The Wright Wetland Preserve: Lake County Land Trust's largest acquisition is part of the Big Valley Wetlands Protection Plan
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The Lake County Land Trust (LCLT), with incredible support from its members and the local community, has been successful in acquiring this 200-acre wetland and oak-woodland formerly known as the Wright Property, in the Big Valley Wetlands Area.
With an outpouring of community support , the Lake County Land Trust purchased the Wright Wetlands Preserve and four years earlier, a 31-acre parcel called the Melo Wetland Preserve in the same area. These properties are part of the CA Department of Fish & Wildlife's Big Valley Conceptual Area Plan, valued as preservation-priority parcels because of their effect on the health of Clear Lake and its watershed. This area has also been identified by community stakeholders in recent public meetings as a priority for saving and preserving because of the special qualities found here. The Wright Wetland Preserve is as close to original, natural shoreline as you can get. It's also home to black-tailed deer, California quail, wild turkey, raptors, waterfowl such as white pelicans, black bass, catfish, otter, mink, as well as habitats that support special status species including Clear Lake hitch and western pond turtle. Habitats found on this property range from lake to freshwater marsh, and from pasture to valley oak woodland. It's an important conservation project, for so many reasons besides how breathtakingly beautiful it is. LCLT is in the process of surveying and inventorying the property to determine the best way to allow public access and education while at the same time preserving the land, keeping sensitive areas extra protected, and rehabilitating biomes critical to the health of the lake and other ecosystems. LCLT is currently proceeding with a project to reconnect 32 acres of historic wetlands to Clear Lake. These wetlands were separated from Clear Lake by a berm approximately 50 years ago. Prior to obtaining permits and environmental clearances, a biological study and a wetlands delineation are required. A cultural resources survey is also required. We will begin the permitting process when these studies have been completed. THANKS to all who contributed, fundraising for the Wright Property is COMPLETE!
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