S pring • S ummer 2007

Northcoast Regional Land Trust

Forest Prairie in the Fog (oil on canvas) Kathy O’Leary

In This Issue
“Thinking Like a Region” Conference 3 NRLT & TNC Form Collaborative 6
Relationship
NRLT Donates Forest Land to the Public 4 County Funds Six Rivers to the Sea 6
Summer Events at Freshwater Farms 5 Initiative
Board of Directors
Blake Alexandre, President, Business Owner,
Letter from the
Executive Director
Alexandre Family EcoDairy Farms
Mark Andre, 1st Vice President, Director of
Environmental Services, City of Arcata
Ann King Smith, 2nd Vice President,
Cultural Resource Specialist
Yvonne Everett, Secretary, Natural Resources
Professor, Humboldt State University
Wes Anderson, Appraiser/Rancher
NRLT Moves Ahead
Bill Bragg, Attorney at Law
Maya Conrad, Biologist/Land Agent
Laura Kadlecik, Natural Resources Consultant Since our last newsletter, I am happy to report to you, our friends and
John LaBoyteaux, Organic Farmer, Eel Canyon Farms
supporters, that the Northcoast Regional Land Trust is forging ahead with
Jack Limmer, Business Owner/Broker,
Coldwell Banker Sellers Realty the work needed to continue to grow and strengthen our position as a
Lee Mora, Business Owner, regional land trust.
Humboldt Auction Yard/Humboldt Grassfed Beef We recently completed a donation of 320 acres of land in Whitethorn
Fred Neighbor, Attorney at Law in Southern Humboldt (see feature article) to the Bureau of Land
Dennis Rael, Business Owner, Los Bagels Management for public use and enjoyment and are working on additional
George Yandell, North Coast Project Director, conservation projects with public and private partners throughout the
The Nature Conservancy region. Four of these conservation projects are additions to our Six Rivers
David McMurray, Board Emeritus, to the Sea Initivative—large working ranches—which will together retain
Secretary, California Council of Land Trusts more than19,000 acres of working lands for the future.
Moving ahead as a regional land trust has guided us to other works
Board of Advisors related to our mission. NRLT continues to play an expanding role with
the California Council of Land Trusts—the organization representing land
James Able trust work statewide. This is a role we hope to expand further. As part of
Dave Albee this work, NRLT hosted a Conservation Incentive workshop in March for
Jim Anderson more than 80 people from throughout the region.
Kim Browning To assure our ability to continue to expand our conservation work we
Tom Brundage are also concentrating on long term financial stability and going through
Nancy Diamond some exciting organizational growth. Our staff and board are actively
Jeff Dunk
Jim Francek exploring new avenues to promote and fund our work. I thank all involved
Zuretti “Zuey” Goosby in this endeavor.
Steve Hackett All of this is fine work, but goes nowhere without the people needed.
Annette Holland So we have spent time bringing in some excellent new board and staff
Sandra Jerabek members, adding to expertise in areas where we needed it. While we had
Liz Murguia a strong board a year ago, it is now a powerful coalition of committed
Colleen O’Sullivan people with skills and talents that will lead us forward. Let me introduce
Chuck Powell
Tom Rowe
some of the new members (more information about each is included
Rondal Snodgrass on the next page): George Yandell, North Coast Project Director for
Bill Thompson the Nature Conservancy; Bill Bragg, Attorney; Lee Mora of Humboldt
Paul J. Warner Auction Yard and Humboldt Grassfed Beef; Dennis Rael, as co-owner of
Arnold Whitridge Los Bagels; Yvonne Everett, Humboldt State University natural resource
Katherine Ziemer professor; and Maya Conrad, former NRLT Executive Director. And,
coming on our projects staff, is Ben Morehead, a longtime conservation
Staff advocate. With this new suite of skills, our team is stronger than ever
before.
Jim Petruzzi, Executive Director All of our successes to date on conservation acquisitions and easements
Shayne Green, Projects Director are something of which we should all be proud. Without you it would not
Erik Wilson, Projects Manager have been possible. To continue to expand this work we will need your
Ben Morehead, Projects Manager continued support and assistance. We will also need to add to the ranks
Linda Serrano, Development Director
of those who support this critical work. Help us there when you can—talk
Mary Claire Kier, Office Manager
Tempra Board, Development & Newsletter about us to others. The best way to grow is through word of mouth!

