Timberland Conversions
Can cutting some trees protect an
entire forest?
Preservation Ranch proposes to convert 1,671 acres of timberland to vineyards, less than 9% of the property's 19,652 acres. Trees will be lost in the process but far more environmental improvements and protections will be gained, paid for by these vineyards:
- forest restoration with planting of over 1 million trees, or 3 conifers planted for every tree removed
- protective conservation easements on over 17,000 acres, including:
- all 14,868 acres of timberland
- the 2,700 Windy Gap Wildlife Preserve
- donation of 221 acres to the Soda Springs Reserve County park
- upgrading of over 90 miles of roads to reduce stream sediment
Timber conversion areas are located to minimize environmental impacts:
- Sited on ridge tops, are far from environmentally sensitive waterways
- Sited in areas that are poorly stocked with trees
- Sited in areas that lack signficant wildlife habitat due to their current condition
