NOTE:
COMPLETE LISTS OF CALIFORNIA'S "NEW PARKS" ARE POSTED ABOVE
2008 and 2009 ADDITIONS TO THIS PAGE ARE POSTED AT: http://rare-earth-news.blogspot.com/2008/04/over-130000-acres-of-wildlife-habitat.html
AND
http://rare-earth-news.blogspot.com/2009/01/at-least-90000-acres-were-preserved-in.html
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CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE
COMPLETE LISTS OF CALIFORNIA'S "NEW PARKS" ARE POSTED ABOVE
2008 and 2009 ADDITIONS TO THIS PAGE ARE POSTED AT: http://rare-earth-news.blogspot.com/2008/04/over-130000-acres-of-wildlife-habitat.html
AND
http://rare-earth-news.blogspot.com/2009/01/at-least-90000-acres-were-preserved-in.html
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CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, August 28, 2007
Contact: Rex Frankel, 310-572-6491, http://www.connectingcalifornia.org/
RECORD AMOUNT OF LAND HAS BEEN SAVED IN CALIFORNIA IN THE LAST 7 YEARS, REPORT FINDS
With Californians packing our
beaches and state and national parks this summer, a new online guide to
the millions of acres of new California parkland has just been posted at http://www.connectingcalifornia.org/.
Together, our State parkland and wildlife habitat agencies
and the Federal government have bought and preserved a record amount, or
more than 1.5 million acres of California
natural lands and wildlife habitat between 1/1/2000 and August of 2007.
This comes after a 12 year lull (1988 to 2000) between approval of
California Parks bonds. Since the year 2000, voters have approved 5 bond
issues to save land statewide.
To put this in context, the recently preserved land is 42% of the size of the land covered by urban sprawl in the state, based
on a year 2000 State Housing Department study which found that around
3.5 million acres of California was then urban sprawl, equaling over 100
years of development. This newly preserved land equals over 4 times the
acreage of the State’s largest city, Los Angeles. This 1.5 million acres is also double the size of Yosemite National Park.
Many of these purchases have been in partnership with local land trusts, which are non-profit charitable groups.
The just-released report is part of the California Conservation Lands Inventory, which has been assembled by http://www.connectingcalifornia.org/,
the place on the web to find information about saving land in our
state, connecting our parks together, and supporting the groups that are
doing it. Included in the report are maps and photos of the new
parklands and links to reports, background information and the local
environmental groups that helped make the purchases happen.
What are taxpayers getting for their money?
Buying up the rivers that flow from the mountains to the sea in Ventura, L.A., Riverside and San Diego Counties;
Buying up a ring of parks and wildlife areas around the L.A. and San Francisco Bay areas;
Buying up thousands of acres of redwood forests on the Northern California coast;
Buying river park corridors in the Central Valley’s Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers;
Buying the old railroad checkerboard lands in the Mojave Desert.
THE LARGEST PUBLICLY FUNDED PURCHASES:
-California Desert-San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial Counties—700,000 acres
-Hearst Ranch -San Luis Obispo County—82,000 acres
-Blue Ridge-Berryessa Natural Area/Yolo Bypass-Yolo and Napa Counties—46,000 acres
-Mendocino County Coast timberlands—46,000 (an additional 50,000 acres has recently been saved with private funds)
-San Diego County—40,800 acres
-Diablo and Gabilan Range-Monterey, Santa Clara, San Benito and Fresno Counties—38,900 acres
-Lassen Foothills-Tehama County—34,000 acres
-Riverside County—34,000 acres
-Carrizo Plain-San Luis Obispo County—30,000 acres
-Mill Creek-Del Norte County—25,500 acres
-Sierra Valley—Sierra, Nevada and Plumas Counties—24,000 acres
-Mendocino National Forest Inholding-Glenn County—23,000 acres
-Merced County wetlands and vernal pools—21,000 acres
-Butte County—20,000 acres
-Kern County—19,000 acres
-Shasta County—16,000 acres
-Anza-Borrego Desert-San Diego County—11,000 acres
-Sacramento County—10,000 acres
-Big Sur-Monterey County—8,500 acres
-Santa Clara River-Ventura County—2000 acres
We conclude that, along with well-informed voters and strong local
control of development decisions, “the best way to truly control urban
sprawl is to buy that land and add it to our state’s great park system”.
The purchases by our State and Federal government are summarized below and are arranged geographically by county from south to north. The totals only include three State agencies: the Parks Department (http://parks.ca.gov/), the Coastal Conservancy (http://www.scc.ca.gov/) and the Wildlife Conservation Board (http://www.wcb.ca.gov/. We do not have totals yet for those years for other State agencies that save land on the local level, such as the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Calif. Tahoe Conservancy, Sierra Nevada Conservancy and others.
We also don't yet have totals for land saved by local governments or by private land trusts. One of the reasons for the difficulty in compiling this data is that sometimes several State agencies and local land trusts will take credit for saving the same property, so separating the overlapping totals has been very time-consuming.
This tally of new public parkland is a "living" document. We will update it as new information comes in.
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TOTALS ARRANGED BY COUNTY:
SAN DIEGO COUNTY:
BATIQUITOS LAGOON:
35.2 acres by CC-6-29-2006 adjacent to an ecological reserve on
Batiquitos Lagoon. - disburse up to $50,000 to the Batiquitos Lagoon
Foundation for pre-acquisition expenses associated with purchase of a
portion of the Murphy Property and all of the Mitsuuchi Property in the City of Carlsbad in San Diego County
SAN DIEGO RIVER:
also see San Diego River Conservancy: http://sdrc.ca.gov/
100 acres by CC-2003--Over $7 million from the Conservancy was approved
for purchase of a 100-acre property in Lakeside, the first on-the-ground
step in the establishment of San Diego River Park
. The park will eventually contain several properties in strategic
locations to benefit communities and wildlife along the entire length of
the river. CalMat property and San Diego River Park: Lakeside NCCP Program,
4400 acres by CC-12-2-04 -- disburse up to $9,700,000 to the Nature
Conservancy to acquire Monte Vista ranch property within the San Diego River watershed in order to implement the San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP), as part of California's Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) Program.
SAN DIEGUITO RIVER:
73 acres by CC--2004--contributed $1.5 million to the San Dieguito River
Park Joint Powers Authority’s purchase of the 73-acre Boudreau property
at San Dieguito Lagoon. The purchase allowed expansion of the San
Dieguito River’s natural tidelands and protected a critical link between
coastal and inland habitats. 5-27-04 Boudreau Property.
11 acre proposed San Pasqual Union School Addition to San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, 11-12-2002. The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will hold a hearing on a proposal to purchase from willing sellers the San Pasqual Union School as an addition to San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park in northeast San Diego County. The proposed addition would provide protection of significant cultural resources.
OTAY RIVER:
730 and 560 acres by CC
--12-11-2003 disburse up to $13,826,298 to the Department of Fish and
Game to acquire properties within the Otay River watershed in order to
implement the San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Plan, as part of the state's Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) Program.
2000 acres by CC and WCB--10-23-03 disburse $7,420,000 to the Department
of Fish and Game to acquire properties within the Otay River watershed
for 2000 acre Honey Springs parcel in Hollenbeck canyon in order to
implement the San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Plan, approved by
the Conservancy on June 25, 1998, as part of the state’s Natural
Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) Program, and to implement the San Diego River Park: Lakeside NCCP Program, adopted by the Conservancy on June 25, 2001.
By CC 5-24-2001--$5,900,000 to the County of San Diego to undertake
various planning, pre-project, habitat restoration, and pre-acquisition
activities, and to acquire several parcels within the Otay River Valley
for habitat and open space preservation.
By CC-4-26-2000-: $2.7 million for the purchase of wildlife habitat and parklands in the Otay River Valley.
SAN ELIJO LAGOON:
17 acres by CC-3-25-04—Authorization of $2 million for the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy to acquire the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation Property, under the San Elijo Lagoon Acquisition Program, approved by the Conservancy on June 25, 2001.
-2002--The Conservancy authorized acceptance of $850,000 from the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and disbursement of up to $650,000 of these
funds to the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy for the San Elijo Lagoon
Acquisition Program, San Diego County, approved by the Conservancy on June 25, 2001.
By CC 10-25-2001--The Conservancy approved acquisition of the Manchester Property on San Elijo Lagoon using $1.5 million of previously authorized Conservancy funds.
CARMEL MOUNTAIN:
9.4 acres By CC and WCB-6-22-2000--$4.2 million for habitat at Torrey Surf/Carmel Mountain in San Diego County.
ANZA-BORREGO:
Map of Lands Added to Anza-Borrego State Park Between 1998-and 2003
(click on map to enlarge)
(click on map to enlarge)
2117 and 842 acres by SP-http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/080602notice.pdf
8-2002. For map of anza-borrego additions http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/080602map.pdf
The California Department of Parks and Recreation to purchase two properties in east San Diego County as additions to the State Park System. The 2,117- acre Tulloch/Cuyamaca Ranch, currently owned by The Nature Conservancy, would be an addition to Anza-Borrego Desert & Cuyamaca Rancho State Parks. The 842-acre Mason Valley Ranch, currently optioned by the Anza-Borrego Foundation from the private landowner, would be an addition to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Both properties would provide protection of significant wildlife habitat/corridors and cultural resources.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation to purchase two properties in east San Diego County as additions to the State Park System. The 2,117- acre Tulloch/Cuyamaca Ranch, currently owned by The Nature Conservancy, would be an addition to Anza-Borrego Desert & Cuyamaca Rancho State Parks. The 842-acre Mason Valley Ranch, currently optioned by the Anza-Borrego Foundation from the private landowner, would be an addition to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Both properties would provide protection of significant wildlife habitat/corridors and cultural resources.
4000 acres by SP--2-27-04 parks comm. minutes: The Vallecitos Ranch acquisition is a 4,000-acre addition to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Director Coleman described this parcel as a terrific historic corridor with many archeological sites.
TOTAL LAND SAVED BY WCB NOT COUNTED IN ABOVE TOTALS:
-San Diego County: at least 40,810 acres were bought in the path of
urbanization at Ramona Grasslands, Iron Mountain, San Miguel, San
Dieguito River, La Posta, Oak Grove, Sycuan Peak, Buena Vista Creek,
Hollenbeck Canyon, Crestridge, Del Mar Mesa vernal pools, Lakeside
Linkages, Carmel Mountain/Torrey Surf, Lucky-5 Ranch, East Elliot
Preserve/Dennery Canyon, Montana Mirador Preserve, Santa Ysabel Valley,
Camp Pendleton/Cleveland Forest connector, Edwards Ranch, Rancho Jamul,
Oceanside Linkages, San Felipe Valley, Holly Springs Ranch, Procter
Valley and the Mountain Wildlife Area
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IMPERIAL COUNTY:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/0101306freemanpropertyescrowcloses.pdf 10-2006--escrow has closed on the Freeman Property and that State Parks is now the official owner of the property, also known as Truckhaven and Desert Cahuilla. The Freeman property is located west of the Salton Sea, bordering both Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreational Area. The Freeman property consists of approximately 4,000 acres
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SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY:
BY WCB:
-San Bernardino County: 574 acres bought at Camp Cady, San Bernardino Mountains & Deep Creek and the Colton Dunes;
-375 acres were added to Chino Hills State Park (Because the park is
also in Riverside and Orange Counties, we have counted the addition only
here, although it may actually be in one or both of the other
Counties.)
MOJAVE DESERT:
731,000 acres in the Mojave Desert were bought from the Catellus Corp. by the U.S. Government; some is in Riverside and Imperial Counties. See http://www.wildlandsconservancy.org/projects_cal.html for more details.
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RIVERSIDE COUNTY:
BY WCB:
At least 34,857 acres were bought and 1454 acres more were saved through conservation easements in the path of urbanization at North Peak, Santa Rosa Plateau, Wilson Creek, Alberhill, Coachella Valley, Oak Valley, Potrero Canyon, lower Colorado River, Sky Valley, North Warm Springs Creek, French Valley, San Jacinto, Triple Creeks, Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Preserve, Chuckwalla Bench and San Timoteo Canyon.
-3500 acres in Wildwood Canyon by SP 10-1-2001: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/2001%20Wildwood%20Canyon%20Hearing.pdfSTATE PARKS SETS HEARING ON WILDWOOD CANYON PURCHASE NEAR YUCAIPA – The California Department of Parks and Recreation will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 9, to solicit comments on the proposed acquisition of up to 3,500 acres of mostly undeveloped land in the Wildwood Canyon area of San Bernardino County.
-1147 acres bought by SP in San Timoteo Canyon
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ORANGE COUNTY:
LAGUNA COAST:
137 acres by CC-2007• provided $3,760,000 to the City of Laguna Beach
for its purchase of three properties totaling 137 acres for addition to
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. The properties are among several
acquisitions funded by the Conservancy since 2002 to create a new
network of trails and protect scenic wildlife habitat. (January and
March) 3-8-07-- disburse up to $2,458,000 to the City of Laguna Beach for acquisition of the 58.40-acre Chao property and the 50.37-acre Stonefield property located adjacent to the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Orange County. 1-18-07 -disburse up to $1,302,000 to the City of Laguna Beach for acquisition of the 27.92 acre Jaysu Property for addition to the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Orange County.
20 acres by CC-2006• provided the City of Laguna Beach with $761,000 for its acquisition of two properties totaling about 20 acres for addition to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
The properties contain coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats and
offer trail and greenbelt connections to the coast and existing
parklands. (March 2 and June 29) 6-29-06-- disburse up to $590,000 to
the City of Laguna Beach for acquisition of the 9.4 acre Haun Property adjacent to the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Orange County. 3-2-06-- disburse up to $171,300 to the City of Laguna Beach
for the acquisition of the approximately 11.4-acre Decker/Bossard
property for inclusion in the South Coast Wilderness system of parks and
preserves in Orange County.
70 acres by CC-2004-- granted $900,000 to help the City of Laguna Beach
purchase a 70-acre addition to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. The
acquisition protected spectacular scenic land and wildlife habitat and
will make it much easier for visitors to enter the park. 3-25-04--
disburse (1) up to $800,000 to the City of Laguna Beach for acquisition of the 36-acre Trinity property and the 34-acre Wainwright property located adjacent to the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Orange County, and (2) up to $100,000 to the Laguna Canyon Foundation for acquisition expenses associated with future projects.
10 acres by CC-5-23-2002--$2.75 million to the City of Laguna Woods to
acquire approximately 10 acres Rossmoor parcel to enlarge Laguna Coast
Wilderness Park.
By CC 3-22-2001-$2,000,000 to the California Department of Parks and
Recreation to acquire (and retire) Development rights to Crystal Cove
Historic District, a portion of Crystal Cove State Park, in order to
maximize public access to the District and the adjoining state beach, to
maximize public open space, and to preserve coastal natural resources.