Contact NRLT:
P.O. Box 398, Bayside, CA 95524
ph: 707.822.2242; fax: 707.822.5210
[email protected]; www.ncrlt.org
“Thinking Like A Region” • June 15-16, 2007
The First Annual Northern California
Regional Council Conference
Calling all Land and Water Conservation
Professionals, Volunteers, and Interested Citizens!
Join us as we organize ourselves as a region in order to highlight
the extraordinary conservation values found here and attract more
resources to achieve our collective conservation goals. Be there
as the conservation community convenes in a historic effort to
strengthen the conservation possibilities of the Northern Region.
The conference will offer opportunities for training, professional
growth, planning, and fundraising—and a chance to simply get to
know one another. We will share our stories and success, and work
towards developing a cohesive regional voice that can represent
our conservation interests and needs at the state level. Please join
us as we learn from each other and explore the development of a
Northern California Regional Council to be that voice.
The Northern Region is one of six geographic areas outlined by
the California Council of Land Trusts, and includes Mendocino,
Lake, Humboldt, Trinity, Del Norte, Siskiyou, and portions of
Shasta and Modoc counties (see map at left).

To Pre-Register contact: Renee Crowley, [email protected], or David McMurray, [email protected].

Find more information, a schedule, and registration information on “Thinking Like a Region,” by visiting www.ncrlt.org.

Welcome New NRLT Board of Directors Members

NRLT is pleased to announce six new board members that bring a diversity
of backgrounds and ideas, not to mention a wealth of experience and longevity
in the community! Welcome to: George Yandell, North Coast Project Director
for the Nature Conservancy, who brings his expertise and the partnership
of TNC to the mix. Bill Bragg brings his years as an attorney and his family
connections to working ranches. Bill’s advice and counsel has already assisted
us with many projects. Lee Mora brings needed business expertise as owner
of Humboldt Auction Yard and Humboldt Grassfed Beef. Lee wants to help
landowners keep their properties in sustainable production. Dennis Rael,
owner of Los Bagels, contributes his entrepreneurial skills, which are critical to
current organizational planning. Bringing connections from HSU is Yvonne
Everett, a natural resource professor and planning expert. And finally, Maya
Conrad, former executive director of NRLT, brings her knowledge of the work
along with her biologist and land agent expertise.

