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COUNCIL BOARD MEETINGS |
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UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS |
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IN THE NEWS |
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RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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Recent AnnouncementsON THIS PAGE
Proposed Recommendation of a Fee Title Donee to be Considered at the January 19, 2012 Stewardship Council Board Meeting Fee Title Donee Recommendation The Watershed Planning Committee of the Stewardship Council has forwarded to the Board of Directors a recommendation regarding the selection of the US Forest Service – Stanislaus National Forest for select PG&E watershed lands at Lyons Reservoir planning unit as summarized below. Lyons Reservoir Planning Unit The US Forest Service – Stanislaus National Forest to become the prospective recipient of fee title to approximately 628 acres within four parcels (Parcels 1024 - 1027). A fee title recommendation for the remainder of the lands in the Lyons Reservoir planning unit available for donation will be considered at a later date
Proposed Recommendations of a Conservation Easement Holder and Fee Title Donees to be Considered at the November 16, 2011 Stewardship Council Board MeetingConservation Easement Holder Recommendation The Watershed Planning Committee of the Stewardship Council has forwarded to the Board of Directors the following recommendation regarding the selection of a conservation easement holder over select PG&E watershed lands. The Bear Yuba Land Trust, formerly the Nevada County Land Trust, to hold conservation easements over the watershed lands in the Narrows planning unit. Established in 1991, Bear Yuba Land Trust’s (BYLT) mission is to create a balance between nature and the needs of the people who make a life and a livelihood in Nevada County. BYLT promotes voluntary conservation of natural, historical and agricultural resources through protection and enhancement of natural areas, farms and ranches, trails and parks to provide a lasting community heritage. BYLT’s geographic focus is western Nevada County and the Sierra Foothills areas of Yuba and Sierra Counties. It currently holds 18 conservation easements, and owns 82 acres in fee with an additional 710 acres in escrow. It has nine staff including an executive director, operations manager, stewardship coordinator, treks program coordinator, outreach coordinator and two trail coordinators. BYLT has ten board members with expertise in fly fishing, wildlife biology, conservation planning, and forestry. BYLT is an accredited land trust. For more information about the BYLT, please consult its website. Fee Title Donee Recommendations The Watershed Planning Committee of the Stewardship Council has forwarded to the Board of Directors recommendations regarding the selection of fee title donees for select PG&E watershed lands at five planning units as summarized below. Pit River Planning Unit Collectively, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and University of California – Center for Forestry (UC) to become the prospective recipients of fee title to approximately 8,320 acres available for donation. CAL FIRE is recommended for approximately 5,220 acres available for donation within 27 parcels (Parcels 43-48, 50-56, 65, 67, 68, 83-92, and a portion of Parcel 74). UC is recommended for approximately 3,100 acres available for donation within two parcels (Parcel 75 and a portion of Parcel 74). PG&E to retain fee title to approximately 2,466 acres of land originally identified as available for donation, but constrained. This acreage is in addition to the 1,691 acres originally designated by PG&E for retention in this planning unit.
Tunnel River Planning Unit California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to become the prospective recipient of fee title to approximately 1,796 acres available for donation within 20 parcels (Parcels 13-18, 22-25, 28-35, 38, and 41). PG&E to retain fee title to approximately 232 acres previously identified as available for donation within 17 parcels.
Lake Spaulding Planning Unit The University of California – Center for Forestry (UC) to become the prospective recipient of fee title to approximately 1,484 acres within three parcels (Parcels 795, 796, and 797). Fee title donee recommendations for the remainder of the lands in the Lake Spaulding planning unit that are available for donation will be considered at a later date.
Lower Drum Planning Unit Auburn Area Recreation and Park District (ARD) to become the prospective recipient of fee title to approximately 64 acres available for donation within four parcels (Parcels 888, 893, 894, and 895). Fee title donee recommendations for the remainder of the lands in the Lower Drum planning unit that are available for donation will be considered at a later date.
Narrows Planning Unit Regents of the University of California, Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center (SFREC) is being recommended to receive fee title to approximately 41 acres within one parcel (Parcel 916).
