land lines - Placer Land Trust

LAND LINES
Placer Land Trust Newsletter
Volume IX, Number 2
August 2010
Support Grows for Bruin Ranch Protection
Placer Land Trust sends our thanks
to PlacerArts, Rosie Stilwell and participating artists for supporting the
Bruin Ranch project.
In April, 38 local artists visited
Bruin Ranch for plein air painting and
photography. Jurors selected over 30
pieces for the “Discover Bruin Ranch
Art Show” which premeired at the Auburn Art Walk in April and hung at the
Placer County Administrative offices
through early August. Three pieces
were awarded Best in Show:
Bear River Vista, by James Brunk
Poppies, by Sonja Hamilton
Bruin Ranch Pond, by Rhonda Egan
“It was great to have this opportunity and invitation extended from Placer
Land Trust,” said painter Lynne Cunningham. “The site and experience
were uniquely Placer County. Painting at the peak of Bald Rock Mountain
with the vista spread beneath was a
highlight for my spring plein air painting. This is a special place.”
We couldn’t agree more ~ thanks!
In This Issue ...
Andy & Shana Laursen Honored .. 2
Thank You Supporters! .............. 3
Minimizing Fire Risk .................. 4
Interview with Dan Macon .......... 5
Volunteer Bird Box Project .......... 6
Calendar of Events ...................... 7
Restoration Projects .................... 7
Staff Recognition ........................ 8
by Jeff Darlington
Midway through 2010, Placer Land
Trust is pleased to announce that we’re
over halfway to our goal of finding the
funds necessary to acquire and permanently protect Bruin Ranch.
Our success so far is based on the
fact that Bruin Ranch is a project that
our constituents - you and your family
and friends - really want. As one of our
potential grant funders says: “Show me
that your community supports Bruin
Ranch, and we’ll write you a grant.”
2,300 acres of oak woodlands hidden
away on the Bear River, connected to
existing preserved lands, and ideally
suited for the best wilderness trail system in the Sierra foothills ... it’s easy
to see why a diverse group of people
support this project.
Our goal now is to keep working until
this amazing landscape is put into the
public trust. In partnership with the
Trust for Public Land, we have until
the end of 2010 to secure all the funds
necessary to save Bruin Ranch.
Moving forward, you can help us
make this project a reality, even if
you’ve already donated.
Please talk – a lot – about Bruin
Ranch, and encourage your friends to
donate to Placer Land Trust!
Every supporter counts, particularly
with grant-making agencies looking to
stretch their dollars. If we can show
continued community support, I’m
confident we can acquire and protect
this treasured landscape for future generations.
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Capital Public Radio and National
Public Radio help publicize the urgency of the Bruin Ranch project.
Regional chief Kent Smith of the
Dept. of Fish & Game likes the habitat values and recreation potential.
Barbara Molony is one of 38 local
artists who participated in the 2010
Discover Bruin Ranch Art Show.
Andy & Shana Laursen - 2010 Placer Conservators
The rolling hills of Bruin Ranch surrounding the Auburn Valley Golf Club
could not have been a more fitting backdrop for the 2010 Placer Conservator
Award Dinner & Ceremony. This year’s honorees, Andy & Shana Laursen, have
made protecting the Bear River where they live a part of their personal mission.
The Laursens were the catalyst for Placer Land Trust’s Bear River Protection
Program in 2000, and continue to enrich the quality of life in Placer County
through resource conservation.
“We are extremely grateful for the
vision and support the Laursens have
provided Placer Land Trust,” said PLT
Past President Bob Gilliom. “Andy
and Shana are truly committed to the
protection of the Bear River, Placer
County, and wildlife near and far. We
are proud to honor them with the 2010
Placer Conservator Award.”
The 2010 Placer Conservator award
was a beautiful glass sculpture created Placer Land Trust honored Andy &
by Nicholson Blown Glass. Over 150 Shana Laursen for their work to propeople attended the May 15 dinner in tect land and animals, and for their
commitment to renewable energy.
the Laursens’ honor.
