Volume 36, No.

Spring 2010 Newsletter

Protecting what you love Easement keeps Bennett Valley land wild
by Sheri Cardo

Jenner deal rescued in the nick of time

by Ralph Benson

The Drake Family property, newly protected by a conservation easement, is situated in an important wildlife corridor between Annadel and Jack London State Parks, a priority area for conservation. Photo by Georgiana Hale.

Once someone falls in love with Sonoma County, they are often moved

to take steps to protect it. In 1996, Oakland residents Kathy and Peter Drake bought a getaway home for their family in Glen Ellen and then began looking for a place in the country soon after. They found 47 stunning acres on the north flank of Sonoma Mountain in Bennett Valley that was surrounded by open space. But a few years after they bought it, a subdivision was proposed nearby, so, in 2008, the Drakes purchased the scenic 34-acre lot adjacent to their property to prevent its development. This was a forgotten parcel on the back side of the ridge, and we had optimistically hoped it would remain forgotten, said Peter. Boasting sweeping views of the Mayacamas Mountains and Annadel State Park, and situated on an important wildlife habitat corridor between Annadel and Jack London State Parks, this property was considered a priority for conservation. Fortunately, the Drakes tax attorney suggested they consider donating a conservation easement on the new acreage to protect it forever and they contacted the Sonoma Land Trust.
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The Sonoma Land Trust purchased the spectacular 5630-acre Jenner Headlands on December 17, 2009, but it took a not-sosmall miracle at the end to save the $36 million deal. The task of assembling the funds needed for Sonoma Countys largest conservation deal ever was almost undone by Californias mounting financial woes. Our State partners, the California Coastal Conservancy and the California Wildlife Conservation Board, awarded the project a total of $16 million in grants, but bond sales to fund the grants have been frozen. Our purchase agreement with the landowners expired on December 31, 2009. We were also in danger of losing $6.85 million in federal funds if we didnt meet our year-end deadline. We needed some serious bridge financing not a short order in todays economic climate. Thats when Save the Redwoods League, The Wildlands Conservancy, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation stepped forward with loans to close the gap and enabled the closing of escrow to occur.
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Who we are
Board of Directors
Mark Jacobsen, chair, Robert Brent, Hall Cushman, Kirsten Lindquist, Pete Mattson, Johanna Patri, Harry Richardson, Peter Rogers, Allison Sanford, David Smith, Margaret Spaulding, Denny Van Ness, Carol Williams

A note from the Executive Director

Help State Parks

land conservation. California has a long tradition of protecting the beautiful landscapes that define our state, from the desert to the Sierras to the coast. In 2006, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 84 to fund conservation land acquisitions, the same year we reauthorized our Open Space District here in Sonoma County. The District provided a good part of the funding needed to acquire the Jenner Headlands, and so, too, did the State. Except, we are still waiting for the State funds $16 million. They are frozen because of the States dire financial condition. The December purchase was rescued by two of our partner organizations Save the Redwoods League and The Wildlands Conservancy they, along with the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, covered the $16 million shortfall pending future bond sales. Funds for the stewardship of the Jenner Headlands are being provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (which also contributed $4 million toward the purchase), the Open Space District, The Wildlands Conservancy, and our many members who have contributed over the past year. With the benefit of private philanthropy, we are not slowing down our efforts to protect forever the beautiful landscapes of Sonoma County. One practical solution to the fix we are in is the proposed State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act, which will be on the ballot in November. It will authorize an $18 surcharge on each registered vehicle that will provide a $500 million dedicated revenue source to keep State Parks open and well maintained. A benefit will be free entrance to the parks for all California vehicles. The Sonoma Land Trust strongly supports this measure.

Staff
Executive Director: Ralph Benson
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS TEAM

California is broken and that is not good for

Conservation Director: Wendy Eliot Acquisitions Director: Amy Chesnut Stewardship Director: Bob Neale Jenner Headlands Project Manager: Brook Edwards Easement Program & GIS Manager: Georgiana Hale Baylands Program Manager: Julian Meisler Stewardship Project Manager: Tony Nelson Stewardship Project Manager: Shanti Wright Project Assistant: Tenley Wurglitz
DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

Development Director: Beverly Scottland Donor Relations Director: Reta Lockert Director of Communicatons: Sheri Cardo Membership & Development Manager: Stacey Kaufman
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION TEAM

Director of Finance & Administration: Paul DeMarco Office Manager: Dale Carroll

SLT Mission

The Sonoma Land Trust protects the scenic, natural, agricultural and open landscapes of Sonoma County for the benefit of the community and future generations by: Developing long-term land protection strategies; Promoting private and public funding for land and conservation; Acquiring land and conservation easements; Practicing stewardship, including the restoration of conservation properties; and Promoting a sense of place and a land ethic through activities, education and outreach.