All above items will be considered for action by the board of directors at its November 16, 2011 meeting in Sacramento. Please click here for meeting information. These are preliminary recommendations, and the final transactions will be subject to the board’s approval as part of the Land Conservation Conveyance Plan. Members of the public are welcome to attend the board meeting and address the board on these matters. Inquiries regarding these recommendations can also be addressed to: comments7@stewardshipcouncil.org Proposed Recommended Conservation Easement Holders and Fee Title Donees to be Considered at the September 15, 2011 Stewardship Council Board MeetingConservation Easement Holder Recommendations The Watershed Planning Committee of the Stewardship Council has forwarded to the Board of Directors the following recommendations regarding the selection of conservation easement holders over select PG&E watershed lands. The Shasta Land Trust to hold conservation easements over: The watershed lands in the Cow Creek planning unit. Established in 1998, Shasta Land Trust’s (SLT) mission is to conserve the beauty, character, and diversity of significant lands in far northern California. SLT holds seven conservation easements. SLT is guided by a seven-member board of directors with several standing committees and strong volunteer support. SLT’s board includes a retired director of California Department of Fish & Game, director of Shasta College’s Agriculture Department, planners, an environmental engineer, and former staff of the U.S. Forest Service. SLT is staffed by an executive director and an administrative assistant. SLT is an accredited land trust. For more information about the SLT, please consult its website. The Placer Land Trust to hold conservation easements over: The watershed lands in the Lower Drum planning unit. The watershed lands in the Fordyce Lake planning unit that are located in Placer County. Established in 1991, Placer Land Trust’s (PLT) mission is to work with willing landowners and conservation partners to permanently preserve natural and agricultural lands in Placer County for future generations. PLT holds 16 conservation easements, including three over lands owned by public agencies. In addition, PLT owns 12 fee properties totaling 3,280 acres. PLT is guided by a nine-member board of directors and is staffed by an executive director, assistant director, stewardship manager, land manager, and a community relations manager. PLT’s staff has expertise in forestry, ecology, and agriculture. PLT is an accredited land trust. For more information about the PLT, please consult its website. The Nevada County Land Trust to hold conservation easements over: The watershed lands in the Fordyce Lake planning unit that are located in Nevada County. Established in 1991, Nevada County Land Trust’s (NCLT’s) mission is to create a balance between nature and the needs of the people who make a life and a livelihood in Nevada County. NCLT promotes voluntary conservation of natural, historical and agricultural resources through protection and enhancement of natural areas, farms and ranches, trails and parks to provide a lasting community heritage. NCLT’s geographic focus is western Nevada County and the Sierra Foothills areas of Yuba and Sierra counties. It currently holds 18 conservation easements, and owns 82 acres in fee. It has nine staff including an executive director, operations manager, stewardship coordinator, treks program coordinator, outreach coordinator and two trail coordinators. NCLT has 10 board members with expertise in fly fishing, wildlife biology, conservation planning, and forestry. NCLT is an accredited land trust. For more information about the NCLT, please consult its website. The Mother Lode Land Trust to hold conservation easements over: The watershed lands in the Middle Fork Stanislaus River planning unit. Mother Lode Land Trust (MLLT), formerly the Amador Land Trust, was established in 1991 by a coalition of ranchers, conservationists and other concerned citizens to preserve the foothill landscape of the Central Sierra Nevada. As a nonprofit organization, MLLT accepts conservation easements, provides technical assistance to landowners on preservation techniques and promotes public awareness of the importance of preserving our lands. MLLT holds 17 conservation easements and over 2,800 acres in fee title in Amador, Calaveras, Alpine and El Dorado counties. MLLT is guided by a seven- member board of directors with expertise in botany, education, farming, ranching, forestry and water rights. MLLT also has a four member advisory board with expertise in forestry, agriculture, wildlife biology and public policy. MLLT is staffed by an executive director and a fundraising consultant. For more information about the MLLT, please consult its website. The Northern California Regional Land Trust to hold conservation easements over: The watershed lands in the Oroville planning unit. The watershed lands in the Philbrook Reservoir planning unit. Founded in 1990, the mission of Northern California Regional Land Trust (NCRLT) is to assist landowners and public agencies in the voluntary protection of land and other natural resources by helping willing landowners protect their land, while also helping them gain the economic benefits of conservation. The land trust’s geographic focus is Butte, Glenn, and Tehama counties. The land trust currently holds 17 conservation easements. NCRLT is staffed by an executive director, a land projects coordinator, and an office manager, and guided by a seven member board. NCRLT is an accredited land trust. For more information about NCRLT, please consult its website. Fee Title Donee Recommendations The Watershed Planning Committee of the Stewardship Council has forwarded to the Board of Directors recommendations regarding the selection of fee title donees for select PG&E watershed lands at two planning units as summarized below. Cow Creek Planning Unit Recommendation: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is recommended to receive fee title to approximately 2,251 acres of the 2,264 acres available for donation within eight parcels (Parcel 292-299) with PG&E retaining 15 acres in Parcel 293. Lower Drum Planning Unit Recommendation Placer County is recommended to receive fee title to approximately 15 acres available for donation within Parcel 871. Fee title donee recommendations for the remainder of the lands in the Lower Drum planning unit that are available for donation will be made at a later date All above items will be considered for action by the board of directors at its September 15, 2011 meeting in Oakland. Please click here for meeting information. These are preliminary recommendations, and the final transactions will be subject to the board’s approval as part of the Land Conservation Conveyance Plan (LCCP). Members of the public are welcome to attend the board meeting and address the board on these matters. Inquiries regarding these recommendations can also be addressed to: May 11, 2011 - Recommendations Concerning Fee Title Donees to be Considered at the May Stewardship Council Board MeetingFee Title Donee Recommendations Members of the public are welcome to attend the board meeting and address the board on this matter. Comments regarding these recommendations can also be addressed to: comments5@stewardshipcouncil.org Hat Creek The Bureau of Land Management (Alturas Field Office) (BLM) to receive fee title to 2,265 acres available for donation and not constrained within 15 parcels (Parcels 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207 and 209) subject to compliance with all the requirements of the Land Conservation Commitment.
