The Importance of Monitoring

rICKERT BROTHERS RANCH

Have you ever wondered how we ensure permanent protection of properties with conservation easements? We do this by making visits to each property to monitor its condition. Monitoring conserved properties is a vital aspect to ensuring the protection of these lands. It allows us to see changes over time to make sure the lands are being used responsibly.

Once a conservation easement has been closed on a property, it is a symbiotic relationship between the landowner and Shasta Land Trust. The landowner is responsible for abiding by the guidelines of the easement, which are set in place to conserve the values of the land. Shasta Land Trust monitors each property annually. Every visit to a property is different from the next because we tailor each conservation easement individually to reflect the property features and landowner goals.

Before setting out on a monitoring visit, it is helpful to familiarize ourselves with the property by reviewing the conditions of the easement, previous monitoring reports, maps and baseline documents (baselines are large snapshots of a property that capture images and unique conditions that are present on the property before closing the easement). Once the preliminary research has been done, we gather any supplies needed for the monitoring trip. We always bring an iPad to take pictures and pinpoint the location of photos taken. Some properties can be monitored on foot, while others may need an off-road vehicle to get around.

Monitoring these beautiful properties is one of the best parts of our job here at the Land Trust. Recently, we spent a week out on the land to do our annual monitoring visits. To experience these properties firsthand is to clearly see the importance of long term conservation. Shasta County has some of the most breathtaking views northern California has to offer. We spotted elk, coyote, and several bird and fish species. Our objective is to keep these views pristine and the wildlife thriving.

As you can see, these annual monitoring visits are the backbone of long-term conservation for these valuable properties. Without consistent monitoring practices, we would never know if the conservation guidelines were being followed. Property monitoring is crucial to upholding the mission of Shasta Land Trust and ensures that these conserved lands are protected forever.

Hiring a Conservation & Stewardship Manager

Are you an energetic person who enjoys working with people and contributing to the greater good?  Shasta Land Trust is a successful, growing nonprofit organization seeking a Conservation & Stewardship Manager responsible for developing and managing land protection projects of the Shasta Land Trust.  As a local land conservation organization, we’ve protected nearly 24,000 acres of working agricultural ranches, blue oak woodlands, fly fishing habitat, and recreational open space in the North State since 1998.

If you’re interested in applying, please follow the link below:

https://www.shastalandtrust.org/career-opportunities

Newly Protected Land in Fall River Mills

We are excited to announce the recent closing of a new conservation easement in Shasta County. This newly protected property is located on the southern edge of Fall River Mills, CA and covers 39 acres. Situated along the confluence of the Fall and Pit Rivers, this property serves as a habitat for many different plants and animals.

What we are most enthusiastic about is what the future holds for this property. Now that it is protected forever, the Fall River Valley Conservation Services District is able to move forward on their plans of turning this property into a community park. With walking trails, picnic spots, and educational information, this property will provide a great benefit to the Fall River Mills community.

Along with the community use benefits, this area is also important because of its vast historical and ecological values. Throughout the property you will find Ponderosa Pine and White Oak, hydrological remnants once used for ferry transportation, and a rich background of Native American history.

This land will now forever be protected thanks to partnerships with the Fall River Valley Community Services District, Pacific Gas & Electric, and the Pacific Forest and Watershed Land Stewardship Council.

As always, we would like to thank those who support the conservation efforts of the Shasta Land Trust. The preservation of these beautiful and important lands would not be possible without donations from those who share our passion for conservation. Please consider making a contribution to Shasta Land Trust and help us conserve the beauty, character, and diversity of significant lands in far northern California.

Thank You Belcampo Farms!

Shasta Land Trust’s most recent Wildways event was genuinely a one-of-a-kind experience for all who attended. Imagine a breathtaking, panoramic view of Mt. Shasta Now envision this scene in the background next to an organic orchard sitting at a table with a mouthwatering farm to table meal. You can smell the ripe apricots from the adjacent trees and feel the warmth of the summer sun and refreshing mountain breeze on your cheeks. This is what we experience during our recent Wildways event at Belcampo’s Mini Meat Camp and Dinner.

Belcampo Farms is located just north of Mt. Shasta in the quaint town of Gazelle, CA. The farm practices regenerative farming techniques and puts forward an enormous amount of passion into everything they touch. They are certified Organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers and Certified Humane. We were astounded by their dedication to sustainable farming practices and devotion to creating a unique place for people to learn, experience and enjoy all aspects of the farm.

From the bed of a farm truck, our guests toured the free-range pigs (with recently born piglets), drove past the lush agricultural fields where organic chickens roamed free, learned all about hay production and even said hello to a few turkeys along the way. We were then brought back to the barn where we enjoyed an educational butchery demonstration by Eric Miller, where we learned how to spatchcock a chicken and break down a full slab of beef into individual New York steaks!

