J O H N
M U I R
L A N D
T R U S T
H O R I ZO N S P rotec ting the pla ces that m ake t h e East B ay sp e c i a l
SPRING 2018
Almond Ranch
URGENT: HELP SAVE ALMOND RANCH A place viewed as an essential priority by conservationists for decades, Almond Ranch is one critical step closer to becoming protected public open space. John Muir Land Trust is thrilled to announce that we have the property under contract and could permanently protect it — if we raise $4 million by the end of 2019. Saving Almond Ranch from development—the alternative outcome—would be a dream come true for everyone familiar with this stunning place nestled in the East Bay Hills. The Campaign To Save Almond Ranch is launched with a first commitment of $1 million from the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) using funds made available by voters’ approval of Measure WW in 2008 for high-priority community park projects. The contribution is extraordinarily generous and it demonstrates the importance of this unique place to filling the gaps in the East Bay’s mosaic of preserved landscapes. “Few places have been discussed over the years as being so necessary for conservation,” says Robert Doyle, General Manager of EBRPD. “Adding Almond Ranch to the places already acquired on Franklin Ridge by JMLT would be the perfect outcome,” confirms Colin Coffey, EBRPD’s Board Member representing this part of the county. “We’re excited to make the lead contribution.” THE MISSING PIECE: KEY CONNECTIONS A gorgeous 281-acre property south of downtown Martinez, Almond Ranch connects for the first time three large landscapes that comprise fully 18,000 acres of protected open space, and importantly, it fills an essential gap in the 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail. “This is a critical missing link of the trail and a beautiful scenic property,” adds Doyle, also a founding board member of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council.
what’s inside
Executive Director’s Message.....................2 Latino Outdoors.........................................2 Help Save Almond Ranch (Continuation)......3 About Carr Ranch......................................4 Carr Ranch Loop Trail............................. 4-5 Making Connections............................... 6-7 Help Save Almond Ranch (Continuation)......8 Economic Benefits of Conserving Land........9 Carr Ranch Dedicated................................9 Almond Ranch by the Numbers.................10
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Yes on Proposition 68...............................11
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