In a recent move by the Placer Conservation Authority, a substantial swath of land north of Lincoln, totaling approximately 4,245 acres, is now on track for conservation. This land, a mix of lush farmland and diverse ecological resources, has been earmarked by the Placer County Conservation Program for preservation. The board of directors greenlit the execution of three purchase-and-sale agreements aimed at safeguarding the Raccoon Creek property, which was earlier known as the Teichert property, as mentioned on the county's official website.
Marking a potential major boost to the reserve system, this acquisition would virtually double the existing 4,318 acres currently protected. As reported by Placer County, the Raccoon Creek property boasts not only 1,299 acres of working farmland but also a tapestry of ecosystems including vernal pools, riverine habitats, and spawn-rich waterways. Gregg McKenzie, PCCP Administrator and PCA Executive Director, in a statement, highlighted the critical nature of this prospective acquisition, stressing that without conservation, the zoning regulations could lead to the area being subdivided and developed into smaller parcels.
Previously, the property was earmarked for gravel mining back in 2003, under the title Teichert Lincoln Aggregate Facility Project, but mining never commenced. Fast forward to 2023, and Teichert sought to withdraw all mining entitlements, a decision that was signed off by the Placer County Board of Supervisors. This pivot opened the door for Ecosystem Investment Partners to step in, negotiate conservation easements, and plan habitat restoration, working hand-in-hand with the Placer Conservation Authority.
The PCA's decision to press on with the purchase agreements, as of last Thursday, kicked off the in-depth property analysis process and negotiations for habitat restoration. The aim is to fashion a space for both environmental preservation and a streamlined mitigatory path for future development projects. PCA Chair and Placer County Supervisor, Shanti Landon, told Placer County, “This will not only preserve our natural heritage but will also be a lasting legacy for our community, ensuring future generations can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of our area.”
To finance such an expansive conservation mission, the PCA will be tapping into mitigation fees accumulated from development and public infrastructure undertakings across western Placer County. The broader PCCP plan spans some 260,000 acres, with a goal to incorporate 47,300 acres into the conservation reserve network. Since its inception in 2021, the PCCP has successfully enlarged its reserve system by around 4,318 acres, a figure that the Raccoon Creek property would effectively double should this acquisition be complete.
