Burney Gardens Protected Forever & Returned to the Pit River Tribe

The Shasta Land Trust is pleased to announce the permanent protection of the Burney Gardens Conservation Easement, 1,612 acres located near Burney. With meadows ripe with wildflowers and sweeping views of Burney Mountain, this property brings about a sense of awe and an appreciation for the natural world. 

Now returned to the Pit River Tribe, Burney Gardens is in the ancestral territory of the Atsugewi band. Atsugewi ancestors once called this property home and since time immemorial lived and interfaced with the ecosystem and amongst the beauty that remains today. These treasured sites will once again be rightfully held by the Pit River Tribe as the original stewards of the land.

“The Pit River Tribe and the Atsugewi Band have recognized the historical and cultural importance of the Burney Gardens Planning Units from early ancestors who once lived among the area to future generations of Atsugewi and Pit River people,” said Yatch Bamford, Pit River Tribe Chairman. “These properties have significant importance to the Tribe, including historical gathering sites, migratory corridors, and visual connectivity to sacred sites. These areas will be protected and preserved as an open space so that the community can appreciate the aesthetic values to the natural beauty of the land and to actively interact with the ecosystem. We are fortunate to receive the lands in perpetuity and will actively steward the land.”

The property’s forests, wetlands, and waterways contribute to its rich array of natural habitats. Dramatic mountain ridgelines of a snow topped Burney Mountain and the nearby Hatchet Mountain cradle the valley and forest below. Mature stands of towering conifer, ponderosa Pine, and alders border the property, providing an old growth sanctuary for wildlife in an area surrounded by heavily harvested timberlands. Wet meadows and grasslands paint large swaths of green interspersed with vibrant hues of yellow and purple wildflowers. 

The property is fed by a natural spring and the environmentally precious headwaters of Burney Creek. This fertile land supports deer, hawks, migratory waterfowl, bears, and other species that use the land to forage and nest. Sandhill cranes and ducks grace the wetlands, while the signature song of mountain chickadees echo through the forest.

“Burney Gardens is such an incredible place worth protecting,” said Paul Vienneau, Executive Director of the Shasta Land Trust. “Our Tribal partners and members of the community will now be able to treasure and enjoy these lands for years to come.”

The Shasta Land Trust is thankful for our partners at Pacific Gas and Electric and the diligent care of the Pit River Tribe in the protection of Burney Garden’s many precious natural and cultural resources. This land, so rich with life and cultural significance, will now be protected forever.

About Shasta Land Trust

Since our founding in 1998, the Shasta Land Trust has protected over 61,000 acres of farmland, forests, open-space, and wildlife habitat. As an accredited land trust, SLT has worked with willing landowners, partners, local communities, and donors to achieve meaningful and lasting conservation of local lands. The scenic beauty, rich natural resources, and open spaces of far northern California are essential to the health and vibrancy of our families and local communities. Protection of these lands ensures a future with clean air and water, sustainable food networks, abundant recreational opportunities, and healthy wildlife habitats and ecosystems.

About the Pit River Tribe

The Pit River Tribe is a Tribe comprised of eleven (11) autonomous bands: Ajumawi, Atsugewi, Atwamsini, Illmawi, Astarawi, Hammawi, Hewisedawi, Itsatawi, Aporige, Kosealekti, and Madesi, that since time immemorial have resided in the area known as the 100-mile square, located in parts of Shasta, Siskiyou, Modoc, and Lassen Counties in the State of California.