California Rangeland Trust Adds More than 13,000 Acres to its Conservation Portfolio

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – January 8, 2013 –

California Rangeland Trust (Rangeland Trust) is pleased to announce the addition of three new conservation easements to its conservation portfolio. The three conserved properties, the Payne Ranch, JS Ranch, and Old San Simeon Village, are located in Colusa, Shasta and Monterey Counties respectively.

The conservation easements were transferred from or completed in partnership with the American Land Conservancy (The Conservancy) to the Rangeland Trust and are shining examples of how California’s land trust community works together to preserve open spaces cherished by all Californians.

“We are honored to once again work in partnership with the American Land Conservancy to protect America’s natural heritage by helping ranchers conserve their land for the benefit of future generations and all Californians,” said Nita Vail CEO of the Rangeland Trust.

Speaking on behalf of The Conservancy, President Kerry O’Toole said, “California Rangeland Trust has been a valued partner of ALC for over a decade and together these organizations have preserved many critical properties across the state, including the Hearst Ranch.”

The 5,940-acre JS Ranch is a privately owned ranch that is home to portions of the Old Cow Creek and Clover Creek which both feed into the Sacramento River. The ranch maintains many conservation values including mule deer winter range, , riparian corridors, aquatic habitat for anadromous fish, blue oak woodlands, chaparral, vernal pools and populations of sensitive species including the federally listed Chinook salmon and Central Valley steelhead.

In Colusa County, the 3,140 acre Payne Ranch, located on the eastern slope of the Coast Range, is not only known for its forested uplands, oak woodlands and oak savanna, but its wildlife habitat too. Encompassing a transition zone between the Coast Mountains and the Sacramento Valley, several species make the Payne Ranch their home including migratory birds, black-tailed deer, black bear, coyote, bobcat, badger, wild turkey, dove, quail, wild pigs, and elk.

Old San Simeon Village, located along California’s Highway 1, is owned by the Hearst Corporation and was placed under conservation easement with the American Land Conservancy in February of 2005 as part of the larger Hearst Ranch Conservation project.

In Mariposa County, the 3,940 acre Oakvale Ranch, located in the heart of the Sierra-Nevada foothills, is known for its variety of native grasses, wildlife habitat and water sheds. The working cattle ranch has been rotationally grazed for several years which maintains the property’s agricultural productivity.

The Rangeland Trust is proud to partner with The Conservancy to forever preserve these splendid landscapes and working ranches.