A Newly Protected Property within the Hat Creek Watershed

We are so excited to announce the protection of 789.3 acres of ancestral grounds and wildlife habitat within the Hat Creek Watershed. This newly conserved area will remain free of development forever as it transfers to the stewardship of the Pit River Tribe.

Shasta Land Trust is particularly thrilled about this project due to the land’s ancestral significance. The Illmawi people of the Pit River Tribe are the original stewards of this land, having foraged, hunted, and traveled throughout its meadows and forests for centuries prior to colonization. Well over a century after this section of Hat Creek Watershed was divided into many small parcels and bought by Pacific Gas & Electric for hydroelectric purposes, it is now returned to its indigenous caretakers. Our partnership with the Pit River Tribe and Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council made this conservation project possible.

In addition to historical and cultural significance, Hat Creek Watershed derives its natural wonder from annual grasslands, wet meadows, mixed chaparral, and several types of forest. Wild oat, wild barley, soft chess, and foxtail fescue of the grasslands are home to many mammals including black-tailed jackrabbit, California ground squirrel, western harvest mouse, and coyote. Meadows consist of various species of wildflowers and grasses and are bordered by dense shrubs such as willow. Forests are dominated by towering ponderosa pine, various native oak species, and gray pine. Each of these forest habitat types is known to provide essential foraging and breeding grounds for wildlife including acorn woodpecker, western gray squirrel, black bear, and mule deer.

The land is in close proximity to Hat Creek, making it an essential conservation zone for aquatic species like blue heron and osprey, as well as a variety of endangered and threatened species like bald eagle, sandhill crane, bank swallow, Shasta crayfish, rainbow trout, and sculpin. In fact, Hat Creek has been a site of restoration for years due to its unique water composition and resulting biological richness. Protection of surrounding areas will help further protect this waterway.

Excitingly, permanent conservation of these lands also offers continued opportunities for public enjoyment and recreation. Several hiking trails run through or nearby the conserved area, including 0.6 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and 1.5 miles of a creek trail. Locals and visitors alike can continue to visit these trails and appreciate the abundance of scenic viewscapes. 

With the protection of these beautiful sections of the Hat Creek Watershed, the Pit River Tribe will now be able to steward these lands to the benefit of their people, the greater public, and the natural ecosystems occurring there. With gratitude, Shasta Land Trust celebrates this accomplishment and recognizes all partners and supporters who make the work we do possible.

One Family’s Beloved Property is Now Protected Forever

Shasta Land Trust is excited to announce that an important wildlife corridor in Bella Vista is now preserved for future generations to come! Valleys End Nature Preserve is a 184-acre property that provides refuge and habitat for an incredible diversity of plants, wildlife, fish, and birds. The preserve is owned by Marlys Carusone and Larry and Yvonne Boisclaire who are longtime supporters of the land trust. These landowners have generously donated a conservation easement on this land, forever protecting this invaluable piece of Shasta County.

Valleys End Nature Preserve is a unique piece of land, with a variety of habitats that include conifers, manzanita, chapparal, wet meadows, grasslands, beautiful rock outcroppings, and blue oak woodland. Surrounded by public lands and ranches and located in the Cow Creek Watershed focus area of Shasta Land Trust, protecting the preserve connects an important wildlife corridor in Bella Vista, providing food, shelter, and a seasonal migration route to a variety of species.

The property contains two small lakes, Mirror Lake and Lake James, along with seasonal wetlands and creeks. These support all kinds of visitors throughout the year, including several rare species such as the Virginia rail and the tule goose, a sub-species of the greater white-fronted goose, as well as a breeding population of western pond turtles. Monarch butterflies are also raised and released on the property every year, supported by thousands of milkweed plants that grow there.  Elderberry bushes on the property provide breeding habitat to the endangered valley elderberry longhorn beetle, and oracle oaks, a rare hybrid between black oaks and live oaks, can also be found on the property. It was this diversity and richness of plants and wildlife that inspired the landowners to donate a conservation easement over the property to ensure that it remained a sanctuary for native species forever.