Contact

Sheri Cardo, Managing Editor Sonoma Land Trust 966 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 526-6930 Fax (707) 526-3001 info@sonomalandtrust.org www.sonomalandtrust.org

Ralph Benson

Spring 2010 Volume 36, No. 1

Printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks.

Protecting what you love (Continued from page 1)

We wanted it to remain beautiful and untouched because it is such an exquisite area, said Peter. Its important to us to keep some of the ridgelines green and open, and to provide oxygen and land for animals and plants. It is just so important. Their teenage kids thought protecting the property was a great idea, too. Kids these days are so much more environmentally oriented this is very exciting for them, he added. Coastal oak woodland covers more than half of the total area, along with perennial and annual grasslands, and 3040 different species of plants. With habitat of such high quality, wildlife is abundant and varies from groundnesting birds and burrowing mammals to wide-ranging predators, like grey fox, coyote, bobcat and mountain lion. The Drakes have even spotted river otters

eating crayfish in the seasonal creek and pond. The conservation easement will eliminate in perpetuity any real estate development and commercial, industrial and agricultural uses on the land, which is just fine with the Drakes. They are also thrilled to be able to offer limited access to the Land Trust for guided hikes so that others can enjoy the wild land and spectacular vistas, too. Protecting this property is a wonderful legacy that will contribute to the ecological health and beauty of Bennett Valley and Sonoma Mountain for all time, said Wendy Eliot, SLTs conservation director. We are grateful to the Drakes for their vision and generosity.
Sheri Cardo is SLTs director of communications.

Jenner deal rescued in the nick of time (Continued from page 1)

The Wildlands Conservancy is the largest nonprofit landowner in California and a leader in outdoor education. They have been most active in Southern California; you will hear more about this remarkable organization as management plans for the Jenner Headlands develop. The venerable Save the Redwoods League has protected more than 181,000 acres since its founding in 1918. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, created in 1964, seeks to use private funds for the public good. We are grateful to these organizations for their crucial role in protecting the Jenner Headlands forever.
Ralph Benson is Sonoma Land Trusts executive director.

We are privileged to do our part to ensure that vistas of green hillside remain unspoiled, said Peter Drake. Photo by Georgiana Hale.

TO PROTECT THE LAND FOREVER

Respecting the cultural resources on our lands

by Bob Neale

Overwhelming evidence of Native American habitation and use over millennia has been found at SLTs Little Black Mountain Preserve, qualifying it as a cultural landscape. Photo by Stephen Joseph Photography.

California history is writ large all

over our Sonoma County landscape in the place names, and buildings, and stories that are taught to our children in history class. What many of us may not realize, however, is that human history in Sonoma County stretches back beyond the Bear Flag revolt, before the Spanish mission, before Sir Francis Drake. In fact, it reaches back to the end of the Ice Age, and reminders of that past inhabit our landscape and the memories of Native Americans today. Cultural resources are those human things that exist upon the land the buildings and artifacts, and the stories and the places where these occur. The land itself is often the focal point of our beliefs and customs and is deeply rooted in the communitys identity and life. The Sonoma Land Trust has focused much of its efforts over the past 30 years on protecting the natural

resources the hills, streams, native plants and landscapes. More recently, we are learning the value of the cultural landscape and how it intersects with the natural landscape and the need to protect the cultural resources for present and future generations, too. The cultural resources of our land tell both the human and natural story. Humans across the ages came to particular places because of the natural resources there, such as oak trees and acorns, year-round springs and salmon runs. We often find signs of Native American occupation and use near such places mortar bowls, projectile points, oyster shell. In fact, because the natural resources in our county are so rich, they have supported large populations for thousands of years, and associated artifacts and sites are relatively common. We are learning from the Tribes that many people came to particular