From the Board Room
Thank You Placer Conservator Event Sponsors
Thanks to everyone who attended
the May 15 Placer Conservator Award
Dinner & Ceremony. Andy & Shana
Laursen inspired many of you to support our Bear River Capital Campaign,
including these generous businesses
who sponsored the Conservator event!
$5,000+ ----------------------------------------------
Str8Up TV, Inc.
Foothill Community Mediation
$1,000 -----------------------------------------------
Harvego Family
Larry & Linda Welch
Yeager Family
$500 -------------------------------------------------
Axis Jet
Andregg Geomatics
Blast Advanced Media
Empire Golf
Nicholson Blown Glass
Placer County Real Food
David & Barbara Roux
Vollmar Consulting
$250 -------------------------------------------------
Aronowitz & Skidmore, Inc.
Auburn Printers
The Houston Group
Maki Heating & A/C, Inc.
PlacerGROWN
Placer Vineyards
Recology Auburn Placer
Restoration Resources
Robinson, Lyon & Fulton
Douglas & Nancy Van Howd
$100 -------------------------------------------------
Bear-Yuba Partnership
Diepenbrock Harrison
Economic & Planning Systems
Jarrette Company LLC
JD Richey Sportfishing
Magnussen’s Auburn Toyota
Sierra Solar Systems
To all of you who continue to contribute to Placer Land Trust in these tough
economic times ... THANK YOU for
your support!
-- Fred Yeager, President
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PLACER LAND TRUST
11661 Blocker Drive, Suite 110
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 887-9222
[email protected]
www.placerlandtrust.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Fred Yeager, President
Patricia Callan-McKinney
Rich Ferreira
Robert J. Gilliom
Jim Haagen-Smit
Gregg McKenzie
Thomas McMahan
Skip Outman
Mark Perry
STAFF
Jeff Darlington, Executive Director
Jessica Pierce, Assistant Director
Jeff Ward, Stewardship Manager
Justin Wages, Land Manager
Karrie Thomas, Fund Devel. Coordinator
MISSION
Placer Land Trust is a private nonprofit
organization dedicated to working with
willing landowners and conservation
partners to permanently preserve
natural and agricultural land in
Placer County for future generations.
Land Lines is the seasonal newsletter
of Placer Land Trust, available free-ofcharge to Placer Land Trust members.
All photos are property of
Placer Land Trust unless
otherwise noted.
Vol. IX, No. 2, August 2010
Thank You to Placer Land Trust’s Supporters!
Bear River Challenge Grant Leaders ($50,000+)
Armrod Charitable Foundation
Emigrant Trails Greenway Trust
Thank you to our challenge grantors and to everyone who
has donated to our Bear River Capital Campaign so far!
The following individuals and busi- Century Club ($100+)
nesses donated to Placer Land Trust Alfa Omega Associates
David Allen
in the past few months...
Joyce Armitage
Millenium ($1,000+)
Bachman Ranch
Armrod Charitable Foundation
Kurt & Karen Bleuel
California Wildlife Foundation
Lisa Bloom
Alexander & Pamela Constantino
Kim Brown
Jeff & Kim Dutra
Elly Button
Emigrant Trails Greenway Trust
Patricia Callan-Mckinney
Janice Forbes
Kevin Casey
Patricia & Don Malberg
Matt Correa
Nancy Holtz & Tom McMahan
Chris Crowder
Dennis & Nancy Meyer
Richard & Pamela Cushman
Ron & Kathy Meyer
Diepenbrock Harrison
William A. Newsom
Jeannette Duff
Paul & Patty Ruud
Jane & David Duperrault
Christine Turner
Dan Eaton & Mara Bresnick
Larry & Linda Welch
Benjamin Edwards
Craig Wilson
Kathleen & Perry Edwards
Harry & Karen Wyeth
Tony Engberg & Sallysue Stein
Fred & Denise Yeager
Jennifer Erwin
Gary Estes
Protectors ($500+)
Bruce Falzarano
Aronowitz & Skidmore, Inc.
