Red Clover Valley, photo by Bud Turner

Diverse partnerships are always important, but they are essential during economic downturns. In 2009, two of FRLT's private partners stand out for their financial contribution to help make land conservation happen in the Feather River Watershed.

The Northern Sierra Partnership, of which FRLT is a founding member, designated the Heart K Ranch in Genesee Valley as a priority property in the northern Sierra and contributed $1,500,000 toward the $2.6 million loan payoff.  

Beartooth Capital Partners, a private conservation real estate firm focused on investment return and environmental stewardship, purchased the 2700 acre Noble Clover Valley Ranch in Red Clover Valley in cooperation with FRLT, the Sierra Business Council and Feather River Coordinated Resource Management. FRLT is working to acquire a conservation easement from Beartooth to protect the long-term cultural and conservation values of the property, while the Feather River CRM will restore the riparian area and meadow.

Heart K Ranch, Genesee Valley
photo by Jim Gaither

Here's the latest update on our work to pay off the $2.6 million loan and own the Heart K, forever.

• With your help, FRLT made nearly $1.6 million in payments to the Packard Foundation in December 2009, leaving a loan principle value of $950,000. We have 15 months to finish paying off the loan.
• FRLT is working very diligently on public and private funding sources to keep the 884 acre ranch intact. Only in the worst case scenario would we have to sell parcels.
• One public source is looking very promising. We'll know more by late spring.
• One major private source is also very interested in the Heart K. We'll know more in coming months.
• We'll send out another Heart K update in June, but please call or email if you have any questions, comments, or ideas to help!
• For a more detailed update, visit the Heart K Campaign and Update on our website.

Join us for the Heart K Country Fair and Fundraiser, September 25. Together, we can make it happen!

Learning Landscapes, FRLT's initiative to enhance children's relationship to the natural world by permanently securing outdoor classrooms near every school in the

Quincy 7th graders pull
star thistle on
Leonhardt Property

watershed, took a big leap forward in 2010. Two generous donors contributed a total of $40,000 for program coordination, making it possible to provide more teacher support, develop a five year strategic plan, coordinate with a variety of organizations for infrastructure and restoration projects (e.g., trails, stream restoration, seating areas) and continue to work closely with
Plumas Unified School District.

The result? More kids than ever will be actively engaged on the land this year and into the future.

Learning Landscapes Highlights:

• Conservation: FRLT has secured 6 out of 14 Learning Landscape sites through MOUs, pending acquisition, and conservation easements. By December 2010, six more sites will be secured, permanently.
• Trails: We're working with the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship to provide hands on trail building skills for students on Learning Landscapes properties.
• Willow Planting: In March, Greenville High students collected willow cuttings from the Heart K Ranch. The cuttings will be grown in a greenhouse at Feather River College, and in May, the students will plant them along eroded banks of Indian Creek.
• Restoration: In 2011, FRLT and Feather River Coordinated Resource Management will train and support teachers and students to do stream restoration projects on their Learning Landscapes.

To learn more about Learning Landscapes in your area, or how you can donate for specific projects, give us a call at (530) 283-5758.

Yellow Headed Black Bird
Maddalena Property
photo by Bob Battagin

Thanks to Stewardship Coordinator Gabe Miller and a dedicated committee, we have finalized designs for a mobile viewing platform for birding and other wildlife viewing at FRLT's Maddalena Property.

The platform will be placed near the canoe put-in but can also be moved around the property and Sierra Valley to other great viewing spots.

The platform and trail will be ready for use this summer! Come on out and enjoy! Directions to Maddalena