Lassen EMS, Sierra Emergency Medical Services Alliance and Plumas District Hospital.

Education and SchoolsPlumas County is served by two school dis-tricts: Plumas Unifi ed School District (PUSD) and Sierra-Plumas Joint Unifi ed School District (SPJUSD), which provide public primary and high school education services. The majority of the

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courtesy of Jay Neuman, Cal-Fire


County is within the PUSD with the easternmost portion of the County within the SPJUSD. Portola, Quincy, Chester and Greenville each have an elementary school and high school. Taylorsville has an elementary school only. Students in the southeastern portion of Plumas County attend school in Sierra County.

Table PS-1 (shown below) provides data to in-dicate that over the past ten year period, overall school enrollment in the County has declined by over 1,000 students. One of the primary reasons for declining enrollment has been a declining jobs base. The timber industry has been a large em-ployer in the County but has reduced employment levels in response to increased logging restric-tions, the decrease in development activity and timber sales that have been stalled by litigation. It appears that in some cases families have moved from the County in search of other employment opportunities, which have contributed to declining

enrollment levels. These reasons and demograph-ics such as our aging populations and smaller family sizes are all contributing to declining enroll-ment throughout the County.

Feather River College is a two-year community college serving Plumas County and the Northern California Sierra region. The College’s campus is located in Quincy. There are currently over 750 full-time students and over 1,100 part-time students. The college makes some housing avail-able through dormitories that provide housing for students.

Library ServicesThe Plumas County Library operates four branches located in Quincy, Chester, Greenville and Portola. The County’s libraries offer a range of reading, reference and multimedia materials

for borrowing. Each library branch provides free high-speed internet access and wireless internet access. The library also runs a literacy program at locations in Quincy, Chester, Loyalton and Sierra City to help individuals improve their reading and writing skills.

Additional ServicesA number of additional public services available to residents of the County and provided by the County and/or special districts include:Plumas County Superior Court,Plumas County District Attorney,Plumas County Public Health Agency,Plumas County Department of Social Services,Hospital and health care districts,Water and Sanitary Sewer districts, Recreation districts, Cemetery districts, and Lighting districts.

Regulatory FrameworkNFPA 1720: Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations and Special Op-erations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Depart-mentsThis standard contains minimum requirements relating to the organization and deployment of fi re suppression operations, emergency medical operations, and special operations to the public by substantially all volunteer fi re departments.

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Entrance to Feather River College

Annual Student Enrollment in Plumas County, 1998-2009

0500

1000150020002500300035004000

��

Table PS-1

Source: Plumas County Offi ce of Education and Unifi ed School District. 2009. Historic School Enrollment Statistics.


California Health and Safety CodeState fi re regulations are set forth in Sections 13000 et seq. of the California Health and Safety Code, which includes regulations for building stan-dards, fi re protection and notifi cation systems, fi re protection devices and fi re suppression training. Recent updates to this code encourage the use of fi re resistant building materials for residential construction projects on homes that are within wildland fi re prone areas.

Plumas County Communities Wildfi re Mitigation PlanThe Board of Supervisors adopted a plan that outlines the risks and hazards associated with a wildland fi re threat to Plumas County communi-ties and identifi es potential mitigation measures. The Plan provides documentation of implement-

ing actions designed to reduce wildfi re risk to homes and communities. Actions included in the plan are education and outreach programs, the development of partnerships, and implementa-tion of preventative activities such as hazardous fuel reduction, defensible space, land use, and/or building codes.

IssuesThe rural nature of Plumas County makes it prone to limited sales tax and property tax revenues, which contribute to the levels of available pub-lic services. Many public services rely on state funding, which has been drastically reduced as a result of California’s state budget crisis. Plan-ning for future development and the provision of public services, including maintenance of exist-ing infrastructure and adherence to regulatory requirements, should be a consideration as the

County considers updating its General Plan. Lack of funding for public services could be a constraint to future growth in the County.

Winter conditions in the County also have the potential to pose access problems to public and emergency services for residents in the County. These public services are generally centralized in a few locations throughout the County. Harsh weather conditions reduce access for residents in more rural locations to these centralize services.

Land use designations are consistent with the availability of public services such as water, roads, utilities and fi re protection. Public services are, therefore, closely related to the land use develop-ment patterns that exist today and in the future.

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Plumas District Hospital

Photo courtesy of Jay Neuman, Cal-Fire

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PLUMAS COUNTY

SIERRA COUNTY

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Parad iseParad ise

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Communi t ies



Ma jo r Roads

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Pen insu la F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c tPra t tv i l l e -A lmanor F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c tQu incy F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c tS ie r ra Va l ley F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c tWest A lmanor Communi ty Serv ice D is t r i c t

Hami l ton Branch F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c t Ind ian Va l ley Communi ty Serv ice D is t r i c t LaPor te F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c t Long Va l ley Communi ty Serv ice D is t r i c t Meadow Va l ley F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c t

LOCAL F IRE PROTECTION AREAS Beckwour th F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c t C-Road Communi ty Serv ice D is t r i c t Ches te r F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c t Crescent M i l l s F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c t Eas te rn P lumas Rura l F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c t Graeag le F i re Pro tec t ion D is t r i c t

Figure PS-1 Source: U.S. Geologic Survey. 2005. USGS Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangles. (Spatial Data) and County of Plu-mas. 2009. GIS Data Layers for Local Fire Protection Areas. Quincy, CA.

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CommunityPublic Health and SafetyVarious public health and safety issues have the potential to constrain future development in portions of Plumas County. These issues can be divided into environmental hazards (i.e. wildfi re, fl ooding, etc.) and human-caused haz-ards. This section focuses on the three primary human-caused hazards in the County: hazardous materials, airport safety, and noise. In addition to describing the sources of these conditions, this section describes the associated regulatory environment, and identifi es several key issues for consideration.

SettingHazardous Materials and WasteFor this topic, the primary health and safety issues result from the generation, use, transportation, and disposal of these materials. Within Plumas County, manufacturing or storage facilities (in-cluding lumber processing and bulk fuel storage facilities) within the more densely populated areas of Quincy, Portola, and Chester account for the majority of hazardous materials use. The use of pesticides for a variety of agricultural activities is also a concern.

Transportation-related public health and safety issues also have the potential to occur along the major thoroughfares of the County. The highest potential for transportation-related incidents exists

along the County’s main east-west thoroughfare, State Highway 70 and along State Highway 36 and 89. The majority of hazardous materials shipped through and within the County primarily consists of petroleum products, such as heating fuels, gasoline, diesel and propane. The County’s railroad corridors are an additional public safety concern since freight trains also carry bulk con-tainers of hazardous materials, such as petroleum and nuclear waste.

The generation, use, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials is regulated by a variety of federal, state, and local agencies. Locally, the Plumas County Environmental Health Division manages the County’s hazardous materials man-agement program.

Airport SafetyThree public-use airports are located in the Coun-ty: Beckwourth-Nervino, Chester-Rogers Field Airport and Quincy-Gansner Airport (see Figure PHS-1). Potential safety issues associated with airports include aircraft accidents and noise im-pacts to surrounding land uses. Airport operation hazards include the development of incompat-ible land uses, power transmission lines, wildlife hazards (e.g., bird strikes) and tall structures in the vicinity of these airports. Airport safety zones are established to minimize the number of people subjected to noise and potential aircraft accidents through limitations on the type of development

allowed around airports. Local airport plan zoning regulations provide specifi c detail for the estab-lished airport safety zones. The zoning regula-tions are implemented by the Plumas County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC). Figure PHS-1 also includes an inset from the existing Gansner Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan that identifi es various land use compatibility zones around the runway approach and departure areas. A description of allowable land uses for each zone along with associated noise contour maps are provided in the land use compatibility plans for each airport to help minimize these hazards.

NoiseWithin Plumas County, nuisance or unwanted noise sources are predominately associated with motor vehicles (a mobile source) and industrial sources (a stationary source). Although they are not a constant source of noise, railroads and some airport operations can also result in unwanted sources of noise. Figure PHS-1 identifi es several mobile noise sources includ-ing major highways (State Highways 70, 36, and 89), Plumas County roadways, and the Union Pacifi c railroad lines that are scattered throughout the County. For Plumas County, stationary noise sources generally consist of industrial land uses, such as the lumber mills located in Quincy and Chester and several mineral extraction activities located throughout the County.

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Sensitive receptors are typically defi ned as popu-lations or uses that are more susceptible to the effects of nuisance noise than the general popula-tion. For the County, sensitive receptors include residential areas, hospitals, convalescent homes, schools and other similar land uses.

Figure PHS-1 also provides a noise contour map for Gansner Airport. As shown in the fi gure, a noise contour is a line surrounding the airport that encloses a geographic region, which is exposed to a particular level of noise generated by aircraft arrivals and departures. Noise contours are used to determine whether certain types of zoning or land uses are allowed under government-mandated maximum noise levels. Noise contours are often determined for a variety of mobile and stationary noise sources. The existing Plumas County General Plan provides noise contours for several mobile noise sources including roadways and railroad operations.

Regulatory FrameworkFederal Hazardous Materials Transport ActThis act is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation and requires detailed manifest-ing and reporting of hazardous materials shipped on the U.S. highway system.

Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)The California and Federal OSHA agencies set standards for safe workplaces and work practices, including standards relating to hazardous material handling in order to assure worker safety in the workplace.

Plumas County Environmental Health Division (PCEHD)The PCEHD’s hazardous materials management program, also referred to as the Certifi ed Unifi ed Program Agency (CUPA), sets forth criteria for management of chemicals in underground tanks, above ground tanks, wastes generated through in-dustrial processes, risk management planning and pollution prevention. The PCEHD also implements a Food Safety Program. In addition to food facility inspection, the program also provides food safety knowledge and certifi cation. Beginning in 2003, the PCEHD began administering Serv-Safe food safety certifi cation exams for retail food handlers.1

Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (ALUCPs)The Plumas County Airport Land Use Commission has adopted ALUCPs for Nervino Airport, Rogers Field Airport and Gansner Airport. The ALUCPs establish noise, safety, and airspace protection policies and criteria that are intended to reduce the risk of harm to the public and air travelers from aircraft accidents. Local general plans, specifi c

1 County of Plumas. 2008. Public Health Agency Environmen-tal Health Division – Annual Report

plans, and zoning ordinances must conform to the policies set forth in the adopted ALUCPs.

Plumas County Noise ElementIn lieu of an adopted noise ordinance in Plumas County, the County’s existing General Plan con-tains noise guidelines for new development.

IssuesIn the context of the public health and safety is-sues described above, future growth will need to consider the placement of sensitive land uses in proximity to areas known to containing potentially hazardous uses or major noise sources. Further-more, any future development adjacent to one of the County’s three airports is required to consult with the Plumas County Airport Land Use Com-mission to ensure it is compatible with the airport’s ALUCP.

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Plumas County General Plan Update Briefi ng Report58Existing Conditions and Trends

GANSNER AIRPORT

ROGERS FIELD AIRPORT

NERVINO AIRPORT

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PRIMARY MOBILE NOISE SOURCES

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QUINCYQUINCY

Figure PHS-1 Source: U.S. Geologic Survey. 2005. USGS Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangles. (Spatial Data) and County of Plumas. 2007. Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for Gansner Airport at Quincy.

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CommunityUtilitiesThis section describes the range of utilities and the location of regional important utility infra-structure within Plumas County. Utility service is provided by a variety of separate public water and sewer service entities, electricity and communi-cation providers. In addition to describing these key utilities, this section describes the associated regulatory environment, and identifi es several key issues for consideration. SettingCommunity Service Districts and Public Utility DistrictsThe majority of utility services (water and sew-age) in Plumas County is provided by a variety of individual Community Services Districts (CSDs), Community Service Areas (CSAs) and Public Utility Districts (PUDs) that serve the small com-munities located throughout the County. The CSDs, CSAs and PUDs typically provide a range of services including water supply and/or waste-water collection and treatment services, as shown in Table U-1. Additionally, as shown in the table, they may also provide a range of other public service (i.e., lighting, fi re protection, etc.). In cases where the information is available, the table identifi es known system defi ciencies or limits on the district’s ability to expand its services.

