Sustainable Agriculture

The Williamson Act is a program adopted by Nevada County that establishes contracts with agricultural landowners.  These are similar standard conservation easements for open space, and are 10-year agreements to keep land in agriculture.  In return, the land is assessed at is agricultural value rather than its "highest and best use" value, which can result in substantially lower property taxes.  For more information see the California Department of Conservation.

Agricultural Easements

Linden Lea Ranch

Pioneer Dawson Nichols Ranch

Quail Agricultural Easement

Willow Tree Ranch

Sustainable Forestry

Conservation easements can also be used to protect ecological, recreational and economic values in forest lands by restricting development while allowing the practice of sustainable forestry.  For more information see the California Department of Forestry.

Timber Production Zones (TPZ) can be set up under the Williamson Act, but are a bit more restrictive and require Board of Supervisors and California Department of Forestry approval.  Property taxes are deferred until the timber harvest is done. 

Working Forests

Jonathon Whitworth Butts Forest Management Area

Roth Forest Easement