Current Acquisition Project: Garibaldi Ranch, Sutter Creek
In cooperation with the Sacramento Valley Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, and the Foothill Conservancy, the MLLT succeeded in getting the Western Amador Conceptual Area Protection Plan approved by the California Department of Fish and Game. The plan identifies land in Amador County west of Highway 49 with high conservation values and makes it easier for landowners whose land is included in the CAPP to receive funding for selling a conservation easement. The plan does not, however, affect landowners uninterested in selling a conservation easement. Currently MLLT is working with the owner of the Garibaldi Ranch, a 1600+ acre working cattle ranch just outside of Sutter Creek, to help protect the heritage of this great property.  The Garibaldi Ranch is for sale and we are working towards a conservation purchase of the Garibaldi Ranch.  This purchase will ensure protection of the blue oak woodlands and the continuation of historical ranching activities.

Kirkwood Ski Resort
In 2007 Kirkwood Ski Resort approached us because they were interested in protecting the Kirkwood Meadow through a conservation easement with a local organization. MLLT is in the process of working on the terms of the easement and what our roles and responsibilities will be.

By-pass Mitigation Project
MLLT has been instrumental in assisting local and state governments, and local businesses in finding conservation solutions to various land use issues. For the past several years, MLLT has worked with CalTrans and the City of Sutter Creek to mitigate habitat lost to the Hwy. 49 by-pass. MLLT is also working with local regulators and developers to ensure that habitat loss to housing developments is appropriately mitigated.

Mokelumne River Watershed PG&E Lands, Amador County
This past year MLLT has worked with the Stewardship Council on plans to help PG&E divest itself of over 140,000 acres of land. Currently MLLT is working with the county of Tuolumne and the Tuolumne County Resource Conservation District to help protect the Kennedy Meadows Pack Station in eastern Tuolumne County. Locally there are over 7,000 acres up for donation in the Mokelumne River Watershed.  MLLT hopes to begin working with other local groups to help protect these lands in the late spring/summer of 2009. 

For more information on the Stewardship Council and the lands available for donation, visit www.stewardshipcouncil.org.

Resource Mapping Project
In 2008 MLLT applied for a grant through the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to map important natural resources within Amador and Calaveras Counties. We have completed mapping of threatened and endangered species, blue oak woodlands, river corridors, and large parcels in proximity to these resources. Currently we are seeking input from the community on other important resources and/or areas that require protection. If you would like to provide input, hold a meeting in your community, or if you are interested in our GIS Specialist position for this project, please contact us.