A group of developers, conservationists, and landowners announced on Wednesday a plan to conserve 6,400 acres of Martis Valley, which spreads below the summit of Martis Peak and Northstar near Lake Tahoe, as open space. Placer County had approved 6,000 homes for the area back in 2003, after which point groups began fighting to preserve the area. Sierra Watch, the group who negotiated the deal and who is also fighting KSL's base village plan at Squaw Valley, also helped negotiate the preservation of the Valley's 1,400 acre Waddle Ranch back in 2007. [Sacramento Bee]