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 ma ke C o n t ra C o sta sp e c i a l
! D
WINTER 2017
E V SA
Carr Ranch
CARR RANCH IS SAVED! Thanks to thousands of generous supporters, our Campaign to Save Carr Ranch is a success! These stunning 604 acres near Lamorinda are now permanently protected watershed, essential wildlife habitat and (soon) beautiful open space for public enjoyment. An outpouring of donations to John Muir Land Trust from individuals, foundations, agencies and corporations reached the $7 million goal needed to buy the cattle ranch from the Carr family, who have owned the land for more than a century. Protecting the
ranch will manage development that could pollute streams running into Upper San Leandro Reservoir, which Sykes calls “a really important part of our drought operation.”
JMLT and East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) have entered into a Conservation Agreement to protect the property in perpetuity. Contributing several million dollars, EBMUD will hold fee title, manage the watershed, protect wildlife habitat, maintain natural open spaces and preserve historical ranching heritage. JMLT will manage permanent public access for recreation such as hiking, wildlife viewing, dog walking and equestrian activities.
“No outcome could better achieve all conservation priorities,” says Linus Eukel, Executive Director of JMLT, speaking to Carr Ranch as an essential addition to the large protected area created by the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness and the nearby watershed lands owned by EBMUD that drain into the Upper San Leandro Reservoir. “Its spectacular views and clean drinking water will benefit East Bay families for generations to come.”
what’s inside
A Huge Community Success Thousands of individuals and organizations made contributions. Residents of Lamorinda — Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda — sent donations of all sizes. Generous contributions were made by the Town of Moraga, Moraga Park Foundation, Orinda Park and Recreation Foundation, Morrison & Foerster, and The San Francisco Foundation. Many residents of San Ramon Valley joined in, protecting the land in the hills above them. Donations came from residents of the Oakland Hills and families who receive drinking water from the Upper San Leandro Reservoir. continues on page 3
Executive Director’s Message.....................2 Music For The Land...................................2 Thank You, Joan Morris!.............................2 Carr Ranch (Continuation)...........................3 Keeping It Natural For Water.......................3 A Birthday Gift For The National Park Service...............................4 Carr Ranch: Why So Important....................4 Defencers To The Rescue!..........................5 POINTing To Success..................................5 A Night With The Stars...............................5 2016 Annual Report............................... 6-7 Donor List............................................ 8-15 Donor Spotlight..........................................9 Corporate Partner Spotlight......................10
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