HUNTINGTON BEACH:
45 acres by CC--4-24-2003--The Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy
used $1.2 million provided by the Coastal Conservancy to purchase the
Piccarelli property, 45 acres of wetlands along the shore of Huntington Beach
. The property is now part of over 100 acres of wildlife habitat that
provide sanctuary for endangered species in a densely populated urban
area.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/nr070201.pdf and parks comm.. minutes 10-25-2000 7-2001-- State officials and local supporters Tuesday will announce the purchase of a key piece of property linking Chino Hills State Park with the 649-acre Coal Canyon property that became part of the state park system last year. The latest acquisition will preserve one of the last remaining viable wildlife corridors in all of Southern California. It is probably the most significant acquisition that the department has completed in the last ten years and it represents one of the most expensive acquisitions for the department. This acquisition is also unique in that it is the first time the department has purchased an expensive piece of property in an urban area, primarily to link existing preserved areas in order to preserve the biological diversity of Chino Hills State Park and a number of other park areas in the Puente/Whittier Hills area. The department would not be acquiring this property were it not for its value in linking the surrounding large masses of habitat in order to preserve the species diversity within this large urban area. The Coal Canyon property was purchased from the St. Claire Company. The parcel comprises 650 acres and the acquisition cost was $40 million. The per acre cost was driven up by the fact that the Coal Canyon property had received approval from the city of Anaheim for the development of 1,500 housing units. This acquisition is significant not only because of its close proximity to urban areas, but also because this particular area of the state has been identified by conservation biologists as one of the eighteen “hot spots” in the world where biodiversity is most threatened. Furthermore, a blue ribbon panel of conservation biologists put together by the department was queried and they described the Coal Canyon acquisition property as being of global significance, that would result, if not acquired to preserve this corridor, into substantial species extinction. Chief Rayburn explained that the department had three studies completed prior to making this acquisition. The first study was the assembling of a blue-ribbon panel referred to above. The department asked the blue-ribbon panel to (1) determine if the freeway underpass could function as a viable corridor, and (2) to verify the assertion that there would be substantial species losses in Chino Hills State Park and other areas located to the north if the area was fragmented and the corridor was not preserved. The blue-ribbon panel confirmed that the underpass was a viable corridor and that significant species losses would occur without the corridor. The second study conducted by the department examined if the Coal Canyon area was the only place in which the linkage between these two large landscape masses could occur, and that was confirmed. The third study looked at the public’s investment in open space and natural resources north of the 91 Freeway. Between city, county, and state agencies, $150 million has been invested in open space, with more to come. This assisted the department in approving this acquisition because it was felt that spending $40 million to protect the biological diversity of a $150 million investment made sense.
BY WCB AND NOT COUNTED IN ABOVE TOTALS:
-Orange County: 5873 acres total saved: 5750 acres bought at Cleveland National Forest, 118 acres bought at Bolsa Chica Mesa, and 5 acres at Upper Newport Bay
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L.A. COUNTY:
LOS CERRITOS WETLANDS:
66 acres by CC---2006• provided $7 million for the Los Cerritos Wetlands
Authority’s purchase of 66 acres of the Bryant property at Los Cerritos
Wetlands near the mouth of the San Gabriel River in Long Beach. The
sale, primarily negotiated by the Trust for Public Land,
came after more than two decades of effort by the conservation
community to acquire properties that contain the wetlands. The
Conservancy earlier joined with the cities of Seal Beach and Long Beach and the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers
and Mountains Conservancy to establish the Authority for the purpose of
acquiring and restoring the wetlands, which are degraded but still
valuable habitat for many species of birds and other wildlife. Los Cerritos Wetlands Acquisition Project.
5 acres by CC--1-18-07 offer to dedicate fee title (OTD) by SCE at Los Cerritos Wetlands;
designation of the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority (LCWA) to accept the
OTD; and consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to
$30,000 to the LCWA to prepare a feasibility analysis of the use of the
five-acre parcel for natural resource restoration purposes under the Los
Cerritos Wetlands resource enhancement program, located in the City of
Long Beach. Los Cerritos Wetlands
L.A. STORMWATER:
By CC 3-8-2007• granted $50,000 to Community Conservancy International
to complete its Green Solutions Report, which will identify projects to
treat urban storm water through the creation of parks, open space, and
habitat areas. The report focuses on converting pavement to pervious
surfaces that would allow soil and plants to filter water and
pollutants. The planning area covers all Los Angeles
county watersheds that drain to the coast. The report will identify
projects that could treat urban storm water through the creation of a
network of parks, open space and habitat areas in Los Angeles County
SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS:
Soka:
588 acres-by CC, WCB and SP--2005• CC contributed $10.5 million toward
the Mountain Recreation Authority’s acquisition of the 564-acre SOKA
Property in the upper watershed of Malibu Creek. The purchase protected
critical wildlife habitat and offers outstanding recreational
opportunities in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains. SOKA Property within
the coastal zone of the Malibu Creek watershed to protect critical
habitat, open space and watershed lands and to implement the Santa
Monica Bay Restoration Plan, approved by the Conservancy on August 2,
2001. http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/041605.pdf
With this deal completed on Friday, April 16, 2005, with the close of
escrow on the 588 acre purchase, it is a partnership between State Parks
and nine other agencies to preserve a property many have called the
“Crown Jewel” of the Santa Monica Mountains. “One cannot overstate the
significance of acquiring this magnificent natural landscape,” said Ruth
Coleman, Director of California State Parks. “We have been trying to
acquire this wonderful parcel since the mid-1970’s. We now own a portion
and all the partners in this endeavor are to be applauded for
preserving this ecological jewel.” The Soka property being added to
Malibu Creek State Park is almost exclusively oak woodland, chaparral,
and annual grassland. It is in native condition, with the exception of a
few access roads and a small building at the edge of the property. The
entire 588 acres of the Soka University property is seen as a critical
habitat linkage for wildlife such a mountain lions, bobcats, badgers,
and other animals within the Santa Monica Mountains. The partnership
funding for the acquisition is as follows: (Most of the funding comes
from Propositions 40 and 50, bond acts passed by voters for land
conservation.) • Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, $10 million •
California State Parks, $7.15 million • State Coastal Conservancy Board,
$5.5 million • State Wildlife Conservation Board, $5 million • Santa
Monica Bay Restoration Commission, $2.5 million • National Park Service,
$2.5 million • County of Los Angeles, Prop. A, $2 million • Mountains
Recreation and Conservation Authority, $1.23 million • Calabasas,
$250,000 • Agoura Hills, $250,000.
417 acres by CC.-1-24-2002--$1,600,000 to the Mountains Restoration
Trust for the acquisition of approximately 417 acres known as the
"DeJoria Tuna Canyon S.E.A. Property" in Los Angeles County north of
Highway 1 between Malibu and Topanga Canyon Boulevards. In conjunction
with the grant, the Conservancy adopted the Tuna Canyon Significant
Ecological Area Enhancement Plan.
120 acres by CC-5-24-2001--$250,000 to the Mountains Restoration Trust for acquisition of three parcels encompassing approximately 120 acres of land including critical habitat for western pond turtles in accordance with the Zuniga Creek and Wetland Resource Enhancement Plan.
Around ½ acre by CC 9-28-2000-disburse up to $10,000,000 for acquisition of the Lechuza Beach property in Malibu, Los Angeles County, near Matador State Beach, located on Sea Level Drive
Less than an acre by CC--12-11-2003 Consideration and possible Conservancy adoption of the Carbon-La Costa Beach Acquisition
Mitigated Negative Declaration and Monitoring Program and authorization
to disburse up to $1,250,000 for acquisition of a vacant parcel located
at 21724 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
for scenic visual and passive public access. The lot is adjacent to a
property already owned by the Conservancy, and together the properties
offer the only opportunity for the public to reach the beach and the
only view of Santa Monica Bay from Pacific Coast Highway within a three-mile length of the coast
1659 acres by SP-Lower Topanga http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/nr062901b.pdf 6-2001 Lower Topanga map http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/topanga.pdf In March of this year, the American Land Conservancy, a private, non-profit organization that facilitates the preservation of parkland and water resources throughout the nation, announced that it would purchase the property from LAACO, Ltd., the Los Angeles Athletic Club. The intent of ALC has been to purchase the 1,659-acre property and hold it for transfer to the California Department of Parks and Recreation when park bond money became available. The money for acquiring lower Topanga Canyon will come from the Proposition 12 Parks Bond Act of 2000. Of the $48 million allocated, $43 million will be used to purchase the property and the remaining $5 million will be used to relocate the tenants and begin the restoration of the site.
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA:
463 acres by CC and WCB--2005• to acquire the Portuguese Bend and Agua
Amarga Canyon properties, a total of about 463 acres, to protect
wildlife habitat on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The properties are
adjacent to other protected habitat areas and will contain portions of a
20-mile trail network linked to the California Coastal Trail.
10-27-05--disburse up to $1,550,000 to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for the acquisition of two properties necessary for implementation of the Rancho Palos Verdes Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) Subarea Plan on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southwestern Los Angeles County.
BALLONA:
483 acres by WCB and CC--9-25-2003--The Conservancy contributed $10
million to the State's $140 million acquisition of over 480 acres of the
Ballona wetlands , and is leading the State's planning effort for
restoration of the property. The restoration will be aimed at
re-creating scarce habitat for a variety of wildlife while providing
opportunities for people to visit and enjoy the area. For documents
relating to the purchase, see http://resources.ca.gov/ballona_wetlands.html
for the State's restoration website, http://www.ballonarestoration.org/, and for other Ballona Wetlands updates, http://www.saveallofballona.org/
for the State's restoration website, http://www.ballonarestoration.org/, and for other Ballona Wetlands updates, http://www.saveallofballona.org/
1.2 acres by CC--7-16-07 Consideration and possible Conservancy
authorization to disburse an amount not to exceed $100,000 to the
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) for project
planning and design of a proposed 1.2-acre park at the recently acquired
Milton St parcel along the Ballona Creek within Culver City, Los Angeles County.
6-30-04 Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $142,320 to the City of Culver City for the Ballona Creek Water Quality Improvement Project, and up to $381,700 to the Ballona Wetlands Foundation to develop final plans and environmental review for Phase I of the Ballona Outdoor Learning and Discovery (BOLD) project, to implement the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Plan approved by the Coastal Conservancy on August 2, 2001.
BALDWIN HILLS:
38 acres by SP--http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/112202.pdf11-2002 LOS ANGELES – California State Parks and the Baldwin Hills Conservancy today announced the expansion of Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area with the acquisition of the first in a series of parcels along the Stocker Corridor in the Baldwin Hills. The preservation of the 38-acre open space corridor is part of the ongoing effort to expand Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area into a two-square mile natural park, open space and recreation oasis in the heart of southwest Los Angeles. This new acquisition will ultimately provide a critical link between the Crenshaw Community and the existing Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. Proposition 12 funds have been earmarked for the Stocker Corridor project via legislation by Sen. Kevin Murray and supported by Speaker Herb Wesson and the Davis Administration. The Stocker Corridor is a mile-long series of parcels that has remained as natural open space through the efforts of community members. The purchase of this first parcel along the corridor for $675,000 has been the culmination of community, local and state agency efforts to preserve the corridor and retain the natural characteristics of the Baldwin Hills area. 6-2002 http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/061802notice.pdfMap of stocker corridor http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/061802map.pdf
Taylor Yard 57.8 acres and the Cornfields, 32 acres by SP
--http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/121203.pdf 12-2003-California State Parks announced today that it has acquired its first park property which directly fronts along the Los Angeles River at Taylor Yard near downtown Los Angeles. The 17.8-acre parcel G that has been a part of the Union Pacific Taylor Yard properties runs for about a half-mile along the river just east of the Highway 2 Glendale Freeway bridge over the Los Angeles River. It is one of the few remaining natural habitat zones left along the river and is seen as essential for the long-term restoration of the Los Angeles River. State Parks has reached an agreement with Union Pacific to purchase the17.808-acres for $10,472,000.00 and with Public Works Board approval today, escrow on the property is expected to close next week. The acquisition funding comes from Proposition 12. In December 2001, State Parks purchased the 40-acre Taylor Yard property known as parcel D along San Fernando Road. However, it is separated from the river by the Metrolink rail line. It was likewise purchased with Proposition 12 bond funding. It is now being developed jointly by California State Parks and the City of Los Angeles as a seamless park that includes both natural and recreational areas. The 17.8 acre parcel is just upstream and State Parks intends to develop it as a natural riverfront area and connect it to Taylor Yard, thereby connecting the Taylor Yard property to the Los Angeles River parkland corridor. Many believe parcels D and G are the linchpin properties for moving ahead and acquiring more of the riverfront by State Parks and other agencies to eventually create a Los Angeles River Parkway. State Parks also owns the Cornfield property, located downstream of Taylor Yard. It does not directly touch the river, but has links for bike paths and trails to the river, thereby making it one of the connecting properties to Taylor Yard and another major part of the future Los Angeles River Parkway. The northernmost 17.8-acre parcel is contiguous to the 6-mile stretch of soft-bottomed channel of the Los Angeles River known as the “Glendale Narrows”. This is one the few remaining natural habitat zones where one can get a glimpse of what the Los Angeles River may have looked like prior to channelization. Parks comm.. minutes 8-22-03–an agreement has been reached to form a partnership with the City of Los Angeles in which the state would lease about half of the 40-acre Taylor Yard site to the City of Los Angeles, which would then construct sports fields at the city’s expense. State Parks would develop the other half of the site as a “traditional” state park, which would retain the link to the parcel that is immediately adjacent to the Los Angeles River. The objective being to have a park that seamlessly transitions from active recreation to more passive recreation to a riparian environment. State Parks hopes that this will eventually lead to the “greening” of the Los Angeles River in this area.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/110101a.pdf 11-2001-Taylor yard parcels map: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/110101amap.pdf For more on the original plan to purchase up to 127 acres of land locally referred to as Taylor Yard
Cornfields http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/nr061401.pdf 6-2001-Cornfields map http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/nr061401b.pdf Photos: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/nr061401d.pdf The 32-acre parcel is within an abandoned Union Pacific R.R. railyard located between North Broadway and North Spring streets as they run between the Chinatown area and the Los Angeles River. The L.A.- Pasadena Blue Line light rail right-of-way forms the parcel’s western and northern boundaries, with an intermodal station under construction one block south of the property in Chinatown. In March of this year, the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national non-profit land protection organization, stepped in and negotiated an option to buy the property from Union Pacific Railroad Company via the current option holder, Majestic Realty Company. An appropriation of $40,000,000, most of which will come from the Proposition 12 Parks Bond Act of 2000, is expected to be approved by the Governor when he signs the budget this summer. TPL will then transfer the property to State Parks.
By CC 6-25-2001--$1,693,000 to the City of Maywood, Los Angeles County,
for the acquisition of two properties for Maywood River Park, adjacent
to the Los Angeles River, and for preparation of environmental
documents. Added in 12-24-02 by CC- L.A. Junction railroad property
By CC 2-24-2000--disburse up to $400,000 to the City of
Paramount to acquire the Fitzpatrick property for public access along
the Los Angeles River to the coast.
By CC -3-25-04 Consideration and possible Conservancy authorization to
disburse up to $400,000 to the Los Angeles County Department of Public
Works to prepare a preliminary design and conduct environmental review
for wetland creation along the Los Angeles River
as recommended in the DeForest Nature Center and Sixth Street Sites
Wetland Feasibility Study and the Dominguez Gap Wetlands/Recreation
Study.
NORTH L.A. COUNTY:
5 acres added to Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve by State Parks
15 acres added to Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area by State Parks
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PURCHASES BY WCB NOT COUNTED IN ABOVE TOTALS:
1733 acres at Santa Susana Mountains, 1694 acres in the San Gabriel
Mountains foothills, 30 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains in La Sierra
Canyon and 151 acres at Simi Hills
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VENTURA COUNTY:
ORMOND BEACH:
276 acres by CC and WCB-2005• funded The Nature Conservancy’s $13
million acquisition of 276 acres at Ormond Beach from the Metropolitan
Water District and the City of Oxnard for restoration of wetlands and
other wildlife habitat. The property is adjacent to 265 acres that the
Conservancy purchased for restoration in 2002 and other neighboring
properties that are being considered for restoration. 1-27-05 --
disburse up to $12,972,000 to the Nature Conservancy for the acquisition
of approximately 276 acres at Ormond Beach in Ventura County for restoration of wetlands and related habitat.
