Vol.

14 #1

Spring 2007
Historic Agreement: County rangers to patrol Lynch Canyon
Marilyn Farley, Executive Director

Presidents Message Executive Directors Perspective Farm-to-Table Series Volunteer Profile Mima Mounds at Jepson New Board Member Beelard Easement Buy a Brick! Activities and Events

On the trail at Lynch Canyon

Photo: Solano Land Trust

In a historic agreement, Solano County has partnered with Solano Land Trust to open Lynch Canyon to the public five days a week. In December 2006, the County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a three-year pilot plan that will put park rangers at Lynch Canyon once it is open to the public starting on May 11, 2007. In 2006 SLT Board President Bob Berman, Immediate Past President Sean Quinn and Executive

Director Marilyn Farley met with a subcommittee of the Board of Supervisors, including John Silva and then Chair John Vasquez, to hammer out the details. Ultimately, the County agreed to the three-year commitment, which includes hiring rangers and providing trail maintenance. The County will also help pay for a volunteer and education coordinator
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Presidents Message
Bob Berman, President

Continued from page 1

2007 is shaping up to be a busy year for Solano Land Trust. In May we are opening Lynch Canyon for public access. Solano County will provide the necessary park rangers to patrol the land and SLT will hire a volunteer coordinator to assist with special programs. For the past several years, SLT has worked hard to complete a trail system to all portions of the property. A three-day grand opening is scheduled for May 11, 12, and 13 with a variety of hiking, cycling and equestrian events. 2007 will also see the completion of the Rush Ranch Nature Center, and the Rush Ranch Educational Council is expanding its programs to make full use of the new facilities. You can get a sneak preview of the nature center at the Rush Ranch Open House on Saturday, April 28. 2007 will also see the completion of the Sky ValleyCordelia Hills Open Space Public Access Plan for the King-Swett Ranches. When we completed acquisition of the ranches, a commitment was made to open the land to the public. Although money is not yet available to open on a full-time basis, we are working to complete a plan that designates parking and trailhead areas, picnic and camp sites and some 30 miles of trails. A segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail will cross Vallejo Swett Ranch. Because the area is home to a number of rare and endangered species such as the California red-legged frog, Western burrowing owl, and Callippe silverspot butterfly, it is necessary to balance recreational opportunities with natural resource protection. Several public meetings have been held to gather public input, and SLT is working to adopt the plan. The next step is to raise money for trails and other necessary facilities. At the same time, we will be exploring ways to ensure longterm funding to open the King-Swett Ranches on a full-time basis.

that will be an SLT employee. SLT agreed to modify its by-laws to add a Solano County representative to its board, and Supervisor Vasquez has subsequently joined SLTs board (see profile on page 6). SLT will continue to supervise cattle grazing and restoration work, and make other improvements prior to opening. Supervisor Silva stated at the 2006 meeting that the County needs to improve access to open space lands for residents. He called for taking baby steps, noting that in the future there will be a need for a dedicated funding source to operate parklands in Solano County. SLT President Berman says, SLT purchased this land in 1996 to preserve an open space buffer between Fairfield and Vallejo, and to eventually open it to the public. We still need to work towards creating a park district or other means of permanently funding public access at Lynch Canyon and other properties purchased in the past few years. Lynch Canyon is a 1,039-acre ranch located along the northwest side of I-80 between Fairfield and Vallejo, and adjoining Napa Countys Newell Ranch. The land is defined by steeply rolling hills blanketed with grasslands and accented with groves of buckeyes and oaks. Lynch Canyon features eight trails, including a portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Land Steward Ken Poerner and Farley, together with County General Services Acting Manager Pam Ogle and Interim Parks Director Larry Epner, have formed a committee to plan the grand opening. Lynch Canyon will be operated under County Park rules, which are currently under review. It is anticipated that visitors will be asked to pay daily-use or parking fees for hiking, cycling or horseback riding.

Lynch Canyons Grand Opening is May 11, 2007!

SLT and Solano County, along with the Tri-City and County Cooperative Planning Group, will sponsor free activities at Lynch Canyon and the King-Swett Ranches on May 11, 12, and 13. Lynch will then be open Thursday through Monday, and patrolled on a regular basis. A schedule of activities will be posted at www.solanolandtrust.org by April 20.

