Transfer of Land to the United States Forest Service
The donation of land at the Eel River planning unit to the United States Forest Service (USFS), and the establishment of a conservation covenant to be held by Sierra Nevada Conservancy were finalized on October 21, 2021.
Updated Final Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan- Eel River (Lands to be donated to USFS)
At its January 25, 2017 meeting, the board adopted the Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan for lands to be donated to the United States Forest Service at the Eel River planning unit located in Mendocino and Lake Counties. The LCCP was updated April 9, 2020.
The LCCP describes how the proposed transaction and related agreements conform to and fulfill all requirements of the 2003 Settlement Agreement and Stipulation.
The draft LCCP was made available for public review and comment for a 30 day period from October 16, 2016 to November 17, 2016.
Permanent Protection of PG&E's Retained Property with a Conservation Easement
On June 28, 2022, a conservation easement was recorded to protect the Beneficial Public Values on lands owned by PG&E at the Ell River planning unit. The Conservation Easement is held by the Mendocino Land Trust.
Updated Final Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan - Eel River ( PG&E Retained)
At its March 15, 2017 meeting, the board adopted the Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan for lands to be retained by PG&E at the Eel River planning unit in Mendocino and Lake Counties. The LCCP was updated May 26, 2021.
The LCCP describes how the proposed transaction and related agreements conform to and fulfill all requirements of the 2003 Settlement Agreement and Stipulation.
The draft LCCP was made available for a public review and comment period from December 12, 2016 to January 11, 2017.
Transfer of Land to the Potter Valley Tribe
The donation of land at the Eel River #1 (Trout Creek) property to the Potter Valley Tribe and the establishment of a conservation easement held by Mendocino Land Trust were finalized on July 24, 2019.
The donation of land at the Eel River #2 (Alder Creek) property to the Potter Valley Tribe and the establishment of a conservation easement held by Mendocino Land Trust were finalized on July 24, 2019.
Revised Final Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan – Eel River (Trout Creek)
At its March 16, 2016 meeting, the board adopted the Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan for lands to be donated to the Potter Valley Tribe at the Eel River (Trout Creek) planning unit in Mendocino County. Since that time, additional revisions have been proposed for the Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan.
At its May 2, 2018 meeting, the board adopted the Revised Final Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan for lands to be donated to the Potter Valley Tribe at the Eel River (Trout Creek) planning unit in Mendocino County, California.
The draft LCCP was made available for public review and comment for a 30 day period from December 15, 2015 to January 20, 2016.
Final Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan Adoption - Lower Trout Creek
At its March 16, 2016 meeting, the board adopted the Land Conservation and Conveyance Plan for lands to be donated to the Potter Valley Tribe at the Eel River (Lower Trout Creek) planning unit located in Mendocino and Lake Counties.
The LCCP describes how the proposed transaction and related agreements conform to and fulfill all requirements of the 2003 Settlement Agreement and Stipulation.
The draft LCCP was made available for public review and comment for a 30 day period from December 15, 2015 to January 20, 2016.
Recommendations
At its April 27, 2016 board meeting, the board approved a finding of no significant public interest value (NSPIV) for a 23.9 acre area of land at the Eel River planning unit after evaluating the parcels and coming to the conclusion that the parcels do not contain, nor do they have the potential for significant habitat, forestry, agricultural, recreational, or open space value. These 23.9 acres will not be included in the Eel River planning unit LCCP.
At Its June 24, 2015 meeting, the Stewardship Council Board of Directors recommended the United States Forest Service as the prospective fee title donee for approximately 891 acres of land at the Eel River planning unit, located in Lake County.
At Its November 19, 2014 meeting, the Stewardship Council Board of Directors recommended the Potter Valley Tribe as the prospective fee title donee for approximately 219 acres of land at the Eel River planning unit, located in Mendocino and Lake County, contingent on the following transaction terms:
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The Potter Valley Tribe provides a limited waiver of sovereign immunity to ensure that the conservation easement and other agreements executed pursuant to the Land Conservation Commitment are enforceable.
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The Potter Valley Tribe agrees not to petition the federal government to have the donated lands placed into federal trust
At its May 2, 2012 meeting, the Stewardship Council Board of Directors recommended the Potter Valley Tribe as the prospective fee title donee for approximately 723 acres of land at the Eel River planning unit, located in Mendocino County, contingent on the following transaction terms:
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The Potter Valley Tribe provides a limited waiver of sovereign immunity to ensure that the conservation easement and other agreements executed pursuant to the Land Conservation Commitment are enforceable.
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The Potter Valley Tribe agrees not to petition the federal government to have the donated lands placed into federal trust
Land Stewardship Proposals
In September/October, 2011, the Stewardship Council received three land stewardship proposals from organizations interested in being considered for a donation of fee title to certain lands located within the Eel River planning unit. Proposals were prepared and submitted by Potter Valley Irrigation District, Potter Valley Tribe, and the United States Forest Service (Mendocino National Forest). The information and statements contained in these proposals were prepared by the respective organizations. Proposals are presented 'as is' and the Stewardship Council does not make any assertion regarding the accuracy or completeness of information presented, nor do the proposals necessarily reflect the views of the Stewardship Council. The proposals will be reviewed and considered prior to any recommendation by the Stewardship Council for a donation of fee title to lands within the Eel River planning unit.
Organizations Submitting a Statement of Qualifications
Potter Valley Irrigation District
Potter Valley Tribe
The Conservation Fund
United States Forest Service
Public Information Meeting
The primary purpose of this meeting was to solicit public input on the development of the Land Conservation and Conveyance Plans (LCCP) to preserve and enhance the beneficial public values.
Maps