Water SupplySixty-six percent of Plumas County’s water sup-ply is from surface sources while groundwater contributes to the remaining supply. Reservoirs

that provide surface water supplies in the County include Antelope Lake, Frenchman Lake, Lake Davis, Round Valley Reservoir, Rock Creek Res-ervoir, Butt Valley Reservoir, Silver Lake-Spanish Ranch Reservoir and Lake Almanor. The only areas linked to community water are Lake Davis and Round Valley. As indicated in the adjacent fi gure, many of the surface water features are also heavily managed for the production of electricity as well.

As mentioned in the Water Resources section, most of Plumas County is within the Upper Feath-er River Watershed. Surface water in this water-shed is used by the State Water Project (SWP) to supply 3.2 million acre-feet per year (ac-ft/yr) for downstream urban, industrial and agricultural use throughout the State of California.

The Plumas County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District) is responsible for administering waters in the County. The District provides for the management of fl ood and other waters of the district among other benefi cial uses. The District is a SWP contractor that receives an annual allocation of a specifi ed amount of water and redistributes the water to users in the County.

Groundwater sources in the watershed are from privately owned and publicly operated well systems. The majority of groundwater reservoirs occur in the valleys on the east side of the Si-erra Crest. The Sierra Valley has a groundwater management district (Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District). that was formed in 1980.


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Aerial of Butte Valley and Belden Reservoirs and Caribou Powerhouse

60 Plumas County General Plan Update Briefi ng Report

Table U-1. Primary Service Providers in Plumas CountyName Location Services Provided System Defi ciencies and Limits on ExpansionBeckwourth County Service Area Beckwourth Wastewater No Information Currently Available

Blairsden Water Users Association Blairsden Water supply No Information Currently Available

Chester Public Utility District Chester Water supply, wastewater, and fi re protection services

No Information Currently Available

Clio Public Utility District Clio No Information Currently Available No Information Currently Available

C-Road Community Services District C-Road Road maintenance and fi re protection services No Information Currently Available

East Quincy Services District Quincy Water supply and wastewater EQCSD has limited planning for long-term growth and capital improvement projects.

Gold Mountain Community Services District Gold Mountain Area Water, wastewater, and fi re protection services Questionable long-term availability of water for the needs of the develop-ment and those of the golf course. The well supplying the development and the well supplying the golf course are very close to each other and pumping drawdown interference between the wells has been reported. Sanitation sewer infrastructure construction defects.

Graeagle Land and Water Company Graeagle Water supply No Information Currently Available

Greenhorn Creek Community Services District Greenhorn Water supply, fi re protection, and road mainte-nance services

Upgrades and repairs to the water system are needed.

Grizzly Lake Resort Improvement District Crocker Mountain/Grizzly Retreat

Community of Delleker Water supply, wastewater, and street lighting services

Improve water supply and improve availability of water for fi re protection requirements within the district. A low capacity septic tank serves Crocker Estates, which limits future develop-ment. Water supply availability is affected by infrastructure system defi ciencies.

Grizzly Ranch Community Services District Grizzly Ranch community Water supply and wastewater No Information Currently Available

Hamilton Branch Community Services District A portion of the eastern shore of Lake Almanor

Water supply Limited knowledge of the domestic water capacity of the water supply system.

Indian Valley Community Services District Greenville, Taylorsville, Crescent Mills, and Genessee

Water supply: Crescent Mills and Greenville

Wastewater: Greenville and Taylorsville

Recreation, lighting, fi re protection and ambu-lance services for the Indian Valley area

Greenville water infrastructure defi ciencies.

Lake Almanor Country Club Mutual Water Com-pany

Lake Almanor Country Club, the Pines residential area and the Peninsula Village commercial area

Water supply Diffi culty in supplying fi re hydrants with adequate fl ow due to undersized pipelines. Inability to provide adequate domestic water during peak usage summer months. The pipelines are corroding, which results in leaking pipes.

Last Chance Creek Water District Sierra Valley Water supply (primarily for agricultural uses) No Information Currently Available

Plumas Eureka Community Services District Plumas Eureka Estates, Eureka Springs Subdivision

Water supply, wastewater, and fi re protection services

No Information Currently Available

Quincy Community Services District Quincy Water supply and wastewater The wastewater treatment plant is close to capacity and is experiencing dif-fi culty in meeting treatment standards.

Walker Ranch Community Services District Lake Almanor peninsula Water supply and wastewater No Information Currently Available

West Almanor Community Services District West side of Lake Almanor south of Chester

Fire protection No Information Currently Available

West Almanor Mutual Water Company West side of Lake Almanor Water supply No Information Currently Available

Whitehawk Ranch Community Services District/Whitehawk Ranch Mutual Water Company

Eastern edge of Mohawk Valley Water supply, wastewater collection and treat-ment

Water supply for some of the community’s lots is not adequate and will not be adequate until a new water tank, booster pump system or other water system improvements addressing water fl ow requirements are installed and operational.

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Sources for Table U-1 Primary Service Providers in Plumas County on previous page:

Greenhorn Creek Community Services District. 2010. • Greenhorn Creek Community Services District June 2007. Accessed April 7, 2010. http://www.greenhornc-sd.org/waterdepartment.htmlIndian Valley Community Services District. 2010. • Water and Wastewater. Accessed April 7, 2010. http://indianvalleycsd.com/Water%20and%20Wastewater.htmlLake Almanor Country Club Mutual Water Company. • 2010. LACC Mutual Water Company. Accessed April 7, 2010. http://users.psln.com/laccmwc/Plumas County Flood Control and Water Conserva-• tion District. 2010. Who’s Who in the Feather River Watershed. Accessed April 7, 2010. http://www.feath-erriverwater.com/partnersandlinks.html Plumas Local Agency Formation Commission (LAF-• Co). 2007a. Hamilton Branch Community Services District Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Infl u-ence Amendment 2008-2013. December 2007. Plumas Local Agency Formation Commission • (LAFCo). 2007b. East Quincy Community Services District and Quincy Community Services District Joint Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Infl uence Amendment 2007-2012. September 2007.Plumas Local Agency Formation Commission (LAF-• Co). 2007c. Grizzly Lake Resort Improvement District Municipal Service Review 2007-2012. January 2007.Plumas Local Agency Formation Commission • (LAFCo). 2006. Gold Mountain Community Services District Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Infl u-ence Amendment 2006-2012. May 2006.West Almanor Community Services District. 2010. • West Almanor Community Services District. Accessed April 7, 2010. http://www.citlink.net/~westalmanorfd/index.htmlWhitehawk Ranch Mutual Water Company. 2009. • Whitehawk Ranch Mutual Water Company 2008 An-nual Report. April 2009. Accessed April 7, 2010. http://whitehawkranch.org/Writeups/Water%20CO%20Stuff/MWCO%202008%20Annual%20Report%20to%20Mmbers%2004-03-09.htm

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This groundwater management district collects monitoring data on the domestic and commercial use of ground water in Sierra Valley (Plumas and Sierra Counties). During periods of overdraft, the district has the ability to place restrictions on groundwater pumping.

Water DemandWater demand in Plumas County includes agricul-tural, urban and environmental demand. As shown in Table U-2, agricultural water use in the County is projected to decrease between 2000 and 2020. This decrease is anticipated as a result of future reductions in crop acreage. In the County, indus-trial and commercial uses account for 62% of ur-ban water use. Residential water use accounts for the remaining 38% of urban water use. In 2020, population growth within the County will result in a very small increase in water demand without implementing conservation measures. If conser-vation measures are utilized, the amount of water use is expected to decline even with an increase in population.

Environmental waters are waters set aside or managed for environmental purposes in specifi c locations where the water has been reserved or managed. Water has been reserved to maintain fi sheries, wildlife, aesthetic values, recreation, navigation, and for areas with “wild and scenic” rivers designation such as a 78 mile portion of the Middle Fork of the Feather River above Lake

Table U-2. Past and Projected Water De-mand in Plumas CountyUse 2000 (ac-ft/

yr)2020 (ac-ft/yr)

Agriculture 102,650 Average – 100,270Drought – 99,350

Urban 6,670 Without Conserva-tion – 6,720With Conservation – 6,205

Source: 2005 Upper Feather River Watershed Integrated Regional Watershed Management Plan

Oroville. Environmental water demand for the en-tire Upper Feather River Watershed has not been calculated.

WastewaterWastewater in Plumas County is handled in sever-al ways including on-site septic systems, commu-nity septic systems, and community wastewater treatment plants. Public wastewater and sewer systems are also identifi ed Table U-1.

Hydroelectric FacilitiesThe abundance of rivers and streams located in Plumas County not only provide water supply but they have also functioned as locations for the generation of hydroelectric power. Pacifi c Gas and Electric (PG&E) operates ten hydroelectric plants on the Feather River. The East Branch North Fork Feather River serves over four million electri-cal customers through its hydroelectric facilities. Hydroelectric power generated at these facilities is distributed directly to the power grid.

ElectricityIn Plumas County, electricity is provided by PG&E, Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Coopera-tive (PSREC), and Sierra-Pacifi c Power. PG&E provides electricity to the western portion of the County. PSREC serves the eastern portion of the County. Sierra Pacifi c Power provides electricity to a small portion of the southeastern portion of the County. Many residents and businesses in the County also rely on propane gas provided by a number of local franchises, such as Amerigas, Coast Gas, Bi-State Propane, and Suburban Propane, as an energy source. In addition, some homes use heating oil for their energy needs and Collin Pines and Sierra Pacifi c Industries are


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equipped to use bio fuels in their co-generation facilities at their mill sites. There is no natural gas provided in the County.

Stormwater DrainageStormwater management is essentially handled at the individual project level. Some of the major roadways throughout the County include road-side ditches and sediment catchment systems. Stormwater drainage in the County is primarily concerned with minimizing erosion and sedimen-tation to decrease turbidity in downstream waters. In order to address these concerns, new devel-opment is required to avoid increases in off-site stormwater fl ows, minimize paved surfaces, and construct sedimentation basins.

Table U-3 . Solid Waste CollectionFacilities in Plumas CountySolid Waste Facility

Available Capacity

Allowable Waste Types

East Quincy Trans-fer Station

85.0 tons/day Mixed municipal, construction and demolition, tires

Greenville Transfer Station

10.0 tons/day Mixed municipal, construction and demolition, green materials, tires

Graeagle Transfer Station

99.0 cubic yards/day

Mixed municipal, ash, tires

Chester Sanitary Landfi ll

126,800 cubic yards available as of March 2000

Mixed municipal, construction and demolition, tires

La Porte Transfer Station

1.0 tons /day Mixed municipal, construction and demolition, green materials, tires

Chester/Lake Al-manor Solid Waste Transfer Station

8.0 cubic yards/day

Mixed municipal, construction and demolition

Delleker Transfer Station

52.0 tons/day Mixed municipal

Source: California Integrated Waste Management Board. 2009 Website accessed - http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/SWFacilities/Directory/SearchList/List?COUNTY=Plumas

Solid and Hazardous Waste and RecyclingOne landfi ll is located in the County in Chester. Transfer stations are located in East Quincy, Greenville, Graeagle, La Porte, Delleker and Chester. Plumas County operates each of the transfer stations and the landfi ll. The available ca-pacity and allowable waste types for each of these facilities are identifi ed in Table U-3, on this page. The County also includes a number of closed landfi lls including the Gopher Hill Landfi ll near the Community of Quincy.

Commercial and residential curbside collection of recycling is offered by Feather River Disposal in Chester, Greenville and Quincy. Intermountain Disposal provides commercial and residential curbside service in Eastern Plumas County and the City of Portola. County residents may recycle green waste, such as yard waste, at the Sierra Pacifi c Mill in Quincy, Mt. Lassen Power Plant in Westwood and the Portola Environmental Rec-lamation Site. Feather River Disposal provides a household hazardous waste recycling event each summer. Intermountain Disposal provides a household hazardous waste recycling event every other summer.

Communication SystemsPSREC offers internet, telecommunications and cable services in addition to electric and dish services. Charter Cable, Direct TV, and New Day Broadband provides TV services (within GLRID). AT&T also provides phone and cellular services and Frontier Communications in Almanor provides phone and internet services.

