After almost six years, and with the help of numerous donors, the Lake County Land Trust (LCLT) recently completed its first purchase of land in the Big Valley Wetlands preservation area. Purchase of the 34 acre shoreline and inland wetland piece of property was made from George and Lisa Melo.
This property is a keystone parcel for what the Land Trust hopes will eventually be protection of the largest remaining area of wetland/riparian habitats adjacent to Clear Lake.
The purchase price was $215,000 plus appraisal and closing costs, of which $110,000 was contributed by the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB). The remainder of the funds came from individual donations, foundations and businesses. Of note was an original $20,000 donation from John Sheridan and Andrea DuFlon which kicked off the fundraising campaign in 2014. The Pitzer Family Foundation of Southern California also donated $35,000; The Priest Foundation, the Keeling-Barnes Family Foundation, funds from both the Robert Morse and John Graham bequests were used as were donations from numerous individuals and businesses.
“George and Lisa Melo need to be commended for their patience during this whole process,” noted Lake County Land Trust president, Val Nixon, “six years is a long time for a property transaction, but they were extremely patient and supportive the whole time.”
The Melo property, located on Clipper Lane off of Soda Bay Road includes native wetland and shoreline forests as well as upland wet meadow, pasture, and oaks. The Land Trust plans to steward this property for its wildlife values including its littoral shoreline that provides nesting habitat for both wildfowl and fish; and tules that provide a filtration system important to the water quality of Clear Lake.
A management plan will be developed for this parcel that may include some public access opportunities taking into consideration the ultimate goal of the project which is to protect the natural values of the land and shoreline.
The property is part of the Big Valley Wetlands Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP) developed by the Lake County Land Trust and approved by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The existence of the CAPP, which includes numerous properties along this shoreline, makes the area eligible for funding from the WCB, the land acquisition arm of the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Lake County Land Trust is a local, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of valuable natural habitats in Lake County. It was founded in 1994 and is operated by a board of directors and a part time staff.
The Land Trust owns three properties and holds conservation easements on three privately owned parcels. For more information about the Lake County Land Trust, go to www.lakecountylandtrust.org.
