Indian Valley – Post Dixie

Hopes for a Great Summer, turned to ash in Greenville (10/18/21) Michael Beatley

It is heartbreaking to see Michael Beatley’s photographs of Plumas County’s Indian Valley, following the devastating Dixie Fire. Though, there are glimpses of bright fall color and a better tomorrow.

Yellow bigleaf maple, golden cottonwood and an occasional, exotic, orange-red sugar maple stand out boldly against the darkened backdrop of destruction.

*Indian Creek (10/18/21) Michael Beatley*

Michael drove a route he was used to driving during his many years as a Plumas County Deputy Sheriff. He traveled the Indian Valley, passing through Taylorsville, the Genesee Valley and Greenville.

Greenville got the worst of it. This, once-scenic, Gold Rush-era town was leveled. Folding chairs stand askew amidst the ash of Saint Anthony’s Church. Homes, businesses and the Sheriff’s Office substation where Beatley once worked are destroyed, a single American flag remains on duty.

“There is hope amongst the ashes. Resilience. Determination to rebuild. Hope for the future.” Michael wrote. “It is a beautiful valley. The fire can not destroy the hearts of those who live here, some for generations.”

Taylorsville (10/18/21) Michael Beatley

He observed that though Dixie destroyed 940,000 acres, “Beauty still abounds. Wildlife has fled to the valley floor.”

Fire Retardant, Genesee Valley (10/18/21) Michael Beatley

As Michael passed beyond Taylorsville through the Genesee Valley, he said, “The fire came very close. The trees, fences along the road were covered with pink fire retardant. Some of the million of gallons used to fight the monster Dixie fire. Under Mt. Jura the valley is small but beautiful.”