Rebuilding Progress So Far

Dorland has taken giant steps forward toward restoring what was lost on May 3, 2004 in the devastating Eagle Mountain fire.

• In February 2006, the Dorland Mountain Arts Colony Board and staff engaged in strategic planning facilitated by a leadership gift from Dr. Billie G. Blair, CEO, Lending & Learning Incorporated.


• Dorland inventoried its financial resources and established goals and objectives. A unanimous decision was reached to move forward rebuilding the Colony. Additionally, the Board agreed to create a new public performance venue at Dorland utilizing strawbale construction and solar energy.


• Dorland contracted with a licensed arborist to clear out all the fire-damaged trees and branches. Many of the indigenous oaks, as well as surrounding flora and fauna, were saved as a result of the arborist's expertise.


• Structural debris was removed from the Colony site.


• Lake Ticanu and the Reflection pond were cleaned.


• Architectural plans for eight new Artist Resident Cottages and an Art Barn, comprised of six individual art studios, gallery space, executive offices, conference and storage rooms were prepared courtesy of Russell Rumansoff, Herron & Rumansoff, AIA.


• Larry Markham, P.E. and President of Amrkham Development Management Group, donated his time to shepard the plans through the County of Riverside for approval. He also assisted Dorland by obtaining aerial and topographical surveying, percolation and soils testing and handling a myriad of other details essential to the rebuilding process.


• Dorland widened the half-mile access road to 24 feet with 3 foot shoulders on each side to meet County of Riverside Fire Department requirements. Culverts were installed and the road prepared for paving.


• Dorland graded and prepared foundations for the ten new structures.


• Plans were drawn and bids let for installation of water tanks and fire hydrants to meet County codes.


• Dorland hired Ludwick/Brown & Associates in September 2006 to conduct a feasibility study to assess Dorland's readiness to launch a capital campaign. Fire insurance proceeds enabled Dorland to clear fire debris from the Colony, prepare the infrastructure for structural rebuilding, widen and pave the half-mile access road to meet County requirements, and to pour foundations. Money needs to be raised to build the ten new structures.

Header graphic: Detail from "Requiem for Dorland Pond" (acrylic on archival board) by Gilah Yelin Hirsch. Please visit the Merchandise page to purchase this image on notecards and help rebuild Dorland.