New NRLT Board Member Lee Mora (seated),

with his nephew (left), and son (right).
3
NRLT Donates Critical Forest Lands to th
Five years ago NRLT completed its
first conservation project—the purchase
of 320 acres in the headwaters of the
Mattole—and this spring NRLT has taken
steps to ensure the permanent public
access and protection of this land by
donating the property to the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM). Located in
Southern Humboldt County and named
for three features on the property—Vista
Ridge, Vista Ridge Grove, and Virgin
Grove—the 3V’s property consists of
mixed tan-oak, douglas fir and redwood
forests (including approximately 60 acres
of old-growth), a salmon spawning stream,
and abundant wildlife.
The property is within only a few
miles of the BLM’s King Range National
Conservation Area which recently gained
federal designation as wilderness. The
location of the land also provides a crucial
link in conceptual designs of hiking trail
networks between other public lands in
the watershed. NRLT found BLM to have
a strong stewardship ethic and reputation
in the Mattole. With a recorded
agreement on the title to manage the
land for its natural values, restricting
any development or exploitation of its
resources, this donation of land will
provide robust protection while offering
increased public access opportunities.
“We are very happy with this
generous donation from the Northcoast
Regional Land Trust, and are grateful to Baker Creek flowing through the beautiful “3Vs” property in the headwaters of Southern
all the partners involved in its protection Humboldt County’s Mattole River watershed. Photo by Erik Wilson.
over the years” said Lynda Roush, Arcata
Field Officer for the BLM “This property coastal watersheds and resources for the healthy forests, plentiful fish and wildlife,
fits very well within our operations and people of California” said Su Corbaley and wilderness characteristics, but also for
management plan for the King Range of the State Coastal Conservancy.  “The the thousands of people that live around
area which emphasizes the protection of Northcoast Regional Land Trust has been and visit the lost coast every year.”
land for its wildlife and natural values.” a very important partner in protecting The Mattole River’s fish habitat has
The property was purchased in this beautiful property over the past five been damaged by years of sediment being
2002 from Barnum Timber Co. and years.” washed from deforested slopes and poorly
Sanctuary Forest Inc. with funds from “We are very pleased to be maintained roads, but this property
the State Coastal Conservancy and a transferring this property to the public protects sections of clear, cool spawning
bargain sale by Sanctuary Forest Inc. trust” said Jim Petruzzi, Executive and rearing habitat. The sediment
“With its high quality anadromous fish Director for NRLT. “The upper reach buildup experienced in other parts of the
habitat and stable forested slopes, this of the Mattole River is an extraordinary watershed can suffocate eggs of spawning
property has been an important addition place. It is a critical area for permanent steelhead and salmon, which has pushed
toward maintaining healthy north conservation not only because of its their numbers dangerously low. Keeping
4
he Public Freshwater Farms Update
1st Monthly Land Use and Environment Interpretive Walk
this property protected for its natural values Sunday, June 3rd, 2:30 – 4:30
includes keeping the headwaters clear
Put on some sturdy footwear and join a naturalist for a walk through the
and cool, with acceptable nutrient levels,
meadows, wetlands, and estuary of the Freshwater Farms Reserve. Take part
stable banks, and a safe habitat for juvenile in fun activities and learn about the natural history of the bottomlands, and
fishes to mature. The protected uneven about the historic and current land use practices around the bay. Families are
aged stands of forests along the stream encouraged. Rain or Shine—dress appropriate for weather conditions. Walks will
corridor also help keep the water at the cool be approximately a mile over uneven terrain. No bathrooms on site.
temperatures necessary for fish. Monthly walks are being scheduled for the first Sunday of every month—call for
Major restoration efforts have taken additional details.
place to enhance fish and wildlife habitat
since NRLT assumed ownership. More than
a mile of former logging roads has been
decommissioned, returning the slope to its
original contours, so that the fine sediment
runoff and other erosion caused by them
is eliminated. The Mattole Restoration
Council has also replaced a culvert and
removed tons of sediment buildup and trash
from an impaired drainage on the property.
The property has been a key com-
ponent in the Upper Mattole River and
Forest Cooperative (UMRFC), comprised of
public agencies (including the BLM and the
Sinkiyone Wilderness State Park), nonprofit Canoers and kayakers on Freshwater Slough, spring 2007. Photo by Erik Wilson.
organizations, and private landowners,
who operate under a memorandum of Father’s Day Canoe the Slough at Freshwater Farms Reserve!
understanding to develop cooperative land Sunday, June 17, 11am – 2:30pm
management plans and practices. $45/adult, $35/kids 4-18 (3 and under paddle for free)
State Park officials are supportive Join naturalists and other supporters of NRLT on a mid-day paddle all the
of this transfer. “The Bureau of Land way up Freshwater Slough to Freshwater Farms Reserve. Starting at the Eureka
Management has an exceptional reputation Marina, we’ll follow the tide on a natural history tour of the bay and bottomlands,
for their responsible land management and we’ll conclude with a walk on NRLT’s Freshwater Farms Reserve. All boats
in the Mattole, and we have a very good and gear will be provided by HumBoats, and part of the proceeds will go to
relationship with them in the UMRFC,” NRLT’s land protection work.
said Steve Horvitz, North Coast Redwoods Space is limited, contact NRLT to make your reservation: 707-822-2242.
District Superintendent for CA State
Parks. “We are grateful for the good work These events are part of our efforts to establish a recreation and education
program based on the Freshwater Farms Reserve, and it is made possible by a
of the Northcoast Regional Land Trust
grant from the Humboldt Bay Recreation Enhancement and Water Quality Fund
in protecting and managing this property
and the Hans Olsen Trust, funds of the Humboldt Area Foundation.
for public benefit. Their stewardship and
long-sightedness helps to insure that special
places like the Mattole are preserved. We
Restoration Project Planned for Summer 2008
look forward to working with the NRLT on The restoration project at the Freshwater Farms Reserve just keeps getting
future projects.” better. The project partners and NRLT have taken the original concept of
“This agreement demonstrates yet removing a tidegate and simply flooding a portion of the pasture and made it
another way local land trusts have been able even more attractive for fish and wildlife habitat. The current designs, which are
to produce real benefits to the public – we now being used to apply for all the necessary permits, include wood structures,
work with private and public partners to freshwater pools, and a series of slough channels that will be dug throughout
creatively protect and manage the vital land approximately 15 acres on the west end of the property. These habitat features are
and water resources we all need and care included especially for the recovery of the endangered Tidewater Goby and Coho
about” said Petruzzi. Salmon. Construction for the project is now scheduled for the Summer of 2008.
5
NRLT and TNC Humboldt County Helps Conserve
Form Collaborative Six Rivers to the Sea Ranches
Relationship
California’s North Coast is known
for lush green forests, rolling oak
woodlands, plentiful rivers and streams
and working farms and ranches. But
pressure is mounting to convert natural
areas into housing developments or
“ranchettes.” To counter this threat,
The Nature Conservancy has teamed
up with the Northcoast Regional Land
Trust (NRLT). George Yandell, The
Nature Conservancy’s North Coast
Project Director, joined the NRLT
Board of Directors in December 2006.
“Protection of the North Coast’s
rich natural resources is important
to California’s future,” says George
Yandell. “We’re excited to work with
NRLT and with ranchers, farmers and Fog and mossy oaks lend an air of mystery to Chalk Mountain Ranch. Photo by Diana Pachmayer.
landowners to safeguard these valuable
riches.”
The Nature Conservancy and The Humboldt County Board of species including populations of
NRLT are well known to each other, Supervisors recently approved funding steelhead, cutthroat, and coho.
having worked together since 2004 for conservation easements on four of To the east, the 7,276-acre Chalk
on regional conservation efforts, the Northcoast Regional Land Trust’s Mountain and 8,222-acre Charles
including the Six Rivers to the Sea Six River to the Sea projects—Valley Mountain Ranches are located in the
Initiative. Last year, the Conservancy View, North Fork, Chalk Mountain, Larabee Creek and Van Duzen River
offered its expertise in real estate and Charles Mountain Ranches. Their watersheds near the town of Bridgeville.
transactions and scientific planning to decision to help protect more work- The scene is expansive and wild
help NRLT purchase easements on two ing ranches on the North Coast for both properties: Deep creek-incised
Humboldt County ranches covering follows successful conservation gorges; extensive, verdant grasslands
nearly 6,000 acres. This summer, the easements placed on more than dappled with spring wildflowers;
two organizations will begin drafting a 6,000 acres in 2006. resplendent oak woodlands; dark and
conservation action plan for the region. Humboldt County funding will help green conifer forests with occasional
“The Nature Conservancy has a to secure more than 3,700 combined craggy old-growth trees; and spectacular
broad understanding of conservation acres on the Valley View and North grassland balds are often snow-capped
in California and how the North Coast Fork Ranches in the Matolle River during the winter months.
is important in that larger context,” watershed. Forming the visual backdrop County funding ($40,000) for
says Jim Petruzzi. “Working together for the town of Petrolia, the properties conservation easements on these more
means we can share our strengths and contain stunning pastoral scenes for than 19,000 acres will allow watersheds
resources.” human enjoyment. Heavy cottonwood to recover, and maintain water quality.
George Yandell agrees. “Our and willow thickets line the North Fork Native plant, wildlife, and fish will
organizations have similar missions and of the Mattole River; diverse tree species flourish free from threats of division
a shared vision for conservation in the cover slopes and gullies; and, on long and development. And, saving the rich
North Coast. By pooling our resources, stretching alluvial flats, sheep, cattle, quality of life here will ensure
we can be more effective at protecting and wildlife graze perennial grasslands. that generations can work these
this spectacular landscape for both Several shaded waterways cut through ranches without interruption long
wildlife and people.” the scenery, harboring wild salmonid into the future.

