A Vision for the Future

 

 

Tuleyome has a vision for the region: to protect, preserve, restore and enjoy our natural resources. As development pressures increase from the Bay Area and Sacramento Region, the impact on open space, habitat, and agriculture will increase in time as well.

Putah Creek, Cache Creek, Stony Creek and the Eel River give this diverse place life. Oak woodlands, chaparral, grasslands, riparian habitat, rare and endemic plants found on serpentine soils, and red fir forests along with the lakes, creeks and the sheer scope of the landscape, all combine to sustain elk, black bear, mountain lion, bald and golden eagles, ospreys, bobcats and foxes, otters and many more species, including rare and endangered plants and animals. The region is a vitally important part of the California Floristic Province which is one of the 25 biological “hotspots” on the planet, and there are three migratory corridors for animals that traverse the region. The natural landscape also provides water for nearby urban populations and agricultural operations in other areas.

 

The proposed Snow Mountain (BSM) National Conservation Area (NCA) will encompass as much as 500,000 acres of public lands in the region providing opportunities for landscape scale management and protection for this special place. The proposed NCA ranges from Putah Creek on the south, nearly 90 miles north to Snow Mountain. While the Blue Ridge in Napa and Yolo counties rise to less than 3000 feet, Snow Mountain in Lake, Glenn and Colusa counties tops out at over 7000 feet. Until recently this area has largely been unknown to the public. It now faces the challenges of residential and commercial development, increased recreational visitation from California’s urban centers and climate change. We need national recognition and protection of this incredible region to withstand these ever—increasing threats.

 

 

With a National Conservation Area designation there will be a formal name for this specific geographic area and Congress will acknowledge the local and national importance of this region. A multi-agency management plan for the public lands

within the region will be developed. Currently, over 13 public agencies and non—governmental—agencies individually manage these lands. A coordinated landscape scale management approach for our public lands is needed to preserve the region’s

environmental treasures while allowing for continued hunting, fishing, rafting, biking, birding, and ranching opportunities. This is particularly important in light of

possible impacts to our region from climate change. A Public Advisory Committee will be established to provide direct public input into the management of the region.

National recognition as an NCA will also assist in the development of conservation funding that will protect the regional landscape, facilitating efforts to obtain public and private funds.

 

 

The Berryessa Snow Mountain NCA is not yet a reality. Still, a growing number of organizations and individuals recognize the values in the region and are calling for its protection. With your help it can happen. The final boundaries of the NCA have not yet been determined but they will be based upon biological and cultural assessments to protect the Berryessa Snow Mountain region’s most unique and invaluable natural environment and cultural history.

 

By acting now, we can ensure a legacy for generations to come. It will take folks like you to make this proposal a reality. Share the story of the proposed Snow Mountain National Conservation Area. We will soon have opportunities for volunteers to help protect this area. Please call the Tuleyome office at 530-350-2599 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it