Sierra Business Council News Working Landscape Protection in Sierra County The Sierra Business Council and the Feather River Land Trust are pleased to announce the protection of the beautiful and productive Balderston Ranch in the Sierra Valley. "Sierra Valley is a very special place" said Fred Balderston. "The ranch is like an old friend to me. Protecting its land, wildlife and scenery while ensuring that the property remains a working ranch is a legacy my family is proud to pass on." The 1360-acre property was protected by a conservation easement, which will continue the existing ranching and timber operation and protect and improve valuable wetland, riparian and woodland habitats on the property. The purchase will also protect spectacular scenic values along Highway 49, a State Scenic Highway. Wildlife, open space, ranching and scenery protected by the Balderston easement makes Sierra Valley one of the most majestic locations in the West and drives a critical local fishing, hunting, bird-watching   and recreation economy in the valley. The transaction was negotiated by Paul Hardy of the Quincy-based Feather River Land Trust, while funding   for   the project was provided through SBC's Working Landscapes Initiative and a generous contribution from the David and Lucille Packard Foundation. This is the fourth completed project by the Working Landscapes Initiative, a program designed to provide landowners with tools to protect ranchland and diversify ranching operations and finance, which has protected more than 17,000 acres of Sierra Valley ranchlands. "When ranchers and private organizations can work together to protect agricultural land, wildlife habitat, and important natural resource values while helping to maintain ranching as an integral part of the local economy in the Sierra Nevada, we all win." said Steve Frisch, Director of the Working Landscapes Initiative. For more information about the initiative, contact Steve at sfrisch@sbcouncil.org or 530/582-4800 x311. back to in the News

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