265 acres by CC- 5-23-2002--The Conservancy authorized disbursement of
up to $9,700,000 for the acquisition of approximately 265 acres of
property at Ormond Beach, Ventura County, to implement a portion of the
Wetland Resources Enhancement Plan for Southern California Edison
Coastal Properties approved by the Conservancy on February 24, 2000.
-10-23-2003--The Conservancy approved use of $600,000 to plan for
restoration of wetlands and dunes at its 265-acre property at Ormond
Beach, and reserved $23 million for purchase of an adjacent 500 acres in
2004 owned by the MWD, Oxnard and Southland Sod at Ormond Beach.
Together, the properties will provide the setting for a large-scale
environmental restoration that will greatly benefit a variety of
wildlife, particularly resident and migratory birds.
-2000-- $17 million for Southern California Edison properties at Ormond Beach in Ventura County and elsewhere
OJAI/VENTURA:
14 acres in fee and 16 acres in conservation easement by
CC--2004--funded the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s $450,000 purchase of
the 14-acre Confluence property on the Ventura River.
The acquisition is a key element of a broader plan to preserve and
protect habitat for fish and wildlife and to expand recreational
opportunities along the river’s mid-section. 2-19-04 --part of the Ventura River Parkway in Ventura County.
1416 acres by CC-1-23-2003--A $3.1 million grant from the Coastal
Conservancy enabled the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy to purchase a
1,416-acre property on the Ventura River
. The purchase is critical to plans for recovery of the river's
endangered southern steelhead trout, and will allow people to experience
the beauty of the county's natural lands that remain along the river.
5-27-04-- disburse up to $55,000 to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy to
augment funds, authorized by the Conservancy on January 23, 2003, to
preserve, restore, and provide public access to Farmont Ranch,
on the Ventura River adjacent to the City of Ojai, Ventura County,
specifically for the restoration of trail corridors for habitat and
erosion control.
9-15-04 Consideration and possible
Conservancy authorization to disburse up to $200,000 to the Ventura
Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) to prepare acquisition planning and
feasibility studies for the Ventura Hillsides.
SANTA CLARA RIVER:
700 acres by CC-2003--The Conservancy provided $3 million for purchase of about 700 acres along two miles of the Santa Clara River . The properties will add to the Santa Clara River Parkway,
created by the Coastal Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy to
protect farmland, manage floodwaters, and restore the natural
environment along Southern California's largest river.
120 acres by CC-2002--The Conservancy authorized acquisition by The
Nature Conservancy of two additional properties, totaling 120 acres, to
implement the Santa Clara River Parkway Conceptual Enhancement Plan
pursuant to the Conservancy resolution of June 2001.
1100 acres by CC-2001--$1,300,000 to the Nature Conservancy for the
acquisition of properties totaling approximately 1,100 acres as part of
the Santa Clara River Parkway, Ventura County.
By CC 10-26-2000-- $4.8 million from CC to initiate the Santa Clara River Parkway program in Ventura County to buy the Camp property
S.M. MOUNTAINS:
2983 acres by CC and WCB--9-25-2003--The Conservancy contributed $10
million to the State's purchase of the 2,983-acre Ahmanson Ranch ,
enabling the protection of valuable wildlife habitat and the
availability of natural park lands in a rapidly developing area. The
ranch is in the upper watershed of Malibu Creek, and the purchase
complements extensive restoration work being conducted downstream by the
Conservancy and its partners.
58.8 acres in Thousand Oaks-by WCB -- received the Joel McCrea Ranch donation.
--------------------------------
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY:
0.67 acres by CC--2005• granted the County $300,000 for the acquisition
of three vacant blufftop parcels on Del Playa Drive in Isla Vista for a
park that will offer spectacular panoramic views of the ocean. The
Conservancy also provided the County with $150,000 to reconstruct three
public beach accessways in the City that have frequently washed out
during major storms. 6-16-05 Isla Vista. 1-27-05 Isla Vista.
30 acres at Carpinteria Bluffs by WCB
GAVIOTA COAST:
137 acres by CC and WCB-2004--provided the City of Goleta
with $4 million for its purchase of the 137-acre Ellwood Mesa property.
The purchase will protect scenic wildlife habitat and offer
opportunities for recreation in the most urban area of the Gaviota Coast. 6-30-04-- Ellwood Mesa property
2500 acres by CC and SP-4-25-2002--$3,050,000 to California State Parks,
including redirection of a $1,600,000 grant to The Trust for Public Land authorized in June 2001, to acquire a 2,500-acre portion of the El Capitan Ranch property on Santa Barbara County’s Gaviota Coast, for the purposes of providing public access and preserving coastal wildlife habitat. http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/031902.pdf
750.6 acres by CC- 4-25-2002--$200,000 to the Land Trust for Santa
Barbara County to acquire conservation easements over two properties
owned by the Hvölboll family, including the 745-acre La Paloma Ranch and
an additional 5.6-acre property, on the Gaviota Coast.
800 acres by CC and WCB-10-26-2000-- $4 million to buy the Arroyo
Hondo/J.J. Hollister 800-acre ranch on the Gaviota Coast in Santa
Barbara County, see http://www.sblandtrust.org/
SANTA INEZ VALLEY:
By WCB: conservation easements purchased at the 887 acre El Chorro Ranch, 594 acre Purisima Hills, 1007 acre Rancho la Purisima and the 1406 acre Rancho de Vistas
El Chorro Ranch-- saved with a conservation easement
---------------------------
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY:
HEARST/CAMBRIA COAST:
20 acres by CC-2005• provided the Trust for Public Land with $190,000
for its option to purchase the 20-acre Piedras Blancas resort property
and its management of public access to two sandy beaches, trails, and a
parking area at the site. The property contains one-half mile of
shoreline in the midst of the extensive Hearst Ranch properties that the
State acquired in 2004. Piedras Blancas Resort in northern San Luis Obispo County.
Hearst Ranch,
1467 acres bought and 80,000 acre conservation easement by CC, WCB and
SP--2004—CC contributed $34,500,000 for the acquisition and protection
of interests in the 82,000-acre Hearst Ranch. Additional public funds
included $34.5 million from the WCB, $23 million from CalTrans, $3
million from State Parks, and Hearst will get a $15 million tax credit.
The purchase will open an 18-mile stretch of coastline to the public and
protect over 80,000 acres of farmland and natural lands east of Highway
1 while allowing continued use of most of the ranch for farming and
ranching and 27 homesites and 15 employee housing units on the inland
part of the ranch. Also includes acquisition of interests in the
906-acre Junge Ranch east and west of Highway 1 by a nonprofit
organization and the State, through use of tax credits or otherwise. Of
the land sold to the State, 949 acres goes to State Parks and 518 acres
to Caltrans for a project relocating Highway 1. 7-16-04 parks
comm.--Hearst Conservation Plan-- State Parks would not be investing in
the purchase but would accept fee title and management responsibility
for the 13 miles of coastline. 9-17-04 parks comm --State Parks had been
concerned that the agreement originally included stipulations that
limited access to the coastal trail, but that negotiations with the
landowner resulted in a lifting of all restrictions.
106 acres by CC 4-24-2003-- disburse up to $250,000 to the Nature
Conservancy to assist in the acquisition of two parcels comprising 106
acres, known as the Williams property in the community of Cambria, San
Luis Obispo County, for purposes of natural resource protection and
viewshed preservation.
746 acres by CC/WCB/SP-2-27-2003--The Conservancy provided over $6.6
million for the State's purchase of the 746-acre Sea West Ranch on
Estero Bay between Cambria and Cayucos
along the Harmony coast. The purchase ensures protection of one of the
largest coastal prairie grasslands in the State, and provides a site for
a three-mile addition to the California Coastal Trail.
400 acres by CC 3-23-2000, provided $3.5 million for East-West Ranch in Cambria,
also 2001--$$200,000 to the Cambria Community Services District for the preparation of a Public Access Management Plan for the East-West Ranch property located in the community of Cambria, San Luis Obispo County.
also 2001--$$200,000 to the Cambria Community Services District for the preparation of a Public Access Management Plan for the East-West Ranch property located in the community of Cambria, San Luis Obispo County.
1.6 acres by CC--10-23-03-- disburse an amount not to exceed $200,000 to the Cambria Community Services District for the acquisition of a 1.6-acre parcel in the community of Cambria, San Luis Obispo County.
-----------------------------------------
CARRIZO PLAIN:
30,309 acres bought by the WCB to link the Carrizo Plain National Monument to Los Padres National Forest
Carrizo Plain National Monument and State Additions
-----------------------------------------------
SOUTH SLO COUNTY:
13 acres by CC—5-18-2005• provided the Land Conservancy of San Luis
Obispo County with $645,000 for its acquisition and restoration of the
13-acre Rossi property in lower Black Lake Canyon at the edge of the
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. The purchase protected freshwater marshland and
other wildlife habitat from development. Black Lake Canyon Enhancement Plan.
18 acres by CC—12-18-2005• provided $400,000 to the Land Conservancy of
San Luis Obispo County for its acquisition and restoration of an 18-acre
portion of the Argano Ranch along San Luis Obispo Creek. The property
contains steelhead trout habitat, 15 acres of farmland, and a link in
the planned City to the Sea Trail. Argano Ranch
270 acres by CC-2004--provided $400,000 to assist the City of San Luis
Obispo in its purchase of 270 acres of the Ahearn Ranch along the
headwaters of San Luis Obispo Creek and Highway 101. The acquisition
protects a variety of wildlife habitats and offers opportunities for
public recreation. 5-27-04 disburse up to $400,000 to the City of San Luis Obispo for acquisition of the Ahearn Ranch in the San Luis Obispo Creek watershed.
1860 acres conservation easement by CC-8-14-2003--A $1.5-million grant
from the Conservancy enabled the Bay Foundation of Morro Bay to purchase
a conservation easement on the 1,860-acre Maino Ranch , preventing its
subdivision and development. The easement will help protect the natural
and scenic resources of the Chorro Valley and Morro Bay National Estuary while enabling the Maino family to continue its ranching operation.
42 acres by CC/WCB-10-23-2003--The Conservancy contributed $1.25 million
for a 42-acre addition to Montana de Oro State Park near the south end
of Morro Bay.
The purchase prevents commercial development of the site, protecting
stunning coastal views and sensitive dune habitats. 10-23-03 acquisition of a 42-acre property.
580 acres by CC/WCB-1-24-2002--The Conservancy approved the Hammons
Conceptual Resource Enhancement Plan, and authorized (1) acceptance of
$550,000 in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant funds; (2) disbursement
of up to $1,200,000 to the Wildlife Conservation Board for acquisition
of the 580-acre Hammons property, San Luis Obispo County; and (3)
disbursement of up to $100,000 to the Bay Foundation for restoration
planning.
80 acres by CC-2002--$750,000 to the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo
County to purchase an 80-acre property and restore steelhead habitat
along San Luis Obispo Creek.
540 acre conservation easement by CC-10-31-2002--$225,000 grant to the
Bay Foundation for the acquisition of a conservation easement over the
540-acre Buckingham Ranch located in the Morro Bay Watershed.
By CC 4-26-2001--The Conservancy authorized acceptance of public access
and open space easements on property leased by Unocal Corp. along the Santa Maria River in southern San Luis Obispo County, and to transfer these easements to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
By CC 2-22-2001--$$665,000 to the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo
County for the acquisition, management, restoration, and disposition of
real property pursuant to the Black Lake Canyon Enhancement Plan.
18 acres by CC-12-5-2001--$1,175,000 to the Bay Foundation to acquire
approximately 18 acres on the south shore of Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo
County.
1 acre by CC 9-28-2000-- disburse up to $50,000 to the City of Pismo
Beach for acquisition of a one-acre property to provide public access to
the Pismo Marsh Ecological Reserve. http://www.coastalrcd.org/PismoLake.html
7 acres added to Oceano Dunes State vehicular recreation area by State Parks
OTHER LANDS SAVED BY WCB AND NOT COUNTED IN ABOVE TOTALS :
82 acres at Morro Bay and Dunes, 42 acres at Montana de Oro, 395 acres
at the Irish Hills, 106 acres at Santa Rosa Creek, 205 acres at Bayview,
17.8 acres at Los Osos dunes/wetlands and the 20.75 acre Mid-State Bank
donation
Los Osos Dunes
Morro Dunes
--------------------------------------------------------------
INYO AND MONO COUNTIES:
BY WCB:
Inyo County: 218 acres bought at Cartago Springs
Mono County: 7520.2 acres saved: 1160 acres bought at Burcham and Wheeler Flat, and through conservation easements, 6350 acres saved at Bridgeport Valley, plus 10.2 acres at Wheeler Ridge.
BRIDGEPORT VALLEY CONSERVATION EASEMENT--BOUGHT 8/22/2002
-------------------------------------------------------
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY SUMMARY:
-Fresno County by WCB: 1424
acres bought at the San Joaquin River, Black Mountain Preserve, Spano,
Finch, Glaspey, plus a conservation easement on the 17,000 acre Varian
Ranch that is also in Monterey County
-Kern County:
by WCB: 9535 acres bought at Lokern, Canebrake Canyon, Scodie Canyon, Walker Basin, Red Rock Canyon, and Allensworth State Park, plus a 9576 acre conservation easement at Parker Ranch
By State Parks: 442 acres added to Fort Tejon state historic park;
80 acres added to Tomo-Kahni state historic park near Tehachapi. http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/090502notice.pdf
9-2002--The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)
proposes to purchase lands from willing sellers as an addition to the
Tomo-Kahni Project in Kern County. The proposed lands are within a DPR
area of acquisition interest north and northeast of the Town of
Tehachapi and State Highway 58. These lands are within the traditional
homeland of the Nuooah American Indians and are critical for the
protection and interpretation of related archeological sites and
cultural history. Map of properties: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/090502map.pdf
May 26, 2005 Site Located for State Vehicular Recreation Area
BAKERSFIELD – The City of Bakersfield and the State of California, announced today their partnership to acquire land on behalf of California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, for the development of a State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). The property is less than 30 minutes drive north from downtown Bakersfield. The City of Bakersfield, on behalf of the State, has obtained an assignable option using grant funds from the Off-Highway Vehicle Trust Fund, to purchase the prospective site, which totals approximately 11,000 acres. (NOTE: PROJECT IS STALLED DUE TO VARIOUS ISSUES)
-Madera County by WCB: 4093.5 acres saved (1345 acres bought, 2748.5 acres saved through conservation easements) at the San Joaquin River, Finegold Creek, Ledger Island, Cobb-Procter-Broadwell, River Vista Partners, Millerton Preserve and the Madera Farmlands Security Perimeter
26.6 acres added by State Parks to Wassama Roundhouse SHP
-Merced County by WCB: 21,616 acres saved (4359 acres bought, 17,256.9 acres saved through conservation easements) at Volta, the Merced grasslands and vernal pools, Merced River/Robinson Ranch
-San Joaquin County by WCB: 3515 acres saved through conservation easements at the Cosumnes River and in the east Delta.
