Supervisors take steps to protect more open space

A 525-acre property of primarily blue oak woodlands west of the Auburn Valley Country Club community could soon become part of Placer County's growing network of protected open space, bringing together local government and nonprofit partners to preserve valuable natural resources. The Placer County Board of Supervisors today approved a resolution authorizing a purchase and sale agreement to acquire a conservation easement on the property, known as Harvego Bear River Preserve Phase 2. The property is adjacent to the existing Harvego Bear River Preserve. If completed, the project would connect more than 7,000 acres of protected open space and agricultural grazing land stretching from the Bear River to Raccoon Creek and Hidden Falls Regional Park. "One of the things that makes Placer County so special is the natural beauty that surrounds us, and we have a responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of that gift," said Board Chair and District 2 Supervisor Shanti Landon. "Preserving these beautiful oak woodlands is about safeguarding our natural heritage, supporting healthy ecosystems and ensuring future generations can enjoy the same extraordinary landscapes that we get to enjoy today." The project is a partnership among Placer County, the nonprofit Placer Land Trust and the Placer Conservation Authority, a joint powers authority responsible for implementing conservation and mitigation efforts under the Placer County Conservation Program. Placer County will contribute $1 million toward the conservation easement, using revenue from its Tree Preservation Fund. The fund collects fees from development projects that impact oak trees and other species protected under the county's Woodland Conservation Ordinance. The Placer Conservation Authority will contribute an additional $1.8 million from development fees collected through the Placer County Conservation Program. The combined $2.8 million in local funding is expected to match $5.2 million in grant funding that Placer Land Trust anticipates receiving from the California Wildlife Conservation Board later this month. Placer Land Trust will own the property and contribute additional funding, staff time and resources to its long-term stewardship. Responsibilities will include managing grazing, reducing wildfire fuel loads and protecting the property's conservation values. If grant funding is awarded and the acquisition moves forward, the property will become part of the Placer County Conservation Program's reserve system, which aims to conserve 47,000 acres for agricultural use and wildlife. The PCCP currently has 9,223 acres in its reserve system. For Harvego, the Placer Conservation Authority will work with Placer Land Trust to develop a property-specific management plan and oversee ongoing monitoring and reporting to ensure the land's conservation values are protected. The project builds on ongoing efforts to preserve Placer County's natural landscapes while providing a connected network of protected habitat and open space. For more information about the Placer County Conservation Program, visit placer.ca.gov/3362/Placer-County-Conservation-Program