Plans include a community park with a playground, basketball court and amphitheater, lake access for swimming, fishing and non-motorized boating, a fishing pier, trails connecting to the Tahoe National Forest, a seasonal snow play area, and 50 overnight guest cabins, including traditional cabins and treehouses. Photo courtesy of Placer County Community Development Resource Agency

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - The Placer County Community Development Resource Agency has released a notice of preparation for an environmental impact report for the proposed Gateway Park at Tahoe National Forest project. 

As proposed by the applicant, 40 Acre Conservation League, the project would feature a nature center with educational exhibits highlighting local wildlife, plants, geography and the history of the Emigrant Gap community, along with outdoor equipment rentals and a visitor’s cafeteria.   

Plans include a community park with a playground, basketball court and amphitheater, lake access for swimming, fishing and non-motorized boating, a fishing pier, trails connecting to the Tahoe National Forest, a seasonal snow play area, and 50 overnight guest cabins, including traditional cabins and treehouses.  

Additional improvements include parking, emergency vehicle access and underground utility infrastructure.  

As lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act, Placer County will prepare an environmental impact report to evaluate the project's potential environmental impacts and identify feasible measures to avoid or reduce those impacts. 

The notice of preparation begins a 30-day public review period that runs through Aug. 31. During this time, responsible agencies, tribal governments, organizations and members of the public are invited to provide comments on the scope and content of the environmental impact report. 

"The release of the notice of preparation is an important first step in the environmental review process," Placer County Planning Director Chris Pahule said. "We're encouraging agencies, community members and interested organizations to review the project information and provide input on the environmental topics that should be analyzed in the environmental impact report." 

The proposed project would require approval of a minor use permit from Placer County, along with permits and approvals from several state and federal agencies. 

The notice of preparation is available on the county's environmental impact reports webpage and may also be reviewed at Placer County libraries, the Community Development Resource Agency offices in Auburn and Tahoe City and the County Clerk's Office in Auburn. 

For more information and updates, visit the project’s webpage.