Lower Bear Area US Forest Service (Eldorado National Forest) (USFS) is recommended to receive fee title to four parcels encompassing 907 acres available for donation (Parcels 950, 948, 949, and 951) subject to compliance with all the requirements of the Land Conservation Commitment, with the expectation that the USFS and Amador County would make a good faith effort to negotiate and enter into a memorandum of understanding that establishes a mechanism under which the parties agree to work together to preserve and/or enhance the beneficial public values on the subject parcels.
North Fork Mokelumne River
Guidelines for Achieving Property Tax NeutralityThe Stewardship Council has created a set of guidelines to help establish a standard methodology for addressing property tax neutrality on lands located across 22 affected counties that are subject to the Land Conservation Commitment; and to communicate the general principles and approach regarding the achievement of property tax neutrality. The Stewardship Council’s Board of Directors adopted the following policy at a public board meeting in Sacramento, California on March 30, 2011.
March 21, 2011 - Public Information Meeting Press Releases
Conservation Easement Holder Recommendations The Sierra Foothill Conservancy to hold the conservation easement over all of the lands in the Bass Lake planning unit that will be retained by PG&E, and all of the lands in the Wishon Reservoir planning unit that will be retained by PG&E. The Sequoia Riverlands Trust to hold the conservation easement over all of the lands in the Kern River planning unit, with PG&E retaining the entire 653 acres of the Kern River planning unit. Note: The board previously approved the US Forest Service (USFS) as the prospective donee of fee title for certain lands at the Kern River planning unit. However, the USFS subsequently withdrew interest in pursuing a donation of land within this planning unit. Therefore, the above recommendation modifies the previous board action by recommending that all of the land in this planning unit now be retained by PG&E. The Mother Lode Land Trust to hold the conservation easement over all of the watershed lands in the North Fork Mokelumne River planning unit that will be encumbered by a conservation easement. Fee Title Donee Recommendation The US Forest Service (Eldorado National Forest) to receive fee title to 1,032 acres available for donation within 10 parcels (Parcels 937, 938, 939, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, and 947) subject to compliance with all the requirements of the Land Conservation Commitment, with the understanding that any of the subject parcels or acres that cannot be transferred to the USFS due to the requirements of the Settlement and Stipulation will be retained by PG&E.
