Placer Legacy Open Space & Agricultural Conservation Program

Conserving Our Land, Protecting Our Heritage

Placer Legacy is a public/private partnership between Placer County and the Sierra Business Council (SBC). The program is designed to balance economic growth with a proactive conservation effort to protect and improve a variety of natural and open space resources in the fastest growing county in California.

Objectives

• Maintain a viable agricultural community
• Conserve natural features for outdoor recreation
• Retain important scenic and historic areas
• Protect endangered plant and animal species
• Separate urban areas into distinct communities
• Ensure public safety

Results
After an extensive public participation process the Pla cer Legacy Open Space and Agricultural Conservation Program was finalized and adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 2000. The County and SBC have also advanced considerably in the development of a federal Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and state Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP). To date Placer Legacy has:

Preserved open space that will help maintain the county's high quality of life, attract and keep businesses, and improve property values. Conservation easements and land acquisitions are being put in place across the County, based on willing buyer and seller approaches. SBC has been very instrumental in advancing three land protection projects that protect and restore habitat for plant and animal communities while providing parkland for recreation.

Supported farmers through the marketing of local agricultural products through PLACER GROWN. Promoted the acquisition of conservation easements, providing farmers and other property owners with incentives to avoid the urbanization of their lands.

Developed biological and natural resource study projects that will contribute to the final Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP). This research advances the protection and restoration of watershed resources, plant and animal communities, and endangered and special status species.

Developed a Geographic Information System (GIS), allowing the county to map its open-space, agricultural, biological and natural resources in detail.

Planned for protection and improvement of 7 watersheds in western Placer County. Plans include watershed, stream, wetland and flood plain protection and enhancement projects.

Along with programmatic engagement, SBC also leverages funding for Placer Legacy, provides public outreach and education programs, convenes independent science advisors, and facilitates meetings among the various committees and public advisory groups.

For more information email Program Director Betony Jones or call 530.582.4800 ext.24.