Press Releases

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CONTACT:

Sean Dowdall
President, Landis PR
sean@landispr.com

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. ­— The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District (District), a special district of the County dedicated to protecting our working and natural lands forever, has received approval from its Board of Directors to purchase a conservation easement over Howlett Forest – 1,380 acres in northwest Sonoma County that contains one of the last remaining intact old-growth forests in the county. The District is contributing $4.5 million toward the $6.13 million purchase price, with additional funding obtained by Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation ($1.28 million) and The San Francisco Foundation ($50,000). The District also received a $300,000 grant from California State Parks’ Habitat Conservation Fund and a 5% ($365,000) donation from the landowner to help with the purchase.

This extraordinary deal conserves thousands of important, old-growth trees within an intact forest, 5.75 miles of healthy riparian corridors, and the headwaters of two of the five main tributaries to the Gualala River. The easement also helps ensure the economic viability of the local forest industry by retaining good jobs through long-term sustainable timber harvesting. 

“We are not often presented with opportunities to protect what remains of our treasured old-growth coastal redwood forests,” said Bill Keene, General Manager for the District. “That is what makes this project so significant and special – there are very few properties like this left. By partnering with Sonoma Land Trust to bring in outside funding to leverage our taxpayers’ dollars, we are able to conserve thousands of majestic, old-growth redwoods and Douglas-fir trees and two main tributaries of the Gualala River, both of which provide important habitat for steelhead, coho salmon, owls, bobcats, and even black bears. We’re also able to ensure that this healthy forest will continue to sequester carbon on our behalf as we face the challenges of climate change. 

“Sonoma Land Trust has recognized the importance and urgency of this special project since its early days,” said Dave Koehler, Executive Director of SLT. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the District, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and The San Francisco Foundation to achieve permanent protection of Howlett Forest’s towering redwoods and pristine creeks. With the property’s outstanding habitat values and adjacency to Buckeye Forest, formerly known as Preservation Ranch, it is a crucial addition to a complex of over 50,000 acres of protected land in the region. This project leaves a wonderful legacy of old-growth redwood protection and sustainable forest management for our children.”

Property description

California’s coast was once home to over two million acres of coast redwoods stretching from Big Sur to the Oregon border. Now only 5% of the original forest – roughly 120,000 acres – remains. Of the remaining virgin forest in private ownership, only a small percentage is protected, and Howlett Forest is one of the last remaining intact old-growth forests in Sonoma County. With over 2,560 trees greater than four feet in diameter, including more than 870 redwood trees with a diameter greater than five feet, and creek corridors that have never been logged, there is no greater priority for forestland conservation in Sonoma County. 

Howlett Forest is also unique in the Sonoma Coast Range because, unlike much of the intensely harvested forestland in this region, it still contains stands of old-growth coastal redwoods within its mixed-age forest, providing the rare and important structural characteristics of old-growth stands. This diversity in age and size is truly unique on the Sonoma Coast, which is why this property is so important to protect. The varied structures, snags, and understory found in the property’s forest, and especially in the stands of older trees, provide nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species, including northern spotted owl and pileated woodpecker, as well as large mammals such as the American badger, bobcat, mountain lion, and black bear. 

The property contains 5.75 miles of headwater streams of Buckeye Creek and Rockpile Creek, two of the five main tributaries that drain to the Gualala River. The river and its tributaries provide habitat for anadromous coho salmon and steelhead trout, as well as resident populations of rainbow trout. The healthy riparian habitat on the property supports these sensitive species. “When you step foot on the Howlett property, you realize right away that it is irreplaceable. The incredible number of old growth trees in this forest is a testament to the owners’ lifetime love of the land and the trees,” said Lynda Hopkins, 5th District Supervisor and a member of the District’s Board of Directors. “Preserving this critical woodland adjacent to other protected lands such as Buckeye Forest helps us maintain a contiguous stretch of healthy forests that will filter our water, clean our air, provide habitat for fish and wildlife, and help to mitigate the effects of climate change.”