All of the above items will be considered for action by the Board of Directors at its March 30, 2011 meeting in Sacramento. Please click here for meeting information. The recommendations regarding the selection of conservation easement holders and fee title donees at select PG&E watershed lands are preliminary recommendations, and the final transactions will be subject to the board’s approval as part of the Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan (LCCP). Members of the public are welcome to attend the board meeting and address the board on this matter. Comments regarding the proposed tax neutrality guidelines and these recommendations can also be addressed to: comments4@stewardshipcouncil.org February 16, 2011 - Proposed Recommended Conservation Easement Holders and Fee Title Donees to be Considered at February Stewardship Council Board MeetingConservation Easement Holder Recommendations The Watershed Planning Committee of the Stewardship Council has forwarded to the Board of Directors the following recommendations regarding the selection of conservation easement holders over select PG&E watershed lands. The Planning Committee is endorsing the selection of the Ducks Unlimited to hold the conservation easement over all watershed lands located in the following planning units:
The mission of Ducks Unlimited is to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. Ducks Unlimited became a nonprofit corporation in 1937, operates in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and has conserved over 4 million acres in the United States alone. They hold 406 conservation easements over more than 320,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, forests, and farms, with ten of these easements in California encompassing over 5,000 acres. Ducks Unlimited has partnered with local land trusts, and state and federal agencies to facilitate additional conservation easement projects in California. Their California base of operations is in Sacramento (Rancho Cordova) where they have a staff of 30 people. Although Ducks Unlimited’s original focus was protecting migratory waterfowl habitat, they have diversified their programs as they have grown in size. Ducks Unlimited promotes hunting and other forms of recreation where appropriate, holds many conservation easements over grazing lands, and has staff expertise in archeological resources and in forest management. Ducks Unlimited has also actively engaged Native American tribes in its restoration work. Ducks Unlimited also has experience with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing projects. Additionally, the Planning Committee is endorsing the selection of the Feather River Land Trust to hold the conservation easement over:
The mission of the Feather River Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated on February 18, 2000, is to conserve, restore and manage land in the Feather River region in cooperation with willing landowners for the benefit of current and future generations. The land trust currently owns two preserves totaling 1,455 acres, four conservation easements totaling over 3,000 acres, and played a major role in eight other conservation easement transactions in partnership with The Nature Conservancy. With offices in Quincy, Calif., Feather River Land Trust has seven staff members (5.75 FTE), 10 board members. The Planning Committee is also endorsing the selection of the Western Shasta Resource Conservation District (WSRCD) to hold the conservation easement over:
The mission of WSRCD is to collaborate with willing landowners, government agencies, and other organizations to facilitate the conservation or restoration of western Shasta County’s natural resources. Since 1957, they have been a special district covering western Shasta County. They hold three conservation easements, received through a mitigation program with the Army Corps of Engineers, and 10 acres in fee title. Based in Anderson, Calif., WSRCD has 16 full-time staff, four part-time staff, and a seven-member board. Staff expertise includes professional foresters, an archaeology specialist, erosion control specialist, grazing specialist, wetlands specialist, and GIS specialist. They have a robust restoration program and manage grazing leases for the California Department of Fish and Game. Fee Title Donee Recommendation Additionally, the Watershed Planning Committee of the Stewardship Council has forwarded to the Board of Directors a recommendation regarding the selection of a fee title donee for select PG&Ewatershed lands at the Lake Almanor planning unit. Lake Almanor Planning Unit Recommendation:
Fee title donee recommendations for the remainder of the lands in the Lake Almanor planning unit that are available for donation will be made at a later date. All above items will be considered for action by the Board of Directors at its February 16, 2011 meeting in Chico. Please click here for meeting information. These are preliminary recommendations, and the final transactions will be subject to the board’s approval as part of the Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan (LCCP). Members of the public are welcome to attend the board meeting and address the board on these matters. Comments regarding these recommendations can also be addressed to: comments3@stewardshipcouncil.org Thank you for your continued support of the Stewardship Council’s mission. Proposed Recommended Conservation Easement Holders and Fee Title Donees to be Considered at Dec. 2, 2010 Stewardship Council Board MeetingConservation Easement Holder Recommendations The Watershed Planning Committee of the Stewardship Council has forwarded to the Board of Directors the following recommendations regarding the selection of conservation easement holders over select PG&E watershed lands. The Planning Committee is endorsing the selection of the Ducks Unlimited to hold the conservation easement over all watershed lands located in the following planning units upon which a conservation easement will be placed:
