California Land Trusts
There are dozens of conservancies and land trusts in California that work to preserve sensitive natural areas, farmlands and ranchlands, water sheds, and notable landmarks. Trusts use a number of strategies to provide this protection–from outright acquisition of property to the purchase of a conservation easement, which prevents development on the land.
Land trusts play an important, if unheralded, role in the state’s tourism industry by protecting sensitive lands that draw visitors to California. Land trusts manage watersheds for birding and wildlife viewing, ridge lands for hiking and biking, and heritage sites that draw cultural tourists.
The California Council of Land Trusts defines the work of these organizations as:
Ensuring Californians’ Quality of Life. Californians need clean water and air, places to play and rejuvenate, healthy and affordable food, scenic beauty, and natural areas to experience and learn. These lands are critical to the well being of Californians — to our quality of life, our children’s future and our love of California.
Working in Local Communities. Land trusts are rooted in local communities, and work to protect local places of value and importance. Land trust board members, staff and volunteers reside in the areas they work. They join with fellow community members to respond to local needs and protect local places.
What follows is a list of land trusts and conservancies in Northern California.