Project structure

Before George Howlett passed away in 2008, he had wanted to ensure his ranch remained intact and managed in a manner that would protect the trees and mature ecosystem, while also continuing to provide income. He determined the sale of a conservation easement was the best tool to achieve both objectives. However, the development of a conservation easement project takes time. So in 2014, in order to forestall an imminent timber harvest and allow time for the easement to be negotiated, SLT obtained a project-related loan from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and then re-loaned those funds to the landowner. Now, the District and SLT have partnered to assemble the necessary funding to purchase the easement, with the District providing sales tax dollars and a grant from the Habitat Conservation Fund, and SLT securing funds from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and The San Francisco Foundation, to prevent future subdivision or intense, destructive harvesting on the property. 

As a result, the property will be protected from subdivision and development, and the old-growth redwoods will not be cut. In a region of the county where vineyard conversion and timber harvesting is threatening critical habitat and natural resources, the protection of these remarkable trees is monumental. Such activities would eliminate and degrade critical habitat for special-status species, reduce the carbon sequestration potential of the land, and remove forever these magnificent trees that can live to be 2,000 years old. The District’s conservation easement protects the property’s significant natural resources in perpetuity by limiting development and ensuring sustainable harvest practices that retain old-growth redwood trees and old-growth forest characteristics.

About the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District

The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District permanently protects the diverse agricultural, natural resource and scenic open space lands of Sonoma County for future generations. The District is responsible for the perpetual protection of over 111,000 acres of land throughout our region. These agricultural and open space lands are protected through a quarter-cent sales tax approved by voters in 1990 and reauthorized in 2006. For more information, please visit www.sonomaopenspace.org.

About Sonoma Land Trust

Sonoma Land Trust believes land is the foundation of our economy and our community’s health and well-being. Since 1976, Sonoma Land Trust has protected over 50,000 acres of scenic, natural, agricultural and open land for future generations, and is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

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CONTACT:

Sean Dowdall
President, Landis PR
sean@landispr.com

Public invited to celebration & ribbon-cutting ceremony at site of Sears Point Wetland Restoration Project

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. ­— Sonoma Land Trust, the San Francisco Bay Trail and the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge invite the community to join in the grand opening of the new 2.5-mile extension of the San Francisco Bay Trail, part of Sonoma Land Trust’s Sears Point Wetland Restoration Project. The new segment of Bay Trail will open to the public Sunday, May 15, from 2—6pm; the entrance is located on Reclamation Road, south of the Highway 37/Lakeville Highway intersection. 

The celebration will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:30 with emcee Doug McConnell of NBC’s Open Road. Speakers will include U.S. Representative Mike Thompson’s district representative for Sonoma County Stephen Gale, Sonoma County Supervisor David Rabbitt, and representatives of Sonoma Land Trust, San Francisco Bay Trail, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Nancy Wiseman of the Dickson Family, former owners of the ranch. Following the ribbon-cutting, the trail will be opened to the public and will remain open daily. McConnell will lead the first official hike down the trail. 

“We are overjoyed to be sharing this long-planned trail with the community and to also be turning this property over to the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge to manage for the future,” says Dave Koehler, Sonoma Land Trust executive director. “This is the best access point to the bay in Sonoma County and people are really going to enjoy walking along here and watching the new tidal marsh evolve.”

History of this Bay Trail segment

This new section of Bay Trail flanks the tidal wetlands at Sears Point, the focus of a marsh restoration project 10 years in the making. Last fall, Sonoma Land Trust breached the levee at Sears Point to allow the tides to return to 1,000 acres of land that were diked in the late 1800s. The new section of Bay Trail, part of a planned 500-mile path around the entire San Francisco Bay, will allow visitors to be steadfast witnesses to the growing marsh. The new trail will also link to the older 1.5-mile Bay Trail at Sonoma Baylands, which starts at Port Sonoma, creating up to a four-mile experience each way. 

