Developer sees "bright future" for Dyer Mountain

7/23/08
Sam Williams
News Editor

An official from Dyer Mountain Associates said the company is working with investors who may step forward in the next few weeks and save the embattled project from bankruptcy.
Sara Duryea, DMA co-manager and one of the people officially in charge of the 6,700-acre, four-season resort project near Westwood, said it would be inappropriate at this time to reveal any details about new investors interested in the project.
"We're currently under the protection of the federal bankruptcy court," Duryea said. "We have until the end of September to file a plan with the court to satisfy our creditors and move out of Chapter 11. We're meeting weekly with new interested parties. We expect there will be a bright future for the project."
According to Duryea, the new investors are in a "due diligence period" and there won't be anything conclusive to report to the public until DMA files its financial plans with the court in mid-September.
She said DMA was still in possession of the property, and many aspects of a possible deal with new investors remain unresolved.
When DMA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in federal court in San Francisco Thursday, March 27, it raised a number of issues for Lassen County.
DMA owes Lassen County $200,000 in back taxes.
Litigation surrounding the proposed project continues - especially the challenge to the developer agreement filed last October by the Mountain Meadows Conservancy, Sierra Watch and the Chico-based Yahi Group of the Sierra Club.
The suit, filed in Lassen County Superior Court, claims the county did not follow California environmental law in certifying the project's Environmental Impact Report, development agreement and tentative parcel map for the resort.
An amendment, filed Tuesday, Jan. 8, alleges the development agreement violates a voter-approved 2000 initiative, which zoned the area around Dyer Mountain and Walker Lake as a mountain resort.
The three groups allege the initiative gave the county the option of changing the land-use designation on the project site if construction of ski facilities had not commenced within seven years.
The suit initially asked the court to set aside the Board of Supervisors' certification of the EIR, development agreement and parcel map.
The three groups also seek an order directing the county to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act, a temporary stay and restraining order, and preliminary and permanent injunctions stopping the county and its agents from taking any action to implement the project until full compliance with CEQA.
Two-thirds of Westwood voters and almost 63 percent of voters countywide supported a November 2000 ballot initiative that amended the General Plan, zoning ordinance and Westwood Area Plan to allow the development of the resort.

Lake Almanor Fishing

ALMANOR FISHING ASSOCIATION

Current Fishing Information and Fishing Map

Current Fishing Report

May 20,2008

Big Springs - (Area 16) - Salmon, Rainbows and Browns showing now. Water temperature 57 degrees. Bait fish in 55 to 65 feet of water - anchovies and nightcrawlers best.
West Shore - (Area 6-7) - Areas 7 through 9 best fishing so far on the west shore. Trollers scoring with needlefish and speedy shiners. Browns and rainbows are hugging the bottom during the day.

Rock Jetties - (Area 7a) - Just north of 7a - good for bank fishermen mornings and late evenings.

Hamilton Branch - North East Shore - (Area 1) - Power House still the best fishing spot for rainbows and browns. Some salmon showing. 2-1/2 to 4 lb. Rainbows being caught mornings and evenings. Day Use Area now open.

Recreation Area 1 - (Area 13 & 14) - Most trollers catching rainbows and browns 2-1/2 to 4 lbs.

Recreation Area 2 - (Area 12) - Bait fishing for rainbows and browns. Jigging works best early morning.
East Shore - (Areas 2-3) - Trollers catching rainbows and browns using rapalas - 10 - 15 feet down. Nightcrawlers also catching fish.

East Shore - (Areas 3, 4 & 5) - Cardiac Cove bank fishermen scoring on browns and rainbows. Lake Almanor Smallmouth Bass -- Bass becoming very active around most points and stumps.

Plumas County Arts and Activities

Plumas Arts sponsors these April Arts Events…

Thursday, April 10th
Quincy Words & Music at Morning Thunder, doors at 7pm.
Featured artist is Rob Wade. Open stage follows.
http://www.plumasarts.org/concerts/wandm.html

April 12, Saturday
Taste of Plumas (Flyer attached.) at the Fairgrounds, 5 to 8pm
Tasty delights from 20 of the finest restaurants in these parts, wine tastings, beer samplings, enter the incredible Dine Your Way Around Plumas Prize Drawing (Flyer attached.), see the Quincy Crazy Quilter’s quilt display, get something wonderful at the Silent Auction.
This savory and sweet social event is the big Spring fundraiser for Plumas Arts. With the majority of tickets already sold, we are figuring it is unlikely there will be tickets available at the door. So do not wait— get yours today! Call 283-3402 for tickets or information call 283-3402.
http://www.plumasarts.org/concerts/toplumas.html

April 16, Wednesday
All-County Jazz Night at the Town Hall Theatre, 7pm
All the students from all the high school jazz bands all around the county. Come along and be entertained, impressed and inspired. Donations at the door will be used to support the school music programs.