Regulatory FrameworkFederal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)FERC licenses and inspects private, municipal and state hydroelectric projects.

California Public Utility Commission (CPUC)The CPUC regulates privately owned utilities in the energy, rail, telecommunications, and water fi elds.

Integrated Waste Management Act (AB 939)In 1989, the California legislature passed the In-tegrated Waste Management Act of 1989, known as AB 939. The bill mandates a reduction of waste being disposed: jurisdictions were required to meet diversion goals of 25% by 1995 and 50% by 2000. AB 939 also established an integrated framework for program implementation, solid waste planning and solid waste facility and landfi ll compliance.

IssuesPlumas County is fortunate to have bountiful water resources that support a variety of uses including domestic water supply, hydroelectric-ity generation, and water for a variety of wildlife and recreation-related opportunities. Many of the wastewater and water supply service providers are local entities that serve a small geographic area with few customers. Much of the infrastruc-ture for these systems is in need of replacement or repair and is not well equipped to handle increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. Planning for future development and ensuring that adequate utility infrastructure is available should be a consideration as the County considers updat-ing its General Plan.


CommunityTransportation and CirculationTransportation plays a key role in the economic and social life of Plumas County. Tourism and resource based industries in particular need dependable and convenient travel options. Long distances between communities and to urban services also increase the travel needs of Plumas residents. Looking forward, the General Plan Update will consider how Plumas County could maintain and enhance auto, truck and air travel, expand options for transit, pedestrian and bicycle travel, better fi t streets and highways into the communities, and work to reduce the environmen-tal impacts of transportation.

SettingRoadwaysThe state highway system provides the key inter-community roadway links between Plumas County communities. However county roads (and city roads in Portola) also provide important access, as do Forest Service roads. In total, there are 1,823 miles of public roadway in Plumas County, including 935 miles of US Forest Service Roads, 674 miles of county roadways, and 182 miles of state highways.

Traffi c Volumes and TrendsDue to the relatively sparse population of the county, traffi c congestion is not an issue, with the exception of “bell times” at some school areas as well as locations around Lake Almanor during the summer months.

State Route (SR) 70 in Quincy is the busiest high-way in Plumas County, with a peak-month (typi-cally August) Average Daily Traffi c (ADT) volume of 12,200. Other relatively busy locations are SR 37 in Chester (7,900 ADT) and SR 70 in Portola (7,800 ADT). Overall, peak month volumes on Plumas County state highways have declined by 12 percent over the last 10 years.1 As shown in Figure 1, this decline has been seen in all regions

1 Caltrans 1990 – 1998 Traffi c Volumes on State Highways

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

140%

1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

Perc

ent o

f 199

0 Va

lue

Year

Peak Month Traffic Trends

South (Loyalton, Graeagle, etc.)Central (Quincy, American Valley)North (Chester, Lake Almanor)

Figure T&C-1

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of the county. Comparing 1990 volumes to cur-rent levels, current volumes are 12 percent higher in the southern portion of the county (refl ecting development in the 1990s), but lower in the re-mainder of the county, particularly for the northern and central portions of the county.

Truck TrendsCaltrans counts of all trucks countywide have declined by 15 percent since 1992. However, the number of the largest (5 axle and above) trucks has climbed by 45 percent over this same period, particularly along SR 70.2

Public Transit ServicesSeveral public transit deviated fi xed-routes are offered by Plumas Transit Services, a division of Alliance for Workforce Development. Buses pro-vide a total of 15 daily round trips within Quincy, 3 daily round trips between Quincy and Portola 2 Caltrans Traffi c Data – Truck Volumes

as well as 3 daily round trips between Chester and Quincy. Connections are available to Lassen County transit service at Hamilton Branch. This service carries approximately 46,000 passenger-trips annually and is available to all, with much of the ridership generated by human service agency clients and Feather River College students.

RailAlthough there is no passenger rail service in Plumas County, there are two active freight rail operations. Union Pacifi c operates a line con-necting Roseville, CA to the west with Salt Lake City, UT to the east. Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad operates track along Keddie, and along Lake Almanor into Lassen County.

AirportsWhile there are no commercial airports in Plumas County, there are three publicly owned airports:

Quincy-Gansner Field, Chester-Rogers Field, and Beckwourth-Nervino. As a whole, these airports serve approximately 44,000 takeoffs or landings annually. In addition to the airports, the Plumas District Hospital in Quincy, the Indian Valley Health Care District in Greenville, and the Eastern Plumas Hospital in Portola have heliports. The closest commercial airport is Reno/ Tahoe Interna-tional Airport.

Bicycle and Pedestrian FacilitiesWhile there are many hiking trails in Plumas County, bicycle and pedestrian facilities along main travel corridors and in communities are very limited. A key new element is the Feather River College / Gansner Pathway in the Quincy area, currently under development. Plumas County currently has a bicycle plan however the latest was 2/23/2001. Plumas Corporation is currently directing the development of a Trail Master Plan for the county.

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Existing Travel ModeThe 2000 US Census indicated that the primary travel mode to work in Plumas County is by car/truck/van (87 percent). Approximately 5.5 percent of Plumas County workers walk to work and only 0.2 percent take public transit.3

Regulatory FrameworkTransportation regulation and decision making processes are impacted by several key organiza-tions:

The Plumas County Transportation Commis-• sion, is the state designated Regional Trans-portation Planning Agency for Plumas County and is responsible for the oversight of long-range transportation planning, funding and programs. With a Board comprised of County Supervisors and Portola Council members, the PCTC makes key decisions regarding much of the available funding for transporta-tion construction projects. Caltrans and the California Transportation • Commission also make critical decisions for facilities in Plumas County. Caltrans has an established series of design standards that are applied to projects within the state high-way system.Plumas County’s and the City of Portola’s • roadway design standards and ongoing main-tenance / construction programs also impact

3 US Census 2000

decisions regarding the local transportation network.

Environmental concerns have increasingly im-pacted the provision of transportation facilities. Stringent water quality regulations have increased the level of concern related to impacts of roadway and other transportation projects on wetlands.

Due to the relatively good local air quality condi-tions in Plumas County, air pollution impacts have to date not been a particular issue with regards to transportation. However, recent state regu-lations regarding greenhouse gas emissions, coupled with awareness that transportation plays an important role in countywide total emissions, are placing increased importance on transporta-tion (and related land use) decision making that addresses greenhouse gases.

IssuesA lack of adequate and consistent funding to im-prove and maintain the transportation system is a critical issue in Plumas County. If roadway mainte-nance projects are delayed due to limited funding, routine maintenance can turn into more costly repairs. The fate of certain transportation revenue sources important to Plumas County (such as State Transit Assistance and Forest Reserves funding) is unclear.

Although Plumas Transit services serve the needs of many social service clients, transit in Plumas County is relatively infrequent and therefore less appealing to the non-transit dependent popula-tion. It will be important to enhance transit service in the future, particularly regional connections to more urbanized areas as the population ages and grows. Unfortunately, transit service to Chico and Reno were recently eliminated due to budget constraints.

There is a lack of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, particularly within communities. Additionally, there is an identifi ed need for Class II bikeways or wider roadway shoulders along roadways between com-munities. The lack of bicycle facilities results in unpleasant and potentially hazardous conditions for cyclists and discourages non-auto modes of travel.

There is a need for better coordination on the regulation of county roads and public lands road-ways with regards to off highway vehicle access, in order to minimize confl icts

There are operational issues associated with limited mountain highways, including the need for snow removal, truck climbing lanes, pullouts, and safety improvements. Although theses types of improvements are needed to maintain the safety and effi ciency of the roadways, construction can be limited by rugged topography and may have a signifi cant environmental impact.

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CommunityEnvironmental HazardsEnvironmental hazards are a function of climate, topography and geologic conditions. This section focuses on the primary environmental hazards in the County: geologic (or soil-related) and seismic hazards, fl ooding, and wildfi re hazards. In addi-tion to describing the County areas prone to these hazard conditions, this section describes the associated regulatory environment, and identifi es several key issues for consideration.

SettingSeismic HazardsThe risk of seismic hazards to residents of Plumas County is based on the approximate location of earthquake faults within and outside of the Coun-ty. Several potentially active faults pass through Plumas County. Almanor Fault, Butt Creek Fault Zone, and the Mohawk Valley Fault are shown in Figure EH-1. Indian Valley Fault is also con-sidered an active fault located within the County. Additionally, the Honey Lake and Fort Sage Faults are two active faults located east of the County. Although several faults are within and near the County, seismic hazard mapping indicates that the County has low seismic hazard potential. Addition-ally, the County is not located within a delineated Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. The risks associated with earthquakes, such as surface fault rupture, within the County are low.

Geologic Hazards Rates of erosion are contingent on a number of factors, including the type of soil material and structure, slope, water runoff, and levels of human activity. Overall, the County is primarily character-ized as having a moderate potential for soil ero-sion (see Table EH-1). Areas classifi ed as having a low and high potential for erosion are also found in the County, with a fairly signifi cant portion of the County unclassifi ed or not mapped. Areas with a high potential for erosion are identifi ed on Figure EH-1 and coincide with locations located at higher elevations in the County.

Landslides or Ground FailureThe County is located in an area with varying topography and slopes. Areas with steep slopes in the County could be prone to landslides, mud slides and avalanches.

Landslides, or ground failure, are dependent on slope, geology, rainfall, excavation or seismic activity. Mud slides are often caused by heavy rainfall. Areas that have recently been subject to wildfi re are susceptible to mudslides. Avalanches consist of a rapid fl ow of snow down a slope. They often reoccur in the same areas and can be triggered by varying weather patterns and human activity.

As seen in Figure EH-1, the volcanic soils in the eastern portion of the Plumas National Forest are prone to landslides. The fi gure also shows that areas concentrated along the North and Middle Forks of the Feather River are also susceptible to landslides. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fi brous material found throughout California. Disturbance of rocks and soil containing asbestos could lead to several public health issues. Figure EH-1 identifi es areas with the potential to contain naturally occurring asbestos. The highest concentration of these mapped areas are found in the western portion of the County

Flooding and Dam InundationThe County contains an extensive network of rivers and other waterways that fl ow out of higher elevations to the valley areas. The Federal Emer-gency Management Agency (FEMA) has identifi ed several areas of the County as within 100 and

Table EH- 1. Soil Erosion Potential in Plumas CountySoil Erosion Potential* Acres in the CountyHigh 2,040Moderate 1,178,600Low 31,590Not Mapped 460,240*Erosion potential is based on k factor, which is an indica-tion of a soil’s inherent susceptibility to erosion, absent of slope and groundcover factors.

Source: California Department of Conservation Division of Mines and Geology. 2001. Seismic and Soil GIS data: Plumas County, California.

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500-year fl ood zones. These areas are identifi ed in Figure EH-2 and are primarily located in and/or near the communities of Chester, Greenville, Crescent Mills, Taylorsville, Quincy, Vinton and Portola.

Flooding can also result from dam inundation or from the structural failure of a dam that results in a large release of water from a reservoir that fl ows downstream and overtops the banks of rivers and creeks. Figure EH-2 identifi es those locations prone to fl ooding from dam inundation and as expected many of the areas overlap with FEMA identifi ed fl ood zones. Dam inundation areas are generally found along the North and Middle Forks of the Feather River, Indian Creek between Taylorsville and Antelope Lake, Sierra Valley and Indian Valley. Table EH-2, identifi es the location of these dams, with the “Map ID #” corresponding with the numbered dam locations found in Figure EH-2.