6
 Thank You NRLT 2006-2007 Major Supporters!
Agencies & Erik Jules Joan Early Dennis Rael & Carol Falkenthal
Melanie Kasek Yvonne Everett Tom Rowe & Emily Stokes Rowe,
Foundations Marjorie Fay Stokes, Steeves, Rowe & Hamer
Roz Keller & Andy Araneo
California Coastal Conservancy Melanie & Ron Kuhnel Susan Frances Jeff & Edith Schwartz
California Department of Jerome & Nancy Lengyel Don & Sylvia Garlick Linda Serrano
Conservation
Byrd Lochtie Robert Goodman, Kenneth & Rose Smith
California Department of Fish
& Game Don and Kathleen Lutosky Robert Goodman Wines Marlena & Moises Vega
California Department of Gail Miehe-Barbash Harvey Harper, Harper Ford Mock Wahlund, Coldwell
Forestry and Fire Protection Lisa Miller & Bryan Gaynor Fred Hummel Banker Cutten Realty
California Wildlife Thomas & Doris Montgomery Brian Hunt,
Conservation Board Archie Mossman Hunt Company Real Estate
Big Leaf Maple
Columbia Foundation Bill & Joy Moore Oscar Larson & Associates
County of Humboldt Phoebe Netzow Sam & Kathleen Manaktala ($500-$999)
National Fish & Wildlife Gwen Neu Robert & Mavis McKelvey Anonymous
Federation Rex & Ruth Rathbun Carol Mone Joan Berman
NOAA Fisheries Katherine Reid Jim & Gay Morrison Stephen & Sharon Davies
Norcross Wildlife Foundation Jennifer Rice Rob & Sue Parks Emerald City Laundry Company
Pacific Coast Joint Venture Jared Rossman Claire & Gene Perricelli Mary Keehn,
The Nature Conservancy Joan Schirle Harry Pollack, Cypress Grove Chevre
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Susan & Jeffrey Schlosser Conservation Partners Fred Neighbor, Attorney at Law
U.S. Forest Service
Steven & Jane Schonfeld Paul & Virginia Springer George Yandell
John Schwabe Francis & Lorana Sweet
Manzanita Bob Sizoo & Sue Turner Kent & Johnna Townsend
Redwood
(Up to $99) Julie Stark Don & Andrea Tuttle
Roger Sternberg ($1,000 +)
Anonymous (9)
Illijana Asara & Jim Vandegriff Marlene Sylvia Black Oak Blake & Stephanie Alexandre,
Ted & Josephine Trichilo Alexandre Family EcoDairy
Mary-Jane Ashton
Mike Torbert ($250-$499) Barbara Barratt
Will & Kathy Bell
Vicky Turner & Rudy Ramp Anonymous (4) Schorr & Donna Berman
John Calkins
Heidi & Kelly Walsh Tempra Board Bill Bragg & Lee Roscoe-Bragg
Rita Carole
Janie Walsh Kim & Shirley Browning Francis & Carol Carrington
Chris & Jeanne Chapin
Anne & Roger Weiss Coldwell Banker Sellers Realty Maya Conrad & Charlie Tripodi
Kim & Tallchief Comet
Merry Winslow Renee Crowley David & Heidi Hodges
Russ Conrad
Stan & Judy Dixon Jack & Rita Limmer
Kathryn Corbett
Lane DeVries, Sun Valley Group Madrone Kirk & Catherine Girard David & Madeline McMurray
Shayne Green Lee & Eileen Mora,
Sarah Eeles
($100-$249) Dick Hackett Humboldt Auction Yard/
Jud Ellinwood & Anda Webb
Jim & Judith Anderson Danny Hagans Humboldt Grassfed Beef
David Epstein &
Wes & Sue Anderson Judith Hinman Jim Petruzzi
Patricia Platt Epstein
Mark Andre & Nancy Rehg Annette & Greg Holland Ann King Smith &
Gary & Janis Friedrichsen
Anonymous Humboldt Land Title Company Douglas Smith
Bruce & Billie Gordon
Jon Brooks, Laura Kadlecik & Mike Wilson Bill & June Thompson
Dan & Donna Hauser
Christine Henson Brooks Appraisal Service Tom Lisle & Lori Dengler
David Hitchcock Thomas Brundage & Margaret Nulsen &
Lisa Hoover Diane DeFord Chris Frolking
Sandra Jerabek