Additions to State Parks: 97 acres added to Carnegie state vehicular recreation area
-Stanislaus County by WCB: 47 acres saved at Basso Bridge, and around 570 acres saved with a conservation easement at the Grasslands (the rest of the 1710 acre saved parcel is in Merced County)
-Tulare County by WCB: 3220 acres saved: 1540 acres at Dillonwood Grove inside Sequoia National Park, the 725 acre Wilderness Ranch, 138 acres at Allensworth State Park, 95 acres at Stone Corral and 722 acres saved with a conservation easement at Tule River/Negus Ranch,
SIERRA NEVADA REGION SUMMARY
-Calaveras County by WCB: 3009 acres saved through a conservation easement at Eagle Ridge
-El Dorado County by WCB: over 2400 acres saved: 1335 acres bought at the South Fork American River, Pine Hill, Ponderosa 50, and Leek Springs Valley, plus 1178 acres saved through conservation easements at Upper Cosumnes River
Land added to State Parks:
43.75 acres added to Folsom Lake SP; 2324 acres at Z'berg-Sugarpine
Point SP; 68 acres at Emerald Bay SP
-Lassen by WCB: 1022 acres saved
at Hallelujah Junction, and 278 acres bought and 265 acres saved with a
conservation easement at Bass Hill
-Mariposa County by WCB: 6881 acres saved through conservation easements at Long Ranch, Portuguese Ridge and the East Merced vernal pool grasslands
-Modoc County by WCB: 2080 acres bought at Fitzhugh Creek
-Nevada County by WCB: 494 acres bought at Spenceville, and the 3139 acre Truckee River Canyon (1/2 is in Sierra County, ½ is in Nevada County)
-Placer County by WCB: 155 acres
bought by Donner Memorial State Park, 1481 acres at Martis Valley
(around 640 acres are in Placer Co., and around 840 acres are in Nevada
County), and at Big Hill, 320 acres bought and 313 saved with a
conservation easement.
2000 acres added by State Parks at Donner Lake http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/072403.pdf
7-2003-The California State Park that pays homage to the Donner Party
has now nearly tripled in size with a land acquisition of nearly 2,000
acres. Added to the historic park is a place called Shallenberger Ridge,
the scenic backdrop to Donner Lake that is seen by tens of thousands of
travelers as they pass Donner Lake along the Interstate 80 corridor.
-Plumas County by WCB: 20,975.5 acres saved, including 275 acres bought at Chilcoot, 20,697 acres saved through a conservation easement at Sierra Valley, and 3.5 acres at Hamilton Branch
-Sierra County by WCB: 3169 acres saved at Hallelujah Junction and 2300 acres in conservation easement in Sierra Valley.
A view of the Sierra Valley and Hallelujah Junction purchases
a closeup of the Martis Valley purchase
-Tuolumne County by WCB: 160 acres bought at Sands Meadow and 333 acres at Andrew Creek
4.19 acres added by State Parks to Railtown 1897 state historic park.
---------------------------------
SACRAMENTO RIVER VALLEY:
-Butte County by WCB: over 20,000 acres saved (5478 acres bought, 15,123 acres saved through conservation easements) at Musty Buck Ridge, Big Chico Creek, Llano Seco, Daugherty Hill, Honcut Creek, Orne, Hughes Ranch, Cherokee Farms and the Sacramento River
85.3 acres added by State Parks to Bidwell-Sacramento River SP
North Table Mountain Preserve, Butte County
-Colusa County by WCB:
20,497 acres saved (557 acres bought, 19,940 acres saved through
conservation easements) at the Sacramento River, Cache Creek, Bear Valley, Traynham Ranch and Eagle Ridge
-Glenn County by WCB: 1084 acres
at the Sacramento River and Valley, and a 23,000 acre former Louisiana
Pacific timber inholding in Mendocino National Forest known as
“Commander South”.
-Sacramento County by WCB: 10,345 acres saved (4819 acres bought and 5526 acres saved through conservation easements) at the Cosumnes River, the east county hills, and the Sacramento Prairie vernal pools
1913 acres added by SP—east of Sacramento http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/082102.pdf
8-2002-Because of its location 20 miles east of downtown Sacramento and
its proximity to a burgeoning suburban area, the 836-acre Prairie City
SVRA is destined to become the model for future urban OHV parks across
the U.S. In addition to the BMX facilities, the State Park eventually
will provide a mix of both motorized and non-motorized forms of off-road
recreation, world-class motocross tracks, a skateboard park, outdoor
rock climbing wall and mountain bike trails.
31 acres by SP--Lake Natoma, Sacramento County http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/022003.pdf
2-2003- at the corner of Twin Lakes Ave. and Snipes Blvd. in
Orangevale, Snipes-Pershing Ravine, a 31-acre parcel of land overlooking
Lake Natoma is a significant acquisition for State Parks and it is
considered one of the crown jewels of the American River Parkway. The
acquisition protects and preserves significant open space containing
watershed and oak woodland habitat in the Orangevale area.
Under 1 acre each was added by State Parks to Heilbron Mansion SP and to Old Sacramento SHP.
-Shasta County by WCB: over
16,551 acres saved: 348 acres at Ball’s Ferry, 20 acres at lower Clear
Creek, and saved with conservation easements, 2007
acres at the Lassen Foothills, 4600 acres at the McCloud River forest,
6640 acres at Cow Creek and 1467 acres at Fall River Valley (along with
1469 acres bought),
27.8 acres by SP-Shasta County--Ahjumawi Lava Springs http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/080202.pdf
8-2002- proposed acquisition of 27.8 acres of land for Ahjumawi Lava
Springs State Park in northeastern Shasta County. The proposal would
acquire land located at the north end of Fall River Valley connected to
the west side of Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park. Acquisition of the
property will allow administrative and potential public access by land
to Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park. This has been a goal of the
department since the state first acquired the Horr Ranch in 1975. The
landscape is gently sloped, rocky land with sparse mixed
hardwood-conifer forest with some wetland and grassland. Lava Creek
Lodge, a general partnership, owns the property. Once acquired by
California State Parks, the property would become part of Ahjumawi Lava
Springs State Park. For map http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/Lava%20Ck%20map.pdf
-Sutter County by WCB: 140 acres saved (10 acres bought at Feather River and 130 acres saved through conservation easement at Rudd Farms)
Sutter Buttes
1785 acres by SP-- Sutter Buttes/Peace Valley Acquisition – Parks comm.. minutes 8-22-03 and 2-27-04; The mountains known as the Sutter Buttes in the northern Sacramento Valley are the world’s smallest mountain range and an extremely significant California
natural feature that includes the heart of the Pacific Flyway. This
place has been targetted as a potential state park as early as 1902 or
1903.
-Tehama County by WCB: 34,774 acres saved through conservation easements at Lassen Foothills and 7.5 acres at Thomes Creek
LASSEN FOOTHILLS
-Yolo County by WCB:
34,899 acres: 21,872 acres including the Bobcat Ranch at the
Blueridge-Berryessa Natural Area (6983 acres of this total is a
conservation easement); and 13,027 acres bought at the Yolo Bypass
wetlands complex
-Yuba County by WCB: 4061.31 acres bought or saved through a conservation easement at Daugherty Hill and 6 acres bought at the Feather River
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SAN BENITO COUNTY:
-San Benito County by WCB: around 7000 acres of Gabilan Ranch saved through conservation easement
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MONTEREY COUNTY:
BIG SUR/CARMEL COASTLINE:
8 acres by CC-2007• provided $3.5 million to the Big Sur Land Trust for
its purchase of two properties totaling about eight acres for the Carmel River Parkway.
The properties contain buildings that could be converted to educational
centers plus other facilities and sites for visitor services. Long-term
plans for the Parkway call for protection and restoration of lands
within the river’s ecosystem, development of educational facilities, and
installation of a trail network connected to neighboring public lands.
(January) 1-18-07 Carmel River Parkway in Monterey County.
7128 acres total saved by WCB and CC. 680 acres by CC-2-27-2003--$12.25
million from the Coastal Conservancy was made available to the Monterey
Peninsula Regional Park District for purchase of a 680-acre portion of
Palo Corona Ranch , known as the “Gateway to Big Sur” just south of Carmel.
The purchase will help open thousands of acres of spectacularly scenic
land to the public and unite several parklands adjoining the ranch.
289 acres by CC and WCB: 2-22-2001--$5,000,000 to the Trust for Public
Land for the first of two phased acquisitions of the Bixby Ocean Ranch
in northern Big Sur, Monterey County. The Conservancy approved the
transfer of the Bixby Ocean Ranch property from the Trust for Public
Land to the United States Forest Service
By CC 4-26-2001--$$400,000 to the Big Sur Land Trust toward acquisition of Notley’s Landing in Big Sur,
By CC 12-5-2001--$963,000 to California State Parks to obtain the property known as Hatton Canyon in Monterey County.
460 acres by CC--5-24-07 Consideration and possible Conservancy
authorization to disburse up to $250,000 to the Trust for Public Land
for acquisition of the Rancho Calera property in Big Sur, Monterey County
5-24-07 Closed session to confer with staff negotiators with regard to
possible acquisition of interests in real property around the San
Clemente Dam on the Carmel River in Monterey County. Also, to disburse
up to $500,000 for engineering and technical studies for the San Clemente Dam Removal Project in Monterey County.
1000 acres added by State Parks to Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park
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163 acre conservation easement by CC-2004--contributed $1 million toward
the Monterey County Agricultural and Historical Land Conservancy’s
purchase of a conservation easement over the Dolan Ranch on Moro Cojo
Slough near Castroville. The easement will protect wildlife habitat and
provide for restoration of wetlands along the slough while allowing the
ranch to continue operation as a working farm. 9-15-04 Moro Cojo Slough.
183 acres by CC-8-14-2003--A $273,000 grant from the Conservancy helped
the Elkhorn Slough Foundation acquire a 183-acre portion of the Tottino
Ranch along Moro Cojo Slough in the Elkhorn Slough watershed , for
protection of wetlands and other sensitive wildlife habitats. The
Conservancy also provided $110,000 for environmental education and
training programs in the watershed. The grants extend the Conservancy's
long history of working with the local community to protect and improve
the watershed's environmental, recreational, and agricultural resources
51.26 acres by CC and WCB-4-26-2001--$2,000,000 to the Big Sur Land
Trust for the acquisition of the 51.26-acre Granite Rock Dunes property
located in the City of Marina, Monterey County.
By CC 12-7-2000—Monterey Window on the Bay project, authorization to
disburse up to an additional $1,000,000 to the City of Monterey for the
acquisition of a waterfront parcel;
125 acres by CC 5-25-2000--adoption of the Martin Dunes Resource
Enhancement Plan and authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to the Big
Sur Land Trust for the acquisition of an undivided property interest in
a 125-acre parcel located near the mouth of the Salinas River in
unincorporated Monterey County.
22.6 acres by CC 1-26-2000-- disburse funds to the California Department
of Parks and Recreation for the acquisition of a 22.6-acre parcel
located in Moss Landing, Monterey County.
LAND SAVED BY WCB AND NOT COUNTED IN ABOVE TOTALS:
151.5 acres at Elkhorn Slough and 38,905 acres saved through
conservation easements in the Diablo Range at Bear Valley, the Varian
Ranch and at Gabilan Ranch, and 4330 acres at Dorrance Ranch and 1674
acres at Arroyo Seco on the inland side of Big Sur.
LAND SAVED BY STATE PARKS NOT IN ABOVE TOTALS:
1082 acres added to Point Lobos/Castle Rock state parks
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SANTA CRUZ COUNTY:
Approximately 192 acres by CC--2005• provided the Santa Cruz County
Regional Transportation Commission with a no-interest loan of $10
million for its acquisition of 32 miles of railroad right-of-way known
as the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line. The right-of-way is slated for use
as a public pedestrian and bicycle trail and as a segment of the
California Coastal Trail. 12-8-05 Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line
94 acres by CC--2005• provided the nonprofit organization Agri-Culture
with $2 million for its acquisition of the 94-acre agricultural portion
of the Sand Hill Bluff property on the North County
coast. Agri-Culture will lease and eventually sell the property as
farmland. As part of the transaction, the coastal portions of the
property became part of California State Parks. 3-10-05 Consideration
and possible Conservancy authorization to disburse up to $2,000,000 to
Agri-Culture toward its acquisition of the 94-acre agricultural portion
of the 154-acre Sand Hill Bluff property in northern Santa Cruz County.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/051205.pdf
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/051205.pdf
289 acres by CC and WCB plus 18 acre conservation easement--2004--CC
contributed $1,160,000 toward the State’s purchase of the 289-acre Buena Vista
property in the Watsonville Slough watershed. The property is home to
several rare and endangered animals and plants. 2-19-04-- Consideration
and possible Conservancy authorization to disburse up to $1,160,000 to
the Wildlife Conservation Board for acquisition of the ±289-acre Buena Vista Property in the Watsonville Slough watershed, Santa Cruz County.
2002- by CC-A $3,000,000 grant to the City of Santa Cruz for property purchases and improvements to the Santa Cruz Depot site.
By CC 1-24-2002--$3,000,000 to the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County to
acquire portions of LCP Area C in Watsonville. In conjunction with the
grant, the Conservancy adopted the Watsonville Coastal Restoration Plan.
http://www.landtrustsantacruz.org/
5-27-04 Authorization to amend the August 14, 2003 Conservancy
resolution to eliminate one acceptance of an offer to dedicate a public
access easement by the County of Santa Cruz from the conditions of the 26th Avenue Stairway construction project.
2-19-04 Consideration and possible Conservancy authorization to disburse
up to $300,000 to the County of Santa Cruz to conduct site studies and
environmental analysis, and to prepare applications to the State Water
Resources Control Board for permits to appropriate water from streams on
Coast Dairies property in Santa Cruz County for the irrigation of farmland.
By CC 3-22-2001-acceptance of an offer to dedicate a public access
easement to and along the shoreline of Antonelli’s Pond in the City of
Santa Cruz.
LAND SAVED BY BY WCB AND NOT IN ABOVE TOTALS:
167 acres at Glenwood Meadows, 8 acres at Soquel Forest and 55 acres at Larkin Valley
LAND SAVED BY STATE PARKS THAT IS NOT IN ABOVE TOTALS:
1 acre at Rancho San Andreas;
.14 acres added to Seacliff state beach; 90 acres added to Wilder Ranch
state park; 1310 acres added to Castle Rock state beach (may overlap
with additions counted in Monterey County)
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SAN MATEO COUNTY:
ON THE PACIFIC COAST:
2.2 acres by CC--2005• provided the City of Pacifica with $250,000 for its purchase of a 2.2-acre blufftop property on Esplanade Drive
for open space, natural resource protection, and public access, plus
$350,000 to design and construct beach and blufftop trails and a park on
a nearby property. 9-8-05 disburse up to $250,000 to the City of Pacifica for acquisition of a 2.17-acre blufftop property for open space, natural resource protection and public access at 400 Esplanade Drive, Pacifica, in San Mateo County.
267 acres by CC-2005• contributed $2.2 million toward the Peninsula Open
Space Trust’s costs of acquiring the San Gregorio Farms property south
of Half Moon Bay. The property contains habitat for several threatened
and endangered species and may one day become part of the State Parks
system. 9-25-2001—CC gave $1,500,000 to the Peninsula Open Space Trust
toward the acquisition of the San Gregorio Farms property in coastal San Mateo County.
5-18-05 disburse up to $2,225,000 ($2,000,000 reimbursable) to the
Peninsula Open Space Trust towards its costs of acquiring the San Gregorio Farms Property in San Mateo County.
119 acres by CC -2004-- the Conservancy provided the Peninsula Open
Space Trust with $1 million for its purchase of 119 acres on Pillar
Point Bluff just west of the Half Moon Bay Airport.
