Protecting recreation and a beloved mountain lake

Working together to protect Bucks Lake

In partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the Stewardship Council, FRLT has permanently protected 2,164 acres of publicly important lands and waters at Bucks Lake with a conservation easement. This conservation easement held by FRLT will prevent subdivision and detrimental land use changes within the protected property, including the reservoir itself. PG&E will continue to own and operate Bucks Lake and manage recreation facilities and leases.

The Bucks Lake conservation easement is part of a larger effort by the California Public Utilities Commission, PG&E, the Stewardship Council, and a variety of stakeholders to conserve 140,000 acres of PG&E watershed lands throughout California for ongoing public benefit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a conservation easement and who will own the lands at Bucks Lake?

A conservation easement is a legal agreement that permanently protects the conservation values of private land and limits development, subdivision, and changes to land use. The Bucks Lake conservation easement protects 2,164 acres for public benefit. Lands within the easement area continue to be owned by PG&E with a conservation easement held by FRLT. It is FRLT’s responsibility to ensure that PG&E adheres to the easement terms that protect resources and beneficial public values specified within the easement agreement. As the landowner, PG&E continues to pay property taxes on its property. A conservation easement is a permanent agreement to protect conservation values, it will remain with the land forever even if the property changes ownership.

Will public access to the lake and surrounding PG&E lands change?

No. Authorized public access to PG&E lands and recreation uses are beneficial uses identified by the conservation easement and will continue. Identified authorized uses include boating (motorized and non-motorized), fishing, camping in designated areas, hiking, walking, swimming, day-use, skiing, over-snow travel, and more.

How about recreation amenities like campgrounds, boat launches, resorts, and day-use areas?

Will these change with a conservation easement? No. Campgrounds, day-use areas, boat launches, trails, and leases like cabins and resorts, continue to be managed and operated by the landowner (PG&E). The Mill Creek Trail, which crosses the conservation easement boundary for a short distance, will continue to be jointly managed by the Plumas National Forest and PG&E.

What impact will the conservation easement have on water at Bucks Lake?

None. PG&E holds water rights to divert, store, and use water from Bucks Lake primarily for its hydroelectric projects, although some of PG&E’s water rights authorize use of water for consumptive purposes (for example, agricultural use). Fisheries and lake levels are managed between PG&E and the State of California. The State Water Resources Control Board is the state agency that oversees water rights, water quality, wastewater management and several other water-related topics. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife manages fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for the health of their populations and for enjoyment by the public. The conservation easement will not have a direct impact on water levels or water management by PG&E. Under the terms of the conservation easement, FRLT will not have enforcement authority over water-related issues.

Will the conservation easement prohibit hunting and fishing?

No. Hunting and fishing are permitted in authorized areas on the PG&E Watershed Lands in conformance with state and federal rules, regulations, and law. Hunting and fishing are specifically listed as examples of uses to be protected by the conservation easement at Bucks Lake.

Is Lower Bucks part of the Conservation Easement?

No, Lower Bucks is not protected by the conservation easement.

Are dogs allowed on the Bucks Lake conservation easement?

Yes. Dogs are permitted in accordance with PG&E rules and regulations. The conservation easement does not change any existing permitted uses.

I have a lease at Bucks Lake. How will this impact me?

Existing leases—including leases for resorts, boat docks, marinas, and public infrastructure—supersede the conservation easement. FRLT has no role, right, or responsibility to monitor and/or enforce the terms of any lease agreements that are issued by PG&E. If a leaseholder requested significant changes to the property that could potentially impact the beneficial public values within the easement area, FRLT would be consulted as part of annual planning and oversight process with PG&E. For questions about leases at Bucks Lake please contact buckslake@pge.com.

Have more questions? Check out the Stewardship Council’s Land Conservation FAQs too!