places for the spiritual resources as well. Nature plays a central part in the Tribal cultural context. The land is not used merely for the extraction of resources it is the foundation and embodiment of their spiritual beliefs. So across the same landscape on which we find old barbed wire fences and fieldstone walls, we also find evidence of Native American spiritual practices. Historic and prehistoric sites are commonly plundered or damaged often out of ignorance, sometimes out of greed. SLT and the Tribes have a core common interest the protection of our natural landscapes. SLT has been working closely with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the Kashaya Pomo and Leslie Smirnoff, a Sonoma State University graduate student, to understand how to better protect the cultural resources found on these special places. Leslie has prepared a

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cultural resources management plan for Little Black Mountain Preserve that we are using to protect the cultural resources there and on our other preserves. Confidentiality is the first tool of protection. Because cultural sites are often targeted, we simply do not reveal their locations. This is especially important as many of the sites have a spiritual and religious context that doesnt lend itself to casual visits. Think of these places as churches or places of worship places that need a higher level of respect and appreciation. Another important protection strategy is to leave things where they are found. For example, dont pull apart the old barn to take a piece of straight-grained old growth redwood. Dont pick up the arrowhead and put it in your pocket. We can admire these things, but we dont need to possess them. The act of removing them ruins the archeologi-

cal context and violates tribal customs, even if the artifacts themselves are not destroyed. At SLT, we are learning how to incorporate the presence and value of cultural resources in our planning and activities, much as we do natural resources. Infrastructure like roads and trails can damage historic and prehistoric sites, both during construction and maintenance. So we avoid these places or design our activities to minimize impacts to them. These remnants of our past serve to tell us stories of our place in the world and provide us the opportunity to wonder. As we walk through our woodlands and see the abundant acorn crop, we can think of how, 2,000 years ago, someone might have been collecting acorns at this very spot. When we stumble across the stone foundation of an old homestead, we can wonder at the difference in our lives, the difference between iPods and kerosene lanterns. And we

can wonder at the similarity in our lives, too having the good fortune to live in Sonoma Countys splendor.
Bob Neale is SLTs stewardship director.

The National Historic Preservation Act, the California Environmental Quality Act and the Sonoma County General Plan are the primary laws and policies that govern the protection of cultural resources. The Sonoma Land Trust, like all property owners in Sonoma County, must comply with these rules when conducting activities on our preserves.

SLT preserves are home to such cultural resources as white root, an important basket-weaving plant, and obsidian artifacts. Photos by Shanti Wright.

TO PROTECT THE LAND FOREVER

Campaign update Redwoods to the Bay Saving Sonoma Countys Signature Landscapes
by Beverly Scottland

lands and care for existing properties, protect plant and wildlife habitat corridors, add miles of networked trails and provide more public access. Campaign gifts were key in permanently protecting our most recent land acquisition:

The Jenner Headlands

$11.8 million raised

$18 Million $15 Million $12.3 Million Next Milestone $11.8 Million Pledged $9 Million $6 Million

$3 Million

$1 Million

Sonoma County is so beautiful, but

the human footprint on the land is enormous. Together, we must work to ensure that the land remains lovely, intact and healthy for generations to come. Redwoods to the Bay seeks to do just this. The campaign concentrates on protecting large, at-risk landscapes throughout Sonoma County. Funds are used to purchase new

The was the single largest conservation land acquisition in Sonoma County. The vast ecological values of this stunning 5,630-acre landscape will help us and other species adapt to the effects of climate change. Instead of a handful of estate homes, we have thousands of acres of diverse habitat and, in the future, will have many miles of hiking trails, all protected forever. None of this work is possible without donations. Here are two exciting projects to look forward to in 2010: The Cedars, an 11-square-mile land mass located north of Cazadero, is recognized by scientists as being one of the most unique geological and biological sites on the planet. Here, over millions of years, the earths mantle has pushed through the earths surface, creating a stunning and otherworldly landscape. The Cedars remote location once made it seem safe from the land uses threatening more populous areas of Sonoma County, but no more. As

Sonoma Countys population grows, the loss of wildland habitat and open space to rural residential development and vineyard conversions continues to increase at an alarming rate. Bohemia Ranch, an 862-acre property located along Bohemian Highway, has been on SLTs radar for many years. We may now have the opportunity to purchase it so that it can become the regional park that the surrounding community has been hoping for. This year, you can help your land trust protect these two incomparable properties. Time is of the essence. Please make a donation today using the enclosed envelope.
Beverly Scottland is Sonoma Land Trusts development director.

