Siskiyou Land Trust aims to preserve and conserve

By Paul Boerger (Nov 2012 article from the Mt Shasta Herald)

The Siskiyou Land Trust says its mission is “dedicated to long-term stewardship of agricultural, forest and wildlands in Siskiyou County by working with willing landowners, agencies and organizations.”  The Trust held its yearly Fall Dinner Event Oct. 27 at the Mount Shasta city park upper lodge where a packed house enjoyed a special dinner catered by Olivera’s and gave generously in a silent auction on items donated by local merchants and individuals, and bid high for desserts, also provided by local citizens.

According their website, the Land Trust uses a variety of methods to conserve land from development including the following:

• Accept donations of land or the funds to purchase land;

• Accept a bequest;

• Accept the donation of a conservation easement, which permanently limits the type and scope of development that can take place on the land; and

• In some instances, land trusts also purchase conservation easements.

“A conservation easement, or conservation restriction, is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust that permanently restricts certain aspects of land use in order to protect the conservation values of the property,” the Trust says. “In addition to the satisfaction landowners get from knowing their land is protected in perpetuity, there are also several potential tax advantages to granting a conservation easement: an income tax deduction; an estate tax benefit; and, possibly a reduction in property taxes.”

In an interview, Land Trust Conservation Director Kathleen Hitt spoke of her gratitude for community support and plans for the future. “I give all our supporters a round of applause. It’s because of our supporters in the community that we can be around to conserve these special landscapes in Siskiyou County,” Hitt said. Hitt said among the Trust’s future plans are the GardenShare land, Rainbow Ridge and more direct community involvement in the conservation efforts. “Stay tuned for a community announcement for the GardenShare land across from Sisson School,” Hitt said. “We are also working on a partnership for a conservation easement for Rainbow Ridge. A stewardship event, including reaching out to the schools, is being planned where community members can work on fuels reduction projects.”

The Land Trust’s completed conservation projects include the 7.5 acre Sisson Meadows, 67 acres of the Hammond Reservoir, 70 acres along the Trinity River and 5,500 acres in Scott Valley. Ongoing projects include Sisson Meadow boardwalk enhancement, Mount Shasta City Park to downtown Greenway, forest conservation, ranch and farmland conservation, GardenShare project and monitoring of completed stewardship projects.

For more information on the Siskiyou Land Trust, visit the website at www.siskiyoulandtrust.org.

Siskiyou Land Trust Invites Public to River Run Gallery on September 24th
Siskiyou Landscapes Benefit Art Show

Mt. Shasta, CA, September 7, 2011:  The River Run Gallery in Weed will be hosting an art show to benefit the Siskiyou Land Trust (SLT) featuring several popular artists. As a way to show their support, Sharon LoMonaco and David Gochenour, founders of  River Run Gallery are using the upcoming art show called Siskiyou Landscapes to benefit the Siskiyou Land Trust.

A portion of the proceeds from sales during the opening reception on September 24^th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. will be donated to the Siskiyou Land Trust. All who enjoy art inspired by Siskiyou County landscapes should come out and enjoy the show. Only July 24^th sales will benefit SLT so please attend and purchase the piece you fall in love with that day. This will support SLT’s efforts to provide long-term stewardship for more land in Siskiyou County.

Participating artists include Ann Kinkade, Willo Balfrey, Chris Messer, Roberta Mosher, Bruce Anthony, Alek Balos, Chris Schneider, Daryl Brooks, Sharon LoMonaco, Bob Swanson, Dennis King, Brad Goldpaint, Janet Biondi and Joy Price. River Run Gallery is at 151 Main St, Weed, CA. and their telephone number is 530-938-4602.

Press Release PDF version

Public supports Land Trust‘s goals to preserve, protect – November 17, 2010    Mt. Shasta Herald, by Paul Boerger

Nearly 100 people attended Siskiyou Land Trust’s Fall Harvest Celebration fundraiser Nov. 10 in Mount Shasta.

The LandTrust says its mission is “dedicated to long-term stewardship of agricultural, forest and wildlands in Siskiyou County by working with willing landowners, agencies and organizations.” The Trust’s goals include the following: · Create and explore opportunities for the appropriate conservation of open space, forests, wetlands, ranches, farms and wildlife habitat; · Protect the rural character and abundant natural resources of Siskiyou County while promoting a diverse array of compatible and sustainable economies; and · Develop and promote educational opportunities to foster long-term land stewardship and conservation in Siskiyou County. LandTrust executive director Janet Zalewski said a primary goal for the Trust is “sustainability.” “We want folks 200 years from now doing the same thing,” Zalewski said. “We want to preserve land in perpetuity.” In an interview, Zalewski described Siskiyou County as “a beautiful and important place.” “John Muir compared Siskiyou County to Yellowstone and Yosemite,” Zalewski said. “We can preserve it, but we can’t do it by ourselves. We need the support and involvement of the community.

Every dollar you donate goes to preserving land.” Zalewski recently completed the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail in a five and a half month journey.

“I just got back from a walk,” Zalewski said to audience laughter.

