August 2004 Vol. 12, Issue 3 NEVADA COUNTY LAND TRUST LANDNEWS Trails, Parks, and Open Space for Our Community

Magic and Stars at the Ridgetop 2004

t may be a cliché, but you really had to be there I to appreciate the magic. More than 700 people heard Leo Kottke, Mary Youngblood, and Tuck & Patti blend their musical genius with the light from the stars shining over Chris Owen’s ranch in a hugely successful fund raising event. In addition other fine artists—Billy Bensing, Erin Gailsdaughter, Michael Logue, Kimberly Bass, Mikail Graham, Tom McDonald, Steve Holland, the Loose Acoustic Trio, the Penumbra Choir, Jonathan Meredith, and Eileen Wheeler provided additional entertainment either at the Rood Government Center parking lot or at the concert site. Magic indeed! This was the second year that the Land Trust team of Susan Kane, Chris Owen and Greg Fenner and their intrepid band of volunteers organized this major Land Trust fundraiser. A good time was had by all. Tickets for the event were sold out weeks ahead, and many unfortunate late would-be buyers failed in their ful. These included expanding the stage and adding a full attempts at bribery and whining to gain special entrance. canopy cover. In addition, the crew aided in the installa- Susan Kane of tion of lighting in trees in the amphitheater. A 30-foot the Land Trust staff “Eurostone” retaining wall was constructed for the sound gave untold hours of (continued on page 7) her time to organize the event. She had to bring together the IN THIS ISSUE myriad concert Magic and Stars at the Ridgetop 2004 1 details that make for From the President’s Desk 2 a smooth event— Executive Notes 3 In Memorium 3 venders, underwrit- Voluteer Opportunities 3 ers, budget, con- Kids at Camp 4 tracts, licenses, Blue Oak Registration 4 programs, and Wish List 4 organize bus transfer Sierra Cascade Conservancy 5 Leo Kottke captivated audience with Quotable 5 from the Rood his rhythmically complex, innovative The “Stars” 5 Center to the concert guitar sounds. site and back. Adopt-A-Trail Program 6 Executive Event Producer and Board Member Chris Welcome New Members 6 Owen provided a long list of the necessary actions he and Special Gifts 7 Keep On Trekking Back Cover his helpers took that made this year’s concert so success- From the President’s Desk Nevada County Land Trust Oak Tree Mitigation and Agricultural Stewardship 175R Joerschke Drive Grass Valley, CA 95945 The Land Trust continues to be in great 530-272-5994 need of funding to assist in the acquisition and FAX: 530-272-5997 stewardship of agricultural conservation www.NevadaCountyLandTrust.org easements—our number one open space priority. One funding option that we are Board of Directors considering is facilitating oak tree mitigation Andy Cassano banking. President One of the many reasons that the Land Ron Mathis Trust prioritized conservation easement Treasurer acquisition on agricultural lands is to provide Ken Krugler for the conservation of oaks. As pointed out Secretary by the California Department of Fish and Game web site, “oak woodlands Rich Johansen provide habitat for more than 300 species of wildlife, moderate temperature Vice President extremes, reduce soil erosion, and sustain water quality. Moreover, oak Greg Fenner woodlands facilitate nutrient cycling and provide forage for numerous Vice President wildlife species.” The web site also points out that 80 percent of oak Board Members woodlands are on private property and few properties are protected by Ted Beedy conservation easements. We have been fortunate in that most of these areas David Beesley John Bilheimer have been managed well by private property owners—so far. But as growth Paul Carlson pressures continue, more oak woodlands will be converted to development Larry MacMillen areas. Bill Nickerl Nevada County ordinances require preservation of all oaks over 36 Chris Owen Lowell Robertson inches in diameter, and of oak groves where the canopy coverage is 33 John Taylor percent or more. The County’s ordinance strives for complete development Cheryl L. Belcher avoidance of oak woodlands, but allows some intrusion if mitigation is Executive Director provided. Mitigation typically means planting new oak woodlands on-site or off-site, and nurturing these plantings until they become well established. Susan Kane Several years ago, Jon and Judy Hess developed the Record Connection Fund Developer site in Glenbrook and became one of the first land owners to be required to Stephanie Lorensen Administrative Assistant provide oak mitigation. They provided a cash deposit to the Land Trust for oak mitigation and were allowed to proceed with their project. The Land Chris Postlewaite Information Technology Trust found a suitable site on the Pioneer Dawson Nichols Reserve, and is now undertaking an oak revegetation program. The Record Connection Eric Jorgensen funds helped to make the Pioneer Dawson Nichols Reserve possible by Land Projects Associate subsidizing transaction fees and stewardship funding. Bill Haire Trails Coordinator The Land Trust needs to find funds for transaction costs and stewardship for agricultural easements. At the same time, property owners need to find Estelle Barber Bookkeeper feasible methods of offsetting oak tree loss. There are no formal mitigation

