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The Nature Conservancy contributes to the permanent protection of the Garcia River Forest

Mendocino, Calif.—February 5, 2005—In one of the largest conservation deals ever accomplished on the North Coast, The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund today announced the acquisition and permanent protection of the Garcia River Forest in Mendocino County. In partnership with the California Coastal Conservancy, the two conservation organizations also announced that the nearly 24,000-acre landscape will remain a working forest, making the property the first large-scale timber operation owned and operated by a nonprofit environmental group.

Working with its partners, The Conservation Fund raised $18 million to purchase the 23,780-acre tract in southwestern Mendocino County from Coastal Forestlands, Ltd. The California Coastal Conservancy, a state agency that uses voter-approved bond money for coastal protection projects, unanimously approved a $10 million award to assist with the acquisition.  The Nature Conservancy contributed $3.5 million to purchase a conservation easement on the property, permanently protecting it from future subdivision and development.

The Garcia River watershed lies in Mendocino County, 120 miles north of San Francisco. Protection of the watershed allows The Nature Conservancy and its partners to conserve one of the most important river systems in the region.

The upper watershed, which begins high in the coastal range, is steep forestland, and one of California's critical corridors for anadromous fish - fish which ascend rivers from the sea for breeding - such as coho salmon and steelhead trout. The river flows 114 miles from its headwaters to a small estuary, which also serves as important habitat for threatened or endangered waterfowl and wildlife. Fragmentation of these coastal forests due to development or other uses will negatively impact wildlife habitat and fisheries. Protection of the headwaters is an important strategy for protection of the entire Garcia River system.

In addition, local communities surrounding the Garcia River watershed, and other north coast rivers, depend on industries such as tourism, commercial and sport fishing, logging, ranching and farming. Because the property will remain a working landscape, it will continue to contribute to the local economy.

Like millions of acres of Northern California forestland, if the property was converted to vineyards or development it would forever change the region's environmental and economic landscape. Subdividing these large tracts of land can reduce water quality by damaging landscapes which naturally filter pollutants.

Protecting the Garcia River watershed requires ensuring the forestland in the headwaters remains intact. The acquisition provides a unique opportunity to create a working model for sustainable forestry in the North Coast, and maintain employment levels in Mendocino and the surrounding area. The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund will work with forest managers, public agencies, and conservation groups on innovative approaches to finding a balance among the competing demands on our forests.

Like much of Northern California, water is the lifeblood of California's North Coast. Its complex system of rivers and tributaries support one of the richest, and rarest, array of species, as well as many local economies. The Garcia River acquisition marks The Nature Conservancy's first conservation efforts in the North Coast in more than 10 years.

To protect the health and diversity of California's North Coast, The Nature Conservancy continues to work with conservation organizations, timberland owners and local communities to conserve the integrity of the watersheds that support coastal forests, fisheries and wildlife habitats. The issues in the region are multifaceted and require working with many stakeholders to bring about effective solutions. Utilizing a variety of tools, such as conservation easements, The Nature Conservancy will continue to work with partners and local communities to unearth solutions of mutual interest to all parties.