Martis Fund Grants $123,800 to Conservation Projects in Martis Valley

Posted by Sierra Nevada Alliance Weekly

July 10, 2008

The Martis Fund awarded grants to the Truckee River Watershed Council and the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation to support conservation and enhance restoration projects in the Martis Creek watershed. The grants, which total $123,800 in conservation funding, are designed to seed additional investment in protecting water quality and habitat values in Tahoe's Martis Valley.

“These grants represent a strategic down payment on the future of the Martis Valley watershed,” said David Welch, Martis Fund president. “The Watershed Council and the Community Foundation do great work in the region, and these grants will help multiply ongoing efforts.”

The Martis Fund was created in 2006 by conservationists and landowners committed to the long-term future of Martis Valley. Its mission is to secure open space, promote habitat restoration, and create workforce housing in Martis Valley.

The Fund’s primary role is managing funds raised in connection with real estate sales at Martis Camp.

The Martis Fund is a collaborative project of DMB/Highlands , Mountain Area Preservation Foundation (MAPF), and Sierra Watch . The Fund’s Board of Directors includes representatives of each group.

The commitment to the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation pledges $100,000 in matching funds for Nature Fund grants in the Martis Valley.

“The Martis Fund’s commitment of matching funds is a welcome challenge to our community,” said Lisa Dobey, President of the Foundation. “Every commitment made to the future of Martis Valley will be matched.”

The two grants to the Truckee River Watershed Council are part of the fund’s Habitat and Forest Restoration and Management Program. One grant awards $13,800 for the Watershed Council’s participation in the California State Water Plan update process; the other commits $10,000 for the development of a grant application for a Martis Valley Watershed Assessment.

“The Martis Fund provides great promise to help secure a healthy future for the Martis Valley watershed,” said Lisa Wallace, Executive Director of the Truckee River Watershed Council. “And we look forward to partnering in that important work.”