Soda Springs Area Plan
Draft Goals and Policies based on December 2014 Community Meeting
HISTORICAL RESOURCES
Goal
Promote and enhance the Donner Summit historical resources for the enjoyment and enrichment of
present and future generations and to improve the local economy.
Policy
Identify, preserve, and where feasible restore significant archaeological, cultural, and historical
resources on the Donner Summit, including historic sites, buildings, and features.
Policy
Foster an appreciation of and long-term stewardship for historical resources by increasing public
awareness of the economic, social, and environmental values and benefits of historic
preservation.
Policy
Support local efforts to promote the Donner Summit historical resources and the 20 Mile
Museum by providing uniform signage along Interstate 80 and at freeway off-ramps associated
with Hampshire Rocks Road and Donner Pass Road and providing informational visitor guides
and brochures online and on-site.
Policy
Identify new and innovative funding sources to support cultural heritage initiatives.
Policy
Encourage the inclusion of significant archaeological and cultural resources in the Federal or
State Historical Register based on the recommendation of the local historical society or a
qualified professional.
Policy
Cooperate with the Donner Summit Historical Society, other local historical organizations, and
historians to identify significant historical, cultural, and archaeological resources and encourage
safe access to and signage for the interpretation of unrestricted resources.
Policy
Support educational programs that highlight the outdoor historic and natural resources of the
Donner Summit area.
Policy
Encourage innovative techniques to preserve archaeological and historic sites by gift, private
conservancies, and easements.
Goal
Ensure new development does not adversely affect historical resources in the Donner Summit area.
Policy
All proposed discretionary projects within the Soda Springs Rural Center shall be reviewed for
opportunities to contribute to historical preservation and/or education efforts.
Policy
Protect from development the rich history of the Donner Summit, including but not limited to:
the Native American petroglyphs and grinding rocks, the Emigrant Trail, the Chinese Wall, the
first transcontinental railroad, highway, and air route, historic buildings such as the Rainbow
Lodge, Donner Ski Ranch, and Clair Tappaan Lodge, and historic sites/landmarks such as the
Rainbow Bridge, Beacon Hill, Tunnel 6, Lake Van Norden, and the 20 Mile Museum.
Policy
Establish permanent open space for new development by utilizing project design techniques
such as clustering and restricted building sites to protect sensitive cultural and historical
resources.
Policy
Encourage the adaptive reuse of historic buildings and where possible allow for maximum
flexibility of development standards for remodeling of historic buildings to maintain the
character of the Soda Springs community and Donner Summit area.