banks in Nevada County for such purposes. Using the Record Connection Mission: model, the Land Trust is continuing to work with land owners and local The Nevada County Land Trust government in an effort to fund agricultural conservation by providing a promotes voluntary conserva- viable mitigation option that will keep mitigation benefits local—where they tion of our natural, historical and agricultural resources belong. through protection and Andy Cassano, Board President enhancement of trails, parks, and open space to provide a lasting community heritage.

Land News Published Quarterly for Nevada County Land Trust members Editor: Cheryl L. Belcher Design: Frank Schmidt

Nevada County Land Trust 2 Executive Notes Burton and Salter (future) Parks, which were entrusted to Park District Formation: the Land Trust for very specific purposes by the donors. Burton Park will be a place for children’s outdoor How Would The Land Trust Fit In? education, with safe trails for walking dogs. Salter Park By Cheryl L. Belcher, Executive Director will be set up as a dog park, as well, with trails and Although there has exercise areas. A park district would be hard-pressed to been very little publicity raise the funds to purchase such prime lands, but might be about this, the formation able to gain support for a parcel charge or find other of the Nisenan and revenue sources to fund management and maintenance, North San Juan districts bringing their residents more amenities, and at a much will be on the November lower cost. A win-win partnership. ballot. Even if voters Requiring a parcel charge for park districts to be approve their formation, formed is very important. Several years ago, the Bear they will also have to River Parks District was approved by the voters, but approve a parcel charge without a funding mechanism. It has struggled ever since to help fund the districts’ to try to bring recreational amenities to their residents. work or they will not be Whether the district formations pass or not, Nevada formed. Finally, the County Land Trust will continue its efforts to enhance voters will need to approve a board of directors to oversee open space and recreational opportunities through the work of the district or the Board of Supervisors will volunteer efforts, donations, and available funding appoint a park district board. sources. I hope all of you will take the time to become Our county has no recreational or open space informed about park district formation, and will make program. There has never been the funding to set one up. your voice heard by voting in November. k However, the County’s population keeps growing and many of our residents need park and recreation amenities. We would like to acknowledge and Grass Valley and Nevada City have their own parks, which thank those who have given all can use—and they get very heavy use. For example, it donations in memorium. is always hard to find enough fields for all the teams who want to play baseball and soccer. In Memory of Paul Shewell: The Western Gateway Park is the best example of Jacquelyn Wilson what can happen when a park district is formed. After Ray and Elizabeth Boedecker dedication of park land by the developer of Lake Wildwood, residents voted to form and fund a park district to install, operate, and maintain ball fields, play areas, and Volunteer Opportunities other improvements. The district is managed by a very n We will have a work party at Burton Park to paint the hard working board of directors. Using funds from a very house and work on grounds on September 12 (Sunday modest parcel charge, the board has been able to offer from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.). We also have a garden com- their residents a wonderful local park that recently added mittee that meets monthly and can always use extra the county’s first free-run dog area. hands. The nice thing about park districts is that they reflect n We have ongoing work parties at the North Star the wishes of the residents within their boundary. Locals Saturdays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. We decide which amenities they want and are willing to pay are doing house and grounds cleanup, brushing, paint for. Do they want trails? Ball fields? Picnic areas? The removal, and pruning. Check in with Bart Hayes if you locals decide. Local boards govern. want to help. I have received several calls from members asking: How such districts might work with NCLT? Do we even n We have ongoing work at Salter park. Brushing, fire need a district if the Land Trust is working on park and reduction work, and dismantling an old trailer. Call the natural area conservation? Good questions. While NCLT office for dates and times. is uniquely positioned to work with private landowners n Our trails projects are going in to high gear this fall. If who may want to leave their land for public benefit you want to help build new trails and help us maintain purposes, or who want to make trail easements available the ones we have, please call the office for work days for public use, we prefer to turn active park management and times. over to entities set up for that purpose, that have a reliable Call Stephanie at the Land Trust office to get direc- revenue stream. Two good examples of this are the tions and more information, 530-272-5994. k

