Rivercrest Estates
An open space preserve

What is a Conservation Easement?

 A conservation easement is a contract signed by the landowner and a preserve manager that is filed with the County Assessor. The easement assures that the preserve area will be retained forever in a specific condition, such as open space, and prevents any use of the preserve that would impair or interfere with the conservation values of the preserve. A conservation easement is legally binding in perpetuity regardless of whether the property is sold.

What is an Open Space Preserve?
An open space preserve is an area that will not be developed and the natural resources are protected by a conservation easement in perpetuity. Preserves are areas important for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of special interest, such as wetlands and vernal pools. Vegetation in preserves often includes threatened and endangered grasses, plants and animals.

 

"The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants and animals, or collectively: the land."
- Aldo Leopold

If you notice people trespassing in the preserve that are not wearing a Shasta Conservation Fund vest or if you notice any vandalism, please call the SCF office immediately at 365-7332

 

Why did Rivercrest Estates create a Preserve?

As a condition for obtaining an Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit for development, Rivercrest’s developers were required to create a 4.87-acre open space preserve which includes 0.328 acre of vernal pool, 0.146 acre of wet swale, and 0.009 acre of intermittent creek. The western portion of the Preserve will contain a 0.55-acre sediment and drainage basin and associated upland

How can you help protect the Conservation area?

• A fence around the preserve is meant to protect the endangered plants and animals that live there from being stepped on and damaged, so please do not enter the preserve.

• The wet swale and vernal pool are especially sensitive, so nothing should be disturbed or removed that could effect the ecological balance. Please do not take any vegetation out of the preserve.

• Help prevent litter from blowing into the preserve by disposing of litter in proper trash receptacles.

• Vegetation in the preserve is very sensitive to residential runoff from yards and driveways, so please try to keep oil, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaners out of the preserve.