Lake Clementine and North Fork American River Preserve

Anyone who has visited Northern California knows the area’s beauty is iconic. Sprawling and lush forests, rugged snow-capped mountains, and glistening streams captivate visitors from around the country as they enjoy some of the best natural splendor California can offer. At Trust for Public Land, we believe the state’s natural beauty and outdoor benefits should be available to everyone, which is why we helped protect one of the largest remaining blocks of private land along the North Fork of the American River and Lake Clementine.

The area around Lake Clementine is a hidden gem within the Sierra Nevada foothills. The lake feels like you’re looking into a precious jewel with crystal clear waters surrounded by a halo of stunning greenery waiting to be explored. It’s perfect for a quick nature getaway for nearby the communities of Auburn and Applegate, but also millions of Californians in the Sacramento region who live within an hour’s drive.

But this hidden gem was also attractive to developers looking to turn a portion of the property into a 97-unit development. With our partners at the Placer Land Trust (PLT) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), we helped permanently protect 1,500 acres for generations to come.

It will not only enhance recreational connectivity with Lake Clementine and the Auburn State Recreation Area—a popular destination that attracts 900,000 annual visitors—but also help preserve the integrity of the region, critical wildlife habitats, and the vital watershed along the American River. It will also contribute to reducing the risk and impact of possible catastrophic wildfires through managed forest by avoiding residential development.

Now under the management of the BLM, this space can continue to be a recreational destination for people who love to camp, hike, swim, kayak, and fish.