“This new 2.5 mile segment of Bay Trail represents the best in collaboration and highlights the myriad benefits that can accrue from wetland restoration,” says Laura Thompson, San Francisco Bay Trail Project Manager. “Between the Sonoma Land Trust and its many partners, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and ABAG’s San Francisco Bay Trail Project, the public at large will be able to access yet another spectacular piece of the Bay shoreline.”

Launching new docent program

On May 15, docents and bird experts from the three organizations will be on hand to provide information to guests. The following Saturday, Sonoma Land Trust will launch a new Sears Point docent program. Every Saturday from 9am–noon, docents will be available to talk with visitors about the restoration project, tidal marsh ecology and wildlife found in the area. Introductory interpretive talks will occur each hour at 9am, 10am and 11am. Bird walks will begin at 9:15am, and will be followed by informal bird viewing and interpretation. The May 15 event is open to the public and free of charge; attendees are asked to register online at sonomalandtrust.org. Straus Family Creamery is donating organic ice cream for attendees to enjoy throughout the afternoon while supplies last. Please, no dogs, bicycles or kayaks on this day. 

“The addition of this restored land and public trail to the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a testament to the vision of our partners at Sonoma Land Trust and the San Francisco Bay Trail,” says Anne Morkill, manager of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “This extension of the Bay Trail on Refuge land will offer Bay Area residents exciting opportunities to experience wildlife and wild places for generations to come.”

About Sonoma Land Trust

Sonoma Land Trust believes land is the foundation of our economy and our community’s health and well-being. Since 1976, Sonoma Land Trust has protected over 50,000 acres of scenic, natural, agricultural and open land for future generations, and is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

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CONTACT:

Sean Dowdall
President, Landis PR
sean@landispr.com

Pristine coastal property now protected forever

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. ­— Advancing their shared missions to protect scenic, agricultural and biologically significant landscapes, Sonoma Land Trust (SLT), the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District (District) and The Wildlands Conservancy (TWC) teamed up with the California Coastal Conservancy and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to purchase the 547-acre Estero Ranch, located south of Bodega Bay. The acquisition, which closed on December 24, permanently protects a rugged section of the iconic Sonoma Coast where the Estero Americano meets the Pacific Ocean, and will enhance SLT’s adjacent 127-acre Estero Americano Preserve. It will also increase the number of District-protected properties in the coastal agricultural belt of Sonoma County, and will serve as a companion to the TWC-owned and managed Jenner Headlands Preserve to the north. Watch video flyover here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUERF0lKB9c. 

“This is a very exciting property to be able to protect,” says Land Trust executive director Dave Koehler. “Collaboration is the key, and each partner brings a unique set of tools to help get the job done. The estuary is where life begins for hundreds of fish and wildlife species, and the working ranch is a cornerstone in the scenic landscape of the Sonoma Coast. Its permanent protection has been a conservation goal of all of the partners for more than 20 years.”

Project structure

Serving as the architect of the acquisition, Sonoma Land Trust secured funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the California Coastal Conservancy, as well as the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, whose contribution of $1.95 million makes up just over half of the $3.8 million acquisition cost. The District will retain a conservation easement and recreation covenant on the property to ensure the natural resources and agricultural values will be protected, and that there will be some level of recreational use available forever. 

“We are thrilled to work with the Land Trust and The Wildlands Conservancy to protect this important coastal agricultural property,” says Bill Keene, general manager of the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. “The District has a history of protecting sensitive properties along the Sonoma Coast and this ranch — with its significant natural resources, vital agricultural capacity and spectacular views — is no exception.” 

The Wildlands Conservancy, which owns and stewards the largest nonprofit nature preserve system benefiting the citizens of California, took title to the property at closing and will manage it. Grazing will continue, along with scientific research, education and, in the future, passive recreation via an expansion of the existing California Coastal Trail. “The opportunity to protect a property of such extraordinary resource value, and add nearly a mile of Coastal Trail that affords one of the most beautiful views in the county, comes once in a lifetime,” says Dan York, vice president of The Wildlands Conservancy.

“This would not be possible without the dedicated partnership that has evolved with the Land Trust and the District, working in harmony to save the Jenner Headlands, and now, what will be the Estero Americano Coastal Preserve.”