Table EH-2. Dams with Potential for Inun-dation in Plumas CountyMap ID #

Dam Name Creek or River

1 Antelope Indian Creek2 Bidwell Lake

(Round Valley)North Canyon Creek

3 Bucks Diversion Bucks Creek4 Bucks Storage Bucks Creek5 Butt Valley Butt Creek6 Caribou Afterbay North Fork Feather

River

7 Chester Diver-sion

North Fork Feather River

8 Cresta North Fork Feather River

9 Eureka Eureka Creek10 Faggs Debris Willow Creek Tribu-

tary11 Frenchman Last Chance Creek12 Grizzly Creek Big Grizzly Creek13 Grizzly Forebay Grizzly Creek14 Grizzly Valley Big Grizzly Creek16 Jamison Lake Little Jamison

Creek17 Lake Almanor North Fork Feather

River18 Little Grass Val-

leySouth Fork Feather River

19 Long Lake Gray Eagle Creek20 Lower Three

LakesMilk Ranch Creek

21 Rock Creek North Fork Feather River

22 Silver Lake Silver Creek23 Slate Creek

DiversionSlate Creek

24 Smith Lake Wapaunsie Creek25 South Fork Di-

versionSouth Fork Feather River

26 Spring Valley Lake

Rock Creek

27 Taylor Lake Indian Creek Tribu-tary

28 Walker Mine Tails

Dolly Creek

Source: California Offi ce of Emergency Services. 2007. Dam Inundation Areas. GIS data: Plumas County, California.

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American Valley 1907 Flood, courtesy of Plumas County Museum


Wildland Fire HazardsSuppression of natural fi res allows the forest un-derstory to become dense, creating the potential for larger and more intense wildland fi res. Wind, steepness of terrain, and naturally volatile or hot-burning vegetation contribute to wildland fi re hazard potential. In reviewing fi re threat map-ping data provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, it appears that a majority of the County is classifi ed as having a “Moderate” to “High” threat of wildland fi re.

Regulatory FrameworkAlquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning ActThis State of California Act requires the delinea-tion of zones along active faults and regulation of development on or near active faults to reduce seismic-related hazards.

California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2: California Building Code (CBC)The CBC provides minimum standards to safe-guard property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and main-

tenance of building and structures. In California, all local building standards must be centralized in Title 24.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FEMA regulations govern delineation of fl ood-plains and establish requirements for fl oodplain management.

IssuesIn the context of these public health and safety issues associated with environmental hazards, fu-ture growth will need to consider the placement of sensitive land uses in proximity to areas known for their potential to experience the variety of geolog-ic, fl ooding, or wildfi re risk known to occur within Plumas County. Additionally, the County will need to consider the effects of climate change and their possible effects to the severity of local fl ooding and wildfi re risk. In the event of an earthquake, fl ood, or other environmental hazard occurrence, the rural nature, topography and weather patterns of the County could result in accessibility issues for emergency response and evacuation.

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Mohawk Valley Fault Zone

Honey Lake Fault Zone

Fort Sage Fault

Indian Valley Fault

Almanor Fault Zone

Butt Creek Fault Zone

Beaver Creek Fault

Cohasset Ridge Fault

Crablouse Ravine Fault

SHASTA COUNTY

PLUMAS COUNTY


YUBA

LASSEN COUNTY

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Ches te r

Greenv i l le

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R ich Bar TwainKedd ie

Qu incy

S loa t

Eas t Qu incy

B la i rsden

Por to la Vin ton

Loya l ton

Lake Dav is

La Por te

Lake Orov i l le

Lake Almanor

Honey Lake

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h Fork F eathe

r River

R ed Clover Cre ek

Spanish Creek

In d ian

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rRi

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SHASTA COUNTY

PLUMAS COUNTY


YUBA

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Quincy

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r River

R ed Clover Cre ek

Spanish Creek

In d ian

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r th Fo rk

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rRi

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Parad iseParad ise

GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS

Lands l ides

H igh So i l E ros ion Poten t ia l

Po ten t ia l Areas Conta in ing Natura l l y Occur r ing Asbes tos

FAULTS

Ac t ive Fau l t (H is to r i c D isp lacement )

Ac t i ve Fau l t (Ho locene D isp lacement )

Po ten t ia l l y Ac t i ve Fau l t (Quar te rnary D isp lacement )

GEOGRAPHIC FEATURES

Communi t ies


Lakes / R ivers0 10

Miles

Figure EH-1 Source: U.S. Geologic Survey. 2005. USGS Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangles. (Spatial Data) and California De-partment of Conservation Division of Mines and Geology. 2001. Seismic and Soil GIS data: Plumas County, California

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01

02

0715

17

05

27

06

26

2120

22

24

0813

03 04

10

18

25

23

28

09

16 19

1114

12

139

395

36

44

89

70

49

PLUMAS COUNTY

SIERRA COUNTY

BUTTE COUNTY

YUBA

LASSEN COUNTY

Susanv i l le

Ches te r

Greenv i l le

Tay lo rsv i l l e

R ich Bar

Twa inKedd ie

Qu incy

S loa t

Eas t Qu incy

B la i rsden

Por to la Vin ton

Loya l ton

Lake Dav is

La Por te

Lake Almanor

Honey Lake

PLUMAS COUNTY

SIERRA COUNTY

BUTTE COUNTY

YUBA

LASSEN COUNTY

Susanv i l le

Ches te r

Greenv i l le

Tay lo rsv i l l e

R ich Bar

Twa inKedd ie

Quincy

S loa t

Eas t Qu incy

B la i rsden

Por to la Vin ton

Loya l ton

Lake Dav is

La Por te

Lake A lmanor

Honey LakeTEHAMACOUNTYTEHAMACOUNTY

Lake Orov i l leLake Orov i l le

Mounta inMeadowsReservo i r

Mounta inMeadowsReservo i r

An te lopeLake

Ante lopeLake

FrenchmanLake

FrenchmanLake

BucksLake

BucksLake

L i t t le GrassL i t t le GrassVa l ley Reservo i rVa l ley Reservo i r

L i t t le GrassVa l ley Reservo i r

DAMS AND POTENTIAL INUNDATIONAREAS

Dams

Dam Fa i lu re Inundat ion Area

FEMA FLOOD ZONES

FEMA 100-Year F lood Zone

FEMA 500-Year F lood Zone


Communi t ies



Ma jor Roads

County Boundary

Lakes / R ivers

1

0 10

Miles

Figure EH-2 Source: U.S. Geologic Survey. 2005. USGS Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangles. (Spatial Data), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2005. Flood Insurance Rate Map: Plumas County, California, and California Offi ce of Emergency Services. 2007. Dam Inundation Areas. GIS data: Plumas County, California.

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Existing Conditions and Trends 71

Figure EH-3 Source: CDF 2007


EconomyForest Lands and Forest IndustriesForested lands in Plumas County include a mix of land ownerships comprised primarily of public lands with some small private landownership, and large private landowners. The United States Forest Service controls the majority of the land area in Plumas County. Of the remaining private forestland about two-thirds is mixed conifer forest and one-third is a combination of oak woodland, aspen and other forest types. Plumas County for-estlands enable a variety of uses, including timber harvest, recreation, residential development and agricultural uses.

Forest products, namely timber production, have played a key role in the history of Plumas County and continue to play an important role in the con-temporary economy. In addition to production of lumber, important linkages between the County’s forest land and the larger economy include the recreational resource provided by the public land within the County, and the fuel for bio-mass en-ergy production that is a by-product of sustainable forest management practices.

Meanwhile, new trends are beginning to affect the timber industry and forested landscapes, includ-ing emerging markets for carbon offsets, biomass as a renewable energy source, and small diam-eter timber products. California climate change projections call for substantive changes to forest composition and fi re regime. The General Plan

Update should anticipate these and other changes in forest landscapes, consider policy to increase coordination with federal landowners, and link forestland policies to economic, conservation and energy goals.

SettingThe land area of Plumas County is approxi-mately 1.64 million acres, primarily composed of Sierra Mixed Coniferous Forest comprised of Ponderosa Pine, Jeffery Pine and Red Fir.1 The Plumas County Planning Department identifi es approximately 87 percent of Plumas County’s land area as “important timber.” Of this, most is

1 California Natural Diversity Database

owned by the federal government. In 1994 almost 40 percent of Plumas County timber harvest was on public land. In 2007, only 10 percent of the County’s timber harvest was on public land.2

Local employment related to the forest products industry is diffi cult to identify precisely because these jobs are likely mixed in with the jobs report-ed in a number of different sectors, such as Farm (50 jobs in 2008), Mining and Logging (60 jobs), Manufacturing (610 jobs), and Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (330 jobs).

There are 18 “A” licensed timber operators lo-cated in Plumas County. There are three timber mills operating in Plumas County3, including the two-mill Sierra Pacifi c Industries complex in Quincy and the Collins Pine Company Mill in Chester. Timber companies are amongst the larg-est employers in the county, with the Collins Pine Mill employing nearly 200 people4 and the Sierra Pacifi c Industries Mill employing approximately 160 people.5 Nevertheless, the timber industry has experienced declining employment because of labor saving technological changes and reduc-tion in availability of raw materials from public and private timberlands.6

2 California Board of Equalization Timber Harvest by County 1994-2007

3 Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Registered Pro-fessional Forester and Licensed Timber Operator List 2009

4 The Collins Company, Collins Almanor Forest Community Profi le

5 Sierra Pacifi c Industries Press Release dated March 2, 20096 County of Plumas Vision 2020 Report

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Log loading using oxen and donkeys, courtesy of Plumas County Museum

73

Over the last 15 years, forest production in Plumas County has varied signifi cantly. In 1994, timber production was about 105 million board feet. By 2008, production was about 146 million board feet. In the intervening years, production was as high as 176 million board feet in 1999, and as low as 80 million in 2002, according to data published by the California State Board of Equal-ization. 1994 is the earliest year for which the Board of Equalization publishes timber yield data at the county level on its web site.

U.S. timber prices are at an historic 30-year low and, consequently, while overall production was higher by the end of the period than at the begin-ning, the value of the harvested timber fell signifi -cantly, from just under $46 million in 1994 to about $23 million in 2008. On an infl ation adjusted basis, the drop was even more signifi cant.

Timber production and timber values are sensi-tive to trends in the construction industry, par-ticularly development of housing, which primarily uses “stick built” wood frame construction. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) tracks statistics on annual housing starts. Their data indicate that the number of U.S. housing starts peaked in 2005, at just under 2.1 million housing units. The numbers dropped to 1.8 mil-lion in 2006, followed by 1.4 million in 2007, and 906,000 in 2008, the most recent year for which they have published data. The 2008 fi gure is the

lowest number of housing starts in the 1978 to 2008 time period, according to the NAHB data.7 It should not be surprising that timber prices are at a historic low, when housing starts are at a 30-year low.

In addition to timber production, an important forest product for Plumas County is biomass for sustainable energy production. Plumas County has two Direct Combustion Biomass facilities. The Collins Pine facility located in Chester generates roughly 13 megawatts8 (MW) of power. The Sier-ra Pacifi c Industries Quincy Power Plant, located in Quincy, generates roughly 20MW of power.9 Both plants operate with a combination of mill residue and in-forest biomass feedstock. Some portion of biomass removed from Plumas County forests also feeds the Sierra Pacifi c Industries Loyalton Biomass facility, located in Sierra County, generating roughly 10MW. According to the California Biomass Facilities Reporting System biomass electrical generation in Plumas County has the capacity to increase by almost 75% based on existing infrastructure. It is important to note that these amounts are based on availability of feedstock.

7 http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?sectionid=819&genericcontentid=554&channelID=311&print=true, accessed 4-2-10.

8 1 MW = power for approximately 1100 households in the PG&E service area

9 Biomass Facilities Reporting System-Facility Performance Information, 2004

The Plumas National Forest provides wildfi re pro-tection responsibility for most of Plumas County. Historic fi re interval in the north Sierra has been increasing with 29 populated communities in Plumas County identifi ed as “at risk” by Calfi re. The Plumas National Forest averages about 170 ignitions per year with 60% of those caused by lighting and 40% from humans.10 In 2003 fi re occurrence in the Plumas NF was up 35% over the 5-year average.11 Fire structural protection in the remainder of the county is provided by 19 fi re departments located throughout the county. Some of these departments have a paid Chief and staff, but more commonly these departments are comprised entirely of volunteers.

