A Spectacular Region . . . The 800,000 acre Berryessa/Snow Mountain region lies north of San Francisco and west of Sacramento in the wild heart of California's Inner Coast Range, providing habitat and critical long range movement corridors for many species of wildlife. Its level of botanical biodiversity -- the highest in all California -- makes the area a ³hot spot² of planetary importance. The life-giving waters of Putah Creek, Cache Creek, and other streams flow through this diverse landscape, which is characterized by blue oak woodlands, chaparral plant communities, grasslands, riparian habitat, and the rare and endemic plants of serpentine soils, in a complex balance that sustains healthy populations of tule elk, black bear, mountain lion, bald eagles, falcons, white pelicans, osprey, bobcat, foxes, river otters and many more species, including some that are rare and endangered. The same ecological processes also support the region's thriving working landscape while providing a source of water for nearby urban populations and agricultural operations. Ownership of this land resembles a mosaic: about half is publicly owned -- by various agencies of the federal government, by the state of California, and by local jurisdictions -- and the remainder is held privately, primarily as large working ranches and farms. Farmlands and ranches benefit from the ecological health of the landscape and also play a critical role in sustaining it, by providing economic benefit from private land in a manner that sustains rather than destroys its natural resources.

Threatened By Development . . . The Berryessa Snow Mountain region is threatened by encroaching development, in the form of both sprawling new subdivisions and the construction of estate homes on acreage that is now agriculturally productive. Such developments lead to the destruction of important wildlife habitat, imperil the region's outstanding biodiversity, and chip away at prime farmland that provides both food and jobs. Within the next 15 years the millions of new residents anticipated in the Sacramento and San Francisco metropolitan areas will accelerate existing development pressures to yet higher levels. This region, which now feeds nearby urban populations, quenches their thirst, and provides vital natural recreational opportunities, risks becoming an urban area itself, a consumer rather than a producer of food and clean water. For more than a decade, public agencies, conservation and recreation interests, and private landowners have been working together for the better management of the public lands and the prosperity of the private lands in the Berryessa/Snow Mountain region. This informal partnership, formally known as the Blue Ridge Berryessa Natural Area (BRBNA) conseravation partnership, has served the natural and working landscape well. But as outside pressures mount, a more structured level of protection is needed, as well as formal national recognition of its value.

 

What Does an NCA Do?

With a National Conservation Area designation:

• This specific geographic area will have a formal name.
• Congress will acknowledge its local and national importance.
• A Public Advisory Committee will be formed to provide official citizen input.
• A coordinated multi-agency management plan for the public lands within the region will be developed, allowing for protection of the natural resources on a landscape level and region-wide management of public recreation.

Formal recognition will make it easier to obtain state and federal funds for conservation stewardship projects and to develop a recreation program for the entire region that provides access while ensuring protection of environmental resources.

Although private land in the region, including water rights that adhere to the land, will not be included in the NCA designation except for individual landowners who choose to opt in, private landowners will have better opportunities to participate in the management of neighboring public lands, including addressing environmental issues that threaten the productivity of agricultural land. Local and state governments and agencies will also retain their decision making authority.

How Can We Make It Happen?

Although the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area is not yet a reality, a growing number of organizations and individuals are trying to make it happen -- and we need your help. Please share the story of the National Conservation Area proposal with your friends, organizations and businesses, and join with us to become part of the community working to protect this splendid place. For more information contact Victoria Brandon at (707) 994 1931 or visit the Tuleyome website.