Historic use and biological features

The Bottarini Family bought the property in 1954 and placed the property on the market in July of 2014. Between 1919 and 1954, the property was owned by the Albini Family and used primarily as a dairy. Presently, the majority of the land is grazed and the southwestern tip is used as an aquaculture farm. The property offers three-quarters of a mile of Pacific coastline and a mile of Estero Americano frontage from which one can enjoy views of Point Reyes, Bodega Head and Doran Beach. It consists primarily of rare coastal prairie and ranges in elevation from sea level to approximately 600 feet.

Estero Ranch also bridges several protected lands and marine areas, including SLT’s Estero Americano Preserve, Pinnacle Gulch and Doran Beach Regional Park, Bodega Head (Sonoma Coast State Beach), Bodega Marine Lab, the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, Estero Americano State Marine Recreational Management Area, the University of California Bodega Marine Reserve, and private ranches protected by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District and Marin Agricultural Land Trust. 

The Estero Americano itself is a unique, relatively undisturbed, fjord-like coastal estuary that is one of the most biologically dynamic areas on the entire Northern California Coast. In the heart of the Pacific Flyway, the Estero is bordered by steeply sloping hillsides and provides important habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds, as well as many special-status species. In addition, much of the uplands on the property are coastal prairie, which is considered an “Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area” by the California Coastal Commission because it supports the highest plant diversity among North American grasslands. 

“This special property deserves to be thoughtfully managed to protect the natural resources while continuing its historic productive agricultural use,” says Sonoma Land Trust acquisitions director Amy Chesnut. “It was loved and cared for by the Bottarinis for more than 60 years and the intent is to carry on in much the same way.”

About Sonoma Land Trust

Sonoma Land Trust believes land is the foundation of our economy and our community’s health and well-being. Since 1976, Sonoma Land Trust has protected over 50,000 acres of scenic, natural, agricultural and open land for future generations, and is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

About Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District

The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District permanently protects the diverse agricultural, natural resource and scenic open space lands of Sonoma County for future generations. Since 1990, the District has protected more than 106,000 acres of agricultural and open space lands through a quarter-cent sales tax approved by voters in 1990 and reauthorized in 2006. For more information, please visit www.sonomaopenspace.org.

About The Wildlands Conservancy

TWC is California’s largest nonprofit steward, with 14 nature preserves that encompass approximately 146,000 acres. Since its inception in 1995, TWC has preserved more than 1,250 square miles of land in California. TWC purchases and restores landscapes, builds visitor facilities to welcome the public, without any cost, back to the land, and provides free outdoor education programs. TWC funds more outdoor education programming at no cost to participants than any other nonprofit provider in California.

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CONTACT:

Sean Dowdall
President, Landis PR
sean@landispr.com

On October 25, Sonoma Land Trust will breach Sears Point levee to create 1,000 acres of tidal marsh

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. ­— A major transformation is coming to the northern coast of San Francisco Bay. After 10 years of planning and raising $18 million, on Sunday, October 25, Sonoma Land Trust will breach the levee along the bay at Sears Point Ranch (located just south of the Highway 37/Lakeville Highway intersection) to allow salt water to fill the recently constructed 1,000-acre tidal marsh basin. This area will begin to evolve to tidal marsh, much as it was 140 years ago before being diked off from the bay. This new tidal marsh, along with enhancing the entire bay ecosystem, will offer the following significant benefits:

• providing habitat for endangered and native species,

• capturing carbon,

• filtering pollutants, and

• buffering our infrastructure (highway and railroad) from the rising seas and storm surges expected as a result of climate change.

A new 2.5-mile-long section of the San Francisco Bay Trail on top of the new levee will also provide some of the best access to the bay in Sonoma County. The trail, and a kayak ramp, will open to the public by early 2016. This restoration has benefited from lessons learned from previous projects — and from nature itself — and incorporates several innovations to reduce the cost and increase the pace at which the marsh is expected to grow. “We have turned a new page in the history of wetlands at San Pablo Bay,” says Dave Koehler, Sonoma Land Trust executive director. “Returning the tides to Sears Point restores health to a natural resource that is vital to our future. The Sea Change event is a celebration for the thousands of people who have contributed to this project, rolling up their sleeves alongside resource professionals to accomplish one of the largest tidal marsh restoration projects in the Western United States.”