Executive Directors Perspective

Marilyn Farley, Executive Director

In the Winter 2006 Vistas, I wrote that farmers are required to experiment, make substantial investments, react to changing conditions, and persevere if they are to succeed. Solano Land Trust has available a significant tool to help farmers succeed: the conservation easement. We use this tool in line with priorities set in our Agricultural Conservation Easement Plan. SLT now has conservation easements on 6,300 acres of farmland in Solano County. The smallest is 10 acres and the largest over 1,800. An agricultural conservation easement is recorded when the farmer voluntarily agrees to sell or donate the right to do non-agricultural development on the property. SLT typically works through state and federal government programs to help pay for conservation easements. The California Farmland Conservancy Program and the U.S. Department of Agricultures Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program have funded many of our easements. Some easements have been donated or partially donated. Incentives to donate recently got a lot more attractive when Congress approved the Pension Protection Act (HR 4). This new law: Raises the deduction any landowner can take for donating a conservation easement from 30 percent of their income in any year to 50 percent; Allows farmers and ranchers who meet more stringent qualifications to deduct up to 100 percent of their income; Extends the carr y-for ward period for a donor to take tax deductions from 5 to 15 years. These expanded incentives are good through December 2007. Bennedsen conservation easement A new Senate bill introduced in Photo: Solano Land Trust January 2007 would make the change permanent. California also has a tax credit program, administered by the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), for donation of conservation easements. Approved donors can receive a state tax credit equal to 55 percent of the appraised fair market value of their property. This program is in effect until June 30, 2008. Marilyn Cundiff, program manager with WCB, states that donors can potentially take advantage of the federal donation incentives and still be eligible for a state tax credit. SLT can help farmers apply to appropriate state programs for credits. Easements are a powerful tool for farmers seeking to improve their bottom lines. As pressure on agricultural land in Solano County continues to mount, an easement may help ensure the financial viability of farm operations, as well as guarantee that soils on prime farmland remain available for farming rather than converted to more urban uses. This tool dovetails nicely with the movement to buy fresh local produce rather than relying on outof-season fruits and vegetables imported from around the world. It can help bolster our agricultural sector as we are looking to build job growth in Solanos cities.

Useful web sites:

California Farmland Conservancy Program: www.consrv.ca.gov U.S.D.A. Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program: www.nrcs.usda.gov/ programs/frpp National Heritage Preservation Tax Credit Program: www.wcb.ca.gov Land Trust Alliance: www.lta.org

Farm-to-table: How products from local farms and ranches get to the table
Second in a series
Wendy Low, Land Transaction Specialist

Solano Land Trust holds conservation easements on many types of Solano County farms and ranches. The story of how their products get to your table is just as varied. This article is the second in a series showcasing this process and informing readers where they can purchase the products. Across the county from the olive orchard featured in the last issue of Vistas, Solano Land Trust holds a pair of conservation easements on two contiguous ranches in the Montezuma Hills near Rio Vista. Owned by Jeannie McCormack and Al Medvitz, the two ranches cover more than 3,600 acres. Portions of the ranches have been in Jeannies family for three generations. On this expansive landscape, Jeannie and Al raise lambs, goats, chickens for eggs, and most of their own feed including alfalfa, barley, oats and hay. One of the ways that Jeannie and Al survive in the current ag market is by occupying a specialized niche: they sell many of their lambs to Niman Ranch, a distributor of meat raised using humane and environmentally-sound practices. They were the first ranchers to raise lamb for Niman, joining in 1991. When the demand for Niman lamb exceeded their capacity, Jeannie and Al brought in four other ranchers in the Montezuma Hills, and together they form a Niman production group. Niman Ranch has several protocols for their lamb growers. The ranches must be family owned and run. The sheep eat an all-natural vegetarian diet, have access to clean water and shade, and are not crowded or isolated. Because sheep have sensitive hearing, ranchers are asked to handle their flocks calmly and quietly. Lambs are not given antibiotics, and ranchers use preventive methods to avoid foot diseases. Ranchers are expected to ensure even grazing, contain and recycle animal waste and keep sheep out of environmentally sensitive areas. Like most lamb producers in California, Jeannie and Al breed their ewes in the fall so that the springborn lambs can feed on grasses during the rainy season. Their ewes are Dorset-Rambouillet cross and are bred to Hampshire-Suffolk rams. The lambs depend on their mothers rich milk for several weeks. By the time they are ready to graze, new grass has grown in the first winter rains. For Niman Ranch, Al and Jeannie take 100 to 200 lambs a week to Superior Meat Packing in Dixon for slaughter. The meat is delivered to Niman Ranch in Oakland where artisan butchers make the final cuts. Niman Ranch sells to restaurants, grocery stores and online. It seems amiss, but I have not been able to identify where Solano County residents can find Niman Ranch lamb locally, though there are many restaurants in Napa, Sonoma and Marin counties that feature Niman meats. Two markets in Berkeley, Andronicos and Berkeley Bowl, also carry it. For baseball fans, Acme Chop House, adjacent to AT&T Park in San Francisco, offers Niman Ranch lamb chops. Recently, I was thrilled to try Niman Ranch osso buco (braised lamb with mixed vegetables in a red-wine reduction sauce) at Station House Cafe in Point Reyes Station.
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Jeannie McCormack and Al Medvitz

