The Land Trust is pleased to announce the permanent protection of 145 acres of riparian habitat and oak woodlands through two transactions with two different landowners.
“This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to safeguarding Napa County’s natural heritage and biodiversity,” said Doug Parker, CEO of the Land Trust. “By acquiring these properties, we’re protecting two important streams and ensuring habitat connections across thousands of acres of protected lands in this ecologically rich region.”
The newly protected properties, spanning three parcels, help connect thousands of acres of protected lands, including lands managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation.
“Over the last few years, we have acquired and now own more than 2,200 acres in this area, all adjacent to federal and state lands,” added Parker. “It has become one of our largest preserves, filling in critical gaps and ensuring continuous corridors for wildlife movement and ecological resilience well into the future.”
The three parcels—shown in purple on the attached map—include two with direct frontage on Putah Creek, the largest water source for Lake Berryessa. Other Land Trust properties are shown in dark green with their acquisition dates, while additional protected lands appear in lighter green.
Alana Cloutier, who, along with her husband Paul, owned one of the properties, reflected on the significance of the conservation, “Paul and I are so happy that thanks to the Land Trust of Napa County, our little corner of Napa will stay as it is. We spent a lot of time up there—camping, hiking, hanging out with friends, and napping in hammocks, listening to the breeze in the oaks. After having a game camera set up for many years, we were amazed at how often mountain lions, bobcats, bears, turkeys, and deer used the trails on our ridge. It’s a really special place, and now it gets to stay that way. The Land Trust was very easy to work with—we have only nice things to say about Doug and the process as a whole.”
This area supports remarkable biodiversity. A number of rare plant species have been documented nearby, including Tracy’s clarkia (Clarkia concinna ssp. tracyi), a rare wildflower that exists in only five counties in northern California.
Read the Napa Register story here.
