Newcomer's guideClimateSurprise Valley is located within the high desert region known as the Great Basin. We enjoy a four-season climate with dry, warm summers and cold, wet winters. High/low temperatures average 40/16 in January and 88/45 in July. Annual precipitation: 12-16 inches, valleys, 35 inches, mountains. Valley elevation averages 4,700 feet. PopulationThe total population of Modoc County is 9,682 (2010 Census) with 5580 registered voters. Most county residents live in outlying areas and in small, unincorporated communities. Cedarville has a population of approximately 520 residents with Surprise Valley as a whole having approximately 1,300 residents. AgricultureThe local growing season is 100 to 130 days. Most vegetables and many fruit trees thrive in the valley. The most popular commercial crops include alfalfa and grass hay, various grains, onions, garlic and potatoes. Cattle, sheep and horses are raised here commercially as well. Local GovernmentThe valley elects a supervisor every four years to serve on the five-member County Board of Supervisors. The county seat is Alturas, 23 miles west of Cedarville. There are no city governments, but numerous special districts for fire protection and cemeteries, and a hospital district. TaxesProperty Assessment: 1% of assessed valuation. Area CodeThe area code for all Modoc County phone numbers is (530). SchoolsPublic education is offered at an elementary school and high school located in Cedarville. A community college outreach program and university extension courses are available either online or in Alturas. Local manpower training and job assistance are available through the Business Career Network (221 N Main St. in Alturas, (530) 279-4161).
ChurchesChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
Cedarville: 279-6347 HousingHomes in town range from $50,000 to $200,000. Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment countywide is $400 per month. The value of rural property is determined to a large extent on total acreage, water availability, location, usage and improvements and varies tremendously. Consult a local realtor for current listings. TransportationGround: Highway 299 traverses Cedar Pass (elevation 6,305 feet) into the heart of Surprise Valley. It bisects Modoc County Road 1 in Cedarville then continues 8 miles east to the Nevada state border. Modoc County Road 1 runs the length of the 70+-mile long valley, from Ft. Bidwell in the north, through Eagleville at the southern end, terminating at the Nevada border where it becomes Nevada State Route 447. In the valley, the speed limit on MC Road 1 is 55 MPH. Distances:
AirCedarville Airport (279-2111) Other airports serving the Modoc County area include: Alturas Municipal Airport, Reno Tahoe International Airport, Kingsley International Airport (Klamath Falls, OR). Major west coast terminals include San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Portland and Seattle-Tacoma International Airports. UtilitiesWater: Cedarville County Water District for
Cedarville residents; private wells in outlying areas. Community FacilitiesCedarville Branch Library (530)279-2614. Medical and Veterinary ServicesSurprise Valley Health Care District: 279-6111 Government Offices
Bureau of Land Management, Surprise Field
Office: 279-6101 US Post OfficesCedarville: 279-2316 Cemeteries
Cedarville Cemetery (District Secretary, Regina Pratt,
640-2444) CommunicationsThe Modoc County Record is published weekly. The Herald and News is a daily paper published in Klamath Falls, Oregon and serves all of Modoc County. Many local events and historical articles are archived at their website and may be accessed by typing in the name of the pertinent town: www.heraldandnews.com KDUP 88.1 FM, Cedarville
(www.kdup.org) Outlying areas use satellite dish systems successfully. Phone: Frontier Communications (800) 921-8101 Internet Providers: Community OrganizationsBeta Sigma Phi Sorority: 279-6382 Page modified: 08 Dec 2022 12:56:20 -0800 |
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Where the Pavement Ends and the West Begins...
Where the Pavement Ends and the West Begins...