Raymond J. Forbes
Mick & Carole Darlington
James & Elizabeth Fuller
Mary Dietrich
Robert Fultz
Ed Moley
Donna & Merrill Furlow
Nevada Irrigation District
Dr. John & Linda Geraghty
Skip & Jan Outman
Elizabeth & Shawn Gillogly
Deren Ross
Rodney K. Haack
Theresa Serafini
Kevin & Hattie Hanley
Thomas Toy & Mehrey Vaghti
Carole Haskell
Jean Vlamynk
Jarrette Company, LLC
Barbara L. Jicha
Land Steward ($250+)
Karen & Gerald Johnson
Adams & Hayes Law
Gretchen & Ron Jurek
Paul & Diane Aronowitz
Don & Jeri Juergenson
Gary Bratcher
Karen Killebrew
Burdick & Co.
Jim Klein
Jerol Burns
John & Marlene Knox
Phoebe Gilpin
Jim & Deb Knox
Cathy & Jim Haagen-Smit
Phil Kohlmetz
Sonja Hamilton
Labadie Farm
Sandy Harris
Marcel & Suzi Lachemann
Hewlett Packard
Frank Laurich
Marilyn Jasper
David & Denise Long
Karen & Steve Killebrew
Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic
Larry Matz
Bruce & Patricia Lyon
Karl Mertz, Jr.
Paula Maxwell
George Palma
Ginnie Mcdrew
Mark Perry
Ed McElhany
Sierra Cascade Land Trust Council Lynette & Joe Medeiros
Patrice Taylor & Dean Prigmore
Becky Morris & Rex Maynard
Century Club (continued)
Sharon Musso
Natural Trading Company
Oest Ranch
Otow Orchards
Placer County Water Agency
Everett L. Raymond
Reeves Motor Co., Inc
Jack Remington
Safeway, Inc.
John A. Schroeder
Barbara Schutz
Shandon Schmeiske
Jon Shilling
Michael Shimizu
Roger & Irene Smith
Laura & Jeff Snow
Keith & Mary Sparks
Rosie Stilwell
Edmund Sullivan
TJ Auto Body Services, Inc.
Megan Wargo
Westervelt Ecological Services
Rich & Kathy Wilshusen
R. Mike Wilson
Ray & Irene Yamasaki
Anita Yoder
Supporters ($50+)
Adval Properties Inc
David & Elaine Applebaum
Ryan & Karina Bellanca
Veronica Blake
Blossom Hill Farm
Sherry & Craig Caplinger
Sharon & Dennis Cavallo
David Chappell
Jim & Cathy Cord Lamphere
Dal Pino Quality Pools
Cyndi & John Darlington
Kirk & Maryanne DeMartini
Dennis & Patty Pieropan Dong
Eisley Nursery Inc.
Randolph Elder
Roberta Facha
Glenda Freeman
Don & Nancy Fuller
Margot & Jeffrey Fulmer
Supporters (continued)
Kristine Gilbert
Melissa Hamre
Dr. Eric T. & Julianne Herz Smith
Sylvia Jackson
Dave & Franca Jones
Dave Kasberg
Madeline Kiliany
Perry & Wilma Knox
Law Offices of Edward C. Koons
Jessica Hubbard & Josh Kurtz
Joe & Peggy Leonard
Joan L. Levers & David Manhart
Theresa Lutz
Magnussen’s Auburn Toyota
Eleanor R. McCalla
Pat & Beverly McKenzie
James & Ruth Mehl
Karl A. Mertz Sr.