Photo: Laurie Smith

Volunteer profile: Mary Takeuchi

Aleta George, Editor

When I told Mary Takeuchi that I wanted to profile her for the newsletter she said, Why me? Heres why. Mary is always the one to show up with coffee at Rush Ranch events; always willing to help at workshops and nature walks; and when flyers need distributing or press releases sent to newspapers, Mary always steps forward to get the job done. Shes been involved with the Rush Ranch Educational Council (RREC) since 1991. My husband John was on the RREC board since its formation. He dragged me in, says Mary. In the beginning, volunteers did a lot of physical labor. They repaired fences, straightened the lopsided barn and blacksmith shop, put a deck and a roof on the Kit House, and planned cultural and natural history exhibits. Mary soon found herself on the board, and throughout her many years of involvement, has worn the hat of president, secretary and treasurer. She has also coordinated the Rush Ranch Open House for ten years. The first Rush Ranch open house coincided with the grand opening of the property in 1991. She helped for several years, and in 1997 became the main organizer, a job shes done ever since. Shes quick to point out, however, that she gets a lot of help. Other long-time participants in the open house include the Wiskerson family; Tim and Roxanne Wellman; West Valley Chorus; Twin City Steppers square-dance group; and the Spinning Wheel bluegrass band. John, Marys husband, heads the snack bar, and SLT Land Steward Ken Poerner helps with Roxanne Wellman herding cattle at Ranch Days everything from set-up to parking. Photo: Solano Land Trust The Rush Ranch Open House, recently dubbed Ranch Days, is free, and if youve never attended, step on out and enjoy the music, square dancing, wagon rides, marsh walks, horseshoe demonstrations and a host of other fun activities. When you come, say hi to Mary and offer thanks for her years of service to Rush Ranch.

Ranch Days Open House

April 28, 2007. 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Free Call (707) 422-4491 or visit www.rushranch.org for details.

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Jeannie and Al also raise goats, which have a very different marketplace. They sell goat meat to Caf Rouge in Berkeley and to individual customers who handle the slaughter themselves. MexicanAmerican families, for example, like to serve goat at quinceaeras and fiestas. Goats are also sold for breeding stock. They also sell eggs, which you can find at Liras Supermarket in Rio Vista and the Caf Rouge Meat Market in Berkeley. To read more about Jeannie and Al, their neighboring lamb ranchers, and how to choose and prepare lamb, look for The Niman Ranch Cookbook (Ten Speed Press, 2005), or check out www.nimanranch.com, where you can place an order online.

Exploring the mystery of Jepson Prairie mima mounds

James Steinert, Jepson Docent

Photo: James Steinert

Explore mima mounds, wildlife and wildflowers on docent-led tours every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m., now through May 13.

As a Jepson Prairie docent, there are few experiences more enjoyable than to accompany an energetic group of young people on a spring day. The pace invariably quickens into a race as we approach another rise in the vernal pool landscape from which we can catch a better view of the colorful blooms in the shallow depressions below. Rest stops are taken on the larger mounds where dry, soft grasses offer a place to lie on our backs and search for approaching storm clouds or foraging hawks. From our perch overlooking the prairie, we enjoy the fluid melody of a Western meadowlark. If still and observant, we can detect California meadow voles racing along their grass-lined runways between mound-top burrow entrances. Surprisingly, I am rarely asked about these bumps on the landscape. Calling them by their scientific name, mima mounds, is effective in catching the groups interest. Pronounced my-ma, this microtopographical feature is found mostly in western North America. Although only a couple of feet higher than the surrounding ground, the mounds contribute greatly to the plant and animal diversity of Jepson. Due to the mounds well-drained soils, many native plants are still able to persist. Solitary bees tunnel into the mound soils to build their nests. Vole, gopher and kangaroo rat tunnels in the high ground are essential to the survival of adult California tiger salamanders, some having just metamorphosed from their aquatic larval stage in Olcott Lake. The mounds of mystery tour at Jepson is not complete without a presentation and debate of the several possible explanations for their creation. Could they be the result of thousands of years of busy gophers? Were they formed like miniature dunes by vegetation entrapping windblown soil particles? Or, is the blind thrust fault five miles to the west responsible for reshaping the ground with waves of seismic energy? Contemplating the various theories can require a stretch of the imagination, but these mysterious mima mounds are just one of the wonders at Jepson that keep docents and visitors returning season after season.