3 LandNews Kids at Camp to my own future in Nevada County at such a young age and I plan on making many more. After all, it is up to the By Camper/Reporter, Alexa Simpson (age 12) kids to make a difference and Nevada County is the place The Summer Restoration Camp, Helping Hands, was to do it in! a fun and educational way to place nature back in its natural state. We had a chance to learn about local plants By Camper/Reporter, Buie Redford (age 11) and animals and what they need to survive. The camp was This year I attended the Children’s Nature Studies a fun and really neat way to learn about the nature sur- Camp at Burton Park. With the help from Ann Westling of rounding us. Everyday we went to a different site, such as the Forest Service and John Olmstead, we learned about the Burton Homestead, Mathis Pond and Deer Creek. We birds and their feathers, calls and behaviors of birds living at the Burton Homestead. We also learned about water

cleared non-native plants and found out about the native plants and animals living in those habitats. Bill Haire from the Land Trust really made things interesting for us insects, did many fun art and craft projects, and found out at Mathis Pond where we did a lot of work. Next year I a lot about Native American ways and got to do some of plan on being there again and hope that even more kids their crafts. There were a lot of kids, and we all had a find out about this program so they can come too! Speak- great time, thanks to Lynn Campbell. Wendy Olenick, my ing from a kid’s point of view, I feel wonderful about mom, made sure everyday that we had plenty of good and being given the chance to make such valuable contribution healthy snacks. k

Blue Oak Regeneration: If you have extras you can donate, or if you’re interested in project participation, call the Land Trust Seeking T-Posts office at 272-5994, and talk to Stephanie. k Several years ago NCLT worked with a private developer who had to provide mitigation for loss of blue oak trees on his project. The developer had other options Wish List but chose to work with the Land Trust to satisfy the n A 25 foot trailer in livable condition that can be County mitigation requirements. This was the start of our moved (easily and cheaply) to the North Star site for oak mitigation and regeneration program. our on-site manager to live in. This year the abundance of blue and valley oak seed enables the Land Trust to move ahead with our current n Metal Fence posts for our Oak Regeneration oak regeneration plans. Seed will be collected this Program (see Eric Jorgensen’s article in this issue for full details). summer and a planting day has been set for Saturday, December 4. Specially designed translucent tree shelters n Pywood sheets in good condition to board up the will protect and spur seedling growth. To hold the broken windows at the Hague House at North Star. shelters, the Land Trust is seeking medium and heavy Please call the Land Trust office at 530-272-5994. k steel T-posts.

