Exceptionally biodiverse ranch conserved in Long Valley

About Puma Robles Ranch

A cornerstone property in Long Valley

Fast Facts

• 5,530 acres in Long Valley, Lassen County
• Protected by Conservation Easement in 2016 
• 500+ plant species and 150 bird species 
• Migration and breeding corridor for Pronghorn and Doyle Mule Deer herd 
• Protected for: Biodiversity, Climate resilience, Rare or Threatened Species, Wildlife 

Water & Ecology

Located at a unique intersection of the Great Basin, Cascade, and Sierra Nevada ranges, this biodiverse property contains micro-climates and complex habitats. Across the three sections of the ranch are meadows fed by several cold and warm natural springs and perennial streams that release into Long Valley Creek, a major source of water recharge for the Honey Lake Groundwater Basin. A variety of unique geological features are located on the property, including caves, cliffs, and rocky outcrops. Its diverse ecosystem hosts aspen groves, Jeffrey pine forests, montane hardwood (black oak woodland), fresh emergent wetlands, and montane riparian and cottonwood habitats, all crucial to keeping the area climate resilient.

Flora & Fauna

Long Valley and Puma Robles Ranch are a key part of the migratory range for the Doyle Mule Deer Herd. Over 500 plant species and 150 bird species have been documented on the property, including golden eagle, peregrine falcon, yellow warbler, and red-winged blackbird. The varying habitat types support beaver wetland activity as well as mountain lion, black bear, gray fox, and a breeding herd of 30–40 Pronghorn. 

Culture & History

Puma Robles Ranch’s history of ranching and grazing dates back to the mid-1800s, and it is within ancestral harvesting, gathering, and trade routes of the Maidu, Washoe, and Paiute people. The property is largely roadless and undeveloped, thanks to a history of compatible and non-destructive land management. The landowners purchased the property in the 1980s expressly to conserve its unique ecology and natural resources.  

Working together to protect Puma Robles Ranch

Puma Robles was conserved in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, Northern Sierra Partnership, California Wildlife Conservation Board, California Natural Resources Agency Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and its conservation-minded landowners. The conservation easement FRLT holds permanently protects the ranch’s ecological and cultural resources, and guarantees that the property cannot be subdivided or developed in the future. 

Puma Robles Ranch is a cornerstone piece of a 35,000 acre, 10-year conservation effort by FRLT, The Nature Conservancy, and the Northern Sierra Partnership to protect the migration corridor for the Doyle Mule Deer Herd and the Sierra Valley/Long Valley Pronghorn herd. 

Stewardship of Puma Robles Ranch

Puma Robles remains a privately-owned ranch, managed by the landowners and onsite caretakers for its ecological health. The ranch continues to support sustainable grazing and other ranch activities, as well as enhancing habitat through wildlife friendly fencing and other improvements. 

 As the conservation easement holder, FRLT meets with the landowners annually to review management plans and visits the property to evaluate any potential impacts on conservation values and ensure that the terms of the easement are being upheld. 

This area was affected by the Beckwourth Complex Fires in 2021, and FRLT provided technical support during and after the fires, as well as assisted with the rehabilitation of multiple dozer lines that impacted wet meadows and sensitive habitat on the property. FRLT’s Resource Crew worked with the landowners to restore a fire-impacted natural spring that is important for wildlife at Puma Robles. Read more about FRLT’s Fire Recovery work.

Recreation & Access

Puma Robles is a privately owned and operated ranch and is not open to the public. Instead, visit FRLT’s Sierra Valley Preserve, located near Beckwourth, where visitors can walk trails, go birding, and experience this beautiful and biodiverse area. Learn more about visiting Sierra Valley Preserve and our plans to build a Nature Center and Stewardship Headquarters. 

SEE ALL CONSERVED LANDS