The purchase protects sensitive wildlife habitat and will allow an
extension of the California Coastal Trail. 6-30-04 disburse up to
$1,085,000 to the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) towards its
acquisition of the Strickler Property at Pillar Point Bluff, and to fund the planning and design of a 0.7-mile portion of the Coastal Trail in San Mateo County.
1719 acres bought and 1411 saved with a conservation easement by CC and WCB: 8-14-2003- disburse up to $5,000,000 to the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) towards its acquisition of the Bolsa Point Ranches in San Mateo County.
4262 acres by CC and WCB--2-27-2003--disburse up to $9,000,000 to the
Peninsula Open Space Trust toward its acquisition of 4,262 acres of open
space land known as the Rancho Corral de Tierra for future inclusion in
Golden Gate National Recreation District.
-2003--The Conservancy provided $20 million to support Peninsula Open
Space Trust acquisitions totaling over 8,000 acres of parklands,
wildlife habitat, and farmland. The acquired properties include 4262
acre Rancho Corral de Tierra near El Granada, the Driscoll Ranch near La
Honda, and the Bolsa Point ranches near the Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
The Conservancy and POST are long-time partners in land protection.
15 acres by CC-2-27-2003--The Conservancy provided a big boost to
longstanding local efforts to protect the 15-acre Mirada Surf property,
near Half Moon Bay, with a $1.5 million grant for its acquisition by San Mateo County. Plans are underway to develop picnic areas and beach access facilities, including a new link in the Coastal Trail.
-2002-The Conservancy approved a disposition plan for sale of the Cascade Ranch Farm in San Mateo County
to the farm’s agricultural tenant for its appraised fair market value,
with an alternate plan for sale of the farm at public auction, and
adopted a CEQA Negative Declaration for the farm’s sale.
80 acres by CC-4-25-2002--$360,000 to Save-the-Redwoods League for the
acquisition of 80 acres owned by the University of California in the
Butano Creek watershed in San Mateo County.
1.5 acres by CC- 6-25-2001--$$1,100,000 to the Pacifica Land Trust for
acquisition of approximately 1.5 acres known as the Mahoney Property at
the mouth of San Pedro Creek in the City of Pacifica, San Mateo County,
for habitat restoration.
110 acres by CC-12-7-2000-- $1 million for Mori Point in Pacifica.
5-27-04 Authorization to disburse up to $74,000 to the Golden Gate
National Parks Conservancy to determine the alignment of the Coastal Trail on
property recently acquired by the National Park Service at Mori Point
in Pacifica, San Mateo County, and to prepare plans and construction
documents necessary for development of the trail.
By CC 12-7-2000-- accept $2,000,000 in federal Transportation
Enhancement Activities (“TEA”) Program grant funds, and to disburse up
to $3,000,000 in Coastal Conservancy funds to the American Land
Conservancy for acquisition of conservation and trail easements on
Purisima Farms in San Mateo County.
ON SAN FRANCISCO BAY:
2 acres by CC-2004--provided $62,000 for the City of Brisbane’s purchase of two properties on the scenic upper slopes of San Bruno Mountain.
The properties are home to endangered butterflies and are now part of a
23-acre natural area being restored by the city and its partners.
5-27-04 Authorization to disburse up to $61,500 to the City of Brisbane to acquire two parcels within Brisbane Acres, an unrecorded subdivision located on the upper slopes of San Bruno Mountain in the City of Brisbane.
By CC 6-25-2001--$65,000 to the City of Brisbane to acquire three
parcels of Brisbane Acres, on the upper slopes of San Bruno Mountain in
the City of Brisbane, for habitat preservation.
676 acres by CC-10-31-2002--$2,050,000 grant to the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District to acquire 676 acres from the Peninsula
Open Space Trust and add them to the Mills Creek Open Space Preserve in San Mateo County.
48 more acres saved by WCB at San Bruno Mountain park
ADDITIONAL LANDS SAVED BY STATE PARKS AND NOT IN ABOVE TOTALS:
63.5 acres saved at Pigeon Point Lighthouse Station; 35 acres added to Big Basin Redwoods SP; 511 acres added to Butano SP
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SANTA CLARA COUNTY:
238 acres by CC-2006• provided $500,000 to the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District for its acquisition of the historic 238-acre Stevens
Canyon Ranch for addition to the Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve. The
ranch lies at the heart of more than 6,700 acres of publicly owned
natural lands in the upper Stevens Creek
watershed and provides excellent opportunities for visitors to access
regional trails. (March 2) 3-2-06 --disburse up to $500,000 to the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for the acquisition of the
238-acre Stevens Canyon Ranch, in Santa Clara County.
13 acres by CC-2005• provided Palo Alto with $1 million for its purchase
of the 13-acre Arastradero Preserve Gateway Parcel for the protection
and restoration of wildlife habitat and to improve public access within
the Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve and adjacent Foothills Park.
5-18-05 --disburse up to $1,000,000 to the City of Palo Alto for the acquisition of the 13 acre Arastradero Preserve
Gateway Parcel for the protection and restoration of natural resources
and to enhance public access within the Enid Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve and adjacent Foothills Park.
198 acres by CC-4-24-2003--$1.8 million contribution from the
Conservancy will enable the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to
add 198 acres to the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Reserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The addition contains 100-year-old redwood forests and will become a
site for miles of new trails only 20 minutes by car from downtown San Jose. Deal also includes 30 acres of timber harvest rights. Partially located in Santa Cruz County.
67 acres by CC 10-31-2002--A $100,000 grant to the Santa Clara County
Open Space Authority, plus use of $150,000 in Conservancy funds
previously granted to the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, for the
Authority's acquisition of the Aoki property in Santa Clara County.
By CC 2-22-2001--$2,000,000 to The Nature Conservancy for the
acquisition of a conservation easement over Isabel Valley Ranch in Santa Clara County.
1388 acre conservation easement, by CC 3-22-2001--$$400,000 to The
Nature Conservancy for the purchase of a conservation easement over the
Silacci Ranch in Santa Clara County.
534 acres by CC 1-26-2000--disburse $500,000 to (1) the Santa Clara
County Open Space Authority to acquire the 534 acre Kirk Property
adjacent to Alum Rock Park in the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County; and (2) the Land Trust of Santa Clara County for fundraising and administration to complete the acquisition. See http://www.openspaceauthority.org/
6-29-06 Consideration and possible Conservancy authorization to disburse
up to $50,000 to the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority to plan a
segment of the San Francisco Bay Area Ridge Trail in the Milpitas-Berryessa area connecting Santa Clara County Open Space Authority lands to City of San Jose parklands in northeastern Santa Clara County.
-2695 acres added to Henry Coe State Park
LAND SAVED BY THE WCB (NOT IN ABOVE TOTALS): 805 acres at Bear Creek redwoods, 4405 acres at Canada de Los Osos and 2899 acres at San Antonio Valley located near Mount Hamilton/Henry Coe State Park
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ALAMEDA COUNTY:
16,500 acres Cargill co. salt ponds purchased by WCB; (also in Napa, Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties); see http://southbayrestoration.org/Maps.html for more info
-2007• CC granted $35,000 to the nonprofit organization Urban Ecology to
plan and prepare engineering drawings for a 12-mile section between
Oakland and Hayward of the East Bay Greenway, a proposed public access
and recreational corridor running along the BART right-of-way. The grant
follows $115,000 provided by the Conservancy for the project in 2006.
Plans call for the Greenway eventually to run for 30 miles between Oakland and Fremont. (March)
106 acres by CC-2005• granted $400,000 to the East Bay Regional Park District for its purchase of 106 acres for addition to Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park.
The purchase protects scenic views and wildlife habitat and sets the
stage for greatly improved access to parklands in the Pleasanton/Dublin
area. 9-8-05 disburse up to $400,000 to the East Bay Regional Park
District for acquisition of 3 parcels adjacent to Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park in Alameda County.
16 acres by CC-6-4-2003--The Conservancy contributed $2 million to the
East Bay Regional Park District’s purchase of a 16-acre property in Berkeley for addition to the newly formed Eastshore State Park, which stretches along San Francisco Bay from Oakland to Richmond.
Instead of being developed for commercial uses, the property will
greatly benefit the park’s critical need for recreational land.
-2002—CC granted $20,000 to Ecocity Builders to assess the feasibility
of daylighting Strawberry Creek between downtown Berkeley and San
Francisco Bay
Alameda and Contra Costa 6-27-2002—CC
granted $438,750 to the East Bay Regional Park District for acquisition
of the Mueller property adjacent to Las Trampas Regional Preserve in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
By CC 5-25-2000-- disburse up to $415,000 to the Port of Oakland
to acquire a waterfront parcel known as the Cryer property, and to
disburse up to $330,000 to the Spanish Speaking Unity Council to
complete construction drawings for Phase 1 of Union Point Park in the
City of Oakland.
320 acres by CC 12-7-2000-- disburse up to $300,000 to the East Bay
Regional Park District for acquisition of 320 acres of the Bosley/Weaver
property (Phase 3), Brushy Peak Preserve, Alameda County.
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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY:
MT. DIABLO:
208 acres by CC-2006• provided Save Mount Diablo with $900,000 for its
acquisition of a 208-acre portion of the historic Mangini Ranch on the
southern boundary of Concord.
The property contains a variety of wildlife habitats and offers an
opportunity to extend trails from the neighboring Lime Ridge Open Space.
Mangini Ranch in Contra Costa County.
702 acres by CC and WCB-2005• granted $1.1 million to the Muir Heritage
Land Trust for its purchase and restoration of the 702-acre Fernandez
Ranch, plus $58,000 to the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council to plan for
trails on the property. The purchase protects several types of natural
lands and offers significant recreational opportunities that include a
2½-mile route for the Ridge Trail. Fernandez Ranch
673 acres by CC-2004--contributed $2.2-million to the East Bay Regional
Park District’s purchase of the 673-acre Gleason Ranch for addition to
Las Trampas Regional Reserve. The purchase protected valuable wildlife
habitat and a highly scenic ridgeline while expanding hiking and biking
opportunities in the reserve. Gleason property.
158 acres and 36 acre conservation easement by CC and WCB-2003--The
Conservancy contributed $500,000 to the purchase of 158 acres on Franklin Ridge near Briones Regional Park, and $250,000 for a conservation easement to protect 36 acres near the Northgate Road entrance to Mt. Diablo State Park.
The grants continued the Conservancy’s long-term partnerships with
private organizations and public agencies to protect the wildlife
habitat and scenic open space of central Contra Costa County and to open more of these lands to the public. Dutra Ranch in Contra Costa County.
3870 acres by CC, SP and WCB- Cowell Ranch-- 5-23-2002--$2,100,000 to the Trust for Public Land to increase the Conservancy's August 2, 2001, authorization for the acquisition of approximately 3,870-acres of the Cowell Ranch property in eastern Contra Costa County. 8-2--2001--$$3,000,000 to the Trust for Public Land toward the acquisition of an approximately 3,870-acre portion of the Cowell Ranch property in eastern Contra Costa County. http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/061002notice.pdf
Project investigation: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/061002notice2.pdf
Map of land: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/cowell6-4-02.pdf
The land is part of a large holding known as Cowell Ranch.. Cowell Ranch is owned by S. H. Cowell Foundation, a foundation for charitable giving with headquarters in San Francisco. DPR, State Coastal Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and Caltrans will be the proposal’s major funding partners. Trust for Public Land, a national non-profit land conservation organization, is securing the property. Once acquired by DPR, the property would become part of the State Park System.
76 acres by CC-12-5-2001--$590,000 to Save Mount Diablo for acquisition of the 76-acre Wright Ranch in Contra Costa County.
435 acres by CC 1-26-2000- disburse $400,000 to Save Mount Diablo in
connection with the acquisition of the 435-acre Silva Ranch on Mount
Diablo, Contra Costa County.
By CC 9-28-2000-- disburse up to $296,250 to the East Bay Regional Park
District for acquisition of the third phase of the Clayton Ranch
property in Contra Costa County. Total park size is around 600 acres. http://www.ebparks.org/parks
80 acres by CC 1-26-2000- disburse funds to the Muir Heritage Land Trust
to acquire the 80 acre Gustin Property at Franklin Ridge, Contra Costa
County. http://www.muirheritagelandtrust.org/
3427 acres added to Mount Diablo State Park by Parks Dept.
BAYSIDE:
By CC 2-27-2003- Authorization to disburse up to $100,000 to the Muir
Heritage Land Trust to study the feasibility of establishing an open
space area on the San Pablo Peninsula in Richmond, Contra Costa County.
5.59 acres by CC-10-31-2002--A $350,000 grant and a $350,000 no-interest loan to the Trust for Public Land for the acquisition of a 5.59-acre property in Richmond, Contra Costa County, to be used as the site for the Eco Village Farm Center.
1.64 acres by CC-9-26-2002--$350,000 to the City of El Cerrito for the acquisition of a 1.64-acre property along Baxter Creek in Contra Costa County.
WETLANDS:
1200 acres by CC and CALFED Program-2004--continued its work with the City of Oakley,
other State agencies, and the general public on plans for restoring
natural lands and creating a 55-acre park on the 1,200-acre Dutch Slough
property purchased by the State in 2003. Improvements to the site will
greatly benefit fish and wildlife while creating much-needed
recreational opportunities on the shore of the Sacramento/San Joaquin
Delta. –On 10-3102002, the Conservancy authorized Acceptance of a grant
from the CALFED Bay Delta Program of up to $25,050,000 for acquisition
and planning of the Dutch Slough Restoration Project in Contra Costa
County; disbursement of $23,000,000 of the CALFED grant funds and up to
$5,000,000 of Conservancy funds to the Department of Water Resources to
acquire the Dutch Slough property; Dutch Slough Project in Contra Costa County. Also see http://www.dutchslough.org/
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SOLANO COUNTY:
3900 acres by CC-3-22-2001--$ $2,000,000 to the Solano County Farmlands
and Open Space Foundation for acquisition of portions of the King and
Swett Ranches in Solano County.
-2005• provided the Solano Land Trust with $50,000 to plan for a
two-mile segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and four miles of community
connector trails on the Vallejo Swett Ranch. The Conservancy was
earlier a major contributor to the Land Trust’s acquisition of the
3,900-acre King and Swett ranches near Vallejo, Fairfield, and Benicia.
2300 acres by CC-2004--provided the Solano Land Trust with $775,000 to
purchase over 2,300 acres of the Eastern and Vallejo Swett Ranches,
completing a long-term effort to preserve over 3,800 acres bounded by Vallejo, Fairfield, and Benicia.
The highly scenic property contains valuable wildlife habitat and
offers significant recreational opportunities, including major additions
to the Bay Area Ridge Trail.
1408 acres by CC--5-27-04 Consideration and possible Conservancy
authorization to disburse up to $575,000 to the Solano Land Trust toward
the acquisition of the 1408-acre Eastern Swett Ranch
in Solano County. 12-2-04 Consideration and possible Conservancy
authorization to disburse up to $200,000 to the Solano Land Trust toward
its acquisition of the 905-acre Vallejo Swett Ranch in Solano County,
in connection with acquisition of the adjacent Eastern Swett Ranch, as
authorized by the Conservancy on May 27, 2004 and for possible extension
of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. 5-18-05 Consideration and possible
Conservancy authorization to disburse up to $50,000 to the Solano Land
Trust to plan a two-mile segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and
approximately four miles of community connector trails on the Vallejo Swett Ranch in Solano County.
668 acres by CC-2004--contributed $300,000 to the State’s purchase of
the 668-acre Meins Landing property in Suisun Marsh. The property offers
excellent opportunities to restore wetlands and other wildlife habitat.