Nevada County Land Trust 4 Sierra Cascade Conservancy Bill other seven members will be appointed by the Governor. Since the March newsletter when we last reported on As a grass roots land trust, the Nevada County Land the progress of two bills proposing the creation of a Sierra Trust knows first hand the problems of inequitable Cascade Conservancy, much has happened. In an unprec- distribution of State funds for conservation projects. We edented show of support for the conservancy, the bill’s look forward to more funding coming to our “Range of two authors, Assemblymen Laird and Leslie, came Light” in the coming years, to help us fund our conserva- k together to support a joint bill. I was an observer at the tion work. Senate Resources Committee meeting when they both walked in the door, arms around each other’s shoulders, and informed the chair that they were here and ready to present AB2600. Later, they both spoke in favor of the bill. It was a wonderful day! Many compromises later, the joint bill AB2600 is now Quotable going through final approval processes by the legislature. “Julia Morgan should be given her rightful place The Governor should sign this within the next month, at here in our community. She must be smiling the close of this legislative session. down on us right now. If we were to lose this The conservancy will not have regulatory powers, nor (North Star Mine House), it would be a great have the power to condemn or take land under eminent tragedy.” domain proceedings. The Conservancy will not hold fee Rena Marundee title to land, but can grant funding to land trusts or other agencies to purchase land. All transactions will be on a Julia Morgan, California’s first female architect, willing seller basis only. The make up of the 13-member designed and built the North Star Mine House in 1905 for the mine manager and his family. conservancy board will include 6 county supervisors, one from each subdistrict in the conservancy. The county governments will self select their representatives. The

The “Star” Redwood paneling was used in the first floor living quarters. Now visitors are shocked at the extent of the By Lyn Hayes, North Star Volunteer graffiti. Other vandals destroyed fireplaces, windows, On Old Auburn road, nestled on 14 acres of old bathrooms and kitchen fixtures. Some say the vandals orchards and natural vegetation, sits a lost treasure, the were looking for gold. The damage is extensive and North Star Mine House. It was abandoned but not forgot- would be overwhelming, if it were not for the passion of ten, thanks to the Nevada County Land Trust. volunteers. It’s a house that has many stories which adds to its Without exception, the house and its history have mysterious hold on those who have volunteered to clean inspired each volunteer. They intend to clean up and and restore the house and grounds to its original grandeur. restore this magnificent building and grounds to its The house was designed and built in 1905 by Cali- original beauty. Already they have mowed down and fornia’s first female architect, Julia Morgan, for the North burned the blackberries. The drive to the house is now Star Mine manager and his family. Ms. Morgan’s design beautiful. Workers have pruned the Hawthorn bushes was influenced by the “Arts and Crafts” movement of the revealing a beautiful canopy that provides shade for the time period. She used natural materials found in the area. visitors. Rock walls have been uncovered and fallen rocks The house exterior is constructed of stone from the mine have been returned to the walls. Broken glass, pieces of and cedar shingles. Giant cedar tree trunks were used as metal, unusable building materials have all been collected pillars on the second floor balconies. and taken to the dump. Usable materials have been saved, However, the architect’s interest in cement as a plaster nails removed, and the materials stacked and stored for on all the interior walls became evident when volunteers future use. Interior rooms are being cleaned of trash, ripped out other walls that had been built to divide rooms birds and beehives. into small dormitories during the years the house was used The volunteers are from all walks of life. All love the as a residential school. The cement over chicken wire was history of this place and work on Tuesday and Saturday a departure from the old lathe and plaster used at that time mornings. Progress is amazing and must be seen to ap- period. preciate the excellence of the volunteers. It’s magical. k