Bohemia Ranch. Photo by Georgiana Hale.

Jean Schulz extends matching gift deadline $1.5 million raised toward $2 million pledge
Thank you to everyone who made a gift at the end of last year moving us closer to the goal of raising $2 million to match this extraordinary pledge. Jean Schulz has generously extended the deadline to give us more time to raise the remaining $500,000. Each gift saves land and protects our large open landscapes for future generations. Contact beverly@sonomalandtrust.org or (707) 526-6930, ext. 108.

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Making a difference on the land In our volunteers own words

Compiled by Georgiana Hale and Shanti Wright

Here, a handful of our volunteers share their perspectives on why they participate in their own words.

is so focused on green space and protecting local ecosystems. Nils-Michael Langenborg

The Sonoma Land Trusts community of volunteers is one of our greatest assets. In 2009, our volunteers contributed more than 2,500 hours to help achieve our mission to protect the land forever. From conservation monitoring, the Goto Gang and stewardship volunteer projects, to research and collaborative partnerships, SLTs dedicated volunteer teams are key to our land stewardship success. Volunteers help address ongoing stewardship needs, such as invasive plant control, trail clearing, infrastructure maintenance and vegetation management.
Through collaborative partnerships with other nonprofits and academia, skilled volunteers, researchers and interns help to gather natural resource information for land management and the advancement of science.

I began volunteering because I dont I volunteer in the field because the Land Trust experts make it easy and have the kind of income that would the jobs assigned make a difference. let me make substantial cash Linda Hale donations, but I have some skills and experience to offer. What Ive The work done on these outings found is that people who will put offers the rare combination of their time and labor into something connecting with and caring for they believe in are the best kind of treasured properties, and being part companions you could want of a making-a-difference group of people whose hearts are in their good and compatible people. work are a joy to be around. Earle Cummings John Knight SLT is one of the best organizations It is a fine way to contribute to a in Sonoma County great vision, very worthy cause while keeping great staff and great parties. SLT active and enjoying the camaraderie which necessarily flows from it. treats its volunteers very well Chuck Quibell when I do things with SLT, I feel good ... its that simple. Ive traveled The experience has helped me see in dozens of countries and can all the work that goes on behind the testify that Sonoma County is one scenes to allow our open spaces to of the most exquisite sites on the flourish. planet and I want to do my part to Bill Daniel keep it that way. Sharon Bard Ive donated money to SLT for Georgiana Hale and Shanti Wright are many years and felt it was my duty to give back to an organization that SLT stewardship managers.

(L-R) Volunteer conservation monitors Julie English and Sharon Bard.

Go-to Gang member Earle Cummings.

TO PROTECT THE LAND FOREVER

966 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95404 www.SonomalandTrust.org

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The land is a cultural resource

by Nick Tipon

Tolay Creek Ranch by Scott Hess Photography.

Sonoma Land Trusts mission includes preserving and protecting land and promoting a sense of place and a land ethic. To help achieve our mutual goals, local Native American Tribes have been working with Land

Trust staff to more fully protect the cultural resources found on SLT preserves located within the ancestral lands of Native Americans. Our ancestors have lived on this land for thousands of years and have developed cultural practices to be in harmony with the land. Our cultural resources and practices include tangible objects, such as stone tools or plants. There are also areas called traditional cultural properties that are locations of great significance to our cultural practices that are more important. It is easy to identify a cultural resourceof Native Americans if we can visually see it or touch it, as with obsidian artifacts or baskets. Traditional Native Americans recognize the land itself as their most important

cultural resource. The Land Trust and local Tribes are working as partners to accomplish our common goal of protecting and preserving the land. The land and all of its components has provided for us in the past and we must work together to protect and preserve our relationship to it. We look forward to continuing our work with SLT to accomplish this.
Nick Tipon chairs the Sacred Sites Protection Committee of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.

See page 4 for more information about how the Sonoma Land Trust takes care to respect the cultural resources on our lands.

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