“Tidal wetlands are natural infrastructure that help protect our shoreline,” says Janelle Beland, California Undersecretary for Natural Resources. “This project is a great example of how we can work in partnership with nature as we adapt to rising sea levels.”

SEA CHANGE events on October 25

In the morning (starting at 9:30am), a private brunch and program will be held for elected officials, project partners, wildlife agencies and key contributors to the project, followed by the levee breach at noon. Among others, speakers will include U.S. Representative Mike Thompson, State Assemblymember Lois Wolk, and Greg Sarris, Tribal Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. In the afternoon, the public is invited to witness the returning of the tides from 2—6pm. Participants may visit the newly-breached levee site to watch the waters rushing through and explore the future 2.5-mile addition to the San Francisco Bay Trail. Native seed packets will be distributed so that attendees can help to seed the new tidal marsh. This rare opportunity is offered free of charge and pre-registration is required at www.sonomalandtrust.org.

It’s all about partnerships

Numerous federal, state and local agencies and organizations have been involved in this massive project. Ducks Unlimited has been a key partner in permitting, final design, construction management and funding. “This transformation from hay fields back to historic tidal marsh will be an incredible benefit for the birds, fish and people of the Bay Area,” says Ducks Unlimited regional biologist Renee Spenst. “Ducks Unlimited is honored to have been involved in nearly every step of this large and complicated project that encompassed the best available science, technically challenging design and construction conditions, as well as a fundraising effort that sets a new model for large and complex conservation projects.”

“We are very grateful to have had the benefit of working with so many of the best minds around the bay on this project,” says Sonoma Land Trust’s Baylands program manager Julian Meisler. “We are a united community all working toward the common goal of a functioning tidal ecosystem.”

History of this land

Fortunately, unlike the other counties around San Francisco Bay, farmers along Sonoma County’s bayshore never developed their lands that had been diked in the mid-1800s, but used them instead to grow oat hay and graze cattle. However, in 2002, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria announced plans for building a casino on the ranch. Once tribal leaders recognized the environmental sensitivity of this land and its significance to their history, the Tribe changed its plans and donated their option to purchase the property, valued at $4 million, to Sonoma Land Trust. That donation kick-started a $17 million campaign to buy the 2,237-acre Sears Point Ranch, which was achieved in 2005; since then, $18 million has also been raised to restore 1,000 acres of the ranch to tidal marsh. When the project is completed by the end of this year, it will be transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and become part of the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

“We are very excited to be joining Sonoma Land Trust in celebrating the return of the tides to these lands,” says Anne Morkill, manager of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex. “The Land Trust has been a key partner in helping the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service achieve its mission by acquiring and restoring lands for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of the public.”

The breach itself

With the help of an excavator, a 285-foot-wide breach will be created at high tide that will fully connect the project site to the bay. The water is expected to fill the tidal basin within 24 hours. Then, since tidal marshes form over long periods of time, it will take two to three decades to fill in with vegetation. In the meanwhile, waterfowl and other birds will fill the basin with flight and song. “We are literally changing the map of the bay with this project,” says Meisler. “That’s important not because we are trying to go back in time, but rather, because we all depend on a functioning bay. It is vital to our safety, our economy, and for all the wildlife who call it home. This is our legacy and it’s wonderful to have one of which we, as a community, can be proud.”  