The mission of Ducks Unlimited is to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. Ducks Unlimited became a nonprofit corporation in 1937, operates in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and has conserved over 4 million acres in the United States alone. They hold 406 conservation easements over more than 320,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, forests, and farms, with ten of these easements in California encompassing over 5,000 acres. Ducks Unlimited has partnered with local land trusts, and state and federal agencies to facilitate additional conservation easement projects in California. Their California base of operations is in Sacramento (Rancho Cordova) where they have a staff of 30 people. Although Ducks Unlimited’s original focus was protecting migratory waterfowl habitat, they have diversified their programs as they have grown in size. Ducks Unlimited promotes hunting and other forms of recreation where appropriate, holds many conservation easements over grazing lands, and has staff expertise in archeological resources and in forest management. Ducks Unlimited actively engages Native American tribes in its restoration work. Ducks Unlimited also has experience with FERC licensing projects. For more information about Ducks Unlimited, please consult their website . Additionally, the Planning Committee is endorsing the selection of the Mother Lode Land Trust to hold the conservation easement over:
The Mother Lode Land Trust, formerly the Amador Land Trust, was established in 1991 by a coalition of ranchers, conservationists and other concerned citizens to preserve the foothill landscape of the Central Sierra Nevadas. As a nonprofit organization, Mother Lode Land Trust accepts conservation easements, provides technical assistance to landowners on preservation techniques, and promotes public awareness of the importance of preserving our lands. Mother Lode Land Trust holds 17 conservation easements over 2,800 acres in Amador, Calaveras, Alpine and El Dorado Counties. Mother Lode Land Trust is guided by a 7-member board of directors with expertise in botany, education, farming, ranching, forestry and water rights. Mother Lode Land Trust also has a 4-member advisory board with expertise in forestry, agriculture, wildlife biology and public policy. Mother Lode Land Trust is staffed by an executive director who has a background in rangeland resource science, and a fundraising consultant with a background in community development. For more information about the Mother Lode Land Trust, please consult their website . Fee Title Donee Recommendations Additionally, the Watershed Planning Committee of the Stewardship Council has forwarded to the Board of Directors recommendations regarding the selection of fee title donees for select PG&E watershed lands at five planning units as summarized below. Fall River Valley Planning Unit Recommendation :
Lake Britton Planning Unit Recommendation :
Fee title donee recommendations for the remainder of the lands in the Lake Britton planning unit that are available for donation will be made at a later date. North Fork Mokelumne River Planning Unit Recommendation :
Blue Lakes Planning Unit Recommendation :
Lower Bear Area Planning Unit Recommendation :
All above items will be considered for action by the board of directors at its December 2, 2010 meeting in Sacramento. Please click here for meeting information. These are preliminary recommendations, and the final transactions will be subject to the board’s approval as part of the Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan (LCCP). Members of the public are welcome to attend the board meeting and address the board on these matters. Inquiries regarding these recommendations can also be addressed to: comments3@stewardshipcouncil.org Thank you for your continued support of the Stewardship Council’s mission. Proposed Recommendation of Conservation Easement Holders to be Considered at Oct. 20 Stewardship Council Board MeetingThe Watershed Planning Committee of the Stewardship Council has forwarded to the Board of Directors a recommendation from the staff of the Stewardship Council regarding the selection of conservation easement holders over certain lands to be retained by PG&E. The Planning Committee is endorsing the selection of the Sierra Foothill Conservancy (Conservancy) to hold the conservation easement over:
The mission of the Sierra Foothills Conservancy, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1996, is to protect the grasslands, foothills, and forests between Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks which provide land for farms and ranches, a home for wildlife, and a source of clean water. The Conservancy currently owns four preserves totaling 5,500 acres and holds 22 conservation easements. With offices in Prather and Mariposa, California, the Conservancy has eight staff member and 10 board members. For more information about the Conservancy, please consult their website. Additionally, the Planning Committee is endorsing the selection of the Feather River Land Trust to hold the conservation easement over:
The mission of the Feather River Land Trust, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization incorporated February 18, 2000, is to conserve, restore and manage land in the Feather River region in cooperation with willing landowners for the benefit of current and future generations. The land trust currently owns two preserves totaling 1,455 acres, four conservation easements totaling over 3,000 acres, and played a major role in eight other conservation easement transactions in partnership with The Nature Conservancy. With offices in Quincy, California, Feather River Land Trust has seven staff members (5.75 FTE), and 10 board members. For more information about the Feather River Land Trust, please consult their website. The Watershed Planning Committee is also forwarding to the Board of Directors a recommendation from the staff of the Stewardship Council regarding the Doyle Springs planning unit. The Planning Committee is endorsing:
