20 Years of Protecting the Places Where We Live, Work and Play
The loss of open land and fragmentation of landscapes is not just a threat in Nevada County, it’s happening. Those who have lived here more than 30 years have seen our heritage ranches that define the rural character of our community being subdivided. You know that many old, favorite swimming holes are no longer accessible. According to current zoning, 3-1/2 times as much land (281,689 acres) is available for development in Nevada County than all the land currently developed (76,145 acres).
For many of us, saving the places that enrich our lives is reason enough to support conservation. But much more is at stake. Ensuring that our natural areas are preserved is critical to:
• Air and water quality
• Healthy ecosystems for plants and animals
• Local agriculture and sustainable timber industry
Over the years, Nevada County Land Trust has been involved with land conservation projects based upon our rigorous science, selecting those sites that offer the greatest gains from conservation. Join us as we embark on new challenges and ensure that our collective legacy endures.
Campaign to Acquire Garden Bar Preserve
Nevada County Land Trust has entered into an agreement to acquire 650 acres on the Bear River. This pristine landscape, called Garden Bar Preserve connects over 6,000 acres of preserved land on both sides of the river in Placer and Nevada Counties. The goal is to improve wildlife corridors thereby enhancing migration and circulation between the Bear River and Spenceville. This region is under intensive development pressure.
The land has a number of natural and scenic conservation values, recreation, and historically significant features. It encompasses the Emigrant Trail “Garden Bar” crossing of the Bear River for pioneers traveling over Donner Pass into central California. Also there is evidence of important Native American archeological sites.
The proposed public trails will offer diverse groups access to an important Bear River area – the only access to the river in Nevada County. It includes hiking trails and equestrian trails, nature viewing and study, picnic areas, and historical and archeological study and tours.
Acquisition funding will come from public sources. Governmental agencies want to insure that landscape purchases have the support of the local community. To this end, Nevada County Land Trust and Placer Land Trust have established the Bear River Watershed Protection Fund to acquire this landscape and additional easements and fee properties in the watershed on both sides of the river.
Bear-Yuba Partnership - Conservation through Collaboration
The Trust for Public Land, Nevada County Land Trust and Placer Land Trust are excited to announce the Bear-Yuba Partnership. These three land conservation organizations have formed this partnership to increase investment in strategic landscape-scale conservation of the Bear and Yuba River watersheds. Through unique recreational opportunities and sustainable rangelands, the Bear-Yuba Partnership will provide protection to the waterways, historic ranches and the oak woodlands of the Sierra Foothills.
View Bear-Yuba Web Site