SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. -- Forest officials are proud to announce the addition of almost 600 acres of land to the Western Divide Ranger District on the Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument. The purchase of the “Upper Grouse Valley” properties occurred in five separate increments over the past 8 years for a total of $2,277,000.

The Upper Grouse Valley is located near Blue Ridge on Mountain Road 276, a few miles off Balch Park Road. The property is nested in an open scenic valley which contains several rustic log cabins, a combined warehouse/living quarters, and two lakes surrounded by pines and oaks. There are also small orchards of fruit and nuts.

The serenity and open space provided at Upper Grouse presents a rare opportunity to provide a unique recreation experience for the public that deviates from the traditional campground expectation.

The area includes two custom log homes, garage with attached living quarters, barn, hay shed, five water wells, underground utilities, two lakes (reservoirs) fed by a spring. The largest house is two-story log cabin, 1550 square feet with an 8-foot covered deck on three sides. The second house is also a log cabin with 1400 square feet with loft, and with an 8-foot deck on three sides. The guest house attached to the garage is 1032 square feet and has a wood stove.

According to the SNF, cabins in the vicinity indicate that similar facilities charge up to $240, and average $194 for older, smaller accommodations. They are proposing $175, $200, and $250 for each of the three cabins. Public involvement will assist in determining the fair price for the cabins for group use or individual use.

A public meeting is scheduled at the Springville Veterans Memorial Building for Thursday July 23rd from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. District Ranger Priscilla Summers will show a slide presentation with information about the Upper Grouse Valley facilities. Following the presentation will be an opportunity for attendees to provide input on the cabins and the recreational opportunities they see most valuable for the area. A second public meeting is being scheduled in California Hot Springs and will be announced as soon as arrangements are made.

The SNF are planning for the Upper Grouse Valley Cabins becoming available for recreation rental April, 2010. For additional information, please contact Priscilla Summers, District Ranger, on the Western Divide Ranger District 559-539-2607 ext. 210 or www.fs.fed.us.