Finally, forested lands in Plumas County provide a variety of ecosystem services benefi ts. Ecosystem services are defi ned as “the benefi ts of nature to households, communities and economies”.12 Healthy forest ecosystems are ecological life support systems providing a full suite of goods and services that are vital to human health and livelihood. Many of these goods and services are traditionally viewed as free benefi ts to society, or “public goods”; wildlife habitat and diversity, water-shed services, carbon storage, and scenic land-scapes. A strategy emerging to preserve some of these ecosystem services is the development of market-based mechanisms to fund protection. 10 Butte Unit Fire Management Plan 200511 ibid12 “What Are Ecosystem Services”, Resources for the Future,

2006

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These markets are driven by a combination of voluntary actions and regulatory requirements. Examples of voluntary markets are the emerging markets for forest and rangeland carbon seques-tration, or storage, and water quality trading cred-its. An example of a regulatory driven market is the growing use of mitigation banking to preserve wetlands and oak woodlands. Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forests sequester on average be-tween 150-200 tons of carbon per acre.13 As of this writing, carbon markets are entirely voluntary but increasingly private landowners are seeking to access these markets as part of their stewardship plans. According to US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, “A viable carbon offsets market—one that rewards farmers, ranchers and forest landowners for stewardship activities—has the potential to play a very important role in helping America address climate change, while also help-ing providing a possible new source of revenue for landowners”.14

Regulatory FrameworkThe following regulatory policies or public laws are pertinent to this discussion:

The National Forest Management Act of 1976 is a federal law that is the primary statute governing the administration of national forests. Congress annually establishes the allowable sale quantity

13 Carbon Sequestration and Storage by California Forests and Forest Products, Mader, CH2MHill 2007

14 From a subscription Web site, http://www.eenews.net/climatewire/2009/06/12/1

(ASQ) goal for each timber-producing forest. Fed-eral money goes to the Plumas National Forest to administer its ASQ, while additional money that the forest collects in conjunction with timber har-vesting activities also provides operating support.

The Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group Forest Recovery Act is a federal law that is the primary statute covering the implementation of the “Quincy Library Group Community Stability Proposal” (QLG). In addition to funding via its ASQ assigned by Congress, the Plumas National Forest also receives additional funding through the QLG, to implement timber that integrate haz-ardous fuel reduction.

The Sierra Nevada Framework is a federal plan summarizing management standards and guide-lines for national forests in the Sierra Nevada.

The State of California regulates timber harvests on private land within the state. The California Forest Practices Rules of 2010—composed of Title 14, California Code of Regulations Chapters 4, 4.5, and 10, is the primary California state regu-latory policy implementing forest practices.

In addition to these primary regulations affecting public and private forest lands within the County, numerous other federal and state laws also infl u-ence the use of forest land within the county, including: the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, governing the protection of critically imper-iled species from extinction as a consequence

of economic growth and development; the fed-eral Clean Water Act governing water pollution; the federal Clean Air Act governing air pollution; the federal Farm Bills of 2008 and 2009, which include provisions for private land managed for timber production and funding for rural coun-ties for timber management plans, and; the state Natural Community Conservation Planning Act, designed to implement the California Endangered Species Act and to provide for the protection of state threatened and endangered species.

IssuesThe high ratio of public to private land within Plumas County increases the importance of the interface between public land management and local land use planning.

Federal and state government regulation re-lated to the Plumas, Lassen, and Tahoe National Forests and the timber resources within national forests will impact General Plan policies related to recreation, tourism, and economic development in timber industry.

The General Plan update may consider position-ing the County to participate more effectively in public land management processes relative to fi re planning, water resources, recreation, and timber harvest practices.

The decline in the timber industry means continu-ing concern about unemployment and wildfi re. In

Economy

75

addition, there are other indirect impacts associ-ated with reductions in timber harvesting activity. For example, with declines in timber harvesting activity, funding for local school districts from the Title III, Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act (a federal program to provide money for school districts in communi-ties where federal timber harvests occur) will be reduced.

The County is aware that a number of private landowners are interested in removing their forest property from the Timberland Production Zone (TPZ), which is a state program to reduce taxes on forest lands in exchange for preservation. These actions could have land use, environmen-tal, aesthetic, economic, and fi scal impacts on the County.

A transitioning economy is both a known risk and an unknown opportunity, particularly concerning renewable energy and ecosystem services.Tourism and recreation development could be a signifi cant opportunity that could drive new tax revenues and employment and business opportu-nities for local residents.

The condition of the forest landscape has signifi -cant implications for water resources, because of its impact on watershed quality and forested land’s ability to more effi ciently act as a ground water reservoir, which may in turn affect agricul-ture and commercial and domestic water users

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eet

Year

Plumas County Timber Production Trends, 1994-2008

Timber Yields (Board Feet) Harvest Value (2008$)

Sources: CA State Board of Equalization, 2010; CA State Dept. of Finance, 2010.

Table FL-1: Plumas County Timber Production Trends, 1994-2008

Econ

omy

within the County as well as other water users downstream.

The threat of forest fi res creates concerns regard-ing public safety, release of carbon into the atmo-sphere, and general air quality, not to mention the expenses of fi re suppression. Conversely, healthy forests can help to sequester carbon, provide a source of raw material for various industries, cre-ate recreational opportunities for residents and tourists, and provide a source of employment.


Moving forward, sustainable timber harvests should continue to be an important economic activity for Plumas County. In addition, increased policy emphasis at the State and federal levels on sustainable energy production should help to encourage additional energy production from biomass, this would complement more intensive fi re fuel reduction activities.

The other parts of the General Plan that most impact the Forested Lands portion of the Agricul-ture Element are Open Space, Conservation, and Economic Elements.


EconomyAgribusinessAlthough Agriculture is a relatively small industry in Plumas County in terms of jobs or industry income, it plays a signifi cant role in the history of the County as well as in the current landscape. Agriculture provides not only local food produc-tion, but also open space and scenic vistas which are an intrinsic part of the Plumas County environ-ment.

SettingAs of 2008, the California Employment Develop-ment Department (EDD) reported 50 jobs in the Plumas County farm sector. Although this number is less than one percent of the 6,900 total jobs in Plumas County in 2008, the fi gure probably underestimates the total impact, as many farmers are self-employed and thus would not be included in the EDD statistics. In addition, this number does not include people employed in businesses that are agriculture-related, such as suppliers, processors, and/or transportation companies.

For 2008, the Plumas County Agricultural Com-missioner’s report indicates that a total of 159,200 acres of land were used for agriculture. This represents about ten percent of the County’s total acreage, and is the single largest use of land within the county after timber production, which accounts for almost 90 percent of the total land within the County.

Livestock raising, hay production, and pasture uses dominate Plumas County agriculture. Out-side of these uses, “other crops” accounted for about $250,000 in crop value in 2008. Total ag-ricultural production in 2008 was $18.9 million, of which about two-thirds was livestock and the other third was the hay and pasture. These fi gures do not include timber production, which was $22.3 million in 2008, according to the California State Board of Equalization.

Plumas County’s agricultural sector has contract-ed somewhat since 2000. Over the period, the number of livestock head declined from a peak of 18,950 in 2001; however, from 2002 to 2008, the number has remained close to 15,500 every year. Field crop acreage has declined from a peak of 12,950 in 2000 to 9,200 in 2008. Pasture acreage has declined only slightly, from 152,500 acres in 2000 to 150,000 acres in 2008.

The Quincy Farmer’s Market offers local produce on Thursdays from July though September. Sierra Valley Farms, a Plumas County organic commer-cial farm, supplies both local and regional markets with organic seasonal produce as well as propa-gates native plants for restoration projects.

Regulatory FrameworkThe farming industry faces a complex array of regulations governing nearly all aspects of opera-tions, from environmental regulations governing

use of pesticides and fertilizers, to labor regula-tions, to food safety regulations.

The California Food and Agriculture Code con-tains many regulations that dictate farming prac-tices within the State. The California Department of Food and Agriculture implements many of the State’s agriculture-related programs.

The 2008 federal Farm Bill contains the provisions for numerous federal agriculture-related pro-grams, administered primarily by the U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture.

IssuesFarmers can face pressure from urban encroach-ment on agricultural lands, when this creates land use incompatibility issues due to the noise, dust,

Economy

Dryland hay production, courtesy of Carol Dobbas

77

and traffi c related to machinery use, along with the environmental concerns related to pesticide and fertilizer use.

Due to the State budget crisis, for the 2009-2010 fi scal year, the State of California suspended pay-ments to counties for Williamson Act contracts. The Willamson Act has allowed land owners to sign contracts to maintain property as agricul-tural (preventing urban development), and in exchange, the land owners receive tax reductions, which were historically backfi lled by the state to make the counties whole. In the 2008-2009 fi s-cal year, the State made $93,248 in payments to Plumas County for this program, according to the California State Controller’s Offi ce.1 Unless State funding is restored for this program, or unless a local funding source is developed to offset the loss of state support, this would represent the loss of a tool that has proven valuable for the preservation of farmland, and which assists in making farming a more economically viable industry.

Climate change issues could have signifi cant effects on farming operations. Global warming has the potential to affect the viability of growing certain crops. Water shortages serve to enhance the tensions between urban water users and ag-ricultural water users and, ultimately, can result in increased production costs for farmers. Concern about carbon emissions’ contributions to climate

1 http://controller.ca.gov/Files-ARD-Payments/open_space_0809.pdf, accessed 4-2-2010.

Livestock (Number of Head) 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Steers n.a. n.a. 7,977 8,100 8,150 8,100 8,100 8,050 8,000 Heifers n.a. n.a. 6,693 6,700 6,750 6,750 6,750 6,700 6,700 Slaughter n.a. n.a. 715 700 700 700 700 700 700 Other 0Total Head of Livestock 18,700 18,950 15,385 15,500 15,600 15,550 15,550 15,450 15,400

Field Crop (Acres) Alfalfa Hay 5,200 5,150 4,756 6,000 6,000 6,000 5,500 5,500 5,500 Meadow Hay 6,300 6,250 2,697 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 Grain Hay 1,450 1,500 663 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,200 1,200 700Total Acres of Field Crops 12,950 12,900 8,116 10,000 10,000 10,000 9,700 9,700 9,200

Pasture (Acres) Irrigated Pasture 35,500 34,000 35,000 35,000 35,000 35,000 35,000 35,000 35,000 Non-Irrigated Pasture 52,000 51,000 52,000 52,000 52,000 52,000 52,000 50,000 50,000 Range Pasture 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000 65,000Total Acres of Pasture 152,500 150,000 152,000 152,000 152,000 152,000 152,000 150,000 150,000

GRAND TOTAL ACREAGE 165,450 162,900 160,116 162,000 162,000 162,000 161,700 159,700 159,200

Miscellaneous Crops (Nursery, apiary, seed, fruit, potatoes, grain, etc.) Crop Value, Misc. Crops $550,000 $490,000 $97,000 $110,000 $200,000 $250,000 $300,000 $300,000 $250,000

Source: Plumas County Agricultural Commissioner, 2010.

Table A-1: Agricultural Production Trends, 2000 to 2008

Econ

omy

Existing Conditions and TrendsCow and calves, courtesy of Mike Lydon

change will also likely lead to increased regulation of farm equipment use, which will require changes in operations.

Federal actions on a number of different subjects, such as food policy, international trade, energy policy, and environmental policy, can have signifi -cant impacts on farming operations.


EconomyTourismAccording to data from the California Employment Development Department, the Leisure and Hos-pitality sector in Plumas County was the second largest, in terms of employment (12.5 percent of total), behind only Government (35.7 percent of total).1

Tourism can be expected to serve as a signifi cant driver for Plumas County development during the General Plan time horizon. The corollary to this is that General Plan policies can help to enhance the attractiveness of Plumas County for tourism and also guide visitor-serving development so that it becomes an asset to the whole community and to minimize any adverse impacts. This section provides an overview of the role of tourism in the local community and the outlook for increasing tourist activity in the future.

SettingPlumas County tourism activities center on County’s natural scenic beauty, outdoor recreation activities, and history. Arts and culture is also an increasingly important component of the local tourism sector.

According to an analysis of California tourism prepared by Dean Runyan Associates2 , Plumas County captured approximately $104 million in travel spending in 2007. This was linked to over

1 CA Employment Development Department. Jobs by Indus-try, Plumas County, 2008.

2 Dean Runyan Associates. California Travel Impacts by County, 2007. April 2009.

1,500 jobs and $1.3 million in local tax receipts. Relative to the overall economy, the report esti-mates that travel spending supported 13.3 percent of the local jobs, 8.6 percent of the local earnings, and about 19 percent of local sales tax receipts.