The mission of the Sequoia Riverlands Trust, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1993, is to protect working landscapes, wildlife habitat, and scenic open space while ensuring that the economic growth in their communities remains vibrant and sustainable. The land trust’s geographic focus is Fresno, King, Tulare, and Kern Counties. The land trust currently owns six preserves totaling over 4,000 acres and holds 20 conservation easements. With offices in Visalia, California, Sequoia Riverlands Trust has 9 full time staff, 5 part-time staff, and twelve board members. For more information about the Sequoia Riverlands Trust, please consult their website. These are preliminary recommendations, and the final transactions will be subject to the board’s approval as part of the Land Conservation Conveyance Plan (LCCP). These items will be considered for action by the board of directors at its October 20, 2010 meeting in Modesto. Please click here for meeting information. Members of the public are welcome to attend the board meeting and address the board on this matter. Inquiries regarding these recommendations can also be addressed to: comments3@stewardshipcouncil.org Thank you for your continued support of the Stewardship Council’s important mission. Carrizo Plain Land Exchange - Proposed Board RecommendationAt its September 16, 2010 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council (Stewardship Council) will consider adopting the following findings and recommendations: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has solicited the Stewardship Council’s views on a proposed land exchange involving approximately 655 acres of land in San Luis Obispo County, currently owned by PG&E and subject to the Land Conservation Commitment (the PG&E Carrizo Plain Property). Under the proposal, the PG&E Carrizo Plain Property would be acquired by First Solar, Inc. (First Solar) in exchange for two other privately-owned parcels totaling approximately 1,200 acres and located within the boundaries of the Carrizo Plain National Monument (the Exchange Properties). It is anticipated that the Exchange Properties would be donated to the federal Bureau of Land Management and be permanently protected as part of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. The Stewardship Council has made the following findings and recommendations: 1. As the Stewardship Council cannot find that the PG&E Carrizo Plain Property has no significant public interest value as that phrase is used in the Settlement Agreement, it cannot recommend unconditional transfer of the PG&E Carrizo Plain Property to First Solar. 2. The Stewardship Council nevertheless finds that the proposed land exchange offers a greater benefit to the people of California than continuing to maintain the PG&E Carrizo Plain Property within the Land Conservation Commitment, in that the public stands to receive the benefits of renewable energy as well as greater opportunities to preserve and enhance the beneficial public values of wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation on the Exchange Properties. 3. Therefore, the Stewardship Council supports PG&E seeking the approval of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the federal bankruptcy court to amend the Settlement Agreement to take the PG&E Carrizo Plain Property out of the Land Conservation Commitment, thereby allowing PG&E to transfer fee ownership of the PG&E Carrizo Plain Property to First Solar unencumbered by a conservation easement. 4. The Stewardship Council recommends that the CPUC and the bankruptcy court state as express conditions to the amendment of the Settlement Agreement that: a. First Solar shall effectuate the fee transfer of the Exchange Properties to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for inclusion in the Carrizo Plain National Monument; b. Reasonable transaction costs associated with completing the land transfers shall be borne by First Solar; and c. The permanent protection of the Exchange Properties will be further effectuated by the execution of a conservation easement or equivalent agreement between BLM and an entity qualified to hold and manage conservation easements in the State of California. 5. The Stewardship Council further recommends that PG&E engage with First Solar on the development of additional enhancements to the Exchange Properties for the benefit of the public. Recommendation Concerning Select Watershed Lands – Proposed Board ActionIn furtherance of our objective to advance implementation the Land Conservation Plan, the Stewardship Council recently completed an evaluation of the watershed lands to determine whether certain land ownership recommendations should be made without the need to complete a formal request for proposal (RFP) process. As a result of this evaluation, the Stewardship Council Board of Directors will consider a proposal at its September 16, 2010 meeting that, if approved, will result in:
Lands recommended for donation to the USFS and BLMTable 1 and the lands recommended for donation to BLM include those properties where watershed lands available for donation are bordered on two sides or more by lands currently owned and managed by the USFS or BLM, and where introduction of a new landowner would potentially complicate land management with the potential for little or no assurance of increased preservation or enhancement of the beneficial public values of the donated lands. Lands recommended to be retained by PG&E:Table 2 includes those properties that meet one or more of the following criteria: a relatively small amount of acreage was formerly designated as available for donation; transfer of the land would likely result in significant costs for surveys and subdivision with no assurance that the beneficial public values of the lands would be better protected by a land transfer; or lands where the introduction of a new landowner would potentially complicate land management with little or no assurance of increased preservation and enhancement of the beneficial public values of the donated lands. PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSED ACTION FOR SEPTEMBER 16, 2010 MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORSThe above action will be considered for approval by the Stewardship Council Board of Directors at its September 16, 2010 board meeting in Oakland. Please submit any comments in advance of the meeting via e-mail to: comments1@stewardshipcouncil.org or via US mail to: Stewardship Council Staff will summarize and present all comments to the Board of Directors at the September board meeting. Public comment will also be accepted at the board meeting. Thank you for your continued interest in the mission of the Stewardship Council. |
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