April 18, Friday
Portola Words & Music at the Feather Art Center, doors at 7pm.
Featured artist is Code Bluegrass. Open stage follows.
http://www.plumasarts.org/concerts/wandm.html

April 19, Saturday
“Terror in the Tropics,” ACT Mystery Dinner 6:30 pm at the Quincy Vet’s Hall
The Association of Concerned Theatre-goers annual mystery dinner theatre is great fun (and great food) and supports Quincy area- student drama programs and scholarships. This event always sells out so get your tickets today at Epilog, the Plumas Arts office or call 283-6510.

April 23d
Kahurangi… Maori Dance Theatre of New Zealand 8pm at the Town Hall Theatre
The culminating event of local Earth Day celebration hosts an extraordinary cultural presentation to from then other side of the planet. Kahurangi presents a collection of vibrant traditional Maori culture, music and dance styles dating back to 900 AD, when their first migration through Polynesia took them from Hawaiki to New Zealand. Call 283-3402 for tickets and information.
http://www.plumasarts.org/concerts/k.html

April 24, Thursday
Words & Music Chester at the Pizza Factory, doors at 7pm.
Featured presentation is a drama production by the St. Andrews Academy. Open stage follows.


Plus… all month long Plumas Arts celebrates Student Art Month.
Displays hang in the Almanor Basin Community Center in Chester, in Greenville at the Library and Sierra Sunrise, in Quincy at the Plumas Arts Gallery and in Portola at “The Feather” Community Art Center.

and…
April 25 & 26, Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 1pm
dramaworks and the Magic Beanstalk Players present the all student musical of
Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book at the Town Hall Theatre. Tickets at Epilog or call 283-1956

Mountain Biking, Kayaking & Fishing at Round Valley Reservoir

Looking for a quiet but easy to reach location for some wonderful biking or water activities? Then you will enjoy a visit to Round Valley Reservoir. Located a few miles from Greenville, Ca. this small lake is surrounded by large pines at an elevation of 4600 feet. Boating is permitted for motors 7.5 horsepower or less. Swimming, jet skiing, and water skiing are not permitted. The shoreline is less than two miles and makes for great paddling in a kayak. I've ridden my mountain bike around the perimeter. There is a packed dirt forest road around the lake. It is level, scenic, and, hard to get lost. This lake is for warm water fish species. Fish found within the lake are Bluegill, Large Mouth Bass, and Bullhead Catfish.

There is a Forest Service picnic area with tables and restrooms on the northeast side of the lake.

Directions: Greenville is located on Highway 89 between Chester and Quincy. If you approach Greenville from the south, turn left on Hideaway Road which changes into Round Valley Road. If you approach Greenville from the north, turn right onto Main St. When the road forks, stay to the left. Turn Right on Round Valley Road. Whichever way you come, it's about 4 miles from Highway 89 to reach the lake. It is a paved road to the lake. The lake is open all year. But, in winter there is lots of snow and most likely it becomes inaccessible for the winter months.

Marc Vieira
Bailey Creek Properties
http://www.lakealmanorproperties.com/

Downhill Skiing, Ice Fishing, Hunting

Again, today's information is provided by the Plumas County Visitor's guide. They have a wonderful website at http://www.plumascounty.org/ that you can find a huge amount of information on our area.

DOWNHILL SKIING
Stover Mountain is not open for the 2008 season. Stover Mountain Ski Area near Chester offers eight runs ranging from advanced to beginner, accessed by rope tow. Base elevation is 5,100 feet, and the runs are approximately 800 feet long. Open Saturdays and Sundays, snowboarders welcome. Rates are $10 per day for all ages. Ski and snowboard lessons available upon request. Opening date varies. Contact: 530–258-3987 or stovermountain@aol.com.

ICE FISHING
There are several lakes in the immediate vicinity for the less strenuous but just as exciting sport of ice fishing. Just check with the forest service or any fisherman.

HUNTING
Winter is also waterfowl hunting season. The Indian Valley area is renowned for the number of waterfowl that winter there. The Key Brand Angus Pheasant Club offers pheasant hunting from September 1 to May 1. Contact them at (530) 284-6944.

Cross-Country skiing and showshoeing

This is from the Plumas County Visitor's guide-Winter activities are huge in Lake Almanor! We just want to get the point to our new readers how fun it is, and how much we have to offer. Here is the article:

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING
December to April. Groomed trails in Johnsville, Bucks Lake, La Porte, Child's Meadow and Lassen Volcanic National Park, outside of Chester. Literally hundreds of miles of ungroomed trails also for backcountry skiing within the Plumas and Lassen National Forests. For guides and maps, contact Plumas County Visitors Bureau, (800) 326-2247 or the Plumas National Forest, 530-283-2050, Lassen National Forest, 530-258-2141, and Tahoe National Forest, 530-994-3401.
Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals available: Mountain Hardware in Blairsden, (skis only) 530-836-2589 Sports Nut in Chester (skis only), 530-258-3327 Bodfish Bicycles in Chester, 530-258-2338 Child’s Meadow Resort (skis only), 530-595-3383
Guided Snowshoe Hikes led by rangers are held each Saturday from early January to early April in Lassen Park. Normally the snowshoe hikes are offered at the southwest entrance but due to construction this season the hikes will be offered at Manzanita Lake. Meet the ranger for an approximate two-hour hike spanning one to two miles at 7,000-feet elevation. The walks will be offered twice daily on Saturday and Sundays from December 22 through March 16. Meet the park ranger at the Loomis Ranger Station at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Participants will be provided with snowshoes, but must wear boots, dress warmly and be at least 8 years old. Donation is $1. Call for details and reservations at 530-595-4444.Winter Snowshoe Walks are offered to the public on Fridays by the Almanor Ranger District. The first walk is schedule for Friday, January 11 and the second walk will be Saturday (the only Saturday), January 26. Pre-register for all walks. Reservations at (530) 258-2141.

