Adding 665 Acres to Conservation Corridor

In a time where protecting Shasta County land means more than just the number of acres conserved, a ranch in the heart of the Fall River Valley becomes a connecting piece of a big picture plan. This month, through a partnership with the Trust for Public Land and committed landowners determined to leave a legacy for future generations, Shasta Land Trust forever protected the 665-acre River Butte Ranch.

The Shasta Land Trust has been working with landowners to conserve the Fall River watershed for seventeen years. This property will create a critical link between the 1,467-acre River Ranch to the northwest, a Shasta Land Trust conserved property, a 640-acre protected property by the Bureau of Land Management to the southwest, and open space surrounding the Fall River Lake that will be protected within the next two years through a partnership with the Shasta Land Trust and the Pacific Forest Watershed Lands Stewardship Council. This link prohibits subdivision and development, protects against the fragmentation of an important wildlife and riparian corridor, and provides for cleaner water quality for the Fall River Valley.

For those who are not familiar, this area is unique for its porous volcanic terrain, natural springs, high-quality rainbow trout habitat, Shasta crayfish habitat, and productive agricultural economy. The Fall River Valley is also part of the larger Pacific Flyway where there have been observations of a wide variety of shorebirds, migrating and nesting waterfowl, and sandhill cranes. The California Fish and Game Commission designated Fall River as one of the 16 original streams in the Wild Trout Program, recognizing the beauty, historical significance, and special values of native trout in the Fall River.

The prominent feature on this newly protected property is a butte that stands tall in the middle of the ranch. According to the landowner, the butte provides refuge and habitat for black-tailed deer, elk, mountain lions, and raptors. At times up to 100 deer have been seen on the butte. The working ranch also includes 1.25 miles of the Fall River corridor and 543 acres of cultivated crop with 20 acres used for grazing.

“Conservation easements are more than just keeping development from happening, there are numerous benefits associated with the land. Through proper management, the land can continue to support the regional agricultural community and economy, create climate resiliency through the protection of water quality, biodiversity, and rich wildlife habitat, while also keeping that beautiful rural town feel known for its 360 mountain views, world class trout fishing, and agricultural crops. The benefits are even more substantial when you can expand upon already protected land,” says Tessa Blevins, Stewardship Director of the Shasta Land Trust.

Through multiple partners, including the California Department of Conservation and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, funding partly with California Climate Investment dollars was awarded to make the protection of River Butte Ranch possible. For generations to come, this property will remain in agricultural production, along with providing for cleaner air and water for all that live in and around the property. None of this would be possible without your ongoing support of the Shasta Land Trust.

Thank you for making land conservation in our community possible!