The single largest component of this activity is food and beverage services, accounting for about $29.3 million in expenditures, followed by accom-modations, including campgrounds and lodging places ($24.8 million). The next largest tourism expenditure categories within the County include retail sales ($17.2 million) and arts, entertainment, and recreation ($16.3 million). Other signifi cant sectors include food stores ($9.4 million) and ground transportation and motor fuel ($6.2 mil-lion).

In addition to these sectors, tourism also has a signifi cant impact on the real estate sector via the second homeowners who own property and spend time and money in the area.

The County’s destination marketing organiza-tion (DMO) is the Plumas County Visitors Bureau (PCVB), charged with positioning Plumas County to attract additional visitor spending. The PCVB has a 2009-2010 Strategic Marketing Plan and Program of Work that establishes marketing goals, objectives, and strategic initiatives. Key initiatives include: Internet Marketing/Web Site, Media and Communications, Publications/Photo Library, Visitor Information and Fulfi llment, Results and Research, Partnership Assistance/Industry Advocacy, and Special Projects. Until recently,

PCVB initiatives also included paid advertise-ments and trade shows; however, these activities have been curtailed for the current year due to budget reductions.

Plumas County also falls under the California Travel and Tourism Commission’s (CTTC) Rural Tourism Strategic Plan3, which includes objectives to:

To extend awareness of the eight rural tourism • marketing regionsTo act as a catalyst to partnership develop-• ment between stakeholders and regional marketing groups

3 California Travel and Tourism Commission. Rural Tourism Strategic Plan.

Economy

Golfi ng at Plumas Pines, courtesy of Carol Dobbas

79

To facilitate development of fully integrated • regional marketing plans with a cohesive approach to incorporate California regional brand into cooperative marketing tactics, public relations opportunities and trade mes-saging.

The Strategic Plan identifi ed numerous primary assets or “demand drivers” for rural tourism, including:

State and National Parks• Environmental wonders• Small town atmosphere• Festivals and events• Scenery• Agricultural tourism• Outdoor recreation•

Plumas County possesses an abundance of as-sets that can be marketed to satisfy these de-mand drivers.

Regulatory FrameworkThere is little overall regulatory oversight on the local tourism industry; however, there are numer-ous local, state and federal regulations that apply to the operations of individual tourist-serving sectors. A key local regulation is the imposition of a transient occupancy tax on lodging visitors. Plumas County imposes a nine percent transient occupancy tax (TOT) on visitor accommodations, including vacation home rentals of less than 30 days. This is a General Fund revenue; however, the County allocates a portion of this money each year to support economic and tourism develop-ment.

Given the importance of public lands within Plumas County as a recreational resource, the policies and regulations of the various managing agencies on the use of the lands will have signifi -cant impacts on tourism opportunities within the County. The U.S.D.A. Forest Service administers over three-fourths of the County’s land, and is the largest public land manager. For example, there are approximately 668,000 visits per year in the Plumas National Forest, with the average visi-tor being male (66%) between the ages of 30-60

(52%) white (96%) and staying for approximately 4.6 (mean) hours. Fourteen percent (14%) of visitors, totaling approximately 93,520, stayed overnight. Visitors who spend the night away from home tend to contribute to the local econo-my. On the Plumas National Forest, about 39% of visitors indicated their trip included at least one night away from home. Of the 39% of visitors who stayed away from home, 37.4% stayed overnight

Plumas County Transient Occupancy Tax, 2000/01 to 2008/09

$1 200 000

$1,250,000

$1,300,000

$1,000,000$1,200,000$1,400,000

8/09

$)

$


$1,100,000

$1,150,000

$1,200,000

$1,250,000

$1,300,000

$400 000$600,000$800,000

$1,000,000$1,200,000$1,400,000

djus

ted

(08/

09$)

Nom

inal

$


$1,000,000

$1,050,000

$1,100,000

$1,150,000

$1,200,000

$1,250,000

$1,300,000

$0$200,000$400,000$600,000$800,000

$1,000,000$1,200,000$1,400,000

Infla

tion

Adj

uste

d (0

8/09

$)

Nom

inal

$


$1,000,000

$1,050,000

$1,100,000

$1,150,000

$1,200,000

$1,250,000

$1,300,000

$0$200,000$400,000$600,000$800,000

$1,000,000$1,200,000$1,400,000

Infla

tion

Adj

uste

d (0

8/09

$)

Nom

inal

$

Year


$1,000,000

$1,050,000

$1,100,000

$1,150,000

$1,200,000

$1,250,000

$1,300,000

$0$200,000$400,000$600,000$800,000

$1,000,000$1,200,000$1,400,000

Infla

tion

Adj

uste

d (0

8/09

$)

Nom

inal

$

Year


Nominal $ Inflation-Adjusted (08/09$)

$1,000,000

$1,050,000

$1,100,000

$1,150,000

$1,200,000

$1,250,000

$1,300,000

$0$200,000$400,000$600,000$800,000

$1,000,000$1,200,000$1,400,000

Infla

tion

Adj

uste

d (0

8/09

$)

Nom

inal

$

Year


Nominal $ Inflation-Adjusted (08/09$)

Sources: Plumas County Visitors Bureau, 2010; CA Dept. of Finance, 2010.

Table T-1: Plumas County Transient Occupancy Tax, 2000/2001 to 2008/2009

Econ

omy



Economywithin 50 miles of the forest and they averaged 4.5 nights away from home.4

As indicated previously, Plumas County tourism falls within the framework of the CTTC. CTTC activities are funded by a self-imposed assess-ment on certain tourism-related businesses that exceed certain size thresholds, and are not likely to include Plumas County businesses, due to their small sizes. From its assessment revenues, the CTTC allocates some funding to support tourism marketing in California’s rural areas.

IssuesAccording to the Dean Runyan Associates report, Plumas County’s growth in travel expenditures averaged 2.8 percent per year from 1992 through 2007. This lagged the overall growth in state-wide travel expenditures, which was 4.2 percent for the same time period. Furthermore, for the 2003 to 2007 period, the data indicate that Plu-mas County’s growth rate in travel expenditures increased only 1.5 percent per year while travel-related expenditures rose 6.0 percent per year in California during the same time period.

Plumas County collects a transient occupancy tax (TOT) of nine percent on the receipts of local lodging operators who provide accommoda-tions of 30 days or less, including vacation home rentals. TOT records provide an indicator of the amount of overnight visitor stays that the County attracts. Since the 2000-2001 fi scal year, TOT 4 National Visitor Use Monitoring Results for Plumas National

Forest, FY2005

revenues have fl uctuated, starting the period at about $928,000, peaking at $1,186,000 in 2007-2008, and falling slightly, to $1,113,000 in 2008-2009, according to statistics compiled by the PCVB. On an infl ation-adjusted basis, the 2008-2009 revenue fi gure represents an approximately 4.5 percent decline from the 2000-2001 levels.

These data suggest that Plumas County’s growth in tourism activity has been steady, albeit slow. As with the rest of the state and nation, the recession affected the local tourism industry in 2008-2009, and results for 2009-2010 will likely continuing effects.

There may be some barriers that have prevented the County from capturing its fair share of the long-term statewide increase in tourism. To be certain, Plumas County faces an inherent chal-lenge to tourist attraction in that it is a fairly remote County and not within the distance of an easy day trip from the State’s major metropolitan areas (i.e., San Francisco/San Jose and Los Angeles/San Di-ego). The County is also out of the path of travel of most visitors to California; however, through greater marketing, expanding the range of events and activities offered to tourists, and providing a greater range of accommodations, dining, and recreational offerings for “destination” visitors, Plu-

Accommodations, $24.8

Food & Beverage Services, $29.3

Food Stores, $9.4

Ground Trans. & Motor Fuel, $6.2

Arts, Entertain., & Rec., $16.3

Retail Sales, $17.2

Plumas County Visitor Spending by Commodity, 2007 (Millions of $)

Source: Dean Runyan Associates, 2009.

Table T-2: Plumas County Visitor Spending by Commodity ($ Millions), 2007

Economy

81

mas County has an opportunity to better capitalize on its natural assets as a tourism destination.

According to Suzi Brakken of the PCVB, some is-sues facing the tourism industry in Plumas County include lack of tourist “infrastructure” such as hotels and conference facilities that can accom-modate large tour groups, as well as other infra-structure elements such as off-season attractions, public restrooms, car rentals, and availability of retail, restaurants and services on a year ‘round basis; the impact of unpredictable weather and snowfall patterns on recreational activities; fund-ing availability to support tourism development and marketing in Plumas County; sustaining and maintaining existing tourist-serving businesses; and maintenance of public lands’ recreational attributes.5 A major consideration will also be coordination and cooperation with public land managers and PG&E, which control most of the County’s recreational land and water.

According to Ms. Brakken, the County’s key as-sets in marketing tourism in the future include the County’s scenic natural environment, including the availability of public lands for recreation; the authenticity of the County’s historic communities; the rural hospitality embodied in friendly people and a feeling of safety; and the diversity of activi-ties made possible by the four-season climate. Additionally, the County’s relative isolation can be a selling point for visitors who seek an alternative to busier places.

5 Personal communication. January 14, 2010.

Econ

omy


Taylorsville Rodeo, courtesy of Mike Lydon

TABLE T-3: Population Estimates and Fore-casts for Counties within a Th ree Hour Drive of Plumas County

Population

County St 2010 1 2030 2 % Change 2010 to 2030

West of Plumas CountyAlpine CA 1,369 1,462 7%

Butte CA 230,116 334,842 46%

Colusa CA 23,787 24,488 3%

El Dorado CA 189,308 247,570 31%

Glenn CA 30,880 45,181 46%

Nevada CA 102,649 123,940 21%

Placer CA 347,543 512,509 47%

Sacramento CA 1,451,866 1,803,873 24%

Shasta CA 191,722 260,179 36%

Sierra CA 3,628 3,290 -9%

Siskiyou CA 47,109 55,727 18%

Sutter CA 102,326 182,401 78%

Tehama CA 65,593 93,477 43%

Trinity CA 15,172 22,136 46%

Yolo CA 206,100 275,360 34%

Yuba CA 80,411 137,322 71%

Subtotal 3,089,579 4,123,757 33%

East of Plumas CountyModoc CA 10,809 16,250 50%

Lassen CA 37,918 47,240 25%

Carson City NV 57,425 62,201 8%

Churchhill NV 28,673 32,441 13%

Douglas NV 55,084 64,860 18%

Lyon NV 61,536 105,533 71%

Pershing NV 7,033 6,783 -4%

Storey NV 5,242 8,004 53%

Washoe NV 445,329 569,371 28%

Subtotal 709,049 912,683 29%

Total 3,798,628 5,036,440 33%Source: California Department of Finance, Nevada State De-mographer. “2030 “projections in Nevada are for 2028.

Growth in Population in the Surrounding RegionEven in the absence of substantial forecast changes in Plumas County population over the coming 20 years, population growth in the “market area” for recreational trips to Plumas County will increase recreational and second home potential. This can be expected to have an impact on devel-opment patterns, the tourism economy, and traffi c levels. A reasonable measure of this potential is refl ected in a review of population projections for those counties within a three-hour drive of Plumas County. As shown in Table T3, at present almost 3.8 million people live in this area, of which 81 percent live to the west (largely in the Sacramento Valley) and 19 percent live to the east (largely in the Washoe Meadows). This fi gure is forecast by the California Department of Finance and the Nevada State Demographer to grow by over 1.2 million (or 33 percent) by 2030, to a total of over 5.0 million. The distribution of growth is expected to be relatively even, with areas to the west grow-ing by 33 percent and areas to the east growing by 29 percent.


EconomyMiningWhile the mining sector was critical in the initial establishment of Plumas County, the sector now only plays a minor role in the economy with a small number of fi rms and employees. As a result of the historic mines, however, mining is still a sig-nifi cant land use in the County, comprising 3,880 acres of land within the County.1 In the process of updating the General Plan, it is important to simul-taneously recognize the limited role of mining as a contemporary economic activity in the County and to celebrate the history of mining in the County.