5 LandNews Adopt-A-Trail Program Thanks to our dedicated volunteers By Bill Hair, Trail Coordinator The Adopt– A–Trail Program is an essential part of who have helped us get the mail the Land Trust Trail Program. If more trails are to be out, build trails, cut brush, lead provided, we must have a way to maintain the trails we treks, and so much more. have. Property owners are reluctant to grant a trail easement unless there is assurance that the trail will be Louise Baerresen Peter Graff Michael McGahan properly maintained. If you have a favorite trail that you Jim Bailey Pat Grason Steven McIntosh Ruth Bailey Pat Green Dave McKeen use regularly, please ask what you can do to keep the trail Gail Bakker Vern Gross Jean McKeen in good condition. Barbara Barr Bill Haire Carole Miller The Land Trust Adopt–A–Trail Program is off to a Brenda Barr Joyce Haire David Miller good start with six individuals or groups taking part. The Cheryl Belcher Francis Hamilton Glenn Miller first two individuals to sign up were George Morin and Tim Bentley Ed Hansen George Morin Deane Dvoracek. They adopted the two ends of Litton Lawrence Black Linda Hansen Jason Morriarty Sherry Brooks Glenn Harvey Clarence Motter Trail. We still need two or three people to adopt the Aaron Bryars Bart Hayes Tom Newmark section through the Sierra College campus. Ray Bryars Lynn Hayes Jim Norman Cindy Mackey adopted the Cascade Canal Access Doug Caldwell Kristanne Heaton Wendy Olenick Trail from Gracie Road to the canal. This new 1/3-mile- Lynn Campbell Amber Higgins Chris Owen long trail provides access from a large parking area on Chip Carmen Mike Higgins John Paul Gracie Road, through public land managed by the Bureau Marlee Chamberlin Bill Holman Don Pierce Joe Chavez Brian Hoobler Chris Postlewaite of Land Management to the canal. Bruce Conklin Robert Hudson Diana Privara Save Our Historic Canals (SOHC) has adopted the Gary Corbin Jeff Hunt John Privara segment of Cascade Canal on which the Land Trust has a Bob Cross Jim Hurley Jay Schuff trail easement at Woodpecker Ravine and over the Penelope Curtis Bob Husk Don Scoles Howard property. Hailey Cushman Scott Ingram Alexa Simpson Joe Chavez and his son, Joey, have adopted a segment Jack DeJong Emma Jewett Amanda Sparks Joan Denzler Susan Kane Sue Sparks of the Narrow Gauge Railroad Trail near Chicago Park, Jason Diver Chris King Lori Stengel where the Land Trust has a trail easement and an en- Ryan Dowling Rob King Jean Stice croachment permit for a trail on the abandoned railroad Larry Dulmage Sally Knutson Curt Sutliff bed. Joe is looking for other Chicago Park area residents Deane Dvoracek Anthony Koenn Arlie Thompson to help with maintenance of the trail. k Marty Earhart Zachary Kostik Tiffany Tomlinson The Elliots Mark Larroque Lenny Vlum Gary Emanuel Bob Lemmon Dale Volker We’d like to welcome the following Greg Fenner Miriam Limov Dorothy Volker Jon Fisher Jim Longnecker Matt Waldron new members of the Land Trust Jessica Foley Susan Luhman Phil Weber family. Anthony Frizzel Cindy Mackey Susan Weisberg Randy Frizzel Marge MacMillen Dean Williams Vince Alcantar Bob Goar Ron Mathis Grayson Jim Coufos Sue Goodenough Kevin McDonald Susan Dunn Susan Flynn We apologize if we have omitted your name. Please k Robert and Jude Hudson let us know so we can thank you in our next issue. Tom and Jean Jacobs Laverne and Douglas Leach Charles JaffeeMarvina Leranka Special Gifts Stan and Donna Levin We would like to thank the following people for Cindy and Phil Mackey giving special gifts to the Land Trust. Janice McGregor Alta Sierra Property Owners Association Margaret Meagher Mervin and Patricia Baker Bob Moore Christina Sabin Sue and William Geisler Arlie and Nancy Thompson Kate Horton Melodie Yun Mildred Rosensteil

