Private lands for public access: the Sutter Buttes of California
Date
2014-09
Authors
Anderson, Walt, speaker
Anderson, David, moderator
International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, producer
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The Sutter Buttes, the only mountain range in California's Central Valley, rise from an intensely cultivated, highly altered landscape. Fences divide the land by property ownership, keeping livestock in and trespassers out. It was inevitable in urbanizing California that the general public would want to get beyond fences to hike, explore, and take photographs. Pressure for a state park mounted, creating a polarized division between private landowners and access-demanding public. Out of conflict arose innovation: a program of public access and interpretation was developed on one ranch property; later the author expanded the concept to about 40 properties in the range. Landowners were compensated for public access, allowing traditional uses (cattle and sheep ranching) to co-exist with hikes and workshops covering geology, natural and cultural history, and environmental education. At the same time, sensitive areas (e.g., eagle eyries, bat colonies) could be protected. From a private enterprise company (Sutter Buttes Naturalists) evolved the Middle Mountain Foundation, now the Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust. Landowners and "outsiders" together are active in land management, conservation, and education issues, demonstrating that local communities can achieve desired goals without the need for government involvement. The evolving model met its founder's goals of achieving a "positive spirit of constructive collaboration"; new issues are dealt with as they arise. Non-destructive public use has led to economic development, conservation of natural resources, and changes in attitudes and cultural perceptions. Thousands are exposed to the model and landscape at an Oakland Museum exhibit.
Description
Presented at the 8th international congress for wildlife and livelihoods on private and communal lands: livestock, tourism, and spirit, that was held on September 7-12, 2014 in Estes Park, Colorado.
To request a transcript, please contact library_digitaladmin@mail.colostate.edu or call (970) 491-1844.
Rights Access
Subject
Wildlife management -- Congresses
Range management -- Congresses