Conserving What’s Been Protected

As recently reported in the Press Democrat by Lori Carter, the Jenner Headlands acquisition announced in December was further celebrated this past weekend, including introduction of The Wildlands Conservancy (TWC) to us in northern California. It’s important to have publicly acknowledged the efforts of the Sonoma Land Trust together with the Sonoma County Agricultural Protection and Open Space District and many other generous organizations which made it possible to protect this property. Now future stewardship of these stunningly beautiful and environmentally important lands will depend upon consensus-driven collaborative management efforts led by the Sonoma Land Trust and TWC.

During a conversation with TWC Executive Director, David Myers, he confirmed the sense of excitement his organization is experiencing as it ventures north from its southern California base where it has already preserved 1,200 square miles, more California land than any other conservation organization. With its mission to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our earth, while funding programs which allow children to know the wonder and joy of nature, TWC seems well-suited to undertake the task of protecting Jenner Headlands while accommodating appropriate public access.

What will be considered appropriate must be carefully planned after results from the on-going cultural, biological and botanical studies are complete. Possibilities include connection with the California Coastal Trail and access to significant portions of the property by working with California State Parks and other adjacent landowners. Meanwhile, TWC already has two staff members on-site for patrol and public outreach as it engages in “listening and learning” throughout our community. Ralph Benson, Sonoma Land Trust executive director noted, “this is a great partnership” which meets the needs of these challenging times.

With the TWC practice of its property stewardship being at national park quality standards, as the resource management plans for Jenner Headlands takes shape over the years we may expect significant expenditures to be made to assure what’s already been protected at great cost is also properly conserved for our future.

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