Ron Milam
Jaede Miloslavich
John Miners
Leigh & Carol Mintz
Gerald & Gail Mohlenbrok
Jennifer Montgomery
Paul & Barbara Ogden
Tony Oliveira
H. Martin Pancoast
Paramount Equity Mortgage
Gary L. Ransom
Jim Ricker
Vera & Johan Rooze
Roy Ruhkala
Tod Santos
Dean Scoville
Jim & Virginia Sizemore
Kevin & Ann Stevenson
Cynthia & Joe Strickland
Trish Strickland
Janet & Mark Thew
Sheila Toner
Truckee Donner Land Trust
Twin Peaks Orchard
Firouz Vaghti
Bill Jackson & Theresa Voss
Jeff & April Ward
Dr. Edward & Barbara Weiss
Robert Weygandt
Wendy White
Jennifer Witz
Grantors, Partners & Top Event Sponsors ($5,000+)
Str8Up TV ● Sierra Business Council ● Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Foothill Community Mediation ● Placer Community Foundation
œV>Ê}ˆÛˆ˜}°Ê>Ã̈˜}ÊÛ>Õi°
Norma Brink ● Andy & Shana Laursen
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Putting Wildfire on the Endangered List
by Jeff Ward
Using Adaptive Management to Protect Public Safety
As the summer months approach, as roads) and natural habitats.
our Mediterranean climate brings high
This past spring, PLT worked with
temperatures and a lack of precipitation,
the California Conservation Corps
which dries out vegetation throughout
(CCC) to create two shaded fuel breaks
the valley grasslands and foothills.
on Canyon View Preserve in the AmeriSummer also brings a recurring can River Canyon north of Auburn. The
problem ... wildfire.
fuel break project is part of our Canyon
The accumulation of dry grasses and View Watershed and Habitat Restoraunderstory shrubs increases the like- tion Project. The goal is to reduce ladliness of wildfire. In order to reduce der fuels in two strategically selected
this risk, landowners must take steps to areas by thinning understory vegetation. The objective
manage vegetation
Wildfire
prevention
and
here is that when a
on their properties.
vegetation management fire comes up from
Placer Land Trust
the canyon, the fuel
prepares each winter are ongoing priorities for
break will force the
and spring by asPlacer Land Trust
fire to drop from the
sessing potential fire
tree
crowns
to
the
ground
where it will
hazards on our preserves and impleburn slower, giving fire-fighting crews
menting plans to reduce fire risk.
a better chance to stop it before it poses
In 2008, Placer Land Trust (PLT)
a danger to populated areas.
purchased equipment to make it posThe CCC crews also removed some
sible to cheaply mow fire breaks on our
grassland preserves. For the past two of the larger trees to open up the canyears, we’ve mowed fire breaks along opy so that fire crews can more effecthe roadways at the Doty Ravine Pre- tively use water drops or aerial flame
serve and other PLT properties to re- retardant.
PLT also works closely with local
duce surface fuels and create a buffer
between potential ignition points (such ranchers to graze our preserves to re-
This 50-foot firebreak at Doty Ravine Preserve along Gladding Rd in Lincoln
was mowed by PLT Stewardship Assistant Ryan Gilpin to reduce fire danger.
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CCC crews creating a shaded fuel
break at PLT’s Canyon View Preserve in Auburn.
duce surface fuels and to increase species diversity. On some of our properties we graze exclusively with cattle,
while on others we graze with a combination of cattle and sheep (and occasionally goats).
Like many Placer County landowners, PLT faces the issue of managing
invasive plants, many of which can
increase fire hazard. Many invasive
species are highly flammable and act as
ladder fuels to the trees that they surround. PLT has worked with volunteers
to remove Scotch and French broom on
some of our preserves. We’re also using sheep and goats to manage yellow
starthistle and Himalayan blackberry.
Wildfire prevention and vegetation
management are ongoing priorities for
PLT. Our staff is constantly working
with fire experts and agencies to find
new and better methods to reduce wildfire risk, and we welcome volunteer
support!
For opportunities to help PLT reduce
fire danger, contact Jessica Aviña or
Ryan Gilpin at (530) 887-9222.