As residents on the preserve, protecting the property in this way has been a long-time goal of Larry and Yvonne Boisclaire. To safeguard the important habitat on the property, they work as its yearlong caretakers, removing invasive plants, managing oak and tree density for wildlife and fire safety, and even collecting and planting seeds for native grasses, milkweed, and other plants that support wildlife. Yvonne says, “From the beginning we sought to plant anything that would be favorable as a food source and refuge for wildlife… Mirror Lake is a magnet and haven for wildlife, from large to small… Roosevelt elk, black bears, bobcats, coyotes and mountain lions to rabbits and mice. When flocks of ducks fly in or animals come down to drink there will always be a safe haven for them at one lake or another.” Their love and care for their land is inspiring and their efforts have made Valleys End Nature Preserve a true biodiversity hotspot in Shasta County. The Shasta Land Trust is proud to add this Bella Vista gem to the protected properties list.

In the Field with SLT - Preserving for Tomorrow

As temperatures begin to cool during early Fall, the Shasta Land Trust Stewardship Team spends many work days out in the field. Within the last week alone, the team has made multiple visits to two different geographically diverse sites in Shasta County, conducting essential land surveys and having important conversations with landowners. Both of these sites will be secured under permanent land protection agreements in the near future -- agreements officially known as “conservation easements”. Although easements are finalized as written documents, there is a large amount of data collection in the field that goes into constructing the end product. 

taken by stewardship director Tessa blevins during a site visit last month

One of the first steps in conserving a piece of land under easement is completing a thorough survey of what the property looks like, sort of like a current snapshot in time. To do this, the Stewardship Team drives out to a new property and takes inventory of the land through photographs and notetaking. Rare, native, and invasive plants, observed wildlife, waterways, soil types, human-made structures, and any relics showing cultural and historical significance are photographed or written down. The goal is to get consistent representation of the land, and oftentimes that means hiking long distances in remote areas in order to photograph sections of land that are not easily accessible by vehicle.

All notes and photographs taken in the field give life to a report known as the “Baseline Document Report”. This report then serves as a point of comparison for years to come for the Stewardship Team’s yearly monitoring. At least once a year, SLT staff visits all protected properties to look for any ecological or structural changes. Monitoring data is collected in a fashion similar to that of Baseline Documentation Report visits, with the Stewardship Team photographing or otherwise noting any consistencies as well as obvious changes in wildlife habitat, groundwater, working farmlands, and development.

The growing impacts of drought and wildfires are felt among all of us here in Shasta County as they relate to our homes, farms, and scenic landscapes we know and love. The protection of oak woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and other important habitats under conservation easements helps to lessen these climate impacts by preserving the way of life for many native plant and animal species. Protecting lands from development also keeps the door open for future landowner conservation plans, with the possibility of implementing regenerative farming and restoration of natural areas. All this is to say, there is tremendous value to the days spent in the field because of what the data allows SLT to accomplish day by day, easement by easement!

Introducing SLT's GrizzlyCorps Member Sabrina Smelser

We are excited to welcome Sabrina Smelser to our team here at Shasta Land Trust! Sabrina will be serving with us as a GrizzlyCorps Climate Fellow for the next ten months. For those who aren’t familiar with GrizzlyCorps, it is a federally funded service organization that falls under the umbrella of AmeriCorps. Since 2020, the GrizzlyCorps Program has partnered with organizations all over California and aims to place fellows throughout rural communities to specifically focus on climate related issues and promote regenerative agricultural practices as well as forest and fire resiliency. GrizzlyCorps cohorts are made of individuals from various walks and stages of life all wanting to engage directly with issues relating to the changing climate.

Sabrina will be out in the field, meeting with project stakeholders, and working at the Daniell Beaver Banks Preserve. Coming from a wholesale nursery nestled in Los Osos Valley (CA), she feels incredibly fortunate to have found another stunning open space like this to call home for the next year. In just her short time living in Redding, she has witnessed some of California’s issues such low lake levels, impacts from wildfires threatening the community, and increasing development of oak woodland. These are just a few constant reminders of why climate work is calling her generation, and she feels ready to grow within an organization dedicated to the preservation and responsible stewardship of the remaining open lands of Shasta County.

After earning a B.S. in Biology at UCLA in 2018, Sabrina worked in healthcare and education for two years before shifting over to the world of horticulture last year. Her experience at the nursery growing California native plants, vegetable starts, and many other plant species deepened her interest in regenerative agriculture and responsible land stewardship, and she is very excited to pursue those interests in the context of the Land Trust’s goals.

She is now rounding out her second full week on the job, and possibilities for this upcoming year are beginning to take shape. She’ll be working to build the Land Trust’s educational and outreach capacity, developing new strategies for community engagement. Additionally, she will be supporting our Stewardship Team with ongoing conservation easement projects. With Sabrina here we will be able to grow our efforts in protecting beloved open lands of Shasta County!

