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California	Nevada
Oregon	Washington

Restoring A Forest—And Home

When The Conservation Fund purchased the 24,000-acre Garcia River Forest in the heart of Northern California’s redwood country in 2004, we wanted to demonstrate that we could sustainably harvest the trees and use the proceeds to restore the land—bringing this degraded forest back to health. Little did we know that our restoration efforts might also provide a brighter future for the coastal tailed frog, whose recent discovery on our property symbolizes the many environmental benefits of our commitment to sustainably manage this land. Learn more.

Regional Highlights

Usal Redwood Forest
In October, 2011, we completed a landmark preservation agreement to protect the 50,000-acre Usal Redwood Forest in Mendicino, California. This “working forest,” provides timber and community jobs.
Before Expiring, Key Law Achieves Win-Win For Southern California Lands
The Fund partnered with the Bureau of Land Management to protect a 400-acre property in northeastern San Diego County. Protection of this land permanently secures a portion of the San Luis Rey River’s upper watershed, safeguarding water quality and connecting vulnerable wildlife habitat.
Strategic Conservation: Striking A Balance In Nevada
Nevada has been America's fastest growing state for the past two decades. The Nevada Land Conservancy invited the Fund to help think strategically about western Nevada, the Sierra Front range and areas along border states of California and Oregon—a vast expanse covering 30 million acres. Learn more about our efforts.
Japanese-American Internment Camp Preservation Initiative
The Fund established its Japanese-American Internment Camp Preservation Initiative to acquire the lands once used as campsites where more than 120,000 Japanese-Americans were held during World War II.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Initiative
Through its Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Initiative, the Fund and its partners have set aside more than 25,000 acres along the Corps of Discovery’s 1804 route from Illinois to the Pacific Ocean and the 1806 journey back.

Highlighted Projects

North Coast Forest Conservation Initiative: A Sustainable Approach to Forest Management

Garcia River Forest We’re demonstrating a new way to sustainably manage 40,000 acres of North Coast forestland in California as a nonprofit owner that uses both sound environmental strategy and sound economics—including a “light-touch” harvest regimen, sales of carbon offsets and a supply of local jobs. Learn more.

Saving Land in San Diego: Elfin Forest and Sage Hill

Sage Hill near San Diego San Diego is known for its miles of coastline and beautiful beaches. But there is more to this coastal ecosystem than just sand and surf: Other landscapes, such as coastal sage brush and forest habitat, also are critical to the integrity of the ecosystem. Read about our conservation successes here >>

Gilchrist State Forest, Oregon

ponderosa pine trees In 2010, Gilchrist State Forest became the first addition to Oregon’s forest system in more than 60 years. The new forest offers wildlife habitat, timber to provide jobs, revenue for local government services and access for recreation. The Fund will purchase 25,000 acres adjacent to the new forest, with plans to retain them for a future purchase by the state.