Grasslands & Rangelands
Interview with Grazing Contractor Dan Macon
by Mehrey Vaghti
Part 3 of a 4-part series on Grasslands
in the Central Valley. Part 1 focused on
past processes and composition of valley
grasslands, and Part 2 focused on present
conditions and management. Parts 3 and 4
feature two of Placer Land Trust’s grazing
partners. Parts 1 & 2 are archived at www.
placerlandtrust.org/publications.aspx.
Mehrey: How long have you been involved with agriculture?
Dan: Essentially my entire career,
about 20 years now professionally. After I graduated college I worked with
my family’s auction business and developed an agricultural clientele. I then
went to work with the California Cattlemen’s Association and was involved
with public lands and sensitive species
issues. I discovered that cattlemen and
conservationists were saying the same
things, both were interested in rangeland conservation. That led to assisting
in the creation of the California Rangeland Trust and I became its first executive director. I also worked for the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and the Nevada County Land Trust. During much
of that time I was also in production agriculture part-time; I’ve been full-time
for the past two years.
Dan Macon with Flying Mule Farm
sheep at PLT’s Doty Ravine Preserve.
Mehrey: What animals do you raise?
Dan: Good question. The overall objective is to leave the land better than
Dan: Primarily sheep, some goats and
it was when I came to
cattle for other owners.
it. Focus on improving
There are advantages to
environmental health
having two species on the
of the land in turn imland. From the standpoint
proves the health of the
of the land, there is more
animals. I believe there
flexibility with seasonalare three elements to
ity and to target specific
sustainable agriculture:
plants, either for reducecological, social, and
tion or augmentation. For Dan Macon:
economic sustainabilanimal health, rotating
ity. Direct sale of prodspecies cuts the lifecycle “I discovered that
ucts (through farmer’s
of problematic animal cattlemen and
markets) supports all
pests and pathogens.
conservationists
three elements. It ties
were
saying
the
people to their food and
Mehrey: How long have
therefore the production
you been involved with same things ...”
landscapes. It provides
Placer Land Trust?
a model for potential
Dan: For about 10 years, the last two opportunities, for future generations
years have been the most significant. I to become involved. There is a lot of
am working closely with Placer Land cross-engagement.
Trust to manage Doty Ravine Preserve
and Canyon View Preserve. Doty Ravine is really amazing; there is so much
Dan Macon, Grayson Coney,
variation in the terrain with the vernal
Alan
Ehrgott, Dave Sutton, Ted
pools and various microclimates. I disBeedy, Marty Coleman-Hunt,
cover something new all the time. Both
John Hunter, Jason Jones, Jim
properties have similar invasive weed
Branham and Jeff Darlington
issues so the management approach
were speakers at the 2010 Foothill
is similar, but the timing is different.
Forum, hosted by the Bear-Yuba
I use the same sheep on both properPartnership in Nevada City in May.
ties – a strong advantage of sheep is
Approximately 100 policy-makthat they are much easier to move than
ers, planners, land managers, and
cattle. Working with Placer Land Trust
conservation professionals attended
is a really compatible relationship. It
the event which rolled-out new
is virtually impossible to start-up in
scientific research about the Sierra
rangeland agriculture in today’s marfoothill region, funded in part by the
ket. Placer Land Trust is a tremendous
Sierra Nevada Conservancy.
asset. Additionally, managed grazing is
“We appreciate the speakers and
necessary to meet the Trust’s conservaall of the members of the communition and habitat management goals.
ty who attended,” said PLT President Fred Yeager. “We’re proud
Mehrey: How does your land ethic into work together with all of you to
fluence your business practices?
protect the Sierra foothills.”
Foothill Forum
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Bluebird Housing Boom
Scout Project Benefits Baby Birds
Hello, my name is Megan Forester.
I’m a sophomore at Antelope High
School, and I recently completed my
Girl Scout Silver Award Project.
