Twenty years since its creation, the Lake County Land Trust (LCLT) is going strong in its vital mission, ” to protect the unique and valuable wildlife habitats in Lake County, particularly on Clear Lake.”
Let”s examine the LCLT”s successes, its ambitious new project and how you can participate and contribute.
The LCLT is a nonprofit, community based organization that, ” work(s) cooperatively with landowners, private groups and governmental agencies to protect property that has unique scenic, cultural, ecological, agricultural, education or historical value.” The LCLT thereby preserves land permanently that might otherwise be lost to development.
When possible, it provides public access to such lands for aesthetic and recreational uses, including Saturday morning guided walks a children”s nature summer education program, and archaeological adventures at the Rodman Preserve”s 279 acres of wetlands and oak woodlands and an educational center, located on the North Shore of Clear Lake.
In addition to the Rodman Preserve, the LCLT is involved with the Black Forest (250 acres on the slope of Mount Konocti by Soda Bay Road), the Indian Creek Project (231 acres near Cache Creek) and the Rabbit Hill (10 acres of open space in Middletown). Each one of these areas provide public access to healthful recreation.
These successes are the result of the LCLT”s cooperation with state, federal and county governmental agencies, local land owners, civic minded donor, and volunteers coming together to permanently protect valuable lands for the sake of wildlife.
Such successes have defied the notion that a land trust should not be established here in Lake County. Today, the LCLT”s foremost conservation priority is the shoreline habitat between Clear Lake State Park and south Lakeport, which it calls the “Big Valley Wetlands Project.” The LCLT has agreed to purchase 31 acres of lakeshore vegetation and mature oaks, an important habitat for a variety of wildlife, located at 2590 Clipper Lane, for $225,000.
Through support, the LCLT has almost reached its financial goal of obtaining $125,000 in contributions toward the purchase. The remaining $100,000 will be obtained in matching grants from a variety of foundations and governmental agencies.
The LCLT is a grass roots organization that allows people of all means the opportunity to make a lasting difference in our community. Anyone interested in what the LCLT does can join in its success. To learn more, donate and/or become a member visit www.lakecountylandtrust.org or call 262-0707. All donations can be deducted on your income tax return.
Dennis A. Fordham, attorney, is a State Bar-certified specialist in estate planning, probate and trust law. His office is at 870 S. Main St. in Lakeport. He can be reached by email at dennis@dennisfordhamlaw.com or call 263-3235.
