Paige Ranch

In July 2021, Shasta Land Trust protected Paige Ranch, a beloved family farm in Fall River Valley. This 207 acre wild rice farm will be conserved forever because of the Paige family’s generous donation of this conservation easement.

Located just across the Little Tule River from Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park and a short distance from other Shasta Land Trust conserved properties, Paige Ranch is yet another key connector piece in the Fall River Valley. Conserving properties like this prevents subdivision and development, protects water quality throughout the Fall River Watershed, and preserves valuable wildlife and bird habitat for a multitude of species.

The Fall River Valley is a special area – it contains beautiful spring-fed streams and rivers that provide habitat for endangered species such as the Shasta Crayfish, a top-ranking trout fishery, invaluable agricultural lands, and is an official Audubon Society Important Bird Area, recognized as valuable land containing a high diversity of habitat for migratory birds. As the majority of the lands in the valley are privately owned, donations of conservation easements such as this one are key in preserving the benefits that the region provides. Wild rice fields in the valley, such as those on Paige Ranch, provide habitat for thousands of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and rare species including Sandhill Cranes and Cackling Geese.

Patricia Paige, the matriarch of the Paige family, has always had a heart for conservation, along with her late husband, Raymond Paige. On her 91st birthday, Patricia sat outside on the property gazing at the river and said “I always marvel that, in all these many years this view has never changed.” Now, that view will forever remain the same.

We would like to thank Patricia Paige and her family for making this generous donation, preserving this beautiful property and propelling forward conservation efforts in the Fall River Valley.