I’m really proud to have worked
with Justin Wages at Placer Land
Trust to install 15 bird boxes at Taylor
Ranch Preserve in Auburn. You see,
many cavity nesting birds like western
bluebirds use abandoned woodpecker
holes and natural cavities in dying trees
to raise their young. But due to increasing development, bluebirds are losing
places to nest. Fortunately, these birds
have adapted to using nesting boxes, so
by building the bird boxes, I was able
to provide more housing opportunities
for the bluebirds on Taylor Ranch.
Last fall, Girls Scout Troops 1319
and 1414 helped in building the bird
boxes. These boxes became new nesting places for bluebirds and tree swallows. Plus, I also had enough donations
from Home Depot, Placer County Farm
Supply, and my generous supporters
that I could make three more bluebird
boxes ... and even two American kestrel boxes for Placer Land Trust’s Doty
Ravine Preserve in Lincoln!
Meet Megan Forester, 15, Placer Land Trust Volunteer
In February, I took some volunteers
out and installed the 15 new boxes at
Taylor Ranch. We also cleaned out last
year’s nests in 27 boxes at Doty Ravine
in preparation for the new nesting season.
In the spring, I went to Taylor Ranch
and Doty Ravine Preserve regularly to
monitor the boxes. It was hard to stay
out there for very long because my allergies were acting up a lot with the
blooming grass! (I’m really thankful
for my mom and dad who went out to
collect data while I had to go back to
the car for a Kleenex fix.)
Most of the boxes at Doty Ravine
Preserve were filled with tree swallows,
and at Taylor Ranch, where my boxes
were, over 50 tree swallows and over
25 bluebirds had hatched! All told,
there were 170 fledglings. My sister
took such cool pictures! All those baby
birds were so cute - that was the best
part of my project!
I learned that a project like this takes
a lot of planning to complete. In the
future, I know I’ll have to use the same
kind of commitment to be successful in
school and beyond.
With help from her dad, Megan
designed and built bird boxes in her
garage as part of her Girl Scout
Silver Award Project.
I’m so grateful to Justin, Placer Land
Trust, my family and everyone who
helped support my project!
P.S. I’m sure the birds are really
grateful too!
Megan’s project slideshow is
online at http://www.placerlandtrust.org/volunteering-for-plt.aspx,
and on YouTube.
Great Sierra River Cleanup
Join Placer Land Trust on Saturday,
September 25th for the Great Sierra
River Cleanup.
We’ll be cleaning up streams at two
locations in Placer County this year,
Auburn and Roseville, from 8am12:30pm. Please call or visit our
website for more details...
The Girl Scout troops built 18 bluebird/swallow boxes and two kestrel boxes.
Here, Megan’s family and friends monitor nest boxes at PLT’s Doty Ravine
Preserve while the new occupants display their enthusiasm.
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Calendar of Events
Thursday, August 19 *
Placer Land Trust Volunteer
Appreciation Party in Auburn.
Saturday, September 18 *
Free farm tour and PlacerGROWN
reception, hosted by Placer Land
Trust at Rickey Ranch in Granite
Bay.
Sunday, September 19
Placer County Honey Festival,
Granite Bay
Saturday, September 25
Morning: Great Sierra River Cleanup,
various locations (see page 6 for
details). Evening: Eat the Farm
PlacerGROWN dinner at the permanently preserved Natural Trading
Company farm in Newcastle.
Partners in Restoration
Westervelt Ecological Services
by Justin Wages
For the last several years Placer
Land Trust has been building a working
relationship with Westervelt Ecological
Services, a land resource company specializing in large-scale environmental
mitigation and habitat restoration.
In 2008 Placer Land Trust worked
with Westervelt to restore riparian
vegetation along a 20-acre stretch of
stream at Doty Ravine Preserve which
had been heavily impacted by past land
use practices. Westervelt orchestrated
the restoration planning and oversaw
the planting of 5,000 native trees and
shrubs from High Ranch Nursery. Project funding was provided by the State
Water Resources Control Board.