SLT welcomes new Board Member John M. Vasquez

When Solano County Supervisor John M. Vasquez, Solano Land Trusts newest board member, walks across a Vacaville parking lot covering former farmland, he finds it a bit strange. I once walked the ground below the pavement and harvested prunes. All the land my family once farmed has something on top of it. His parents came to Vacaville as migrant farm workers, and for decades the family tilled Solano County soils. A continuous wave of crops from oat hay to apricots kept the family busy. In 1976, the family opened Vasquez Deli in Vacaville, which is still family owned and going strong. His parents continue to live in Vacaville, as do John and his three brothers. Aside from time spent helping to build the Alaska pipeline and active duty in the military, John has spent his life in Vacaville. Im emotionally attached to the area. All my friends and family are here, he says. I am honored to serve on the Solano Land Trust board. I never wanted to be a farmer, but agriculture still pulls at me. I was the son of a farmer, he says. There are 75 crops and commodities dependent on Solanos soils. We ought to take that seriously. John has been a Solano County supervisor in the 4th District since 2003, but has spent a lifetime serving his community. He attributes his drive for community service to his parents, teachers and many civic leaders. John and his wife Shelli (who also grew up in Vacaville) have four children, now adults. The entire Vasquez clan has participated in Vacaville Fiesta Days for 44 years. El Rancho Vasquez is a celebration on wheels, says John of the family float. Were pretty rowdy.
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SLT partners with City of Vacaville and developers to preserve farmland and habitat
Rob Goldstein, Land Transaction Specialist

The future of agriculture and the Swainsons hawk in Eastern Solano County has brightened a bit thanks to a creative partnership. Solano Land Trust, with the help of the City of Vacaville, the California Department of Fish and Game, the Solano County Local Agency Formation Commission and two homebuilders, has preserved the 289-acre Beelard property east of Vacaville. The farm contains prime agricultural land that has historically been used to grow a rotation of irrigated row crops and alfalfa. The Beelard property also serves as critical habitat for the Swainsons hawk, considered a threatened species. The Swainsons hawk, which thrives on irrigated alfalfa land common to eastern Solano County, has seen much of its habitat converted to housing. In 2004, the City of Vacaville approved a proposal by Western Pacific Housing and DeNova Homes to develop housing and commercial space on prime farmland and critical habitat for the Swainsons hawk. However, before breaking ground on their project, the developers were required to preserve 289acres of farmland and Swainsons hawk habitat. This type of government requirement for a developer to compensate for the impacts of a project is called mitigation. SLT often assists government agencies and developers to put together conservation projects funded by mitigation. DeNova Homes and Western Pacific Housing contributed over $600,000 to preserve the 289-acre Beelard property. SLT placed a conservation easement on the farm and resold the land in February 2007. The easement ensures that the property remains as farmland and Swainsons hawk habitat in perpetuity. SLT is currently participating in other mitigation projects including one to preserve another large area of agricultural land near the Beelard property.

Swainsons hawk
Photo: Jim Dunn www.avian-images.com

In 1864, Hiram Rush started acquiring properties in Solano County that eventually became Rush Ranch. More than 100 years later, Solano Land Trust acquired Rush Ranch in 1987. The natural areas of the property, along with the historic, workingranch buildings, provide recreational and educational opportunities to thousands of school children, youth, and visitors each year.

Buy a brick for a solid investment in Rush Ranch

An off-the-grid Nature Center is currently under construction. SLT jumpstarted this project with a $500,000 grant from the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and subsequently received a $500,000 grant from the Coastal Conservancy for construction. In addition, an anonymous donor gave us $250,000 and pledged up to $200,000 more if we can raise $200,000 from other supporters before June 30, 2007. We have used the gift to kick off the ambitious Rush Ranch Challenge Campaign to raise $2 million to maintain Rush Ranch now and in the future. So far, weve raised $72,000 towards our $200,000 matching-grant goal. As part of the new Nature Center, we are planning a brick patio area with native plant landscaping. Our goal is to sell 1,864 bricks to individuals and companies to help meet the Rush Ranch Challenge. This is your chance to leave a permanent legacy at the center that will showcase the natural and historical treasures of Rush Ranch for all to enjoy. Join the Rush Ranch 1864 Brick Campaign and get in on the ground floor now!

