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

Mitigation Area Map (PDF)

The Four Visions

Sustainable Agriculture

Did you know?

Consistent with Sonoma County’s Timberland Conversion Ordinance 5651, the Project will set aside 3,342 acres of timberland to be protected as mitigation for the conversion areas.

Preservation Ranch