Lake County Land Trust – 20 years on.

          Twenty
years since its creation, the Lake County Land Trust (“LCLT”) is going strong
in its vital mission, “… to protect the unique and valuable wildlife habitats
in Lake County, particularly on Clear Lake.”
Let’s examine the LCLT’s successes, its ambitious new project, and how
you can participate and contribute.

          The
LCLT is a not-for-profit 501©(3), community based organization that, “… work(s)
cooperatively with landowners, private groups and governmental agencies to
protect property that has unique scenic, cultural, ecological, agricultural,
education or historical value.”   The LCLT thereby preserves land permanently that might otherwise be lost to development.  

           When possible, it provides public access to such lands for aesthetic and recreational uses, including Saturday morning guided walks, a children’s nature summer educational program, and archaeological adventures at the Rodman Preserve’s 279
acres of wetlands and oak woodlands, and an educational center, located on the
North Shore of Clear Lake.

          In
addition to the Rodman Preserve, the LCLT is involved with the Black Forest
(250 acres on the slope of Mt. Konocti by Soda Bay Road), the Indian Creek
Project (231 acres near Cache Creek), and the Rabbit Hill (10 acres of open
space in Middletown).   Each one of these areas provides public access
to healthful recreation.

          These
successes are the result of the LCLT’s cooperation with state, federal and
county governmental agencies, local land owners, civic minded donors, and
volunteers coming together to permanently protect valuable lands for the sake
of wildlife.  Such successes have defied
the notion that a land trust should not be established here in Lake
County. 

          Today,
the LCLT’s foremost conservation priority is the shoreline habitat between
Clear Lake State Park and south Lakeport, which it calls the “Big Valley
Wetlands Project.”  The LCLT has agreed
to purchase 31 acres of pristine lakeshore vegetation and mature oaks, an important
habitat for a variety of wildlife, located at 2590 Clipper Lane for
$225,000. 

Through generous support,
the LCLT has almost reached its financial goal of obtaining $125,000 in
contributions towards the purchase.  The
remaining $100,000 will be obtained in matching grants from a variety of
foundations and governmental agencies.

          The
LCLT is a grass roots organization that allows people of all means an
opportunity to make a lasting difference in our community.  Anyone interested in what the LCLT does can join
in its success.  To learn more, donate
and/or become a member visit www.lakecountylandtrust.org or call
707.262.0707.  All donations can be deducted on your income tax
return!