About DSAA
DSAA’s Mission
Representing the people of the historic Donner Summit community for the preservation of the area’s rugged mountain character and natural resources by providing active coordination for community development issues.
DSAA’s Vision
The Donner Summit Area Association members desire to maintain the unique natural beauty and special character of the area for the public benefit, and to assure that the area remains a special place to live, work, and visit. To this end the Association will proactively develop a long-range conceptual development plan for the Area. This plan will incorporate various elements of land usage, zoning, facilities and enhancements, types of growth, maintenance of natural areas, and any other appropriate desires. The goal of the plan is to provide the greatest possible benefit to the general public.
The Association will function as a conduit for communication between the area residents, owners and visitors and Nevada and Placer County and other appropriate agencies which influence the growth and development of the Donner Summit Area. The long range plan developed by the Association will guide the Association’s response to proposals for development and growth through regular contact with County Supervisors and attendance at County Supervisor Board meetings the Association will maintain current knowledge of proposals which affect the Donner Summit Area and be able to comment upon these proposals in a timely manner. The Association will also be able to bring proposals and suggestions to the appropriate authorities for consideration. The Association recognizes that further growth and development is inevitable and desires to influence that growth to assure the highest overall quality of life possible. In particular the Association desires to enhance the attractiveness of Soda Springs and the surrounding area for visitors, residents and businesses. Ensuring a safe, orderly flow of traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists is a high priority.
DSAA’s Board of Directors
| Patricia Malberg | President |
| Ron Kolbe | Vice President |
| Alisha Lee | Treasurer |
| Fran Sandwith | Secretary |
| Mark Himelstein | |
| Charles Houtz | |
| John Kirrene | |
| Tamara Lieberman | |
| Don Malberg | |
DSAA’s Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation
DSAA’s Work
2006-2007: Summit Summit
DSAA partnered with the Serene Lakes Property Owners Association (SLPOA) to meet with the public to collect information about issues to be addressed in a regional plan.
Quotes from 2007 Summit Summit report:
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Retain uniqueness of mountain community
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Support manageable, sustainable growth
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Meet stewardship resonsibility for land and natural resources
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Support, promote, and grow existing businesses and focus growth in existing economic centers
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Activities to draw people
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Ensure life safety of citizens
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Alternative transportation and traffic mitigation
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Protect and restore natural resrouces and habitats
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Establish plans and guidelines for recreation with minimal impact
2007: Community Planning Survey
Also in 2007, DSAA engaged Godbe Research to conduct a Visioning and Planning Resident Survey, summarized below:
Most Liked Features:
- Natural environment
- Outdoor activities
- Rural atmosphere
Most Important Issues:
- Regulating growth and development
- Protecting the environment
Support for Development Directions:
- Prioritize preservation of the environment over development
- Restrict development projects to limit growth
- Development of year round businesses
Traffic Flow and Traffic Management Projects:
- Reinstate resort shuttle bus service during peak weekends
- Expand public transportation to the area
Service Improvements:
- Surveying water quality and water supply limits
- Improve emergency communication services
- Improve road maintenance and repair
2008: Community Prosperity Summit
(Click here for report)
In November 2008, 90 community members gathered to discuss a prosperous future for Donner Summit. The meeting was guided by Sierra Business Council and Regional Planning Partners. The top priorities identified were:
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Protect, restore natural resources
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Preserve community character
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Develop a year round economy that will foster local business
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Filter growth through the lens of sustainability
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Value historic resources
2009: Conservation Vision
DSAA worked with MAPF, Sierra Watch, Sierra Club, Serene Lakes Property Owners Association (SLPOA), North Fork American River Alliance, The Palisades, and South Yuba River Citizen’s League (SYRCL) to create a 12-point Conservation Vision for Donner Summit in 2009.
1. Recognize Donner Summit as a region of local, state, and global significance, which
must be protected for future generations.
2. Respect and maintain the rugged rural character and existing scale ofDonner Summit
communities.
3. Focus new commercial development on Old Highway 40 and in Soda Springs.
4. Preserve natural open spaces and scenic viewsheds.
5. Protect and restore the lakes, wetlands, and meadows of Donner Summit.
6. Protect and improve the health of the North Fork American and the South Yuba River
watersheds.
7. Sustain and enhance the health and viability of our forests.
8. Maintain and improve regional air quality and limit greenhouse gas emissions.
9. Protect and enhance the region’s present and future biological diversity.
10. Invest in conservation to protect the region from the impacts of climate change.
11. Preserve, protect and enhance the region’s cultural and historical resources.
12. Maintain quality of and access to passive recreation on the Summit where it is consistent with the well being of the environment.
2010: Moving Forward
Members weighed in on the types of projects they want from DSAA.