Sabrina (on the right) helped the stewardship team survey the pit river canyon for a future conservation easement project.

Preserving a Family Farm in the Fall River Valley

The Shasta Land Trust is pleased to announce that a beloved family farm in the Fall River Valley, Paige Ranch, has been protected forever! Patricia Paige and her family have generously donated a conservation easement over their 207-acre wild rice farm, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

The Fall River Valley has been a focus area of Shasta Land Trust for almost two decades now, with land trust staff collaborating and working with willing landowners to conserve the land in this special valley bit by bit. Paige Ranch, located just across the Little Tule River from Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park and a short distance from other Shasta Land Trust conserved properties, acts as a key piece in preserving agriculture and habitat connectivity in the valley.

The area is home to pristine spring-fed streams and rivers, top-ranked trout fisheries, and remarkably diverse habitat for wildlife, particularly migratory birds. Fall River Valley has been designated as an official Audubon Society Important Bird Area, recognized for a high diversity of breeding ducks, shorebirds, and other waterfowl, including the Sandhill Crane. The valley’s agricultural areas also provide food and wintering habitat for many raptors and large mammals, such as elk and deer. The rivers themselves also support large populations of breeding and wintering Bald Eagles and Ospreys.

Paige Ranch includes 180 acres of wild rice fields that provide valuable habitat for many of these migrating birds, in addition to other wildlife species. The property also provides solace for many wildlife species in its grasslands, with regular visitors such as black-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, foxes, bats, otters, and more. Conserving the family farm prevents it from ever being subdivided or further developed, so it can remain open space and wildlife habitat in perpetuity.

When asked what the family’s motivation was for donating the conservation easement, Liza Baldwin, daughter of Patricia Paige, said, “I think that my mom conveyed the love she and my dad shared for the property during our meetings the past couple of years. When we were up at the ranch last week, sitting outside looking at the river my mom said - as she often says - ‘I always marvel that, in all these many years this view has never changed.’ That was my mom’s primary motivation for protecting the property with the conservation easement - that it will always possess the same raw beauty it had when my mom and dad first laid eyes on it, and fell in love with it over 46 years ago.”

Out on the Land

deidre monroe, conservation projects manager

The month of June was a busy month for the staff at the Shasta Land Trust. From annual monitoring visits on our protected properties to the creation of baseline documentation reports for future projects, this is how we ensure the protection of the beautiful lands across northern California!

At least once per year, staff at the Shasta Land Trust visit each protected property to monitor and document any changes to the areas. They look for anything that may hinder the ability to protect the land, wildlife, or plant species. All photos taken are compared with historical photos from years past so that any changes can be clearly documented.

tessa blevins, stewardship director

The Shasta Land Trust is honored to be working with such wonderful landowners who steward their lands with attentive and considerate care for our local ecosystems. It is the synergetic relationship between landowners and the Shasta Land Trust that keep these lands we love protected forever.

We also started the process of documenting future projects that are taking place across the Fall River valley. These future conserved properties lie along the stunning Fall River, thus adding additional protection to this vital pristine waterway. During these visits, the condition of each property is carefully documented in a “baseline documentation report,” or what we like to explain as a snapshot of the property right before it is placed under a conservation easement. This allows current and future staff to know exactly what conservation values need to be protected and monitored for years to come.

Monitoring and documenting conditions on each property are important ways we ensure these irreplaceable lands stay unchanged for future generations. Site visits to these beautiful places happen year-round as we never stop working to preserve the important places we all love.

Wildways Auction is Now Available for Bidding!

We are excited to announce that our very first virtual silent auction as part of our 18th Annual Wildways Kickoff Fundraiser is now available for bidding! Check out all items at the website here.

Bidding is NOW OPEN and will close the night of the Kickoff on April 25th at 9:00 pm, when winners will be announced.

Items feature exclusive experiences on some of our protected properties, vacations, a variety of recreational opportunities, and more. Remember, every item purchased helps conserve local lands, so enjoy a guilt-free online shopping experience!

You can view all auction items and stay up to date with the countdown by registering ONLINE or by downloading the Auctria app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your mobile device.

Two More Protected Properties

We are excited to announce the protection of two properties near the town of Fall River Mills! Through conservation easements, these beautiful places are now protected forever, because of you.

