Safeguarding water, wildlife, and public access

About Lake Almanor

Protecting public access and scenic landscapes

Fed by the North Fork Feather River, Lake Almanor’s waters and surrounding wetlands, meadows, and forests sustain vibrant communities of humans and wildlife alike.

Fast Facts

• 29,057 acres at Lake Almanor including Chester Meadows
• Protected by: Conservation Easement
• Protected for: Clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, scenic open space, history and culture
• Rare or threatened species: 23
• Landowner: Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Working together to protect Lake Almanor

In partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the Stewardship Council, FRLT has permanently protected 29,057 acres of publicly important lands and waters at Lake Almanor with a conservation easement. This conservation easement held by FRLT prevents subdivision and detrimental land use changes within the protected property, including the reservoir itself. PG&E will continue to own and operate Lake Almanor and manage recreation facilities and leases. 

The Lake Almanor conservation easement is part of a larger effort by the California Public Utilities Commission, PG&E, the Stewardship Council, and a variety of stakeholders to conserve 140,000 acres of PG&E watershed lands throughout California for ongoing public benefit. Approximately 44,000 acres of these watershed lands are within the upper North Fork Feather River Watershed. FRLT is the local conservation organization designated to hold conservation easements on these lands. Feather River Watershed lands protected by FRLT through this project include Lake Almanor, Bucks Lake, Mountain Meadows Reservoir, Butt Valley Reservoir, and five properties now owned and conserved by the Maidu Summit Consortium including Tásmam Koyóm (Humbug Valley).   

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Water & Ecology

The North Fork Feather River flows from its headwaters near Lassen Peak into Lake Almanor. The lake is also fed by the cold water of Hamilton Branch, Last Chance and Benner Creeks, and many natural springs. Water from Lake Almanor flows into the North Fork Feather River, down the Feather River Canyon and Highway 70 corridor to Lake Oroville. Lake Almanor provides a critical source of water to the CA State Water Project, which delivers water to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland downstream. This abundance of water contributes to incredible habitat diversity. Lake Almanor is a diverse landscape made up of 16 individual habitat types, including riparian wetlands in Chester Meadows and mixed conifer forest along the southern and eastern banks. 

Flora & Fauna

The vast landscape of Lake Almanor’s 29,057 acres and its diversity of habitats support a wide range of wildlife species. From Chester Meadows—with grebes, coyotes, and river otters— to the vast lakeshore and surrounding forest—with black bears, Bald Eagles, and Osprey—you’re sure to see nature in action when you visit Lake Almanor.

This diverse habitat range also makes Lake Almanor home to 23 rare or threatened species. Designated an Important Bird Area by California Audubon, these lands support thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds each year, as well as California’s densest population of Yellow Warbler and the second largest concentration of Willow Flycatcher (a CA endangered species) in the state. Lake Almanor is also home to a variety of fish species and is one of northern California’s prized year-round brown and rainbow trout fisheries.

Recreation & Public Access

Lake Almanor has been beloved by locals and visitors alike for generations. In the warmer months, camping, boating and swimming are popular, and fishing can be enjoyed year-round. At an elevation of 4,505 feet, winter brings cold weather and picturesque views of snowcapped Lassen Peak from the shoreline. Lake Almanor is the largest reservoir in the Feather River region and one of the most iconic and beautiful lakes in northern California. PG&E-owned recreation facilities and public access to them are part of FRLT’s conservation easement. With three existing picnic areas, campgrounds and a boat launch, public enjoyment of the lake will be sustained for generations to come. 

Culture & History

Lake Almanor is part of the ancestral homeland of the Mountain Maidu who have inhabited these lands since time immemorial. The area now covered by Lake Almanor was known as Big Meadows and included several Maidu villages.  

The reservoir was created in 1914 when the Great Western Power Company (later acquired by Pacific Gas & Electric Company) dammed the North Fork of the Feather River. The name Almanor was derived from combining the names of the power company president’s three daughters—Alice, Martha, and Elinore.  

The reservoir inundated several Maidu cultural areas, but important sites remain near the shoreline and are protected by the conservation easement. In addition to the protected lands at Lake Almanor that remain in PG&E ownership, five other properties previously owned by PG&E have been reacquired and conserved by the Maidu Summit Consortium, with FRLT holding conservation easements. The Feather River Land Trust honors the Mountain Maidu and their relationship to this land and deep knowledge of the interconnectedness of all things in this ecosystem. 

Stewardship of Lake Almanor

As the conservation easement holder, FRLT will meet with PG&E annually about management plans and potential impacts on special resources and public values at Lake Almanor. FRLT will visit and inspect the property on an annual basis to ensure that the terms of the easement are being upheld. 

Why Conservation?

Since 2000, the Feather River Land Trust has worked to protect private lands for the public good in the Sierra Nevada’s largest watershed, the Feather River —a source of drinking water for 27 million people. Protecting Lake Almanor is consistent with our goals, which include protecting clean water, wildlife habitat, working landscapes, public recreation, and cultural sites. Conserving PG&E’s Lake Almanor lands with a conservation easement permanently restricts subdivision of the reservoir and Chester Meadows (restricted subdivision and no private development outside of the current leased areas) and ensures the preservation of open space. These lands and waters are a tremendous asset to our regional economy and local communities and sustain a diversity and abundance of birds and other wildlife.

Beneficial Public Values

The conservation easement at Lake Almanor protects multiple features and values that benefit the public. PG&E and the Stewardship Council refer to these as “Beneficial Public Values.” Conserving PG&E watershed lands is driven by the following Beneficial Public Values:

• protection of the habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants
• preservation of open space
• outdoor recreation by the public
• sustainable forestry
• agricultural uses
• historical and cultural values

SEE ALL CONSERVED LANDS

You Can Count On Us

As a nationally accredited land trust, we are built to last. We leverage your donations with state, federal, and foundation dollars and strategic partnerships to achieve the greatest possible impact for the lands, waters, and people of the Feather River region. You can count on us to make careful and effective use of your support.