Restoring the once-thriving Donner Creek

 

In the town of Truckee, you can find Donner Creek rambling its way through some popular locations in town. Donner Creek has been repeatedly modified since the mid-1800s – for grazing, the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad and local roadways, and more recently, for development of our homes and businesses. The formerly meandering, sprawling, Donner Creek was straightened, confined, redirected and disconnected from its natural floodplain. We plan to restore it.

The above photo demonstrates severe bank erosion, fine sediment loading, and poor habitat quality. At this site, we will utilize a combination of engineering and natural elements to stabilize the bank and enhance habitat.

Restoring a degraded streambank

Repairing 5,000 feet of stream
Combining engineering with natural elements—such as native vegetation—will stabilize degraded streambanks and reduce erosion and runoff.

Restoring riparian habitat
Protecting streambank and reducing sedimentation will restore macroinvertebrate populations—the tiny aquatic animals that fish eat.

Protecting the community
By stabilizing and restoring the stream, we will create a more sound foundation for neighboring infrastructure such as homes.

Improving water
Reducing erosion and sedimentation makes our water fishable, drinkable and swimmable for miles downriver.

 

Where it
all happens

Donner Creek is located throughout the Town of Truckee, near I-80 and SR89.

Fast Facts

Location: Town of Truckee, near I-80 and SR89

Scale: 5,000 feet of stream

Schedule: July 2024 — September 2024

Budget: $1.2 million

Partners: California Department of Transportation, Newport Pacific/Cirus Development, Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Town of Truckee, Sierra Joint Community College District, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Truckee Donner Public Utility District

Timeline

Dig
deeper

For more information on assessments, monitoring, plans reports, and general information on the Donner Creek restoration project, explore this resources section.

Updates

Stay tuned.

 

 

 

WE'RE HIRING: Lead Philanthropy. Advance Watershed Resilience.

Development Director – Truckee River Watershed Council (Full description linked here)
Location: Truckee, CA
Salary: $105,000–$125,000 + benefits

The Truckee River Watershed Council (TRWC) seeks an experienced Development Director to lead our philanthropic strategy and strengthen long-term funding for watershed restoration across the region.

This senior role is ideal for a proven fundraising leader who excels in major gifts, donor strategy, and board partnership, and who is ready to help shape the next phase of TRWC’s organizational growth. 

About TRWC
TRWC is a trusted regional nonprofit dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and restoring the Truckee River watershed. Our work strengthens forests, meadows, and aquatic habitat to improve wildfire resilience, water quality, and long-term ecological health. 

With an $8M+ annual budget and a strong reputation among public agencies, funders, and community partners, TRWC is entering an exciting new chapter of organizational growth and philanthropic expansion.

What You’ll Lead

  • Major gifts and multiyear giving 
  • Donor pipeline development and stewardship
  • Board and volunteer fundraising leadership 
  • Strategic donor engagement events (River Talks, River Breakfast) 
  • Unrestricted foundation & corporate support 
  • Early-stage planned giving and endowment growth

What We’re Looking For

  • 7+ years nonprofit fundraising experience
  • Demonstrated success in major gifts and donor engagement
  • Experience partnering with Boards and volunteer fundraising leaders
  • Strong communication, strategy, and relationship building skills 
  • Commitment to environmental stewardship and community-based work 

Compensation & Location 

  • Competitive salary, full benefits, and retirement plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Position is based in Truckee, CA with required in-person engagement

To Apply 

Send a single PDF (cover letter, resume, three professional references) to: mprestowitz@truckeeriverwc.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by March 25.

Learn More