In partnership with the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council and the Fall River Resource Conservation District, donors like you have made it possible to ensure the conservation of a 435-acre piece of land that connects surrounding natural open spaces. With many other projects in the works, this property is a puzzle piece in the 4,644 acres that is planned to be protected across the intermountain lands spanning from the Pit River to the Fall River Valley.

This property is made up of ponderosa pine forest and oak woodland, rolling hills of open grassland, and rich wet meadow fed by snowmelt which supports an abundance of plant and animal species. North of the Pit River and just south of a distinctive rocky ridge, photo-worthy views of Burney Mountain can be seen in the distance from the higher vistas across the lush landscape.

In addition to its natural beauty, this land also serves as a popular recreation site for locals and visitors alike. Additionally, the property is open to members of the Hat Creek Rifle and Pistol Club and creates a safe place for firearm target shooting practice, instruction, and competition. The shooting range includes a high-power range, pistol range, and a law enforcement training venue which are utilized for Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews to engage in activities that include the development of outdoor and leadership skills, as well as firearm training and safety. Additionally, members of the public are welcome to enjoy the unique views of the landscape at one of the outdoor picnic areas during club events.

North of Fall River Lake, another beautiful area spanning 463 acres will now be protected in addition to the property mentioned above. Thanks to our incredible donors, the Shasta Land Trust had the opportunity again to partner with the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council and the Fall River Resource Conservation District for this project. The area is comprised of annual grassland, juniper woodland, and sagebrush scrub. There are vernal pools which serve as an important habitat for western pond turtles.

With views of Soldier Mountain, Saddle Mountain, Haney Mountain, and parts of the Cascade mountain range, this open space is a unique sight worth protecting for the future of this community. This newly protected land, like the other property previously mentioned, is a connecting piece to another large wildlife corridor in northern Shasta County.

By protecting these properties permanently, the natural open space will continue to provide irreplaceable scenic views, habitat for wildlife, outdoor recreation, and sustainable forestry for generations to come.

Recently Awarded Grants for Local Land Conservation!

We are excited to announce that the Shasta Land Trust was awarded four new grants through the State of California’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program! These grants will go toward protecting four new properties in Shasta County, ranging from two family farms in Fall River Mills, one ranch near Shingletown and another property in Redding along Onley Creek. These properties, totaling 2,711 acres, will provide for the conservation of prime agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, open space, and riparian corridors.

From the beautiful Fall River to Onley Creek, the benefits of these conservation efforts will have wide reaching effects. Through these newly protected properties that we expect to wrap up in the next two years, local agricultural production will be secured, the animals that thrive in the water and oak woodlands will have a home forever, and this little slice of heaven in northern California will continue to remain special for generations to come.

This level of land conservation is only made possible because of the steadfast support of our donors and community partners who have supported the mission of the Shasta Land Trust since 1998.

The best is yet to come!

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!

SLT Incorporates New Technology in the Age of COVID-19

By now everyone is familiar with the idea of social distancing. Our current global pandemic has shaped our lives in ways that look much different than last year. From wearing a mask in public places to working remotely from home, a majority of daily activities have changed in numerous ways.

Just like everyone else, the Shasta Land Trust has shifted the way work is done to conform to a safer way of conducting conservation activities. Technology has been a useful aid in the operations needed to protect the beautiful lands of Shasta County.

The act of physically visiting a site for conservation planning is no longer possible when there are large groups of people together. Site visits to potential conserved properties often involve people traveling from outside of the county and carpooling together to arrive at the same destination. In order to keep everyone’s safety a top priority, Shasta Land Trust has recently shown properties to potential stakeholders using drone footage, GIS (Geographic Info Systems), and powerpoint presentations.

Drone footage has proven to be a great way to view properties by seeing aerial views to get a larger view of the land. This view is great for seeing important features that could possibly be missed by seeing the land only on foot.

With less time spent traveling to multiple sites, the staff at Shasta Land Trust are able to focus their efforts on more conservation work. For example, there are eight active land projects using virtual technologies currently in the works. The use of technology for project development could potentially allow for more protected land in the future.

A Conservation Success Story!

In 2017, Joseph Butler and Christy Pitchel made the decision to purchase a unique piece of land a few hours north of where they lived in the Bay Area. To them, the property buzzed with wildlife and was a refuge away from home. It had everything any naturalist would want, including a vast oak woodland filled with squirrels, turkey, quail, and deer, along with a network of vernal pools supporting specially adapted plants and invertebrates. As you walk across the plateau filled with breathtaking displays of wildflowers in the spring, you are met with stunning views of Mount Shasta, Lassen, and the southern Cascades. Below the plateau, there is a peaceful creek that is home to beaver, fall-run Chinook salmon and steelhead, rainbow trout, and turtles. Across the property are towering grey pines and ancient valley oaks rooted in the volcanic rocky ground.