5-27-04 Consideration and possible Conservancy authorization to
disburse up to $300,000 to the California Department of Water Resources
for the acquisition of the 668-acre Meins Landing property in the Suisun Marsh in Solano County, California.
367 acres by CC-8-2-2001--$$701,500 to the Solano County Farmlands and
Open Space Foundation to acquire a conservation easement over an
approximately 367-acre portion of the Hoskins Ranch in northwestern Solano County and for related transaction costs, and $15,000 to conduct a baseline survey of the property.
LAND SAVED BY WCB (NOT COUNTED ABOVE):
3459 acres at the Jepson Prairie, 1742 acres at Sky Valley/Cordelia Hills and 535 acres saved through conservation easements at Pleasant Valley
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NAPA COUNTY:
BLUERIDGE/BERRYESSA NATURAL AREA:
Connecting Open Space Corridor from Mendocino National Forest to Bay Area Open Spaces
http://www.brbna.org/
Map of Recent Parks Purchases
http://www.brbna.org/
Map of Recent Parks Purchases
59 acres by CC-2006• provided $46,000 to the University of California
for its purchase of 59 acres for addition to Stebbins Cold Canyon
Reserve above the southeast shores of Lake Berryessa. The acquisition
will protect a variety of plant and wildlife habitats and greatly
improve public access along the Blue Ridge Loop Trail, the most popular
hiking trail in the 785,000-acre Blue Ridge-Berryessa Natural Area.
(June 29) 6-29-06 Consideration and possible Conservancy authorization
to disburse up to $46,000 to the Regents of the University of California
for the acquisition of approximately 59 acres for inclusion in the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, above the southeast shores of Lake Berryessa in Napa and Solano Counties.
3045 acres by CC-2006• contributed $2 million toward the Land Trust of
Napa County’s purchase of the 3,000-acre Wildlake Ranch in the hills
east of the Napa Valley near Angwin. The ranch is a highly scenic and
biologically rich property that stretches nearly four miles
north-to-south and two miles east-to-west. It contains large areas of
unspoiled natural land, abundant wildlife, and several potential sites
for public trails. (April 27) 4-27-06 --the 3,045-acre Wildlake Ranch in Napa County.
75 acres by CC--3-25-04 Consideration and possible Conservancy
authorization to disburse up to $150,000 to the University of California
Natural Reserve System to acquire the Aikawa and Escobido Properties,
40 and 35 acres respectively, in Napa County for addition of 75 acres
to the McLaughlin Reserve north of Lake Berryessa. The purchase allowed
UC to consolidate reserve properties in the area used for teaching and
research programs related to natural lands management.
12,575 acres by CC and WCB-12/2004--contributed $1.5 million toward the
State’s purchase of the 12,575-acre Lauffs Ranch (also known as the Napa
Ranch) on the Yolo County line north of Lake Berryessa, following a
ten-year effort -by conservation organizations. The purchase will
protect a variety of wildlife habitats and offers opportunities for
public recreation. 12-2-04 Lauff Ranch in Napa County.
339 acres by CC-2-22-2001-- The Conservancy authorized (1) redirection
of $215,500 in funds previously authorized for Quail Ridge Reserve Phase
I, and disbursement of an additional $52,892 to the Land Trust of Napa
County for acquisition of five sites totaling 339 acres on the Quail
Ridge peninsula of Napa County; and (2) disbursement of $22,500 to the
University of California Natural Reserve System for a public
environmental education program.
By CC 1-26-2000-- disburse funds to the Napa County Land Trust for acquisition of one site within the Quail Ridge Reserve in Napa County,
and to the Quail Ridge Wilderness Conservancy to enable a change in the
use of another site adjacent to the Reserve by eliminating the
acquisition debt. http://www.napalandtrust.org/
1-18-07 Consideration and possible Conservancy authorization to disburse
up to $150,000 to Berryessa Trails and Conservation to design
approximately 135 miles of the proposed Lake Berryessa Shoreline Trail in the Lake District of eastern Napa County.
Napa County Land Trust 2007 Map of Preserved Lands
Map of Napa County Wetlands Acquired in 2003 Cargill Salt Ponds Deal
NAPA RIVER/WETLANDS:
-2007• made $187,000 available for the development of design documents
and permit applications for restoration of five ponds totaling 1,870
acres in the Napa River Salt Marsh. This will be the second phase in the
restoration of the 10,000-acre marshlands purchased by the State in
1994. (March)
242 acres by CC and WCB-2004--provided $280,000 to support the efforts
of landowners to restore fish habitat and reduce erosion along a 4½-mile
length of the Napa River near Rutherford.
The Conservancy also contributed $160,000 for the State’s purchase of
242 acres along the river south of the Highway 29 bridge, protecting
this scenic entrance to the Napa Valley
and offering a tremendous opportunity for marsh restoration. 2-19-04
disburse up to $160,000 to the California Wildlife Conservation Board
for the acquisition of the 242-acre Stanly Ranch Wetlands Property along the Napa River in Napa County
-2002--The Conservancy modified its June 22, 2000, authorization to the
Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District for
acquisition of real property within the Napa River Enhancement Plan
area, to substitute parcels.
417 acres by CC 6-22-2000-- disburse up to $1,683,000 to the Napa County
Flood Control and Water Conservation District for acquisition of one or
more of six parcels within the Napa River Enhancement Plan area for
purposes of wetland enhancement and flood reduction.
335 acres at Napa Marsh, and 242 acres bought and a 17 acre conservation easement by WCB along the Napa River
-----------------
160 acre conservation easement by CC 1-23-2003--disburse an amount not
to exceed $100,000 to Napa County Land Trust to acquire an agricultural
conservation easement on 160 acres of the Creston Station Ranch in Napa County.
-------------------------------
MARIN COUNTY:
ON THE PACIFIC COAST:
178 acre conservation easement by CC---2006• provided the Marin
Agricultural Land Trust with $500,000 toward its acquisition of an
agricultural conservation easement over 178 acres of the Tomales Farm
and Dairy next to the village of Tomales. The easement will prevent the
property’s subdivision and enable its owners to return its use to
agriculture as part of a dairy operation. (October 5) 10-5-06 Tomales Farm and Dairy in the town of Tomales, west Marin County.
1125 acre conservation easement by CC-2005• continued its longstanding
support for the Marin Agricultural Land Trust with a contribution of
$450,000 for MALT’s purchase of an agricultural conservation easement on
the 1,125-acre Pozzi Ranch on Tomales Bay. The easement will
permanently protect the ranch’s scenic and natural resources while
allowing its continued operation as a working farm. The Conservancy
previously awarded $1 million for this easement, and over the last 20
years has provided MALT with over $6 million to protect 8,200 acres of
farmland. Pozzi Ranch in the Walker Creek watershed in west Marin County. Pozzi Ranch
714 acre conservation easement by CC-2004-- The easements will
permanently protect the ranch’s scenic and natural resource values while
allowing their continued operation as working farms. 6-30-04 disburse
up to $750,000 to the Marin Agricultural Land Trust to acquire an
agricultural conservation easement over the 714-acre Giacomini Ranch located on Tomales Bay in Marin County.
-2000-- $600,000 from CC for an addition to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Marin County.
3 acres by CC-6-4-2003--The Coastal Conservancy contributed $150,000 to
the National Parks Service for its acquisition of the three-acre Whitton
property near Marshall on the east shore of Tomales
Bay. The purchase will protect the property’s scenic open space and
wildlife habitat and allow extension of the Coastal Trail northward from
Millerton Point State Park.
308 acres by CC-12-4-2002--$350,000 to the Marin Agricultural Land Trust
to acquire a conservation easement over the 308-acre the Zimmerman
Ranch on Tomales Bay in western Marin County.
By CC 9-25-2001--$$395,000 to the Marin Agricultural Land Trust to
acquire a conservation easement over the Ielmorini/ Moody Dairy property
in western Marin County.
172.5 acres added by State Parks, CC and WCB at Tomales Bay. 69.67 acres by SP at Tomales Bay, 11-2001--The land is located on the east side of Tomales Bay
between Marshall and Point Reyes Station. Two separate properties are
included in the proposal: Marconi Cove, 6.45 acres of shoreline property
just south of the Marconi Conference Center; and the Varlow property, 91.12 acres of ranch land bordering the Millerton Point area of Tomales Bay State Park. Mr. Varlow intends to present his property as a gift to State Parks through the California State Parks Foundation http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/042302notice.pdf
4-2002- The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will hold a public
hearing to discuss the proposed acquisition of 69.67± acres of open space land in Marin
County. For map: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/042302map.pdf
Project investigation: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/042302investigation.pdf
97.57 acres by SP at Tomales Bay http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/110201a.pdf
Map of tomales bay parcel http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/110201amap.pdf
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/110201map.pdf
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/110201bmap.pdf
4-2002- The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will hold a public
hearing to discuss the proposed acquisition of 69.67± acres of open space land in Marin
County. For map: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/042302map.pdf
Project investigation: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/042302investigation.pdf
97.57 acres by SP at Tomales Bay http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/110201a.pdf
Map of tomales bay parcel http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/110201amap.pdf
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/110201map.pdf
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/110201bmap.pdf
ON THE BAYSIDE:
18 acres from Navy to CC-2007• accepted, at no cost, an 18-acre property
from the Navy for inclusion in the Hamilton Wetlands restoration
project at the former Hamilton Army Airfield in Novato. The wetlands
adjoin the Conservancy’s Bel Marin Keys property, and their combined
restoration will result in over 2,500 acres of high-quality tidal marsh
and seasonal wetlands habitats for wildlife. The Conservancy and the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are the principal partners in the
restoration. 3-8-07 --the Hamilton Wetland Restoration Project, Marin County.
630 acres from Army to CC-8-14-2003--The U.S. Army transferred 630 acres at the former Hamilton Army Airfield in Novato
to the Conservancy for restoration of the site’s former wetlands. The
Conservancy is leading the effort to restore about 2,500 acres of
wetlands at the former airfield and neighboring sites.
2.5 acres by CC-4-24-2003--A $2.2 million Conservancy grant enabled the
City of Sausalito to purchase a 2.5-acre addition to Dunphy Park , more
than doubling its size . The acquisition connects the park to a segment
of the San Francisco Bay Trail that is the most heavily used bicycle and
pedestrian trail in Marin County. The acquired property had been the only privately owned, undeveloped land remaining on the Sausalito waterfront.
355 acres bought and 290 acres saved with a conservation easement by CC
1-24-2002--$5,750,000 to the Marin Audubon Society to acquire the Bahia
property in the City of Novato, Marin County.
By CC 6-25-2001--$$8,444,000 to the Marin Audubon Society for land
acquisition and related planning and design for the restoration of
wetlands on the Bel Marin Keys property in Marin County.
By CC 9-28-2000—$16 million for purchase of the Bel Marin Keys property in Novato.
By CC 12-5-2001--$100,000 to the Marin Audubon Society, and redirection
of $202,000 previously granted to the Marin Open Space District for the
Rush Creek Enhancement Plan, for the acquisition of the Simmons Slough
property in Marin County.
-2000-- CC gave $340,000 to expand Deer Island Preserve in Marin County,
84 acres by CC 10-26-2000-- disburse up to $340,000 to the Marin Audubon Society for acquisition of the Atherton Avenue property in Novato, Marin County. http://www.marinaudubon.org/
INLAND:
870 acre conservation easement by CC 8-14-2003--The Conservancy
contributed $585,000 to the Marin Agricultural Land Trust to assist in
its purchase of a conservation easement over the 870-acre Grossi Ranch
just west of Novato near Stafford Lake. The easement will allow continued agricultural use of the property while protecting scenic open space and wildlife habitat.
1310 acre conservation easement by CC 4-25-2002--$905,000 to the Marin
Agricultural Land Trust to acquire a conservation easement over 1,310
acres that make up the Barboni Ranch in the Hick’s Valley, about seven
miles from Petaluma and Novato.
By CC 1-26-2000-- disburse funds to the Marin County Open Space District toward the purchase of the Keig property in Marin County.
-------------------------------------
SONOMA COUNTY:
ON THE PACIFIC OCEAN:
-2007• granted $23,000 to the Sonoma Land Trust to develop a
conservation plan for a nine-square-mile area north of Cazadero known as
the Cedars and for costs to negotiate the possible purchase of a
520-acre property within the area. The Cedars contains a unique
landscape characterized by large expanses of serpentine rock that
supports an unusual variety of plants and wildlife. In preparing the
plan, the Land Trust will consult with conservation organizations,
scientists, and local landowners. (March) 3-8-07 Consideration and
possible Conservancy authorization to disburse up to $23,000 to the
Sonoma Land Trust to develop a conservation plan for “the Cedars”
including research, planning, and landowner outreach, and negotiation
for the possible acquisition of the 520-acre “Raiche-McCrory Property”
within this 9 square mile area in western Sonoma County.GOOD MAPS
335 acres by SP--Carrington Coastal Ranch
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/021606.pdf
2-2006 The Sonoma Coast State Beach Citizens Advisory Committee and California State Parks will host a meeting to share planning information and solicit public input regarding future public use of the Carrington Coastal Ranch property, at the junction of Highway 1 and Coleman Valley Road, north of Bodega Bay. This 335-acre former ranchland, with spectacular views of the coastline, was purchased by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District and will be transferred to State Parks for inclusion into Sonoma Coast State Beach. The property is currently open to the public only during guided tours offered by the non-profit group, Landpaths.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/021606.pdf
2-2006 The Sonoma Coast State Beach Citizens Advisory Committee and California State Parks will host a meeting to share planning information and solicit public input regarding future public use of the Carrington Coastal Ranch property, at the junction of Highway 1 and Coleman Valley Road, north of Bodega Bay. This 335-acre former ranchland, with spectacular views of the coastline, was purchased by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District and will be transferred to State Parks for inclusion into Sonoma Coast State Beach. The property is currently open to the public only during guided tours offered by the non-profit group, Landpaths.
3373 acres and 515 acre conservation easement by CC, SP and
WCB-2004--contributed $4.2 million toward California State Parks’
purchase of the 3,373-acre Willow Creek property for addition to Sonoma Coast State Beach.
The quality of the property’s forests and rivers, along with its
potential for recreational uses, made this a high-priority acquisition
for the Conservancy for many years. Willow Creek , also see http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/051005.pdf.
5-2005-The Trust for Public Land, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open
Space District, and California State Parks announced today the purchase and permanent public protection of 3,373 acres as a part of Sonoma Coast State Beach. An additional 515 acres are protected through two conservation easements preserving a total of nearly 3,900 acres of the Willow Creek property, just south of the Russian River in Sonoma County. The land being protected through this purchase was formerly owned by Mendocino Redwood Co., LLC. Sonoma Coast State Beach is the third busiest facility within the entire State Parks system. The purchase of the Willow Creek property creates 13,500 acres of protected landscape in western Sonoma County by linking together both public and privately conserved lands that extend from the Pacific Ocean to the coastal hills, including redwood forests and inland grasslands. There are plans to create a 15-mile loop trail through the Willow Creek property that will connect the towns of Occidental and Camp Meeker to the Coastal Trail near Jenner.
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) negotiated the purchase of the Willow Creek property and easements, and MRC agreed to protect the nearly 3,900 acres in this transaction for a cash consideration of $20,785,000. TPL worked together with several agencies to secure funding for this public purchase. The Sonoma Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District contributed $10,225,000, the California Wildlife Conservation Board contributed $4,187,000, the California State Coastal Conservancy contributed $4,187,000, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation contributed $2,186,000. The funds from these state agencies came from voter-approved park bond measures, Propositions 50 and 40. “This purchase protects almost all of the Willow Creek and Freezeout Creek watersheds critical to the health and vitality of the Russian River. There are nearly 3-miles of fish bearing creeks and streams on the property, which offer an excellent opportunity for the successful reintroduction of coho salmon and steelhead trout,” said Al Wright, Executive Director of the California Wildlife Conservation Board.
