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| Area: 1,890 Acres | ||
| Lat: 39.319431 | ||
| Lon: 120.113457 | ||
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Linda Pittman
Parham Pourahmad
Larry Whiting
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| Martis Creek Lake - Site # 130 | |||
 | Seasonal - these sites have high wildlife values during certain seasons, though they may have recreational value year-round. | ||
| Background: | Martis Creek is home to the rare Lahontan Cutthroat Trout as well as many other species of Sierra Nevada wildlife species. | ||
| Native people once roamed this location before western wagon trains including the Donner Party traveled through these lands. The area still bears signs of a rich history including that of Chinese workers building the transcontinental railroad and the gold and silver strikes in the region. | |||
| The Habitat: | The plant species represented in the Martis Creek Lake area are typical of high mountain valleys east of the Sierra Nevada crest. Elevations in the watershed vary from 5,700 feet at the dam to 8,742 feet at the top of Martis Peak. The climate is characterized by mild, dry summers and cold, wet winters. An annual temperature range from -28 degrees F to 101 degrees F is common. The vegetative cover types identified along Martis Creek are montane riparian (5%), mountain meadow (30%), sagebrush scrub (55%), aspen and Jeffrey pine (10%). Jeffrey pine, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and quaking aspen are the major tree species. Dispersed among the trees and occupying the streamside terraces are shrubs including sagebrush, rabbit brush, bitterbrush, mountain whitethorn, groundleaf manzanita and pinemat manzanita. The meadow area contains many species of both native and introduced grasses and sedges. | ||
| The Experience: | Site is the first reservoir selected as California's 'wild trout' lake and catch & release fishery. | ||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | Car, trails, boating. | ||
| Viewing Tips: | Songbirds and wildlife best are viewed in spring and summer. Heavy snows limit access and viewing in winter months. | ||
| Site Notes: | Located on the east side of the Sierra Nevada crest, this lake is bordered by meadows, rolling sage-covered hills, volcanic outcrops, and dense conifer forests. The reservoir attracts Canada geese, American white pelicans, bald eagles, and ospreys. Creeks shelter western wood pewees, nuthatches, and chickadees. Raccoons and golden-mantled ground squirrels appear near the campground. In the mornings and evenings, watch the 'edges' where the forest, lake and meadows meet - for browing mule deer, soaring red-tailed hawks, and coyotes on the hunt. The reservoir was selected as California's first 'wild trout' lake and supports a trophy rainbow and brown trout catch-and-release fishery. | ||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | Lake Tahoe is just a short drive over Mt. Pluto on Hwy 267 from this park location. | ||
| Festivals & Events: | On Site: National Public Lands Day, Truckee River Days - Off site: Nevada County Fair | ||
| Visitor Information: | Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce - 530-587-8808 - www.truckee.com | ||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | Yes | ||
| Open: | Everday | ||
| Hours: | 24 hours in summer | ||
| Year Round: | No | ||
| Seasonal: | Winter snow closes the recreation facilities except for day use skiers and hikers. Call for exact closure dates. | ||
| Road Information: |  Paved.  Gravel.  Dirt. | ||
| Road Hazards: Heavy snows in winter, roads closed | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 0 | |||
| Parking Fee: No | |||
| Proximity to viewing area:varies depending on recreation area | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: Yes | |||
| Parking Danger: Use caution when turning into park from Hwy 267. Many motorists travel at a high rate of speed on this wide open section of Hwy 267. | |||
| How to Get There: | From Truckee, CA: From Interstate 80, take the Central Truckee exit, travel southeast on CA-Hwy 267 toward Lake Tahoe for 3 miles, Turn left at the Martis Creek Lake turnoff. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | US Army Corps of Engineers | ||
| Agency Site URL: | www.spk.usace.army.mil/martis.html | ||
| Physical Address: | 11989 Martis Dam Road Truckee, CA 93244-0346 |
Agency 2: | P.O. Box 6 Smartville, CA 95977-0006 |
| Manager Phone: | (530) 432-6427 | Contact Us: | by Email |
| Site Phone: | 530-587-8113 | ||
| County: | Nevada | ||
| Addition Website: | |||