September 29, 2008

Funding Awarded for Benton Hot Springs Valley Land Protection

BISHOP, CA—The Eastern Sierra Land Trust is the recipient today of a Proposition 50 Sierra Nevada-Cascade Conservation Grant for the permanent protection of approximately 900 acres at Benton Hot Springs Valley. The grant award of $2,246,000 was based on benefits to the region such as ranching, water quality and wildlife habitat. 

“We’re thrilled that Benton Hot Springs Valley was chosen, as it is such a treasured place in the Eastern Sierra.  This land has a rich history as a working ranch which also provides valuable springs and ponds for many birds and animals,” said Julie Bear, Executive Director of the Eastern Sierra Land Trust. She adds, “The funding reaffirms our belief that the unique and special rural qualities of the Eastern Sierra are worth preserving.”

The Benton Hot Springs Valley property, owned by fourth-generation landowner Bill Bramlette, features prime agricultural and water resources adjacent to the town of Benton Hot Springs, the oldest community in Mono County. 

"What makes the Eastern Sierra so special is that our undeveloped character provides a significant contrast with most of the rest of the state,” states Bill Bramlette. He continues, “I believe it is all of our responsibility to help keep it that way.  Consolidating development and preserving farm and ranch lands, as well as special water resources, is perhaps more important here than other parts of the state.”  
 
The grant funds start the process for establishing a voluntary land protection agreement to permanently preserve the streams, springs, wetlands, ponds and meadows on the property.  Cattle grazing on the property will also be maintained through the use of best management practices which minimize grazing impacts on sensitive areas.

Voluntary land protection agreements, also known as conservation easements, are an important tool for land conservation.  When landowners establish voluntary land protection agreements, they preserve resources important to the public while retaining ownership and management of the land.  These agreements also keep land on the tax rolls, preserving revenue for local schools and local services and providing cost-effective, non-regulatory conservation. In a show of support for conservation of private lands, the President recently signed a bill that increases tax benefits to those who preserve their land through voluntary land protection agreements.

For more information about the Eastern Sierra Land Trust, please call (760) 873-4554.