5-2005-The Trust for Public Land, the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open
Space District, and California State Parks announced today the purchase and permanent public protection of 3,373 acres as a part of Sonoma Coast State Beach. An additional 515 acres are protected through two conservation easements preserving a total of nearly 3,900 acres of the Willow Creek property, just south of the Russian River in Sonoma County. The land being protected through this purchase was formerly owned by Mendocino Redwood Co., LLC. Sonoma Coast State Beach is the third busiest facility within the entire State Parks system. The purchase of the Willow Creek property creates 13,500 acres of protected landscape in western Sonoma County by linking together both public and privately conserved lands that extend from the Pacific Ocean to the coastal hills, including redwood forests and inland grasslands. There are plans to create a 15-mile loop trail through the Willow Creek property that will connect the towns of Occidental and Camp Meeker to the Coastal Trail near Jenner.
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) negotiated the purchase of the Willow Creek property and easements, and MRC agreed to protect the nearly 3,900 acres in this transaction for a cash consideration of $20,785,000. TPL worked together with several agencies to secure funding for this public purchase. The Sonoma Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District contributed $10,225,000, the California Wildlife Conservation Board contributed $4,187,000, the California State Coastal Conservancy contributed $4,187,000, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation contributed $2,186,000. The funds from these state agencies came from voter-approved park bond measures, Propositions 50 and 40. “This purchase protects almost all of the Willow Creek and Freezeout Creek watersheds critical to the health and vitality of the Russian River. There are nearly 3-miles of fish bearing creeks and streams on the property, which offer an excellent opportunity for the successful reintroduction of coho salmon and steelhead trout,” said Al Wright, Executive Director of the California Wildlife Conservation Board.
ON THE BAYSIDE:
1737 acres by CC and WCB-2005• provided $2 million to the Sonoma County
Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District for purchase of the
1,740-acre Tolay Lake Ranch near the cities of Sonoma and Petaluma. The
purchase, expected in early 2006, will protect a large area of natural
lands and archaeological sites threatened by development and offer
significant recreational opportunities. Tolay Lake Ranch, Tolay Lake Ranch in southern Sonoma County.
1679 acres by CC and WCB-2004--provided $525,000 to the Sonoma Land
Trust for its purchase of the 1,679-acre North Point Joint Venture
property on San Pablo Bay.
The purchase will protect and allow restoration of wetlands habitats
that are home to a wide variety of wildlife and offers an opportunity to
construct a significant addition to the San Francisco Bay Trail.
12-2-04 Consideration and possible Conservancy authorization to: 1)
accept $989,477 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) of the United States Department of Commerce for the acquisition
of historic tidelands and watershed lands draining to the San Pablo Bay,
2) disburse up to $500,000 available under the NOAA grant to the Sonoma
Land Trust (SLT) to acquire the 1,679-acre North Point Joint Venture
property in Sonoma County for wetland restoration, open space
preservation, and public access, and 3) disburse up to $25,000 of
Conservancy funds to SLT, for acquisition related expenses.
336 acres by CC- 10-31-2002--A $2,000,000 grant to the City of Petaluma
to acquire 336 acres along the Petaluma River in Sonoma County; to plan,
design, construct, and restore on-site habitat and public access
improvements; to design marsh restoration; and to conduct a study and
prepare a design for dispersal and treatment of stormwater flows.
3-25-04 Consideration and possible Conservancy authorization to disburse
up to $240,000 to the Sonoma Land Trust to plan for the acquisition and
restoration of wetland properties in the San Pablo Bay watershed to
implement the Baylands Restoration Program.
INLAND:
960 acres by CC-2004--contributed $1.2 million toward the purchase and
management of 960 acres on Bear Mountain, northeast of Santa Rosa, by
the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. The
purchase protects valuable fish and wildlife habitat and scenic natural
lands and provides an excellent opportunity for public recreation. Bear Mountain property
152 acres by CC-2004--provided $1.25 million for the Open Space
District’s purchase of the Montini property on the City of Sonoma’s
northern border, preventing the property’s development. An oak-covered
hillside on the property serves as a scenic backdrop to the city’s
downtown plaza and the entire 152-acre property offers significant
recreational opportunities. Montini property
5-18-05 Consideration and possible Conservancy authorization to disburse
up to $110,000 to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open
Space District for trail planning for approximately five miles of a new
segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail on the North Slope of Sonoma Mountain in unincorporated Sonoma County.
28 acres by CC 6-22-2000-- disburse up to $500,000 to LandPaths to
acquire the 28 acre Van Alstyne Redwood Grove, located near the town of Occidental, Sonoma County. http://www.landpaths.org/also see http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/090502a.pdf
40 acres by CC 10-26-2000--disburse up to $100,000 to the Sonoma Land
Trust for the acquisition of the 40-acre Dewar Property along the Estero
Americano in Sonoma County.
600 acres by SP-9-2002-Jack London State Historic Park, a scenic and favorite visitor destination in the heart of California's
beautiful wine country, will nearly double in size following the
transfer of about 600 acres adjacent to the existing park from the state
Department of Developmental Services to California State Parks,
officials announced today. The newly acquired land includes golden hills
and a mixed forest of oak, madrone, California buckeye, Douglas fir and
a giant redwood, referred by some as "the grandmother tree," that is
estimated to be between 1,800 and 2,000 years old. The parcel also
includes an orchard that remains from an era when the sprawling Sonoma Developmental Center
was expected to be self-sufficient and harvest its own crop of apples,
pears, apricots and prunes that still grow on the trees today.
ADDITIONAL LAND SAVED BY WCB:
33 acre Pitkin Marsh and 165 acre Van Hoosear conservation easement
33 acre Pitkin Marsh and 165 acre Van Hoosear conservation easement
--------------------------------
LAKE COUNTY:
269 acres in the Black Forest and
at Hart Ranch by WCB, plus a very small portion of the Commander South
purchase which is mostly in Glenn County
22 acres by SP-Clearlake
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/nr082001a.pdf
8-2001- proposal by the California Department of Parks and Recreation to acquire a 22-acre parcel of land to be added to Clear Lake State Park, the undeveloped property is at the corner of Soda Bay Road and Clark Drive sough of Clear Lake in Lake County.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/nr082001a.pdf
8-2001- proposal by the California Department of Parks and Recreation to acquire a 22-acre parcel of land to be added to Clear Lake State Park, the undeveloped property is at the corner of Soda Bay Road and Clark Drive sough of Clear Lake in Lake County.
------------------------
MENDOCINO COUNTY:
BIG RIVER/SALMON CREEK/GARCIA RIVER:
16,000 acres by CC and WCB-2006, bought from Hawthorne Timber•
contributed $7¼ million toward The Conservation Fund’s purchase of two
forested properties totaling more than 16,000 acres in the watersheds of
Big River and Salmon Creek. TCF will manage the properties as working
forests but will harvest timber at sustainable levels for improved
forest structure, water quality, and wildlife habitat. (June 29) 6-29-06
Big River and Salmon Creek, Mendocino County
23,780 acres by CC and WCB, bought from Coastal Timberlands--2003--A $10
million award from the Conservancy provided a huge boost to The
Conservation Fund's purchase of over 23,500 acres of forested land in
the Garcia River
watershed . TCF will manage the property to protect important habitat
for salmon and steelhead trout and provide an innovative demonstration
project for sustainable forestry in the North Coast. 12-11-2003-- Coastal Forestlands, Ltd. properties in the Garcia River watershed. [Additional Letters of Support]
7334 acres by CC, SP and WCB-- 12-5-2001, bought from Hawthorne
Timber--$$6,500,000 to the Mendocino Land Trust, including a $1,000,000
grant to the Conservancy from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to
acquire the 7,300-acre Big River property in Mendocino County. -2001--$1,532,500 to the Mendocino Land Trust toward acquisition of the Big River Property in Mendocino County. http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/093002.pdf
9-2002 MENDOCINO – A coalition of state, federal and private interests joined forces to acquire 7,334 acres of land along the Big River in Mendocino County – encompassing the longest undeveloped, unprotected estuary in Northern California – to become the newest addition to the California State Park System. The acquisition by State Parks was officially recognized at a dedication ceremony Saturday, Sept. 28, at Big River Beach, east of the Big River Bridge immediately south of the village of Mendocino. The $25.6-million acquisition was accomplished with about $16.1 million in state funds, including money from Proposition 12, the parks bond act approved by voters in 2000; about $7.3 million in private donations secured by Mendocino Land Trust, Inc., a local non-profit organization; and about $2.2 million in federal funds, including $1 million in transportation funds administered by the California Department of Transportation. The seller was the Hawthorne Timber Company.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/103001.pdf
Big river map: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/big_river_cons_map.pdf
The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will hold a hearing to hear comments on its proposal to acquire up to ± 7,400 acres of land in the Big River drainage of Mendocino County. DPR intends to add the land to the State Park System. This acquisition would place the entire 8.3-mile tidal reach of Big River and the forested area around it within public ownership. To the north the property borders on Jackson State Forest, Mendocino Woodlands State Park, and private lands, to the east by lands of Hawthorne Timber Company, to the south by private lands along Comptche-Ukiah Road, and to the west by Mendocino Headlands State Park. Second-growth redwood forest covers most of the upland property, with some wetlands and pockets of hardwoods interspersed. The 8.3-mile long estuary of Big River is scenically and biologically outstanding, and it provides recreation opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, paddleboaters, wildlife watchers and others. Despite heavy logging, the Big River system supports spawning runs of coho salmon and/or steelhead throughout its basin. Juvenile fish use the extensive estuary as crucial rearing habitat, and a higher-than-average return rate of spawning adult fish in the Big River system has been the result. No one resides on the property, but there is a working aggregate quarry along the river that can be seen from the Highway 1 bridge. Operators of the quarry will cease operation by close of escrow and begin reclaiming the property under conditions of their permits. Two local private land trusts, Trust for Wildland Communities and Mendocino Land Trust, have taken the lead on acquiring the property and have raised substantial funds from private sources. Public agencies including the Coastal Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, DPR, and others will also contribute major sums. The Hawthorne Timber Company, a division of Campbell Timberland Management, currently owns the property. Parks Comission Minutes 10-12-2002 --Acquisitions – Several new acquisitions were made possible by Proposition 12 and Proposition 40 bond funds. State Parks recently completed an acquisition of more than 7,000 acres at Big River in Mendocino County. These 7,000 acres encompass the largest undeveloped, unprotected estuary in Northern California. This was a $25.6 million purchase made possible with funds from a variety of sources, including private monies and funds from other departments, and $1 million in federal funds.
9-2002 MENDOCINO – A coalition of state, federal and private interests joined forces to acquire 7,334 acres of land along the Big River in Mendocino County – encompassing the longest undeveloped, unprotected estuary in Northern California – to become the newest addition to the California State Park System. The acquisition by State Parks was officially recognized at a dedication ceremony Saturday, Sept. 28, at Big River Beach, east of the Big River Bridge immediately south of the village of Mendocino. The $25.6-million acquisition was accomplished with about $16.1 million in state funds, including money from Proposition 12, the parks bond act approved by voters in 2000; about $7.3 million in private donations secured by Mendocino Land Trust, Inc., a local non-profit organization; and about $2.2 million in federal funds, including $1 million in transportation funds administered by the California Department of Transportation. The seller was the Hawthorne Timber Company.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/103001.pdf
Big river map: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/big_river_cons_map.pdf
The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will hold a hearing to hear comments on its proposal to acquire up to ± 7,400 acres of land in the Big River drainage of Mendocino County. DPR intends to add the land to the State Park System. This acquisition would place the entire 8.3-mile tidal reach of Big River and the forested area around it within public ownership. To the north the property borders on Jackson State Forest, Mendocino Woodlands State Park, and private lands, to the east by lands of Hawthorne Timber Company, to the south by private lands along Comptche-Ukiah Road, and to the west by Mendocino Headlands State Park. Second-growth redwood forest covers most of the upland property, with some wetlands and pockets of hardwoods interspersed. The 8.3-mile long estuary of Big River is scenically and biologically outstanding, and it provides recreation opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, paddleboaters, wildlife watchers and others. Despite heavy logging, the Big River system supports spawning runs of coho salmon and/or steelhead throughout its basin. Juvenile fish use the extensive estuary as crucial rearing habitat, and a higher-than-average return rate of spawning adult fish in the Big River system has been the result. No one resides on the property, but there is a working aggregate quarry along the river that can be seen from the Highway 1 bridge. Operators of the quarry will cease operation by close of escrow and begin reclaiming the property under conditions of their permits. Two local private land trusts, Trust for Wildland Communities and Mendocino Land Trust, have taken the lead on acquiring the property and have raised substantial funds from private sources. Public agencies including the Coastal Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, DPR, and others will also contribute major sums. The Hawthorne Timber Company, a division of Campbell Timberland Management, currently owns the property. Parks Comission Minutes 10-12-2002 --Acquisitions – Several new acquisitions were made possible by Proposition 12 and Proposition 40 bond funds. State Parks recently completed an acquisition of more than 7,000 acres at Big River in Mendocino County. These 7,000 acres encompass the largest undeveloped, unprotected estuary in Northern California. This was a $25.6 million purchase made possible with funds from a variety of sources, including private monies and funds from other departments, and $1 million in federal funds.
Mendocino County Industrial Timberland Holdings
OTHER AREAS:
125 acres by CC-2006• provided $30,000 to the Sonoma Land Trust for
pre-acquisition planning, including a beach access and trail study, for
the Cuffey's Cove Property just north of Elk. The 125-acre property
contains four miles of coastline, several sandy beaches, the site of a
former logging town, and a potential route for the Coastal Trail.
(November 9)
35 acres by CC-2005• provided Fort Bragg
with $4.2 million to acquire 35 acres of waterfront headlands on the
former Georgia-Pacific mill site. The Conservancy has been working with
the City on plans for restoration and reuse of the site, which G-P
closed in 2002. The site is located in the heart of the City and
contains about one-third of its total area and nearly all of its coastal
waterfront. 5-18-05 disburse up to $4,165,000 to the City of Fort Bragg .
1240 acres by CC and WCB-2005-provided $500,000 to Save-the-Redwoods
League to acquire and transfer to California State Parks 1,240 acres for
expansion of Montgomery Woods State Reserve and to provide watershed
protection and restoration opportunities for two salmon-bearing
tributaries of the South Fork Big River. 10-27-05 Montgomery Woods State Reserve
-2005• provided $140,000 for construction of a beach stairway and other
access improvements at the Westport Headlands, about 25 miles north of
Fort Bragg. The Conservancy had earlier granted the Westport Village
Society over $700,000 for the property’s purchase.
2 acres by CC-2004--provided $250,000 for a two-acre addition to the
Hearn Gulch Headlands south of Point Arena. The addition will greatly
assist public access to the neighboring beach and headlands purchased by
the Redwood Coast Land Conservancy in 2001. 6-30-04 Hearn Gulch Headlands
1210 acres and 560 acre conservation easement by CC and
WCB-6-4-2003--The Conservancy contributed $4.5 million to the federal
Bureau of Land Management's efforts to acquire fee and
conservation-easement interests in over 1,700 acres of the Stornetta
Brothers Coastal Ranch adjacent to Manchester State Park. The
acquisition will protect the natural environment and prime farmland,
preserve the scenic corridor along State Highway 1, and expand public
access opportunities. The owner will retain a portion of the ranch and
have use of almost 600 acres protected by a conservation easement,
allowing the ranch's continued operation.