Land Trust board member Belinda Higuera, emcee for the evening, thanked everyone for coming and recognized Siskiyou Title, business owners David and Lee Collier and their employees, and Tristan Behm for their service to the Land Trust.

Behm was also a member of the swing band that played for the event that had couples up and dancing.

Cafe Maddalena provided the sumptuous food and citizens donated numerous items for the silent auction.

Among the Trust’s accomplishment are the following:

· Sisson Meadow Wetlands and Trails – Obtained a $250,000 grant and purchased a 7.5 acre property near the center of Mt.

Shasta City that along with a $150,000 grant by the California Resources Agency and a $10,000 donation from the Mountain Runners includes a trail system and wetlands enhancement;

· Hammond Reservoir – Accepted the donation of the 67-acre Dwight Hammond Reservoir located at the foot of Mount Eddy between the cities of Mount Shasta and Weed, to protect the scenic and wildlife habitat values of the lake; and

· Trinity River – Through a private donation, acquired a 70-acre conservation easement along the Trinity River to preserve open space, salmon and steelhead spawning areas, and wildlife habitat.

Ongoing projects include the following:

· Scott Valley Conservation Easement – The Siskiyou Land Trust has been working for several years with the Whipple and Plank families in Scott Valley to place approximately 5,500 acres of their land into a conservation easement.

After years of negotiation and hard work, the proposed conservation easement is on the road to approval and completion;

· Viewshed Protection-Working with landowners to preserve Rainbow Ridge;

· Mount Shasta City Park to Downtown Greenway Project – Assisting a group of Mount Shasta organizations that are planning a multi-use trail and greenway to connect the Mount Shasta City park to the downtown business district;

· Ranch and Farmland Conservation – Working with numerous long-standing Shasta Valley, Scott Valley and Butte Valley ranchers and farmers to keep their land in agriculture production, rather than seeing them converted into residential or commercial developments; and

· Stewardship Activities-Annual monitoring and care taking of land and conservation easements held by the land trust.

For more information, visit the website: www.siskiyoulandtrust.org.

Janet Zalewski begins five-month Pacific Crest Trail Trek, April 27th, 2010

by Siskiyou Land Trust, Siskiyou Daily

Daily News
Posted Apr 27, 2010 @ 09:48 AM

Mount Shasta, Calif. — As part of a campaign designed to generate awareness and raise funds for conservational activities conducted by the Siskiyou Land Trust, Janet Zalewski has left Northern California to embark upon a journey along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a recent press release announced.
Zalewski retired as the CEO of the Siskiyou Family YMCA in March.
Her five-month trek stretches 2,650 miles from the U.S./Mexico border to the U.S./Canada border and spans the length of California, Oregon and Washington. People can stay posted on Zalewski’s trip by visiting the Siskiyou Land Trust Web site www.siskiyoulandtrurst.org or by checking her weekly blog at pct2010.wordpress.com/.
Zalewski’s starting point was the Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick Off (ADZPCTKO) at Lake Morena County Park just north of Campo, Calif. in eastern San Diego County. The gathering of thru-hikers, which was held April 22-25, serves as an orientation where past, present and future adventurers can build friendships and share knowledge. It also marks the traditional start of the PCT hiking season.
Pledges are currently being gathered by the Siskiyou Land Trust and are based upon the length of Janet’s journey. All proceeds benefit the Siskiyou Land Trust Operational Endowment Fund. An endowment fund, much like a retirement account or nest egg, is an account in which funds are deposited and interest earned may be drawn upon for operational expenses. Zalewski’s ultimate goal is to increase the endowment fund by $10,000. As a point of reference, a pledge would be calculated in the following manner: 1 penny per mile = $26.50 contribution.
For more information on the Siskiyou Land Trust and its activities, or to make a pledge that will ensure long-term stewardship of agricultural, forest and wild lands in Siskiyou County, contact Conservation Director Kathleen Hitt at 522 Alma St., P.O. Box 183, Mount Shasta, CA, 96067, www.siskiyoulandtrust.org, or call 926-2259.

Copyright 2010 Siskiyou Daily News. Some rights reserved

Siskiyou Land Trust Has Moved, April 3, 2010 by Mount Shasta Chamber of Commerce , Mt. Shasta Chamber Weblog

The Siskiyou Land Trust is a local conservation organization that works with landowners to protect open spaces, agricultural lands, forestlands, wetlands, scenic viewsheds, and wildlife habitat in Siskiyou County.

After enjoying several years in the Weed Mercantile building, the Siskiyou Land Trust is thrilled to have a new office location near Sisson Meadow (522 Alma Street). The Siskiyou Land Trust purchased Sisson Meadow in 2002 to protect an unobstructed view of Mt. Shasta and to protect the meadow’s ecological, recreational, and educational values for the benefit of the community. Since that time, the land trust has partnered with several local organizations, schools, and individuals to develop trails and benches, restore the meadow wetlands, and provide an outdoor classroom for all to enjoy. The land trust is currently working with several landowners in Siskiyou County who are interested in permanent protection of their agricultural lands, forest lands, and wetlands.