Susan Wilkinson, Development Director

Please fill out and mail the Brick Order Form enclosed in this newsletter.
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Scenic Hikes BOard memBers

Bob Berman,

President
Ian Anderson,

Fourth Saturday of the month: Mar. 24, Apr. 28. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Free Join Dave Warner for a Lynch Canyon hike. Contact Ken Poerner at (707) 580-6277.

Vice President
Jane Hicks,

Jepson Prairie Preserve

Now through May 13, experience the prairies unique wildlife and wildflowers on docent-led tours every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. A $1 donation is requested. Jepson Prairie handbooks are available from docents for $10. For more information, or to schedule a group larger than five, contact SLT at (707) 432-0150 x 203, or ben@solanolandtrust.org.

Secretary
Frank Morris,

Rush Ranch Open Space

Rush Ranch is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Suisun Hill Trail (across Grizzly Island Rd. from Rush Ranch) is open seven days a week, dawn to dusk. For additional information visit www.rushranch.org.

Treasurer
Sean Quinn, Immediate Past

Pres.

Frank J. Andrews, Jr. Darrin Berardi Jeff Dittmer John Isaacson Russell Lester John M. Vasquez

Access Adventure: Challenging the Limits of Disability

Michael Muir leads a recreational horse-drawn carriage program for people with disabilities. For more information go to www.access-adventure.org, or contact Mike at mmuir@access-adventure.org or (707) 426-3990.

King-Swett Ranches
The newly acquired King and Swett Ranches are part of the Sky Valley Cordelia Hills Open Space and are currently open to the public during staff- or docent-led activities only.

staFF
Marilyn Farley,

Executive Director
Terry Chappell,

Field Steward
Rob Goldstein,

Scenic Hikes
Saturdays, Apr. 7, May 20, Jun. 10. 9 a.m. Free Explore Solano Countys largest protected open space on a docent-led hike. Meet at the Park-and-Ride lot at the Hiddenbrooke Parkway/American Canyon Road exit at I-80. Co-sponsored with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. For more information contact Sue Wickham at sue@solanolandtrust.org or (707) 432-0150 x207.

Blacksmith Shop Demonstrations

Third Saturday of the month: Apr. 21, May 19, Jun. 16. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Free Watch or participate in the art of blacksmithing.

Land Transaction Specialist

Wendy Low,

Land Transaction Specialist

Kirsti Muskat, Bookkeeper Cathy OConnor,

Volunteer Workdays
First Saturday of the month: Apr. 7, May 5, Jun. 2. 9 a.m. until finished - Free Get some fresh air while helping with ranch and trail maintenance. Call Ken at (707) 580-6277.

Finance Officer
Ken Poerner, Land Steward Ben Wallace, Conservation

Project Manager
Sue Wickham,

Lynch Canyon Open Space

Beginning on May 11, 2007, the property will be open to the public Thursdays to Mondays. Until then it is open during staff- or docent-led activities only.

Spring Wildflowers
Saturday, Apr. 14. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Free Enjoy the spring wildflower display while learning about the Suisun Marsh and the history of Rush Ranch.

Project Coordinator
Susan Wilkinson,

Development Director
Aleta George,

Lynch Canyon Grand Opening

May 11, 2007 - Free Plans are underway for activities at Lynch Canyon and KingSwett Ranches on May 11, 12, and 13. A schedule of events will be posted at www.solanolandtrust.org by April 20.

Editor, SLT Vistas

Logo design based on original art by Don Birrell

Ranch Days Open House

Saturday, Apr. 28, 2007. 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Free Learn about the ranchs natural and cultural history while enjoying horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, square dancing, blacksmithing, falconry and working sheepdog demonstrations. Call (707) 422-4491 for details.

Volunteer Trail Care Days

Second Saturday of the month: Apr. 14, May 12, Jun. 9. 9 a.m. Free Assist Land Steward Ken Poerner with trail care. Snacks are provided. Call Ken at (707) 580-6277.

Marsh Discovery
Saturday, May 19, 2007. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Free Discover rare species, wetland invaders, and learn about conservation efforts to protect this amazing ecosystem. Be prepared for sun and mosquitoes, and wear sturdy shoes. No prior registration required.
NonProfit Organization US Postage Paid Fairfield, CA 94533 Permit # 00234

Solano Land Trust 1001 Texas Street, Suite C Fairfield, CA 94533 (707) 432-0150

Preserving Farmlands and OPen sPace thrOughOut sOlanO cOunty