-2003--The Conservancy provided over $800,000 to the Mendocino County
Resource Conservation District for projects in the watershed of the Navarro River
designed to improve habitat for salmon and steelhead trout, replace
invasive plants with native species, and involve private landowners in
efforts to restore the river’s habitat.
38 acres by CC-9-28- and 10-31-2002--Disbursement of $325,000 in
Conservancy funds and $2,500,000 in Caltrans funds to California State
Parks for acquisition of approximately 38 acres known as Glass Beach in the City of Fort Bragg, Mendocino County.
by CC 6-27-2002--$20,000 to the Pacific Forest Trust for an appraisal of
a proposed conservation easement on the McMullin Trust property, Mendocino County.
by CC 10-25-2001--$ $274,000 to the City of Fort Bragg for acquisition
of two public access easements appurtenant to the City's South Noyo
Bluffs property in Mendocino County for public access and open space.
83 acres by CC 10-25-2001-- approval of the Albion Headlands Conceptual
Enhancement Plan, and authorization to disburse up to $5,211,000 to the
Trust For Public Land to acquire the 83-acre Albion Headlands property
in Mendocino County.
6.5 acres by CC-8-2-2001--$180,000 to the Coastal Land Trust for the
acquisition of approximately 6.5 acres adjacent to Seaside Beach in
Mendocino County. 2-19-04 Seaside Beach and Meadow
15,5 acres by CC-6-25-2001--$$432,000 in Conservancy funds, along with
$1,031,000 in Caltrans TEA funds, to the City of Fort Bragg for
acquisition of approximately 15.5 acres known as the Noyo Bluffs in
Mendocino County, for public access and recreation.
3.5 acres by CC- 6-25-2001--$$320,000 to the Redwood Coast Land
Conservancy for acquisition of approximately three and one-half acres
known as the Hearn Gulch Beach and Headlands in Mendocino County for
public access, recreation, and open space and scenic protection
purposes, and for initial planning and management tasks. In conjunction
with this award, the Conservancy authorized acceptance of federal
Transportation Enhancement Activities (TEA) Program grant funds.
-2001--The Conservancy authorized transfer of its possession and control of the Point Cabrillo Light Station on the Mendocino County
coast to the California Department of Parks and Recreation pursuant to a
Property Disposition Plan, Memorandum of Understanding and Public Use
Guidelines previously approved by the Conservancy.
4 acres by CC-4-26-2001--$$550,000 to the City of Fort Bragg to acquire the four-acre South Noyo Bluffs property near Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, and to develop a management plan for this and the adjacent 19-acre property.
71 acres by CC 5/25 & 8/2/2000-- $1.5 million for the Caspar Headlands near Fort Bragg, http://www.mendocinolandtrust.org/
9 acres by CC 5-25-2000-- disburse up to $727,700 to the Westport
Village Society for acquisition and initial management of approximately
nine acres known as the Westport Headlands, Mendocino County.
5-18-05
Consideration and possible Conservancy approval of the Sinkyone
Wilderness State Park Road Restoration negative declaration, and
authorization to disburse up to $655,000 to the Mendocino County
Resources Conservation District to complete the decommissioning of 44
miles of abandoned roads in the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park.
2-19-04 Authorization to expand the scope of Conservancy-funded enhancement activities in the Mattole River watershed, in southern Humboldt and northern Mendocino Counties, to include implementation of upslope habitat-improvement projects.
1700 acre Ridgewood Ranch conservation easement bought by WCB
ADDITIONAL LAND SAVED BY STATE PARKS (NOT COUNTED ABOVE):
8 acres added to Jug Handle state reserve; 45 acres added to McKerricher SP; and 210 acres added to Sinkyone Wilderness SP
-------------------------------------
HUMBOLDT COUNTY:
ARCATA/EUREKA:
68 acres by CC-2006• provided $921,000 to the City of Arcata
for its purchase of 68 acres and restoration of 82 acres of the Arcata
Baylands. The funding supports the City’s long-term efforts to protect
and restore natural lands on the northern shores of Humboldt Bay.
The Conservancy’s funding was available from a U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service National Coastal Wetlands Conservation grant. (June 29) 6-29-06
Arcata Baylands, Humboldt County.
175 acres by CC and WCB-2006• provided $358,000 to the City of Arcata
for its acquisition of the 175-acre Sunny Brae property on the City’s
southeast border. The forested land contains spawning habitat for coho
salmon and steelhead and cutthroat trout and offers sites for hiking
trails and other recreational opportunities. (March 2) 3-2-06 Sunny Brae property
92 acres by CC-2006• granted $525,000 to the Friends of the Dunes Land
Trust and $300,000 to the Manila Community Services District to acquire
two properties totaling 92 acres on the North Spit of Humboldt Bay. The
oceanfront properties contain a variety of natural habitats and offer
opportunities for new public trails. Friends of the Dunes plans to
convert an existing residence to a visitors center on one of the
properties. (June 29)
54 acres by CC-2005• provided $255,000 to the Northcoast Regional Land
Trust for its purchase of the 54-acre Freshwater Farms property between Eureka
and Arcata. The Land Trust will restore most of the seasonally flooded
property to tidal wetlands for the benefit of salmon, steelhead, and
cutthroat trout. 1-27-05 Freshwater Farms
6 acres by CC and WCB-2005• contributed $500,000 toward the Bureau of
Land Management’s acquisition of the six-acre Lighthouse Ranch at the
south end of Humboldt Bay. The purchase protected a highly scenic
property and provides a central hub for visitor services and management
of more than 9,000 acres of public lands in the area. 3-10-05 Lighthouse Ranch
322 acres by CC and WCB-2004--provided the City of Arcata with $750,000 for its purchase of the 322-acre Bayview Ranch in the Jacoby Creek/Gannon Slough Enhancement Area on Humboldt Bay.
The city and its partners will improve the property’s habitat for fish
and other wildlife, while allowing livestock grazing to continue on a
portion of the property. 6-30-04 Bayview Ranch
206 acres by CC- 4-25-2002--The Conservancy authorized acceptance of
$399,000 from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and disbursement of
$841,000 to the Center for Natural Lands Management for acquisition of
the 206-acre Buggy Club Properties on Humboldt Bay’s North Spit, for the purposes of restoration and public access.
74 acres by CC-2-22-2001--$$657,500 to the McKinleyville Land Trust for
acquisition and initial management of approximately 74 acres known as
the Hiller West Property on the North Spit in Humboldt County.
173 acres by CC-1-27-05 Consideration and possible Conservancy
authorization to disburse funds to the Friends of the Dunes Land Trust
for the acquisition of interests in the 173-acre Poovey property on the North Spit of Humboldt Bay, and up to $15,000 to prepare a management plan for public access on the property.
38 acres by CC-6-29-06 Consideration and possible Conservancy
authorization to disburse an amount up to $525,000 to the Friends of the
Dunes Land Trust to conduct pre-acquisition activities and to acquire a
portion of the Stamps property on the North Spit of Humboldt Bay
54 acres by CC-6-29-06 Consideration and possible Conservancy
authorization to disburse up to $300,000 to the Manila Community
Services District to acquire the Celestre property on the North Spit of Humboldt Bay.
LOST COAST/MATTOLE WATERSHED:
1500 acre conservation easement by CC-2006• provided the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with $1 million toward its
purchase of a conservation easement on the 1,500-acre Valley View Ranch
in Petrolia on the north fork of the Mattole River. The easement will
allow grazing and timber production to continue on the property, subject
to restrictions that will protect wildlife habitat and allow for
sustainable timber harvests. 11-9-2006 Valley View Ranch.
319 acres by CC-4-25-2002--$1,231,250 to the Northcoast Regional Land
Trust to acquire 319 acres of forested land, the 3Vs Vista Ridge Grove
Corridor property, along Baker Creek in the Mattole River watershed on the Humboldt/Mendocino county border
225 acres by CC-4-26-2001--$$1,008,000 to The Conservation Fund to acquire the 225-acre Lost Coast Ranch on the Humboldt County Coast.
180 acres by CC and WCB-12-5-2001--$962,000 to The Conservation Fund to
acquire the180-acre Barri Ranch on the Lost Coast Headlands in Humboldt
County.
EEL RIVER:
444 acres by CC and WCB-5-24-07 Consideration and possible authorization
to disburse up to $250,000 to the Western Rivers Conservancy to acquire
the Ambrosini Dairy Property (Riverside Ranch) along the Salt River and Eel River Estuary in Humboldt County. CC-2007• provided $300,000 to Humboldt County to prepare an enhancement plan for the watershed of the Salt River,
a tributary to the Eel River Estuary. Primary goals of the plan are to
reduce erosion in the river’s upper watershed, reduce and better manage
flooding in the estuary, and improve habitat for trout and salmon
throughout the watershed. The plan will consider strategic use of the
450-acre Riverside Ranch, located within the estuary and planned for
purchase by the Department of Fish and Game.
1280 acre conservation easement by CC and WCB-2005• provided $1 million
for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s
acquisition of a conservation easement on the 1,280-acre Price Creek
Ranch west of Rio Dell. The easement will protect the property’s natural
habitats while allowing sustainable grazing and timber harvesting. Price Creek Ranch Price Creek Ranch Price Creek Ranch GREAT MAPS
3640 acre conservation easement by CC and WCB-6-27-2002--$1,151,750 to
The Pacific Forest Trust to help acquire a conservation easement on the
3,640-acre Howe Creek Ranch, in the Eel River Watershed, Humboldt
County.
REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK AREA:
108 acres by CC--2004--contributed $627,000 for the Northcoast Regional
Land Trust’s purchase of the 108-acre McNamara Ranch in Orick. The
purchase will protect and allow for the improvement of wildlife habitat
along lower Redwood Creek while preserving grazing land that will be
leased to local farmers. -6-30-04 McNamara Ranch
39 acres by CC-7-16-07 Consideration and possible Conservancy
authorization to disburse an amount not to exceed $275,000 to the
Save-the-Redwoods League for acquisition of the 39-acre Broussard property adjacent to Freshwater Lagoon in Humboldt County
95 acres by SP--2-2002-Map of Barnum trust sale to Humboldt redwoods state park: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/srlhelenb.pdf
160 acres by SP--Map of Humboldt lagoons state park additions: http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/srlcook.pdf
5-12-06 parks comm.—Possible Big Lagoon Casino Compact – The Director
called the Commission’s attention to photos of the Big Lagoon area they
had before them. She described the property’s location in northern Humboldt County,
the area’s vast natural resources and pristine condition, and the
extensive investment that had already been made to establish public
ownership of land in this area. The Director then explained that a
casino development had been proposed by a federally-recognized Indian
tribe that owns a 20-acre parcel within the area. Director Coleman noted
that the local Indian tribe had for some time wished to construct a
casino on the Big Lagoon site, but that they had faced strong opposition
from the State of California.
The Director explained that this opposition eventually led to a court
of law and the conclusion that the state had no legal right to oppose
the project. She further explained that during the Davis administration a
compact had been developed that would allow the Big Lagoon tribe to
instead construct a casino in Barstow, California, where there is no
federally-recognized tribe, in conjunction with another compact that had
been developed for a second tribe that also wished to build a casino
but had no practical location for doing so. Director Coleman noted that
the Schwarzenegger administration had continued to develop and support
these compacts, which must be ratified by the legislature prior to
adoption and implementation. Director Coleman noted that state Senator
Wesley Chesbro had introduced legislation to ratify the compacts. She
added that the compacts represented a creative solution on the part of
both the Schwarzenegger and Davis administrations, and that the effort
to adopt the compacts deserved the commissioners’ support. Commissioner
Cotchett asked about the current status of the proposed legislation.
Director Coleman replied that sufficient votes to the support the bill
did not necessarily exist in the Senate, and that the bill had therefore
been amended in the Assembly in the hope of gaining support there.
Commissioner Cotchett asked if the Big Lagoon tribe would retain rights
to the property at Big Lagoon if a casino was built elsewhere. The
Director explained that the compact contained an agreement by the tribe
to relinquish future development rights at Big Lagoon, though they would
retain the existing residences on the site. She added that the tribe
has a legal right to construct a hotel and a Class 2 casino on the Big
Lagoon site, but that the tribe’s expressed preference is to develop a
hotel and a Class 3 casino elsewhere.
ADDITIONAL LANDS SAVED BY STATE PARKS:
167 acres added to Benbow Lake SRA; 36.5 acres added to Grizzly Creek
Redwoods SP; 215 acres added to Humboldt Redwoods SP; 1165 acres added
to John DeWitt Redwoods SP; 51 acres added to Richardson Grove SP; 281
acres added to Humboldt Lagoons SP (possible overlap with above); 12
acres added to Patrick's Point SP;
5/5/2003--State Parks Completes Acquisition Of Redway Parcel in Humboldt County
REDWAY, Humboldt County – California State Parks today announced its acquisition of a heavily-wooded, 581-acre parcel overlooking the community of Redway and the south fork of the Eel River. Purchase of the parcel from the Pacific Lumber Company (PALCO) adds to State Parks’ existing forested holdings in the area, as well as addresses efforts by local residents to preserve the property. The property is adjacent to State Parks’ John B. Dewitt Redwoods State Reserve, and contains stands of Douglas fir and redwood, including some old growth redwood. The new land will be managed in the same manner as surrounding state property. Steve Horvitz, Eel River Sector Superintendent will have management responsibility. The acquisition was made with the assistance of the Save-the-Redwoods League. The purchase price was $2.5 million, paid for with Proposition 40 parks bond funds. Escrow was closed on the property Thursday.
LANDS SAVED BY WCB (NOT IN ABOVE TOTALS):
5538 acres bought in the Redwoods Park to the Sea corridor in the
Mattole watershed, Jacoby Creek/Gannon Slough, Grizzly Creek, Humboldt
Bay, Mad River, Eel River, plus another 4757 acres preserved as
conservation easements at Carrington/Iaqua Ranch and Jacoby Creek/Gannon
Slough
------------------------
DEL NORTE COUNTY:
LAKE EARL/PACIFIC SHORES:
-827.32 acres plus an 8.5 acre conservation easement at Lake Earl bought by the WCB
-2004--CC contributed $353,000 toward resolving development conflicts of the Pacific Shores subdivision near Lake Earl.
The subdivision, consisting largely of dunes and wetlands, contains
over 1,500 undeveloped lots sold in the 1960s. The Conservancy’s funding
is being used to identify and negotiate with owners for possible
purchase and retirement of the lots, and follows a $150,000 Conservancy
grant awarded in 2003.
6-4-2003--The Conservancy contributed $150,000 to resolving development conflicts of the Pacific Shores subdivision near Lake Earl. Pacific Shores
is a 1,535-lot subdivision, consisting largely of dunes and wetlands,
that was subdivided and sold to individual buyers in the 1960s but never
developed. The Conservancy’s funding is being used to identify and
negotiate with lot owners for possible purchase and retirement of the
lots.
by CC 6-27- 2002--$1,000,000 to the Wildlife Conservation Board to assist with the acquisition of Lake Earl properties in Del Norte County.
5-27-04 Authorization to disburse up to $353,400 to the Smith River
Alliance to undertake Phase II of the feasibility analysis and
preacquisition activities for the Pacific Shores subdivision, Del Norte County.
CRESCENT CITY:
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