Nearly three square miles that includes 1,832 +/- acres of pine and fir forests, lush mountain meadows, and a private alpine lake, the Jones Valley Preserve is located within a few minutes of Donner Summit, Truckee, and Lake Tahoe.   Ideal for that private family recreational retreat featuring many building sites with endless views to the surrounding Sierras.

LOCATION:  The Jones Valley Preserve is located on the west slope of Donner Summit, near Kingvale, a small mountain community along the South Fork of the Yuba River. Access to the Preserve is via a two mile private and gated road from Donner Pass Road. Truckee is roughly 30 minutes away and Lake Tahoe is about 45 minutes from the property.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  Surrounded on three sides by National Forest, this massive expanse of Sierra timberland is a recreationalist wonderland with miles of trails and roads for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or recreational vehicles.

The lower portion of Jones Valley is gently sloping timberland with meadows, flowing creek and the private Catfish Lake. As one makes his way through the heart of the Preserve, the lands are dominated by gentle topography rising eastward into the northern reaches of Upper Jones Valley. While the lower Valley starts at just below 7000 feet, the upper portions of the Preserve reach almost 7900 feet above sea level and afford panoramic views of the surrounding Sierras.

Rattlesnake Creek headwaters in the upper valley then cascades down through the meadows and forests for nearly three miles until it leaves the west boundary of the property. While a rushing Sierra stream in the Spring and early Summer, the creek typically goes underground in late Summer then reappears in the Fall. Within a short hike of the Preserve are Lola Montez Lakes for additional swimming and maybe even some fishing. The Pacific Crest Trail is also within a couple of miles to the east of the property.

IMPROVEMENTS: The current owners have developed a proposed home site near the lake and with stunning views of Devil’s Peak and the Sierras by installing a water well and septic system. Other improvements are the gates placed at a couple of the entrances to the Preserve. Due to the remote nature of this property, an “Off the grid” power system of solar, propane, and optional generator will need to be installed for domestic use. Cell phones work from most locations on the Preserve, as well as at the proposed home site.

ZONING/LAND USE: The zoning for the Preserve is Timberland Production Zone (TPZ), with a minimum acreage of 160 acres per parcel. Nevada County currently allows one residence per legal parcel on TPZ lands, as long as the building of a home does not interfere with the timber growing process and meets other general building department guidelines. A guesthouse is also allowed, as well as second home, possibly for a caretaker, with an Administrative Development Permit. Currently in six legal parcels, we have copies of the Certificates of Compliance on file in our offices. Assessor’s Parcel Numbers include: 15-120-03, 15-190-04, 47-010-36, 47-010-37, 47-010-38 and 47-010-39. Any zoning/building questions should be confirmed with Nevada County Planning Department at 530-265-1222.

TAXES: Due to the TPZ designation on the Preserve, the land value is not reassessed for property tax purposes upon sale, rather tax revenue is paid if and when timber is harvested. Any improvements on the property, if built, will be assessed the full amount, along with a footprint around the improvements, but the balance of the land will not be taxed at the full amount. For 2009, total property taxes were only $1,687. For more information on the property taxes, please call the Nevada County Tax Assessor’s office at 530-265-1232.

WILDLIFE: Wildlife habitat on the Jones Valley Preserve is thriving with an abundance of deer, bear, hawks, eagles, owls, songbirds, grouse, mountain quail, occasional ducks, and numerous other species. Being located in the path of a major migratory path, the Preserve has historically provided excellent deer hunting.

ASKING PRICE: $2.9 million. Or, the seller may agree to sell the 1,192 acre Upper Jones Valley without the 640 acres with the lake, for $1.45 million.

BROKER’S COMMENTS: Where else in Northern California can one find nearly three square miles of private timberland with lush mountain meadows and a private alpine lake so close to a mountain community like Donner Summit and Truckee. The options here are endless for one or more family recreational retreats.

For a private showing, call Terry Hundemer at 530-265-5774 or 530-913-8095.