Snowmobile Rentals

SNOWMOBILE RENTALS

Snowmobile tours are provided by Majors Outpost near Lake Almanor(530-251-7512) and winter ATV tours by High Sierra ATV Tours near Frenchman's Lake. No other snowmobile rental services are available in Plumas County. The nearest rental service is Eagle Ridge Outfitters on Highway 89 about 30 minutes north of Graeagle.

Snowmobiling

This article is a copy from the Plumas County Visitor's guide:

December to April. Depending on snow, trails and snow-parks are open and available at Bucks Lake, La Porte, Lake Davis, the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, and the Lake Almanor Basin near Chester.
Hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile routes are maintained throughout the winter season. Grooming efforts sponsored through California State Off Highway Vehicle funds. These trails are maintained for snowmobile use only. Use by ATV’s and all other wheeled vehicles is discouraged.
Bucks Lake has three staging areas open during the season – Big Creek, Bucks Lake Summit, and Four Trees. La Porte has a staging area with a warming hut and restrooms and four trailside warming huts. The Chester-Lake Almanor area boasts five staging areas – Chester-Lake Almanor Snowmobile Park, Swain Mountain, Morgan Summit, Jonesville and Fredonyer. The Lakes Basin Recreation Area south of Graeagle has the Gold Lake Staging Area five miles south of Highway 89 on Gold Lake Highway. Free snowmobile maps available at Plumas County Visitors Bureau, (800) 326-2247.

Dyer Mountain Update from The Plumas County News

Dyer Mountain sale postponed

2/13/08
Shayla Ashmore
Staff Writer
There was no trustee sale of the 6,700-acre Dyer Mountain resort property Monday, Feb. 4, Wednesday, Feb. 6, or Friday, Feb. 8.

Independent auctioneer George Wickman read a notice of postponement at 2 p.m. each day in the lobby or on the front steps of the Lassen County Courthouse. Wickman said the sale was postponed at the discretion of the trustee, California Mortgage and Realty, which lent developer Dyer Mountain Associates almost $16 million to buy the property in Westwood.

On Friday, Feb. 8, Wickman said the sale had been postponed until 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, by mutual agreement.

DMA Manager Grant Sedgewick said the developer of the four-season resort successfully negotiated giving DMA 60 days to refinance the loan.

However, since the negotiations were conducted by e-mail, DMA's three managers hadn't signed the final documents postponing the sale.

"The documents are in draft form," Manager Sara Duryea said Tuesday, Feb. 5. "They're going to be signed Wednesday (Feb. 6).

"On Thursday morning, Duryea said the documents would be signed later that day or early Friday, Feb. 8.

A California Mortgage and Realty spokesman said the company doesn't discuss borrowers with outside parties.

A notice of trustee's sale, filed Jan. 10 in the Lassen County Clerk's office, stated that the mortgage company would sell the Dyer Mountain Resort property and all fixtures and equipment located on the property at 2 p.m., Feb. 4, at public auction, to the highest bidder.

"The lender agreed to postpone the planned trustees' sale for two months because we've shown them that we have a pretty good prospect for refinancing. We reached an agreement this afternoon," Sedgewick said at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3.

The lender planned the public auction to pay the remaining unpaid balance on a deed of trust executed Nov. 18, 2005, when DMA purchased the property.

According to the trustee sale notice, the total amount of the unpaid balance was estimated to be $15,810,084.31. The notice said premiums and interest may increase the amount prior to sale.

DMA managers announced they were in negotiations with a number of entities interested in refinancing after the mortgage company filed a notice of default and election to sell under deed of trust Aug. 27 with Lassen County. It warned DMA it had to repay more than $3.59 million in past due payments plus permitted costs and expenses.

"We have new financing we're working on," Sedgewick said Thursday, Jan. 17. "It's close to complete.

"He said the new financing package would provide enough money to pay off the loan DMA took out to buy the resort property and provide funds to go forward with the development.

The project has been in the works since voters approved a ballot initiative in 2000, which zoned as mountain resort the area around Dyer Mountain and Walker Lake, also known as Mountain Meadows Reservoir.

In September, the Board of Supervisors approved the EIR and a large-lot parcel map dividing the resort property into 13 parcels ranging in size from 40 to 1,118 acres. The board approved the development agreement in October.

DMA plans to build, or have other developers build, three golf courses, ski runs, more than 4,000 houses and condos, and commercial and retail projects.

The resort faces a lawsuit filed in October by Mountain Meadows Conservancy, Sierra Watch and the Chico-based Yahi Group of the Sierra Club. It alleges county approval of the project violated the California Environmental Quality Act.