Noel Ranch

The Shasta Land Trust is excited to announce the permanent protection of 310 acres along the beautiful Fall River! This property with incredible ecological, agricultural, and scenic values will remain as a family farm for decades 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. 

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. 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.