SPI and California Waterfowl Announce Wetland Conservation Easement Agreement with NRCS
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 9:10 amSierra Pacific Industries and California Waterfowl Announce Wetland Conservation Easement Agreement with Natural Resource Conservation Service
California Waterfowl
Anderson, CA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) and California Waterfowl today announced that SPI has signed an agreement with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to place a conservation easement on 2,870 acres of wetlands, commonly called White Horse Flat Reservoir, in Sisikyou and Modoc Counties.
The agreement is intended to restore wetlands to improve wildlife habitat and provide other environmental benefits. Under the agreement, timber harvesting, grazing, and other land uses will be curtailed or limited during the 30-year life of the easement.
Sierra Pacific spokesman Mark Pawlicki said “The purpose of this easement is to restore, manage, maintain, and enhance the functional values of wetlands and other lands, and for the conservation of natural values.” He added that “this includes benefits for fish and wildlife and their habitat, water quality improvement, flood water retention, groundwater recharge, open space, aesthetic values, and environmental education.”
California Waterfowl Vice President of Conservation Programs Jake Messerli stated that the conservation easement will offer a significant enhancement to waterfowl habitat in California.
“This project will benefit spring and fall staging habitat for waterfowl and is an excellent demonstration of how cooperative efforts between private landowners, conservation organizations, and the government can benefit wildlife, water quality, and outdoor education,” noted Messerli.
The NRCS has prepared a conservation plan for restoration activities that will occur in the first two years of the agreement. The area, which is approximately
20 miles North of Fall River Mills, will be fenced to help manage grazing. “We are very pleased to be able to work cooperatively with SPI on this project” said NRCS spokesperson Jessica Groves. “We believe it is a key wetland area that will provide tremendous benefits to waterfowl and other wildlife for the next 30 years” Groves said.
Sierra Pacific Industries is a third-generation family-owned forest products company based in Anderson, California. The firm owns and manages nearly 1.9 million acres of timberland in California and Washington, and is the second largest lumber producer in the U.S. Sierra Pacific is committed to managing its lands in a responsible and sustainable manner to protect the environment while providing quality wood products for consumers. For more information, please visit www.spi-ind.com
About:
California Waterfowl is an award winning nonprofit, hunter-supported conservation organization with a mission to conserve the state’s waterfowl, wetlands, and hunting heritage. In the last 20 years, we’ve completed more than 700 individual projects to protect, restore, and enhance more than 360,000 acres, providing habitat for millions of birds and animals. Our Youth and Education Programs have reached more than 250,000 children and young adults to help to create a better understanding of biology, conservation, and outdoor heritage. All efforts are supported largely by donations and the work of over 1,500 dedicated and tireless volunteers.
