310-Acre Noel Ranch in Fall River Valley Protected Forever!

The Shasta Land Trust is excited to announce the permanent protection of 310 acres along the beautiful Fall River! With incredible ecological, agricultural, and scenic values, this family farm will remain as such for decades to come. This property was protected with grant funds awarded through the California Strategic Growth Council’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program in collaboration with the Department of Conservation.

“We’re thrilled that the Shasta Land Trust is using a grant from our Sustainable Agricultural Land Conservation Program to permanently protect this 310-acre property from urban sprawl,” said Lynn von Koch-Liebert, Executive Director of the Strategic Growth Council. “This easement will support the region’s agricultural economy and ensure open space remains available for generations to come.”

Located in the agriculturally fertile Fall River Valley, 211 acres of the property has served as the Noel Family’s wild rice farm for nearly 25 years. “I’m pleased that the farm will continue on as an agricultural entity, and that the wildlife and agricultural values of the land will be preserved,” said Ted Noel, the property owner. “The property is important for migrating waterfowl, with our rice fields acting as a surrogate wetland for bird species migrating up in the spring, and down in the fall.”

The flooded fields necessary for rice production provide essential habitat for the immense populations of migratory birds on their route along the Pacific Flyway. Wintering migratory species including sandhill cranes, mallards, widgeons, gadwalls, and geese, all utilize the fields for habitat and forage. Due to the unique ecological values of the Fall River Valley, the property falls within a designated Audubon Society Important Bird Area.

The property protects substantial water features, including approximately 1.75 miles of Fall River shoreline, in addition to 38 acres of wetlands along the Fall River and its tributaries. The property’s Fresh Emergent Wetland habitat is considered to be one of the most productive wildlife habitats in California, providing food, cover and water for over 160 species of birds, along with many mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The abundant riparian areas of the property provide important habitat for two special status species, the federally endangered Shasta crayfish and threatened rough sculpin. 

“As an organization, we’re proud to have conserved over 8,200 acres of the ecologically precious Fall River Valley watershed. This conservation easement serves as an important keystone in the protection of the Fall River area, with this property alone protecting over 12% of the Fall River shoreline,” said Paul Vienneau, Executive Director of Shasta Land Trust. “We are incredibly grateful to the Strategic Growth Council and the Department of Conservation for funding the protection of this property, and for the dedication of the Noel Family for preserving the natural resources and beauty of this region.”

"In addition to protecting California's natural and working lands which support local agricultural economies and, in this case, also watershed health, the SALC program helps avoid the increased emissions that accompany the urbanization of rural land,” said Department of Conservation Director David Shabazian. “We congratulate the Shasta Land Trust and landowners on the creation of this agricultural conservation easement."

Protection of the property ensures that the rural character, scenic open space, wildlife habitat, and agricultural uses of the land will exist for generations to come. 

About the California Strategic Growth Council

The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) is a 10-member council comprised of seven state agencies and three public members with the mission to build healthy, thriving, and resilient communities for all. Funded through California’s Cap and Trade system and the California General Fund, SGC’s grant programs, strategic initiatives, and interagency coordination focus on multi-benefit and community-centric solutions at the nexus of climate and equity. Since 2008, SGC has invested over $3.5 billion in projects strengthening communities and addressing climate change. 

About the California Department of Conservation

​With a team of scientists and other dedicated professionals, the Department of Conservation (DOC) administers a variety of programs vital to California's public safety, environment, and economy. The services DOC provides are designed to balance today's needs with tomorrow's obligations by fostering the wise use and conservation of energy, land and mineral resources. 

DOC administers the SALC Program on behalf of SGC. The SALC Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.