Climate Conservation Initiative

Strategic Conservation for a Climate-Resilient Future

With land trusts on the front lines of the climate crisis, increasing the pace and scale of land conservation has never been more critical.

Conserved lands play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of climate change on our community by supporting carbon sequestration, ensuring the viability of sensitive habitats, safeguarding prime agricultural lands that support local food networks, and protecting precious natural resources. These benefits extend to our community, providing clean drinking water, fresh air, and recreational opportunities, while also ensuring the well-being of future generations. 

Shasta Land Trust’s 10-year Climate Conservation Initiative will help identify key lands in Shasta County for conservation and implement strategies to meet conservation goals through 2034. Through these strategic climate-smart conservation actions, we will help to create a sustainable and resilient future for our region.

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Climate Conservation Priorities:

The Initiative assesses four climate conservation priorities with significant environmental and public benefits and identifies strategic actions for each priority.

1. Natural Communities 

Biodiverse habitats and connective landscapes that protect valuable ecosystems, natural resources, and migration pathways necessary for the survival of wildlife and plant species in our changing environment.

2. Water Resources

Resilient freshwater resources that support natural hydrologic functions necessary to endure and combat the effects of climate change.

3. Carbon Sequestration

Forests, soils, and wetlands with high carbon sequestration potential or large carbon stores that proactively keep carbon out of the atmosphere.

4. Agriculture

Working farmland and ranches that help to limit the impacts of climate change to agricultural productivity, contribute to local food systems, and build ecological resilience in soils and waterways.

Implementation: The Plan in Action:

As we consider new properties for conservation, we’ll be using advanced mapping tools to evaluate the land. Properties that meet multiple conservation goals—like protecting wildlife habitats, preserving water resources, and addressing climate change—will be prioritized. This strategic approach ensures that we focus on lands that will have the greatest long-term impact on the health and sustainability of our region.

With your support, we can accelerate the pace of conservation, secure the lands we depend on, and turn the tide on climate change at the local level.

How You Can Help

We need your help to make this vision a reality. Your donation will directly support our ability to scale up our conservation efforts and protect the land that provides for all of us.

By supporting this Initiative, you are standing alongside your community in a fight for a more resilient future. Together, we can ensure that the natural resources of Shasta County are protected for future generations.