FRLT provides assist
In December 2020, the Wildlife Conservation Board purchased two properties in Sierra Valley on behalf of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). These newly conserved lands expand two publicly accessible wildlife areas by 1,207 acres, protecting important wildlife habitat and securing additional range and connectivity for migrating species.
Both properties are within a geographic area that CDFW has designated as a priority due to its importance for a variety of wildlife species, particularly as fawning and migration habitat for mule deer.
FRLT was proud to play a role in facilitating these transactions and supported the Wildlife Conservation Board as they moved through the process to acquire these lands. This project was a little different from the work we usually do to conserve private lands with conservation easements, and our role in assisting the state in this effort was only made possible because of the generous support of our members.
“We are honored to partner with the Feather River Land Trust and specifically appreciate the expertise and assistance that Shelton Douthit and Kristi Jamason provided in securing the initial purchase agreement and real estate due diligence necessary to acquire the expansions for both the Crocker Meadows and Smithneck Creek Wildlife areas on behalf of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. These expansions will serve to protect wildlife habitat and public access in perpetuity for future generations.”
—John Walsh, Wildlife Conservation Board
About the newly conserved properties
One property adds 976 acres to the Smithneck Creek Wildlife Area southeast of Loyalton, securing important habitat for several special status wildlife species including Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, and American Badger. Several streams traverse the property, and it holds expansive sagebrush and grassland habitat with hillsides of mixed conifer forest. The state can graze cattle on the property if considered necessary to achieve its land management goals.
The second property was surrounded on nearly half of its border by the Crocker Meadows Wildlife Area, and the addition of 231 acres to this wildlife area provides important foraging grounds for Mule Deer and their fawns. This unique property sits directly in a deer migration corridor, and its diverse habitat of sagebrush and bitter-brush scrub with pockets of black oak woodland gives refuge to many other wildlife species that use this area.
These new public lands protect not only wildlife habitat but also the beauty, biodiversity, and expansive views of open land and big sky that makes Sierra Valley so unique. The public will also gain access to new lands for recreation opportunities including fishing, birding, hiking, wildlife viewing, and limited hunting.
Thank you to all our members and the Northern Sierra Partnership, whose support helped make our role in these conservation successes possible.
Explore more at FRLT
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February 17 | Birthday Ski and Snowshoe at Olsen Barn Meadow
Come celebrate FRLT's 23rd birthday with us with a ski and snowshoe at Olsen Barn Meadow in Chester.
2023 Events
Get out and experience the beauty of the Feather River Watershed with FRLT's events. From birding and botany to history and building community there's something for everyone!
2022 Conservation Successes
Take a look back at 2022 with us and celebrate the successes made possible by our supporters. It was a fulfilling year of community, collaboration, and conservation success!
FRLT Preserve Coloring Pages
Our 2022 Solstice gift to you - coloring pages of three of our preserves, illustrated by an FRLT staff member.
Church Ranch Conservation Story
The 653-acre Church Ranch has been worked by the Church family for five generations. The property is a piece of agricultural history and its wet meadow and forest habitats support a diversity of wildlife.
Why Meadows Matter
The Feather River Watershed is home to some of the largest wetlands and montane meadows in California and FRLT is on a mission to conserve them.
Corey Pargee
Development Director
Corey leads the Development department at FRLT, working with our members, board, and partners to raise the money needed to sustain FRLT. She is focused on keeping us financially stable, while scaling our capacity to be successful now, and in the future.