A refuge for many wildlife species, as well as for the human spirit, Christy and Joseph wanted to make a real and lasting impact to protect Bear Creek and the surrounding uplands. Preserving this piece of land meant keeping this special place unchanged. The 156-acre property will never succumb to imminent urban sprawl, as the area once determined to be a large housing development will now be protected forever with a conservation easement held by the Shasta Land Trust!

We would like to thank Joseph and Christy for donating this conservation easement to the Shasta Land Trust and for playing a vital role in protecting the land we all love.

We Have Moved!!

The Shasta Land Trust moved into its new office at Daniell Beaver Banks Preserve this past Monday and we couldn’t be more excited for this new adventure! Our new neighbors, being the deer and turkeys, have taken fondly to us and have been supervising the entire move.

The move wouldn’t have been possible if not for our amazing volunteers and the team and Caliber Office Furniture for donating their trucks and staff for the entire day!

Our new location is at 5170 Bechelli Lane in Redding, CA. If you want to take in the view of the Sacramento River and say hello to our staff, come on by (with your mask and social distancing of course!)

Wildways Tickets Now On Sale

The Wildways series of fundraising events connects people and places, offers education and unique experiences and is a fun way to contribute to the preservation of significant lands in far northern California.

Hosted by volunteers, all proceeds from ticket sales support Shasta Land Trust’s mission to conserve local land. 

Our 2020/2021 Wildways season is here and we could not be more excited for what’s coming up!  These events feature a diverse array of new adventures and old favorites. Come enjoy exclusive access on several of our protected properties, as well as expanses of open space, interesting local businesses, beautiful private residences, and other secret spots, all while supporting local land conservation! 

Since 2003, volunteers have hosted Shasta Land Trust supporters at over 345 events! The success of the Wildways program has helped us permanently protect 16 properties spanning 25,000 acres of working agricultural lands, water and wildlife habitat, recreation, and scenic beauty in our community.

The Wildways program would not be possible without our generous landowners, volunteers, hosts, sponsors and the many supporters who attend these events. We hope to see you at one or more of these exciting events!!

Wildways Kickoff Rescheduled

In these troubling times there is one thing I know for sure and that is the resilience of our community. We have been through tough times before and we will all get through this as well. Here at the Shasta Land Trust we are taking the appropriate actions to make sure our staff remain safe and supported, in addition to taking actions to safeguard our members in the weeks and months ahead.  

As many of you know, the Wildways Kickoff was planned for April 19th. In response to CDC guidelines and the Governor's restrictions we will be cancelling that event. We are working on a new date in the Fall and will be getting you that information as soon as it becomes finalized.  

In addition, we are working on rescheduling several of our Wildways events that we had planned to start the end of April. The members and volunteers who built this organization are nothing short of family and thus their safety is our utmost concern. These dates are being wrapped up in the next few days, so stayed tuned for the Wildways booklet in the mail in the next few weeks.

I have spoken to many people over the last few hours and days and the overwhelming response I have received focuses on understanding that we are all in this together. If someone needs help with groceries, help them. If someone needs to voice their frustrations and fears, hear them out. This too shall pass and in the weeks and months ahead we will look back on this moment and recognize that we are stronger than we know and that as with the environment, we are all connected.

If there is anything the Land Trust can assist you with, please don't hesitate to reach out.  

Sincerely,

Paul Vienneau
Executive Director

Newly Protected Property in Fall River Mills!

With your help, we are excited to announce that we just protected a new property in Fall River Mills! This forever protects another unique part of Shasta County.

This beautiful 463-acre property, now owned by the Fall River Resource Conservation District, is a hotspot for migratory birds such as Sandhill Cranes and many species of waterfowl. This conservation easement marks Shasta Land Trust’s fifth conserved property in the Fall River Valley. When several properties are protected in close proximity to one another, it makes a greater impact on keeping local waterways clean and creating more expansive wildlife corridors. These positive environmental impacts create a healthier environment for plants, animals and all people living in the local community.

The conservation of this property was made possible thanks to partnerships with Pacific Gas & Electric, the Stewardship Council, Fall River Resource Conservation District, and our amazing supporters. You have played a large role in making this conservation project happen. We want to thank you for making land conservation in our community possible.