Previous media coverage 

ABC News 

Press Democrat 

Sonoma News

About Sonoma Land Trust

Sonoma Land Trust believes land is the foundation of our economy and our community’s health and well-being. Since 1976, Sonoma Land Trust has protected over 50,000 acres of scenic, natural, agricultural and open land for future generations, and is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

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CONTACT:

Sean Dowdall
President, Landis PR
sean@landispr.com

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. ­— By the end of this month, Sonoma Land Trust expects to acquire 29 acres known as the “Curreri property” along Highway 12 in Glen Ellen, with partial funding from the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Upon close of escrow, the Land Trust will immediately transfer the property to Sonoma County Regional Parks to be added to the 162-acre Sonoma Valley Regional Park. On Tuesday, October 14, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will be asked to approve a general plan amendment and zoning change that will facilitate this land transaction. On October 21, the Board will consider the final funding authorization for the District’s share of the purchase price. 

“The District is pleased to be a partner with Sonoma Land Trust on the acquisition of the Curreri property,” says Bill Keene, District general manager. “It features a dramatic hillside backdrop to Glen Ellen, preserves an important wildlife corridor connection and is a great addition to Sonoma Valley Regional Park. The purchase of this multi-benefit property is an excellent example of what the voters who created the District intended to fund.”

The significance of this property

The Curreri property sits in the “pinchpoint” of the imperiled Sonoma Valley Wildlife Corridor, which stretches east to west across the Sonoma Valley, connecting more than 9,000 acres of protected wildlife habitat in the Mayacamas and on Sonoma Mountain. The pinchpoint indicates where the corridor has been narrowed considerably due to the combined influences of development and geography, restricting where animals like mountain lion, bear, fox, bobcat and others may safely traverse the Valley floor. Acquisition of the Curreri parcel is a critical component of Sonoma Land Trust’s overall strategy to protect the corridor by purchasing properties, collaborating with local landowners on wildlife-friendly management and conducting scientific research.

“The importance of this acquisition belies its smaller acreage,” says John McCaull, Sonoma Land Trust project manager. “Like a puzzle, sometimes it is the smaller pieces that make everything come together.” 

Along with its value for wildlife, the Curreri property offers panoramic views of the Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Mountain, the Mayacamas Range, and San Pablo and San Francisco Bays. It also harbors iconic oak woodlands, as well as grasslands, a seasonal wetland and a year-round spring-fed pond.

The threat to this landscape being developed is real. Because the 29 acres have been maintained in their natural state, this property is highly vulnerable to estate and vineyard development, the dominant land uses in the area. “For my family, this is a legacy issue,” said Paul Curreri, who explored the property as a child. “Our land is really more valuable as a place where children can connect with nature and wildlife can continue to roam.” 

Developed in partnership with the Land Trust, the District will hold an innovative conservation easement that will protect the property’s natural resources and its essential function as part of the wildlife corridor. Some elements of public use and recreation may impact wildlife presence and movement through the corridor, but by carefully considering biological surveys, the Land Trust’s monitoring efforts, and input from corridor ecologists during the pending update to the park’s master plan, the Curreri Family’s vision for this important property can be achieved.

Transaction details

Sonoma Land Trust and the Curreris entered into a purchase agreement in October 2013, which has been extended through October 2014. The entire property consists of 35.36 acres, 6.39 of which are already developed and will be retained by the Curreri Family. The total purchase price is $1,110,054, with the District contributing $526,500 for the conservation easement over the 28.97-acre acquisition portion of the property. Additionally, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, which has helped finance the Land Trust’s other purchases in the Wildlife Corridor, is providing $573,554, and the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation is contributing $10,000. Additionally, the Regional Parks Department is asking the District for $77,613 to cover master-planning of the park expansion and initial public access. 

“We look forward to considering the acquisition of the Curreri property,” says Susan Gorin, Board Director of the District and First District County Supervisor. “This great collaboration among our County agencies and Sonoma Land Trust will benefit both wildlife and park users, and help retain the beauty of Sonoma Valley for generations to come.” 

This acquisition is contingent on Board approval of a general plan amendment and zoning change to allow for a lot-line adjustment to expand Sonoma Valley Regional Park, and to create a properly zoned legal lot that includes the existing structures to be retained by the Curreris, who wish to live there. 