Nevada County Land Trust 6 (continued from page 1) We are grateful to the following mixing area, sponsors who helped make this year’s where Sweet Spot Sound fantastic Stars at the Ridgetop orchestrated the possible. concert’s sound. To keep the dust Underwriters down at the Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty amphitheater, First American Title Hills Flat Lumber 130-cubic yards Mimi Simmons, Cornerstone Realty of wood chips Phil Ruble, Olympic Mortgage & Investment Co. were spread by Shari Barley, Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty the thirteen 10- Sponsors wheelers A to Z Supply pressed into duty Grammy Award winner Mary Youngblood Margie Carr, Reflections Skin Oasis for the task. enchanted the throng with her Native Crown Trees Chris and Land American music. Diamond International Corp. Trust President, Jason Diven, General Contractor Andy Cassano, were announcers for the night’s program. Gold Country Backhoe Dane Petersen, Executive Music Producer, was Gold N Green Rental responsible for lining up the great musicians. He also Grass Valley Florist volunteered to organize the pre-concert music and enter- Brian Hoobler Trucking tainment. KVMR A variety of Loma Rica Ranch Matt Waldron Electric food was offered Navo & Sons by SuMo Nevada County Mortgage Kitchen, Bella NorCal Electric Vista at Jim Norman, Trees Unlimited Creekside, Asia, Lana Percey, Empire Mortgage Way Sum Sushi, Placer Title I Dream of Positive Impact Marketing Jeannie’s Cater- Rare Earth ing, Hawaiian Sierra Nevada Brewing Spiral Studios Shaveice, and Tuck (Andress) & Patti (Cathcart) thrilled Top This – Truck & Auto Attitude audience with their unigue music and Lazy Dog Ice Waste Management vocalizations. Cream. Wine was provided at a Contributors reasonable price by eight local wineries: Sierra Starr, Alta Sierra Country Club Indian Springs, Double Oak, Sierra Knolls, Nevada City, Bob & Peggy Wright Carrington Fine Wines Lucchesi, Iron Mountain, and Burch Hall. Beer was Daniel Brooks generously supplied by the folks at Sierra Nevada Brew- Dirt & Digital ing. Gold Country Magazine The concert provided a big boost in the fund raising Inter County Title activities of the Land Trust, and will definitely set the Jean Gilbert stage for another concert next year. Thank you all who Judith Scales attended. And a special thanks to all who worked to make Linda & Grant Roemisch Stars at the Ridgetop a successful and magical night. k Linda & Ron Jackson Pat & Al Kennerly Stan & Donna Levin Chalpin Environmental Services Syliva Jensen Tina Basitch Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop

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Keep On Trekking If you haven’t received your Fall Treks n Saturday October 2: Lola Montez Lake brochure, please call the office. The list Trek with Joan Laue below is just a reminder of the great n Saturday October 9: Trabucco Ranch outings starting next month. To sign Members Tour up, you can send in the tear-off form on the brochure, or call Stephanie at n Saturday October 23: Basque Tree 530-272-5994, for reservations or Carvings with Local Author David more information. Beesley n Sunday October 24: Henness Pass n Saturday September 11: Donner Pass to Roller Pass with (a fantastic panorama of the Sierra Bill Nickerl, David Beesley and Nevada) with Bridgeport Ranger Albert Earl Chuck Scimeca n Saturday October 30: Sutter Buttes n Saturday September 18: Geology Field Trip through the Glacier Ridge Top Trek Country of the Sierras with Geologist n Saturday November 6: Sutter Buttes Ridge Sterling Warr-Pryer Top Trek n Sunday September 19: Sun Schemes: A n Saturday November 6: Sutter Buttes Summit Passive Solar Architecture Tour with David Challenge Wright n Saturday December 4: Pioneer Ranch Oak n Saturday September 25: Martis Valley – 3000 Tree Planting Years of Human Use with David Beesley n 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the Month: North n Sunday September 26: Chalk Bluffs with Star’s Julia Morgan House Tours David Lawler