Lake Britton Conservation Easement

We’re thrilled to share that Lake Britton, in its entirety, including 4,224 acres of environmentally important aquatic habitat, shoreline, forest and woodland is now protected forever! The Lake Britton Conservation Easement provides immense public value with the protection of vital natural resources, preservation of Tribal heritage, and opportunities to explore and recreate.

This property provides important connective access between two already protected Shasta Land Trust properties: the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Conservation Easement and Pit River Tribe's Hat Creek Lake Britton Property, linking 6,087 acres among all three properties. With the protection of the Lake Britton Conservation Easement, Shasta Land Trust's contiguous protected acreage in the adjoining Hat Creek, Pit River, and Fall River region totals 17,151 acres of connected lands!

Located in the ancestral lands of the Illmawi, Itsatawi, and Madesi bands of the Pit River Tribe, Lake Britton’s shoreline contains over 90 archaeological sites of importance and 20 prehistoric villages. Protection of these lands from development supports the preservation and cultural heritage of Tribal lands. 

Lake Britton’s aquatic habitat and connectivity to surrounding waterways makes it an essential conservation zone for wildlife, supporting the endangered Shasta crayfish and many other federally threatened species. One of the largest populations of bald eagles within the United States is present within the property’s wildlife habitat between Lake Britton and the Pit River.

Recreation opportunities on the property are abundant, and includes over 5 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, Hat Creek Park, 59 miles of trails around the shore of Lake Britton, and multiple campgrounds, picnic areas, and boat launches. Preserving these recreational spaces adds value to our local economy and provides a wealth of opportunity to actively enjoy the natural beauty of our lands. 

We are thankful for the enduring protection of this special place. This invaluable land, with opportunities to fish, hike, kayak, camp, and simply enjoy the benefits of nature, is safe from development forever.