After the tour and educational lesson, our gracious hosts spoiled the group with a gourmet charcuterie and wine pairing. Here, we were dazzled with an incredible tasting of Belcampo artisan meats with wine pairings provided by our amazing local winery, Burnsini Vineyards.

As the sun began to set, guests were free to roam the nearby orchards and garden where they picked juicy peaches, apricots, berries, and apples. Meanwhile, the Asado Wagon raged with fire as farm fresh chicken and steak were being grilled up for the evening dinner!

After spending the day learning about what it takes for Belcampo to create their extraordinary cuisine and meats, it was time to taste the fruits of their labor. With the dinner table set under the basking beauty of Mt. Shasta, our hosts went above and beyond to create an incredible farm-to-table dinner to savor. Through conversation, joy, connections new and old, nourishment, and appreciation for the food enjoyed, it was a memorable day for all who attended.

Shasta Land Trust would like to thank our hosts at Belcmapo Farms for putting on such an incredible event for our Wildways series. They exceeded our expectations in providing an outstanding and educational day for our group. We would like to give a special thank you to the Law Offices of Campbell, Clark and Vienneau for hosting the day at Belcampo. Without their support, this event would not have been possible. We would also like to thank Burnsini Vineyards for providing their amazing wines.

Thank you to all who attended, this Wildways event will be one to remember for years to come. As always, all profits from these events go directly to the Shasta Land Trust so local conservation can continue to thrive for generations to come!

Introducing Shasta Land Trust's Newest Staff Member

We are very excited to announce the newest member of the Shasta Land Trust Team, Kayla Finck. As our new full-time Office Manager, Kayla will be in charge of all office related activities, including donor relations and event assistance. She will also be heading up our communications and marketing department where she will be focusing a great deal of her time on donor communications, special events and stakeholder relations.

As a born and raised local to Redding and co-owner of The Brasserie in Downtown Redding with her fiancee, Kayla has a keen understanding of our community and looks forward to meeting the Land Trust supporters over the next few weeks and months!

We're Hiring A New Office Manager

Are you an energetic person who enjoys working with people and contributing to the greater good?  Shasta Land Trust is a successful, growing nonprofit organization seeking an experienced Office Manager to join our team to help inform people about the work we do and keep our office running smoothly and efficiently.  As a local land conservation organization, we’ve protected nearly 24,000 acres of working agricultural ranches, blue oak woodlands, fly fishing habitat, and recreational open space in the North State since 1998.

If you’re interested in applying, please follow the link below:

https://www.shastalandtrust.org/jobs

Wildways Kickoff 2019 - Save the Date!

The date is set for the 2019 Wildways Kickoff and you are invited!

Sunday April 7th | 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Ross Ranch | 11973 Old Oregon Trail, Redding CA, 96003
Ticket Price | $50 Pre-Sale / $55 Day Of

Join us for a Sunday evening barn dance out at Ross Ranch.  Tickets will be available starting March 1 at shastalandtrust.org and the Shasta land Trust office. 

Bring the kids! Children are free with purchase of ticket.

Your ticket purchase will go towards our mission to protect the scenic beauty, rich natural resources, recreation, and wildlife of far northern California. 

Stay tuned for additional details regarding the many amazing Wildways events we have planned for the year. We can’t wait to see you there!

Help Us Celebrate 20 Years!

In recognition of the Shasta Land Trust's 20th Anniversary we have set an ambitious goal of raising $20,000 over the next six weeks.  Your donation will go directly to helping build our capacity to continue conserving significant lands in northern California.  

To read more and donate, click here.

Shasta College GIS Students Visit Fenwood Ranch

Today we enjoyed partnering with Shasta College's GIS students on developing an online mapping system that will allow the Shasta Land Trust to advance our annual monitoring program and mapping database.  The students got a chance to tour the Fenwood Ranch and use the Shasta Land Trust as their mock client in a project that is tied to their overall class and final capstone project.  Thank you to Dan Scollon, Devon Hedemark, and Tim Hill for working with the Shasta Land Trust on this beneficial project.

2018 Wildways Kickoff Tickets Available Now!

Sun March 18 | 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Ross Ranch | 11973 Old Oregon Trail, Redding CA, 96003
Ticket Price | $50 Pre-Sale / $55 Day Of

Join us for a Sunday evening barn dance out at Ross Ranch.  Tickets are available at shastalandtrust.org or stop into the office to purchase a ticket today!  Your ticket purchase will go towards our mission to protect the scenic beauty, rich natural resources, recreation, and wildlife of far northern California. 

Ticket Details
     $50 Pre-Sale or $55 Day of Event
     Bring the kids! Children are free with purchase of ticket

Wildways Events     
     If you haven't purchased your tickets via pre-sale, this is your chance to snag your ticket in person!

Attractions
     Awesome raffle prizes, an opportunity to win cabin stays and
     fun experiences from our auction, Dove Hollow Farm horse
     drawn carriage rides around the property, Smokin' Joe's BBQ,
     live music from the Buckhorn Mountain Stompers, and more!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE