Stupid Land Use (Otherwise Known as Nature Always Bats Last).

I had the chance to talk to original developers of Alta Sierra subdivision who admitted that what they did then would not be allowed now–namely, cut through the slopes straight down “like a pan of brownies”. (Backfilling is now required to gentle the slope and prevent slope collapse and erosion, i.e. prevent what is happening here, NOW). What they knew BACK THEN, because it was COMMON SENSE BACK THEN, was to at least leave the vegetation to hold the basically 90o hacked through hills. This is what has happened since stupidity has trumped common sense after the county cut all the woody vegetation off these basically straight up steep slopes in 2014. Within just weeks, chunks of the slopes started to break off and in some cases, they fell into the road. Months later during the rains, an entire slope collapsed costing County taxpayers over $200,000 to remediate (made the Sacramento news), however, nothing has changed. The slopes continue to recede (like what melting glaciers do–they move ‘backwards’) TOWARDS the homes up top. The slope along the entire stretch of the road is now receding. It is unknown if property owners understand once this reaches their property/homes, it will be nearly impossible to stop, and it may have catastrophic effects on their property values. Fay Road, Nevada County, CA

One of many locations. Slope erodes as tree roots, once holding the slope, die. Highway 89 North of Truckee, CA. (Next photo also).

Erosion control please or “how to piss off your neighbors.”

Not fire safety. Kill the native forest and plants, ideally with taxpayer’s money, so invasive flammable plants (nonnative invasive grasses and scotch broom) come in after and nobody cares after they all get paid. “Multi-agency Fire Safety” project as of 2026.