Placer Land Trust and Westervelt
also partnered to complete a 1.6-acre
vernal pool creation project in 2009,
and we are currently in the planning
stages for two new wetland restoration
projects (as well as a project to protect
California red-legged frogs).
These restoration projects benefit
Placer County residents by slowing
storm water flows, filtering agricultural
runoff, trapping sedimentation and reducing erosion as well creating critical
wildlife habitat. Westervelt has proven
to be a valuable partner in Placer Land
Trust’s goal of protecting and restoring
wildlands for ecosystem services and
for the enjoyment and well-being of future generations.
Monday, September 27 *
Bear River fundraising reception
co-hosted by Assemblyman Ted
Gaines and benefitting Placer Land
Trust’s Bear River Protection Program, at The Firehouse Restaurant
in Old Sacramento.
Sunday, October 10
Placer Farm & Barn Tour, various
locations
* Contact us at (530) 887-9222 for
details about these Placer Land
Trust events.
Pictured above is a native California walnut grove that was planted at PLT’s
Doty Ravine Preserve in Lincoln. Natural swales were replicated to capture
and store storm water runoff while providing a diversity of native habitat.
America’s Great Outdoors
Placer Land Trust Outreach Assistant Jessica Aviña and member Cathy Haagen-Smit were at U.C. Davis on July 7 for
the America’s Great Outdoors listening session, hosted by Representative Mike Thompson. America’s Great Outdoors
is an initiative started by President Obama that focuses on saving America’s iconic landscapes, revitalizing the national
outdoors movement for all Americans, and especially reconnecting youth with outdoor recreation and education. Representatives from White House Council on Environmental Quality, U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
and the U.S. EPA were present and heard comments from PLT and others about how best to protect our great outdoors.
As we move into a new era of conservation, we face several challenges: most of the open space remaining in the United
States is in private ownership; public agencies have limited funds; and landscapes must be managed for many competing
uses including homes for our booming population. Federal agencies have been directed to hear what priorities citizens have
with regards to protecting the great outdoors. That includes hearing from you! Please share your stories and submit comments at http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/. Look for the link on our Facebook page too.
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Executive Director’s Report
It all comes down to people, and we’ve got some good ones!
I wanted to take a moment at the end
of our fiscal year to congratule everyone involved in Placer Land Trust. Fiscal year 2009-2010 was another great
year for us, and we couldn’t have done
it without you!
Not only did we preserve the Oest
Ranch - Lake Clementine Preserve and
reach 5,000 acres, but we’re coming
out of a dismal economic year in the
black once again. Kudos to staff for
tightening their belts and getting more
done with less.
I also want to offer my personal congratulations to three full-time members
of our staff who’ve earned recent promotions ...
Long-time employee Jessica Pierce,
formerly Operations Manager, has
been promoted to Assistant Director.
For five years now, Jessica has set the
bar ridiculously high in our office, and
her work ethic has been inspirational.
This promotion reflects the level of responsibility she’s shown over the past
couple of years, and a new leadership
role at Placer Land Trust.
We also made some changes within
our stewardship team. Jeff Ward, formerly Stewardship Coordinator, has
been promoted to Stewardship Manager. Quite frankly, Jeff stopped “coordinating” over a year ago - he’s managing our stewardship program and
we want his new title to reflect that.
Similarly, Justin Wages, a relatively
new employee and formerly our Land
Management Technician, has taken on
an incredible amount of responsibility
and is now our Land Manager.
Congrats to Jeff, Jessica and Justin!
Jeff and Justin work together with
some awesome interns and volunteers
to make our stewardship team the best
in the region.
Thanks to all of our staff, interns, volunteers, and supporters who make what
we do possible!
JEFF DARLINGTON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
11661 Blocker Drive, Suite 110
Auburn, CA 95603
PLACER LAND TRUST
Thank you to Capital Public Radio and Auburn
Printers for sponsoring this issue of Land Lines.