If you are interested in learning more about the Siskiyou Land Trust and its current activities, please attend our annual member meeting on Wednesday April 14th at Sisson Museum in Mt. Shasta. Doors open at 5:30 for refreshment and the meeting begins at 6:00. We look forward to sharing our accomplishments and organizational goals with the community. Sign-ups will be available for several volunteer opportunities – including participation in land trust projects and committees, Sisson Meadow stewardship, leading summer hikes, and coordinating a native plant and vegetable garden at the new office. You can also learn more about the Siskiyou Land Trust by stopping by our office, visiting our website: http://www.siskiyoulandtrust.org/, or finding us on facebook.

Mt. Shasta Ski Park Committed to the Environment and Local Conservation, May 28th, 2010 by Ski Park and Siskiyou Land Trust, Record Searchlight

Mt. Shasta, CA — The Mt. Shasta Ski Park owners and staff are pleased to announce that we are donating our recycling proceeds with a local conservation organization, the Siskiyou Land Trust.

As Jim Mullins puts it, “At the Mt. Shasta Ski Park, we’re committed to the health of the environment. We want to make sure the way we do business helps sustain the natural resources that we depend on. That’s why we’re working to reduce our ecological footprint in everything we do at our resort. As part of our efforts we have hired a full-time recycling coordinator.”

Best known as eco-man, Yoj Chase works toward the ski park’s goal of capturing at least 90 percent of our recyclable food service waste through the use of strategically placed recycling bins, both around our base area and our employee work stations, and also through the use of education and encouragement of both the public and our work force.

According to Mullins, “through partnership developments with Bigfoot Recycling of Redding, Mt. Shasta Opportunity center and a local bio diesel manufacturer, we are capturing our aluminum, glass, plastic, cardboard and fry oil waste for recycling.” Mt. Shasta Ski Park owners and operators Chuck Young and Andy Aguilera explain that guests have met the park’s efforts with surprising success and employees are very enthusiastic and excited to see what a difference they can make.

Through these recycling efforts, the Mt. Shasta Ski Park raised $2,500 to donate to the Siskiyou Land Trust. John Brennan, Siskiyou Land Trust Board president, expressed his gratitude for the donation: “The Mt. Shasta Ski Park contribution is extremely generous, and the land trust is very thankful that a local business is taking an active role in conservation even during these challenging economic times.”

Young stresses the Ski Park’s commitment to the community and the environment. As he said, “Andy and I grew up here in Dunsmuir. We are part of this community, and are working hard to help the community out as best we can.”

Land Trust honors Erickson, Mercy Medical Center, May 20, 2009 by Charlie Unkefer, Mount Shasta Herald

Mount Shasta, Calif. -

The Siskiyou Land Trust honored a local individual and a local business as “Community Conservation Heroes” during their annual membership meeting held at the Mt. Shasta Community Building on Tuesday evening, May 12.

LaVada Erickson, recently retired county supervisor and former member of the County Planning Commission, was recognized “for her 20 years of public service and long-standing commitment to protecting Siskiyou County resources,” according to a Land Trust press release.
Mercy Medical Center Mt. Shasta was commended by the Land Trust board “for its commitment to recycling and waste reduction and for its ‘buy local’ purchasing policies.”

In receiving her award, Erickson spoke of her long struggle as a supervisor and planning commissioner to be a voice for increased environmental protection and conservation, and of the importance of maintaining our quality of life as more development comes into the county.
“LaVada Erickson’s work on the County Board shows the power of a single voice to create significant change,” said SLT treasurer Susie Boyd. “Her steadfast commitment to protecting our quality of life has helped to keep Siskiyou County the beautiful place that it is. Her example should inspire the rest of us, especially young people, to get involved and stay involved in community affairs.”

Katy Chapman received the business award on behalf of Mercy Medical Center and described the many ways in which the hospital has adopted policies to avoid creating waste products, require recycling and increase the use of local sources for the products that it needs.

Chapman noted that Mercy Mt. Shasta has an active program of employee education to improve its environmental practices, and she recommended this to other local businesses as a means of both protecting the community and reducing operating costs.

Land Trust president John Brennan congratulated the award winners. He noted that, “Mercy Medical Center shows how a smart, modern business can engage all of its employees in finding ways to reduce waste and reduce costs at the same time. Through its Ecology Committee, the hospital has found many ways to eliminate products that can’t be recycled and to direct its purchasing to local sources and thereby reduce its carbon footprint. They are striving to be a be good example in the community and they are showing that this makes good business sense.”

About 150 supporters attended the annual membership meeting, at which the work program of the Siskiyou Land Trust was described, according to the press release.
Current Land Trust projects include continued maintenance of Sisson Meadow Park and improvements to the park for wildlife habitat and public use, development of the Spring Hill Trail in partnership with Mt. Shasta Trail Association and Coca-Cola Bottling of Mt. Shasta, and protection of Siskiyou County open space and agriculture.

It was also announced that an upcoming volunteer workday at Sisson Meadow Park is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, to continue the fight against invasive Scotch Broom around the pond.

For more information contact the Siskiyou Land Trust at 926-2259.