SettingPlumas County has a rich history, and since European settlement in the mid 1800’s, has remained largely a resource-based economy, ex-porting gold, timber, copper, and water to benefi t the surrounding regions. 2 One of the fi rst major industries in Plumas County, gold mining, began around 1850 with the Gold Rush.3 The next min-ing industry boom involved copper mining, which peaked in the 1920s and 1930s when Plumas County was the largest copper producer in Califor-nia. 4 Mining has been declining in recent years, with Plumas County mining employment totaling 1 Plumas County Economic Development Strategy, 2002-

2003 (Pg. 25)2 Sierra Business Council. “Memorandum: Plumas County

General Plan Visioning Workshop Series” July 13, 2007.3 US GenWeb Project. http://www. cagenweb.com/plumas/

hist.htm. Accessed on September 30, 2009.4 Ibid.

only 84 persons in 1990, and only 12 persons by 1999.5 In addition, 2008 data from the California Employment Development Department for Plu-mas County shows only three establishments in the Mining industry (NAICS Industry Sector 21) including the California-Engels Mining Company (one to four employees), Lost Creek Rock Works (one to four employees), and Treasure Canyon Enterprises (fi ve to nine employees). Additional data from the National Mining Association indi-cates that in California Congressional District Four, which includes Plumas, Modoc, Lassen, Sierra, Nevada, Placer, and El Dorado Coun-ties, mining employment totaled only about 460 persons in 2007, indicating that mining is a small industry within the larger region.

Regulatory FrameworkFor most mining activities, Plumas County re-quires the issuance of a permit to mine and reclamation plans.6 The purpose of this regulation is “to ensure conformity with the General Plan and zoning, to prevent or minimize adverse environ-mental effects, ensure that reclamation will be to a usable condition readily adaptable for alternative uses, that reclamation will permit continued min-ing and that residual hazards to the public health, safety, and welfare will be eliminated.”7 Therefore,

5 Plumas County Economic Development Strategy, 2002-2003 (Pg. 14)

6 Plumas County Planning and Building Services Department. http://www.countyofplumas.com/planning/forms/mng_recno-fee.pdf. Accessed October 13, 2009.

7 Ibid.

mining is already tightly regulated by Plumas County. County regulations implement State law regarding mining operations. The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) establishes procedures and requirements for the issuance of mining permits, review and approval of reclamation plans, and provision of fi nancial assurances for reclamation plans. In addition, mining activities on national forest land within the County are subject to a memorandum of under-standing (MOU) that stipulates that the Forest Service will cooperate with the County when issu-ing mining permits. The tight regulation of mining and reclamation operations, as well as the regula-tory fees imposed, can be a constraint to mining production. This is particularly true for aggregate,

Economy

Monitor, La Porte Area, courtesy of Plumas County Museum

83

which is a low value-added commodity, for which end-users are cost-sensitive.

Plumas County’s gold mining heritage endured into more recent times with small scale commer-cial and recreational mining in streams and creeks that fl ow through the county. However, in 2009, State Senate Bill 670 took effect, which banned suction dredge mining for gold until the California Department of Fish and Game establishes new rules for this type of mining. The law was enacted out of concern for the impacts of the dredging on fi sh populations. The law does not prohibit non-motorized recreational mining activities, such as gold panning.

IssuesThe mining industry represents a declining portion of the Plumas County economy. The downsiz-ing of the mining industry to date means that the County may want to develop a strategy to reclaim former mining sites for new uses as part of a larg-er economic development strategy. The County also has an opportunity to leverage its rich history and its association with mining through tourism promotion and development efforts.

Econ

omy

Eureka Mills Mining Crew, courtesy of Plumas County Museum



EconomyGovernmentThe federal government controls the majority of the land in Plumas County. Consequently, the General Plan update must acknowledge the plans of the federal government and either develop complimentary policies or work with federal agen-cies to alter policies. Failure to recognize the impact of federal policies could obstruct the ability of Plumas County to implement General Plan policies. Government agencies also supply over one-third of the jobs in the County; however, these jobs are primarily attributable to local government agencies.

SettingThe land area of Plumas County amounts to ap-proximately 1.64 million acres, and about 1.17 million acres of the County are under governmen-tal ownership, mainly federal government owner-ship.1 This leaves only 473,646 acres for existing and future private development. The majority of the federal government land contains important timber resources.

Plumas County residents rely on the government for a signifi cant portion of the employment oppor-tunities available within the County. As shown in Table 1 on the next page, the number of jobs that exist in Plumas County decreased from 7,200 in 2000 to 6,900 in 2008. The government sec-1 Plumas County Economic Development Strategy, 2002-2003

tor also lost jobs (from 2,480 in 2000 to 2,450 in 2008) but remained the industry representing the highest percentage of total jobs, at nearly 36 per-cent of total jobs, in 2008. Of the 2,450 govern-ment jobs, there were 420 federal, 100 state, and 1,930 local government jobs. Only the local gov-ernment jobs decreased from 2000 to 2008, while the number of state jobs stayed the same and the number of federal jobs increased. There may be additional local government job losses in 2009 given the decline in Plumas County revenues from FY 2006-2007 through FY 2008-2009 as a result of decrease in sales and use tax revenues, property tax in-lieu of sales tax, and timber yield tax revenues.2

Regulatory FrameworkThe largest piece of federal land in the County is the Plumas National Forest comprising 1.2 million acres, with about 75 percent in Plumas County.3 In addition to the Plumas National Forest, other federal agencies that have signifi cant holdings within the County include Lassen National Forest, and Tahoe National Forest. There are a number of federal policies that regulate the use of federal land.

One federal document that has a signifi cant infl u-ence within Plumas County is the Business Plan 2 Plumas County Budgets FY 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009.3 United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacifi c Southwest Region “Business Plan Plumas National Forest.” November, 2005.

for the Plumas National Forest. The Business Plan for the Plumas National Forest serves a number of functions. “[F]irst, it provides a syn-opsis of the Forest’s funding history. Second, it presents a clear, detailed picture of the state of current Forest operations and funding. Finally, it outlines the Forest’s priorities for funding and operational strategies.”4 The important part of this document for the General Plan update is the future priorities of the Plumas National Forest. The Business Plan shows the decline of timber as a revenue source, and the rising importance of income from partnership organizations. The Plu-mas National Forest is looking for outside funding for projects. Projects on which Plumas County may consider collaborating with the National For-est Service, in order to enhance the experience of the Plumas National Forest for locals and visitors alike, include maintenance of the Pacifi c Crest Trail and the James Beckwourth Trail, improved off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails, and increased educational materials at the Feather River Can-yon.

IssuesThe extensive federal ownership of land within Plumas County means that Plumas County has little direct control over much of the property within its jurisdiction. The policies of the federal govern-ment related to the Plumas National Forest and

4 United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacifi c Southwest Region “Business Plan Plumas National Forest.” November, 2005.

Economy

85

the timber resources within National Forests will impact General Plan policies related to recreation, tourism, and economic development within the timber industry.

Although the publicly-owned forest lands rep-resent a tremendous potential asset for tourism development and for biomass that can fuel renew-able energy projects, County strategies must acknowledge the procedures and regulations imposed by federal law.

The decline in revenues from the timber industry means that the National Forest Service needs to form partnerships to fund many of the programs that were once fully funded by Forest Service revenue, creating an opportunity for greater col-laboration with the County, provided the County can help bring additional resources.

Table 1: Jobs by Industry, Plumas County, 2000 and 2008Plumas County

2000 2008

Industry (a) JobsPercent of Total Jobs

Percent of Total

Federal Government 380 5.3% 420 6.1%State Government 100 1.4% 100 1.5%Local Government 2,000 27.8% 1,930 28.1%Leisure & Hospitality 990 13.8% 860 12.5%Retail Trade 950 13.2% 680 9.9%Manufacturing 720 10.0% 610 8.9%Construction 370 5.1% 560 8.1%Educational & Health Services 480 6.7% 480 7.0%Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities 80 1.1% 330 4.8%Professional & Business Services 300 4.2% 320 4.7%Financial Activities 250 3.5% 230 3.3%Other Services 110 1.5% 130 1.9%Information 110 1.5% 70 1.0%Mining and Logging 140 1.9% 60 0.9%Wholesale Trade 80 1.1% 60 0.9%Farm 150 2.1% 50 0.7%Total 7,200 (b) 100% 6,880 (b) 100%

Notes: (a) Industry fi gures report the number of jobs in Plumas County, not the number of employed residents.(b) Sums of fi gures in columns may vary from the totals due to rounding.

Source: EDD, 2009, BAE, 2009. Ec

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EconomyEducationWithin Plumas County there are educational op-portunities from elementary school through an Associates Degree. Public education from kin-dergarten through high school is provided by the Plumas Unifi ed School District with children who live in the towns of Chilcoot and Vinton and other areas outside these communities in the eastern part of the County attending school in the Sierra-Plumas Joint Unifi ed School District. After high school, local students can attend Feather River Community College. Quality elementary and secondary education is key in the development of a productive workforce. Continuing education resources are important to ensure that the work-force has the opportunity to update their skills in order to facilitate job mobility and adaptation as the nature of the workplace evolves with ongoing change in the global economy.

SettingThe Plumas Unifi ed School District contains seven elementary schools - Carmichael, Ches-ter, Greenville, Quincy, East Quincy, Pioneer, and Taylorsville - and four high schools - Portola, Greenville, Chester, and Quincy. There are also three alternative schools, including Portola Op-portunity for grades three to six; Plumas County Opportunity for grades seven to nine; and Plumas County Community for high school students. Two

additional high schools, Almanor and Beckwourth cater to students working towards their GEDs. In the Sierra-Plumas Joint Unifi ed School District, children who live in the towns of Chilcoot and Vinton and other parts in that portion of Plumas County attend Loyalton Elementary School, Loyal-ton Middle School, and Loyalton High School.1

Feather River Community College offers Associ-ate of Arts and Associate of Science Degrees, as well as unique outdoor certifi cate programs in En-vironmental Studies, Equine Studies, and Outdoor Recreational Leadership.

Table 1 contains information on the educational attainment for the population age 25 and over in the Unincorporated Area, Plumas County as a whole, and California in 2000. The educational attainment data for the Unincorporated Area and Plumas County as a whole indicate that the per-centages are very similar between the two areas for each of the educational attainment categories. In Plumas County, as of 2000, about 12 percent of the population age 25 and over had education less than high school degree, and 88 percent had a high school degree or higher. Detailed informa-tion on the level of educational attainment shows that 18 percent of the Unincorporated Area popu-lation had a Bachelors degree or higher, and six percent had a Graduate or Professional degree. 1 Sierra County Offi ce of Education http://www.sierra-coe.k12.

ca.us/. Accessed October 16, 2009.

California had a smaller percent of the population with a high school degree or higher compared to Plumas County; however, around 23 percent of the California population had a Bachelors degree or higher, and ten percent had a Graduate or Pro-fessional degree. Overall, the educational attain-ment level data indicates that a higher percentage of residents have at least a high school degree in Plumas County than in California, but that a lower percentage of local residents have a Bachelors degree or higher in than in California. While Plu-mas County has proportionately fewer residents with Bachelor’s or Masters’ degrees than the State, greater percentages of Plumas County resi-dents have Associates degrees or some college education than in the State as a whole.

In addition to their educational resources, the school districts and Feather River Community Col-lege also represent large sources of employment opportunity within the County. Employment data from the California Employment Development De-partment indicates that the combined health and education sector employed a total of 480 persons in Plumas County in both 2000 and 2008.2

2 California Employment Development Department. www.edd.ca.gov. Accessed September 2009.

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Regulatory FrameworkAs with all parts of California, public education in Plumas County is governed by various state laws. This includes the funding mechanisms for public schools.

