The Chron has an update on the Sierra Club’s Clair Tappaan Lodge, which the club has been threatening to sell. Seems a couple donors have come through with $250k worth of breathing room for the lodge.
Their most recent score was a welcome dose of black ink for Tappaan’s books, due to a conservation easement recently bought by the Truckee Donner Land Trust. Announced on Friday, the Trust will provide a $250,000 grant in return for an easement on 23.4 forested acres to the north of the lodge, complete with a warming hut designed by architect George Homsey. The funds were provided by two San Francisco donors who prefer to remain anonymous. While the Sierra Club will retain ownership for the time being, the agreement precludes development of the site no matter who owns it.
A fund-raising weekend is planned for Aug. 10-12 during the Perseids Meteor Shower.
The Sierra Club’s page on the lodge is here. Hikes from the lodge here.
It’s a shame that the Sierra Club felt they had to sell that land. Some see it as more evidence that the club is moving farther away from their origins as an outings club, and even more into the domain of a political lobby. On the other had, I’m relieved that that land will not be developed.