Annual Wildways Kickoff on April 19th!

Sunday April 19th | 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Ross Ranch | 11973 Old Oregon Trail, Redding CA, 96003
Ticket Price | $50/Adults & $5/Children 5-15 Years
Available | March 19th

Join us April 19, 2020 from 4-8pm for a Sunday evening barn dance out at Ross Ranch.  Tickets will be available at shastalandtrust.org or stop into the office to purchase, starting March 19th!  Your ticket purchase will go towards our mission to protect the scenic beauty, rich natural resources, recreation, and wildlife of far northern California. 

Wildways Events     
Pre-sale tickets to our Wildways Series of Events will become available for purchase on April 6th for a premium price. If you haven’t purchased a ticket before the Wildways Kickoff you can purchase them at the event for regular price. Don’t forget, with 90% of events sold out this past year, they’re going to go fast!

Attractions
Music from the Buckhorn Mountain Stompers
Barbecue from Odell Craft Barbecue!!
Local craft beer & wine
Special raffle
Opportunities to win fun experiences from our silent auction
Fun activities for kids
And much more!

Expanding SLT's Conservation Efforts

We are proud to announce that the Shasta Land Trust is a recent recipient of the Department of Conservation Development Grant. In partnership with a grant from The McConnell Foundation, our organization was able to hire a new Associate Conservation Projects Manager to join the team.

This is a very exciting announcement for us because it will expand our capacity to do the work you as the donor care about the most. Which is protecting more beautiful land in Shasta County!

We are thrilled to welcome Deidre Monroe to Shasta Land Trust. She is responsible for developing and managing land protection projects, assessing potential conservation properties, grant writing, and assisting with the negotiations and drafting of conservation easements. Deidre earned her B.S. in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology from the University of California, Davis, and interned for the Truckee River Watershed Council.

As a small nonprofit, the addition of another skilled staff member makes a significant difference for Shasta Land Trust and the supporters like you who are truly responsible for making conservation possible! With Deidre on board we will be able to put your dollars to work in accomplishing more land protection in the area we all call home!

Deidre Monroe with her dog, Bindi.

2019 National Land Conservation Conference

Every year the Land Trust Alliance holds its annual Land Conservation Conference “Rally.” This year in Raleigh, North Carolina, Shasta Land Trust staff joined over one thousand others from around the country for four days of intensive education and networking. Rally gives its attendees an opportunity to expand their knowledge and share ideas with others working in the same field. Whether it be stewardship, finance, fundraising or management, Rally is a place where those in the conservation world can gain new insight and information to apply directly to the important conservation work they do.

Themes take hold at every Rally conference. This year was no different. With discussions surrounding climate change, community conservation, and fundraising in an ever changing economy, there was new and exciting knowledge to be learned.

Additionally, the Land Trust Alliance makes it a point each year to recognize those land trusts across the country that have received their first accreditation and those that had just recently been re-accredited. Accreditation is awarded to land trusts that demonstrate the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust. Shasta Land Trust was re-accredited in 2016 and continues to inspire excellence in conservation along with many other organizations across the country.

The time spent at Rally will equate to an incalculable benefit to Shasta Land Trust. The staff has come back from this conference inspired and eager to apply their new knowledge to the important work they do for our beautiful local lands.

Reduction of Climate Change Through Land Conservation

Shasta County is no stranger to the effects a changing environment can have on a community. Through increased wind events, shortened seasons of rain, increased temperatures, and wildfires stretching into the winter months, we are experiencing rapid climate change.

This rapid change we are experiencing today is caused by the release of greenhouse gases. In the atmosphere, these gases trap heat from the sun, essentially over-insulating the Earth. But forests and other undeveloped lands can absorb greenhouse gases, keeping them out of the atmosphere.

Forests, farmland and other natural habitats absorb approximately 15% of the U.S.’s carbon dioxide emissions. That’s a huge benefit — but one that we stand to lose if we keep converting open land for development.

In fact, land conservation offers a double benefit for the climate. It not only helps absorb greenhouse gases; it also prevents significant greenhouse gas emissions that would result from development — including deforestation, construction and the additional driving required by poorly planned growth. 

This is why agricultural land conservation has always been at the heart of the Shasta Land Trust. Through our 15 conserved properties totaling over 24,000 acres we are proud of our ongoing work to protect agricultural land for farming, for food, for wildlife and for community. We are also proud to be a part of the movement to implement long-term climate change solutions.