Because the federal government owns such large quantities of land within Plumas County, it does provide some special assistance for local schools. For example, the Forest Service, in accordance with the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, provided $6.75 million in FY 2008 to assist with “public schools, roads, and stewardship projects.”3 The purpose of these funds is to help offset the decrease in tax revenue from timber production, and therefore keep high quality schools and public services in rural counties like Plumas. Funds from this source were originally authorized for a fi ve-year period extending through fi scal year 2007. Sub-sequent legislation extended the law for 2007, and most recently, in 2008, authorized funding for fi scal years 2008 through 2011.4 Funding beyond 2011 would require additional authorization.

3 Forest Service http://www.fs.fed.us/ srs/#timeline. Accessed on October 14, 2009.

4 http://www.fs.fed.us/srs/. Accessed on April 5, 2010.

IssuesFeather River Community College is a valu-able asset to Plumas County, and the programs offered at the College should continue to grow and change with the economy of Plumas County. General Plan policies related to economic devel-opment should consider how programs at Feather River Community College can be tailored to train people to work in the existing and future industries in the County.

Plumas County is limited because it does not have a four-year college offering Bachelor’s de-grees; thus, economic development policies might consider how to attract college graduates back to the area, to use their knowledge and skills to help expand the local economy. In the same vein, the County and Feather River College might explore opportunities to facilitate distance learning, for students wishing to pursue their education beyond an Associates degree, while continuing to live in Plumas County.

Table EDU-1: Educational Attainment of the Population Age 25 and Over, 2000Unincorporated

AreaPlumas County State of California

Educational Attainment Number Percent of Total Number

Percent of Total Number

Percent of Total

Some High School 1,580 12% 1,770 12% 4,942,743 23%High School Diploma 3,571 27% 4,102 28% 4,288,452 20%Some College 4,408 33% 4,771 32% 4,879,336 23%Associate Degree 1,419 11% 1,554 11% 1,518,403 7%Bachelor's Degree 1,626 12% 1,737 12% 3,640,157 17%Master's Degree 486 4% 525 4% 1,287,844 6%Professional Degree 201 2% 227 2% 492,504 2%Doctoral Degree 94 1% 100 1% 249,461 1%Total Population Age 25 and Over:

13,385 100% 14,786 100% 21,298,900 100%

Sources: Census, 2000; BAE, 2009.Econ

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EconomyRecreationIncreasingly over the last several decades, Plumas County’s natural environment has made the County an attractive location for recreation. Recreational activities range from hiking, cross-country skiing, and fl oating down rivers to riding off-highway vehicles, and boating. Decisions about the maintenance and expansion of recre-ational activities may impact the Open Space and Conservation Elements of the General Plan.

SettingFederal lands represent the primary resource for public recreational activities within Plumas Coun-ty. Plumas County is home to at least a portion of Plumas National Forest, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lassen National Forest, and the Tahoe National Forest. All of these areas offer a plethora of outdoor recreational activities. The Plumas National Forest offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, numerous lakes for water sports and fi shing, snowmobile and off-highway vehicle trails, and fl oat trips down the Feather River. A portion of the Pacifi c Crest Trail also runs through the Plumas National Forest and attracts hikers interested in either hiking the small portion of the trail in the Plumas National Forest or larger portions of the 2,650-mile trail that runs from Mexico to Canada.1 1 Pacifi c Crest Trail Brochure. http://www. fs.fed.us/pct/pdf/Large_PCT_Map.pdf. Accessed October 15, 2009.

The Chester/Lake Almanor area in the northwest-ern corner of Plumas County sits at the entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lassen National Forest. The area offers a variety of ser-vices such as lodging, restaurants, groceries, and service stations for visitors entering the Lassen National Forest and National Park. Chester/Lake Almanor also serves as a gateway to beautiful hydrothermal areas and winter snowshoeing.2

Finally, small portions of the Tahoe National For-est are in the southern and eastern areas of Plu-mas County. In these sections of the forest there are opportunities to hike, ride off-highway ve-hicles, shoot at the Sierra Valley Shooting Range, and boat on the reservoirs.3

The County’s recreational opportunities are a key factor in attracting visitors to Plumas County.

2 Plumas County Northern California Visitors Bureau http://www.plumascounty.org/ Things%20to%20See%20And%20do/Lassen%20Volcanic%20National%20Park.htm. Accessed October 15, 2009.3 Tahoe National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/ r5/tahoe/recre-ation/svrd/sportsmen.shtml. Accessed October 15, 2009.

Over the last fi ve years, County transient occu-pancy tax receipts have totaled as follows: peak revenues in 2007-2008 followed by a de-cline for 2008-2009 mimic the trend in the national economy. Although not a direct indicator of tour-ism activity, the transient occupancy tax history provides some indication of the general trend in visitation to the County as well as the impor-tance of tourism as a local governmental revenue source.

Regulatory FrameworkAdditional recreation facilities and activities on federal land would need to be compatible with the applicable federal management plans and would be subject to an Environmental Assessment. If the impacts are found to be signifi cant, then a full

YearTransient Occupancy

Tax Revenue2004-2005 $1,049,4232005-2006 $1,043,7732006-2007 $1,023,8002007-2008 $1,142,7252008-2009 $1,007,974

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Trail ride at Lakes Basin, courtesy of Carol Dobbas

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Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be completed and any signifi cant impacts would need to be mitigated to less than signifi cant levels.

IssuesFurther development of recreation activities could lead to additional tourist activity, and correspond-ing development of housing, lodging, and retail facilities. Also, when increasing recreational opportunities it is important to consider preserving the natural beauty that attracts visitors to the area.

The Vision 2020 Plumas County initiative has already produced a document listing what rec-

reational opportunities participating community members would like to see in Plumas County by 2020. The work of the Vision 2020 committee has already outlined many of the recreation goals for Plumas County. The recreation document outlines the timelines, outcomes, stakeholders, resources, and barriers for a list of about 15 dif-ferent recreational objectives. Examples of the objectives include 1) “To increase educational and recreational opportunities in the Lake Almanor Ba-sin. To develop year round programs for children, youth, adults, and seniors by utilizing recreational, educational and social program tools. Formation of strong partnerships with Feather River College,

Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the Almanor Ranger District of the Lassen National Forest,” and 2) “Support and encourage skiing as a rec-reational activity in the county, both downhill and cross-country.”4

The General Plan Update process should validate and, where appropriate, update the goals from the Vision 2020 initiative to help guide the updates to various General Plan Elements.

4 Vision 2020 Project Report .http://www.countyofplumas.com/publichealth/vision2020/project%20report/plumas_vi-sion_2020_project_report.htm. Accessed October 15, 2009.

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Wake boarding, courtesy of Carl Felts Fly fi sherman


EconomyEnergyEnergy producers in Plumas County gener-ate signifi cantly more electricity than is utilized by residential and commercial users within the county. Signifi cantly, given the State-mandated Renewables Portfolio Standard, Plumas County also produces more electricity from renewable resources than the County consumes. Looking forward, the General Plan Update will consider how Plumas County could work to increase its energy production through renewable resources and grow the energy sector of the economy.

SettingThe main sources of energy production in Plumas County include thirteen power plants1, including one in Portola, which produce about 666 MW of electricity as of September 2009.23 The facilities include one biomass plant, one oil/gas plant, and eleven hydroelectric plants. Energy consumption in Plumas County is almost entirely electricity use because there are no natural gas service lines within the County although many residents and 1 Plants producing greater than 0.1 megawatts (MW)2 Database of California Power Plants, California Energy

Commission, Updated September 2009. http://www.ener-gyalmanac.ca .gov/ powerplants/index.html. Accessed on October 8, 2009.

3 As stated by the Center for Economic Development “a megawatt (MW) is a unit of capacity. One MW of capacity produces on Megawatt hour of electricity for each hour it operates. A Megawatt hour (MWh) is equivalent to 1,000 Kilowatt hours and is the amount of energy produced per hour by on MW of capacity.

businesses use propane tank and heating oil ser-vices. In 2007, the total non-residential consump-tion was 109 MWh’s and residential consumption equaled 105 MWh’s for a total of 214 MWh’s. This is a decrease from 2006 when the total elec-tricity consumption in the County was 224 MWh’s. The lower consumption in 2007 was driven by a fall in non-residential consumption. Therefore, in Plumas County the total supply of electricity produced in the County exceeds the demand for electricity.

Potential for additional hydroelectric power gener-ation in Plumas County may be limited because of the 30 MW capacity limit for “small” hydroelectric plants and the requirement that the water travel through existing man-made conduits. The County does have potential for additional solar energy production.4 According to the California Energy Commission staff paper entitled California Solar Resources, the photovoltaic potential of Plumas County is estimated to be 71,626 MW.5 A report from the Center for Economic Development indi-cates that Plumas County has very little potential for geothermal production.6

4 Center for Economic Development “Renewable Electricity Production in Update California: Present and Future Re-sources Use and Its Economic Impact.” March 6, 2009.

5 California Energy Commission “California Solar Resources.” April 2005.

6 Center for Economic Development “Renewable Electricity Production in Update California: Present and Future Re-sources Use and Its Economic Impact.” March 6, 2009.

Plumas County’s greatest asset for renewable en-ergy production lies in the County’s forests, where biofuels proliferate and where vegetation manage-ment for forest fi re hazard reduction has potential to create an ongoing source of fuel for power gen-eration plants. Wind is another potential source of energy in Plumas County, particularly along the County’s higher mountains and ridge-lines, according to the Northwest Wind Mapping Project, which was supported by a coalition of public and private energy sector organizations. The wind resource map for Plumas County shows that there are a number of locations along the County’s eastern boundary with Lassen County that are designated as Class 4 (Good) or better for wind power, as well as additional locations south of Highway 70, extending from the central part of the County to the west.7 Availability of transmission infrastructure may be one limiting factor on the full utilization of these wind resources.

Regulatory FrameworkPlumas County already exceeds the Renewable Energy Portfolio standards for the State of Cali-fornia, which require that by 2010 electric compa-nies get 20 percent of electricity from renewable resources,8 and increase the percentage to 33

7 http://www.windpowermaps.org/pdf/Plumaswindpower50.pdf. Accessed April 5, 2010.

8 Established in 2002 under Senate Bill 1078 and increased in 2006 under Senate Bill 107.

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percent by 2020.9 Only certain types of elec-tric generation qualify as renewable resources, including biomass, biodiesel, fuel cells using renewable fuel, digester gas, geothermal landfi ll gas, municipal solid waste, ocean wave, ocean thermal, tidal current, solar photovoltaic, small hydroelectric (30 MW or less), solar thermal, and wind.10 As of 2006, Plumas County had a renew-able electricity generation to electricity use ratio of 179.12 percent through mainly biomass and small hydroelectric production.11 This means that Plumas produces more electricity from renewable resources than the County consumes.

IssuesPlumas County already creates electricity from many sources, and enough energy using renew-able resources to meet the demands of residential and commercial uses within the County. Plumas is now in a unique position to assist the rest of the State of California to meet the standards set forth in the Renewables Portfolio Standards.

There is the opportunity to increase the amount of renewable energy available for use outside of Plumas County by increasing the production of renewable electricity and decreasing the demand

9 Executive Order S-21-0910 California Public Utilities Commission. 11 Center for Economic Development “Renewable Electric-

ity Production in Update California: Present and Future Resources Use and Its Economic Impact. March 6, 2009.

for electricity within the County. As stated in the report from the Center for Economic Development entitled Renewable Electricity Production in Up-state California, there is the potential to increase electricity production through small hydroelectric, biomass, geothermal, and solar technologies, and the opportunity to reduce the demand for electric-ity within the County through conservation. The benefi ts of this expansion to the County would be the initial jobs for the construction of the facilities, and jobs over the long-term to operate and main-tain the facilities. In addition, the renewable en-ergy sector would likely spin off additional indirect economic benefi ts, via tax payments, purchases of goods and services from various suppliers, and the increased household income realized by em-ployees who live within the county, which would be available to spend within the local economy.

In order to increase energy production and de-crease the demand for energy, the General Plan Land Use, Housing and Transportation Elements in particular would have to coordinate with the energy goals of the County. For example, the County should ensure that land use policies sup-port the siting of renewable energy production facilities in compatible locations, and the County should encourage new residential and commer-cial construction and rehabilitation projects to be designed to reduce energy needs as much as practical.

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