Regional Parks’ staff will begin planning for public access this winter. Meanwhile, interim use of the site’s existing trails will commence next spring and trail improvements could begin as early as next fall, once the park’s master plan is amended to include the Curreri addition. “We are thrilled to be able to add such a crucial piece of land to Sonoma Valley Regional Park, with its importance to wildlife movement, the viewshed and its significant beauty,” says Regional Parks director Caryl Hart. 

“The Curreri property will be a sweet addition to Sonoma Valley Regional Park,” concludes Ralph Benson, Sonoma Land Trust executive director. “We hope people will enjoy it forever.”   

About Sonoma Land Trust Sonoma Land Trust believes land is the foundation of our economy and our community’s health and well-being. Since 1976, Sonoma Land Trust has protected over 50,000 acres of scenic, natural, agricultural and open land for future generations, and is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

About Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District

The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District permanently protects the diverse agricultural, natural resource and scenic open space lands of Sonoma County for future generations. Since 1990, the District has protected more than 109,000 acres. Agricultural and open space lands have been protected through a 1/4-cent sales tax approved by voters in 1990 and reauthorized in 2006. For more information, please visit www.sonomaopenspace.org.

About Sonoma County Regional Parks

The Regional Parks represent the natural beauty and diversity of Sonoma County. The Regional Parks include more than 50 parks and trails throughout Sonoma County, from Petaluma to Gualala and from Sonoma to Bodega Bay. The Regional Parks offer opportunities for recreation, education and conservation, enhancing the quality of life and well-being of Sonoma County residents and visitors. For more information, visit sonomacountyparks.org. 

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CONTACT:

Sean Dowdall
President, Landis PR
sean@landispr.com

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. ­— The Sonoma Land Trust board of directors has chosen award-winning conservation leader Dave Koehler as the organization’s new executive director, succeeding Ralph Benson who retired at the end of February after 12 years. Koehler (pronounced Kay-ler) has served as the executive director of the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust since 1990, where he enjoys a reputation for innovation and collaborative conservation, having guided the organization through the planning and establishment of the San Joaquin River Parkway, a 23-mile greenway of conservation lands, parks, trails and river access. 

“We are delighted to have someone of Dave’s caliber and experience taking the lead of Sonoma Land Trust,” says board chair Denny Van Ness. “Dave has a proven track record of developing partnerships and getting people out on the land, both of which are essential for the work we do here as well. The board is eager to introduce Dave to the community.” 

Koehler, 59, developed a passion for conservation as a child growing up in Fresno fishing along the San Joaquin River as often as he could. As an adult, he left a 10-year career in banking when the opportunity arose to work on saving his imperiled river. Since then, he’s been key to collaboratively protecting more than 4,000 acres along a “National Waterway,” a fact that was recognized by former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar who presented Koehler with the prestigious Partners in Conservation Award in 2011. Now, after 25 years, Koehler is ready for new challenges. 

“It’s a privilege to be joining Sonoma Land Trust and I’m excited to have this opportunity to build upon the organization’s terrific accomplishments,” says Koehler. “Conserving vital natural resources and connecting people to land and waterways is right in my wheelhouse of expertise. I look forward to working with everyone in Sonoma County.” 

At the Parkway and Conservation Trust, Koehler developed a strong coalition of regional, state and national conservation organizations committed to restoring the San Joaquin River, and raised the necessary public policy support and funding for the initiatives to succeed. Working with his staff of 16, he also implemented creative programs that have introduced tens of thousands of people to the river and the land. 

“I am thrilled that our board of directors has selected Dave Koehler to be our next executive director,” says Benson. “Dave has built a great organization with a reputation for solid conservation and innovation. He is just the person to lead Sonoma Land Trust at this point in our evolution.” 

Koehler is a graduate of California State University at Fresno with a degree in environmental biology. He and his wife, Sharon, have two adult sons living in the Bay Area. Koehler will join the Land Trust on April 16; until then, conservation director Wendy Eliot is serving as interim executive director.

About Sonoma Land Trust

Sonoma Land Trust believes land is the foundation of our economy and our community’s health and well-being. Since 1976, Sonoma Land Trust has protected over 50,000 acres of scenic, natural, agricultural and open land for future generations, and is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.