Protecting Land and Water in Lake County

Our Story Part VIII

We hope you have enjoyed the past several articles reviewing the 30 year history of the Lake County Land Trust. A history made possible because of our supporters. This is our last in the series of our 30 year story where we successfully acquire a huge section of the remaining raw Clear Lake shoreline.

In this issue we are looking at the most recent purchase made in the Big Valley Wetlands protection plan area, the Keithly Ranch, 86 acres adjacent to the Wright Family Ranch which was purchased in 2020. The Keithly family ranch was purchased in November of 2023 to create a combination of almost 300 acres of wetland and upland habitat in south Lakeport.

Ringed Neck Ducks spotted by Dave Woodward at the Kuulanapo Wetland Preserve

These properties are part of the California Department of Fish & Wildlife's Big Valley Conceptual Area Protection Plan, valued as preservation-priority parcels because of their impact on the health of Clear Lake and its watershed. This area has also been identified by community stakeholders in public meetings as the top priority for saving and preserving because of the special qualities found here.

These two Lake County Land Trust acquisitions have been combined to create the Kuulanapo Wetland Preserve. The area is the ancestral home of the Kuulanapo people. Kuulanapo is Pomo for water lily people. To honor this history, the name for this protected land is the Kuulanapo Wetland Preserve. The preserve features Clear Lake’s natural shoreline and is home to black-tailed deer, California quail, wild turkey, raptors, waterfowl such as white pelicans, grebes, black bass, catfish, otter, mink, as well as habitats that support special status species including Clear Lake hitch and western pond turtle. Habitats found on this property range from lake to creek to freshwater marsh and riparian areas, and from pasture to valley oak woodland.

Native hitch also know as Chi. Pictured below is an American White Pelican.

The Lake County Land Trust will steward this property and invite visitors for guided walks (see the schedule below) and events. Through a generous donation from the Pitzer Foundation, we are building two cement viewing decks with benches and wildlife interpretive signage at the water’s edge. Currently there are two habitat restoration projects in process that will restore more of the valuable wetlands and improve habitat for the Clear Lake Hitch and other animals.

We hope you have enjoyed this review of our organization and we look forward to continuing to work with all of our supporters to improve the health and beauty of our wonderful ancient lake and its surrounding lands.

If you have missed any of Our Story, click for the part you want to read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7.

Join Us for a Guided Walk

Kuulanapo Wetland Preserve

Saturday, August 31st, 8:00 am

We will guide you through the pasture and oak woodland to the shoreline. The preserve is as close to the original, natural shoreline as you can get. You will see a variety of wildlife and get a chance to see our work in progress; two viewing platforms on the water's edge.

We are also offering guided walks on:

September 28th,

October 19th.

Click here for directions.