With the American River running through its center and dense forests along the urban edge, historic Foresthill offers small town charm with recreational opportunities that attract visitors from throughout the state. In December 2008, Placer County adopted a Community Plan for Foresthill that paved the way for extensive scattered residential development in sensitive rural and forest lands. Conservation groups argued that the EIR did not consider the Plan’s impacts on water supply, climate change, wildfires, and the American River. As a result of settling a CEQA lawsuit, the County amended its General Plan to create a more sustainable community. The new Plan addresses the serious fire risk in Foresthill, preserves the American River canyon, ensures a reliable water supply, and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient building design and promoting alternatives to car transportation.
Amending a General Plan to Protect the American River and Other Resources in Foresthill