North Coast Cleaning Thomas C. Brundage

Services, Inc. Registered Geologist
7
 Northcoast Regional Land Trust Nonprofit Org
P.O. Box 398, Bayside, CA 95524 U.S. Postage
PAID
Orland, CA
Permit #8

NRLT Mission
The Northcoast Regional Land Trust is dedicated to protecting and enhancing our region’s farms, forests,
rangelands, and wild areas in perpetuity. Our vision of the future includes vibrant communities,
sustainable economies and healthy landscapes.

Cover Art Kathy O’Leary Kathy O’Leary began serious study of art in college in the
mid 1960’s. However her focus on “Commercial Art” brought
disenchantment with the whole field of art. Eventually she put
away her pencils and brushes and directed her efforts toward other
studies, work, and raising a family. In the late 1980’s she returned to
her art and has been working at it full time ever since.
Plein air painting has become her favorite painting experience.
“There my work comes as a response to my total environment
as I paint the scene—the bird and insect sounds, the smell of the
plants and the earth, the feel of the wind.” Although she completes
numerous larger studio pieces each year, she also continues to paint
outdoors locally and travels throughout California and beyond to
find new and beautiful places to paint.
Kathy’s work can be seen at the Elliott Fouts Gallery in
Sacramento (featuring a solo exhibition of her work, “California
Light” through the month of May), the Cody Pettit Gallery in
Eureka (in June featuring a group show of Yosemite paintings from
this year’s trip by 10 local artists), the Piante Gallery, Eureka (in a
July “Anniversary” group show), by appointment with Humboldt
Artworks, and in Pasadena, in the California Art Club’s Images of
Water exhibit. She will also open her studio to the public during the
Wetlands Walk - Humboldt Bay (oil on canvas) first weekend in June for “OPEN STUDIOS.”

Charlie Tripodi
The Land Man