Shasta Land Trust adds 5,000-acre ranch to its conservation holdings

A wealth of animals, habitat and agriculture on a cattle ranch between Millville and Whitmore will remain protected under a deal struck by the Shasta Land Trust. "When you drive through that area, through the mountains, it's just nice to see the wildflowers, the wildlife," said Francis Duchi, chairman of the nonprofit group's board. "We're very appreciative." The recently completed conservation easement on the 5,000-acre Cow Creek Ranch is the latest for the group, which now has some 16,000 acres under similar agreements, said Executive Director Ben Miles. A conservation easement is a legal pact that permits certain uses of the land and prohibits others, while the property remains privately owned. The recently completed conservation easement on the 5,000-acre Cow Creek Ranch is the latest for the group, which now has some 16,000 acres under similar agreements, said Executive Director Ben Miles. A conservation easement is a legal pact that permits certain uses of the land and prohibits others, while the property remains privately owned...Record Searchlight