Celebrating the protection of the Jenner Headlands
Sonoma Land Trust introduces The Wildlands Conservancy as future landowner
(Jenner, CALIF., April 24, 2010) — More than 200 people representing more than 20 organizations involved in the five-year campaign to protect the 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands celebrated with the Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) today on the spectacular coastal property. This nationally significant project closed escrow in December and is the single largest conservation land acquisition in Sonoma County.
Financial support for the $36 million purchase was provided through grants and loans from a number of county, state and national agencies, including the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program; USDA Forest Service, Forest Legacy Program; and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The Wildlands Conservancy, Save the Redwoods League, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation provided bridge loans to make the acquisition possible in advance of anticipated grant funds from the State Coastal Conservancy and Wildlife Conservation Board.
Introducing The Wildlands Conservancy
In its quest to protect the Jenner Headlands for current and future generations to enjoy, the Sonoma Land Trust has always planned to turn the property over, in time, to an organization with expertise in providing outdoor educational programs and enhanced public use. At today’s event, SLT executive director Ralph Benson introduced The Wildlands Conservancy (TWC) executive director David Myers and announced an agreement to co-manage the property that will lead to TWC taking ownership of the Jenner Headlands at some point during the next three years.
The Wildlands Conservancy is a privately funded land conservation organization that has preserved more land in California than any other conservation organization. Since 1995, TWC has preserved 1,200 square miles, including their 97,000-acre Wind Wolves Preserve at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. Providing extensive public access and environmental education are hallmarks of TWC’s philosophy, and TWC funds more free outdoor education programs for youth than any other nonprofit organization in Southern California. More than 90,000 children participate in their programs each year.
“With its vast experience managing enormous landscapes and providing public programs, The Wildlands Conservancy is uniquely well suited to oversee the Jenner Headlands,” said Benson. “We are excited that TWC is moving into Sonoma County and know that it will become an integral and valued player in our strong network of conservation organizations.”
“The Wildlands Conservancy looks forward to the hard work ahead in restoring and managing this magnificent landscape through consensus decisions with the Sonoma Land Trust, whose commitment and leadership is extraordinary,” said David Myers, executive director of The Wildlands Conservancy. “Sonoma County, the state of California and travelers from around the world owe the Sonoma Land Trust a debt of gratitude for the preservation of the Jenner Headlands.”
Currently, TWC is co-managing the Jenner Headlands with the Land Trust and has two staff working full time alongside SLT staff to assess the natural and cultural resources on the property and lead hikes. Over the next two years, SLT and TWC will develop a comprehensive resource management plan for the property. Once the plan is completed, TWC is expected to take ownership and the two organizations will continue to collaborate to implement the management plan.
“The Sonoma Land Trust is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for the community and for The Wildlands Conservancy,” said Benson. “This will be a gradual process, during which TWC will get settled in Sonoma County and learn the needs of the property and the community. We are so fortunate to have found such a perfect fit for both.”
About the Sonoma Land Trust
The Sonoma Land Trust preserves scenic, natural, agricultural and open land for future generations. Since 1976, the Sonoma Land Trust has protected more than 25,000 acres of beautiful, productive and environmentally significant land. For more information, please visit www.sonomalandtrust.org.
About The Wildlands Conservancy
The mission of The Wildlands Conservancy is to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the earth, and provide programs so that children may know the wonder and joy of nature. For more information about The Wildlands Conservancy, please visit www.wildlandsconservancy.org.
—David Myers
Executive Director,
The Wildlands Conservancy
