East Bay collaboration provides permanent protection to watershed land

A unique partnership between the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and the John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) will protect in perpetuity 604-acres of cattle ranch land owned by the Carr family for more than a century. The new partnership will allow for the land to be preserved as watershed land, essential wildlife habitat and open space for public enjoyment.

The EBMUD will hold the title to the land, preserving the watershed land and protecting wildlife habitat along with maintaining open spaces and natural scenery. JMLT will manage permanent public access to Carr Ranch for recreation such as hiking, wildlife viewing, dog walking and equestrian activities.

The Carr Ranch is adjacent to the town of Moraga and surrounded on three sides by EBMUD-owned lands within the Upper San Leandro watershed. The East Bay utility district’s board of director has approved $4,469,600 for the purchase of the property. Carr Ranch is an essential addition to the watershed lands owned by EBMUD that drain into the Upper San Leandro Reservoir – a drinking water supply for tens of thousands of East Bay families – and a vital connection point to the nearby Las Trampas Regional Wilderness.

“EBMUD’s commitment to protect the environment for future generations is at the core of our mission,” said Richard Sykes, director of Natural Resources for EBMUD. “Nothing we do is more important than protecting the public’s access to drinking water — a limited and precious resource in California. Carr Ranch is a vital addition to the watershed lands we own and manage.”

“EBMUD is the perfect partner,” said Linus Eukel, executive director of John Muir Land Trust. “No organization in Northern California could be more entrusted with the permanent stewardship of this watershed property than EBMUD. No one has more experience or a stronger mandate to preserve and protect the natural character of the refuge lands it owns.” EBMUD manages 58,000 acres of habitat in the East Bay and Sierra foothills.

The undeveloped Carr Ranch property provides habitat for endangered reptiles and amphibians — and for large animals such as deer, American badger, golden eagle, and mountain lion. Carr Ranch is one of Contra Costa’s best landscapes. The terrain varies from hillsides and ridge tops to meadows and bottomlands and features coastal live oak, riparian woodlands, coastal scrub and annual grasses.

“We couldn’t have hoped for an outcome that better serves the public’s need for permanent protection and access to this spectacular natural landscape,” said Eukel. “Carr Ranch offers spectacular views and clean drinking water that will benefit East Bay families for generations to come. And of course, permanently preserving critical wildlife habitat means that current residents — including threatened and endangered species — will benefit as well.”

“We want to recognize and thank the Carr family for their careful stewardship of this land for generations, and for moving through a process that allows conservation instead of development,” said EBMUD Board Member Marguerite Young, who represents the area.

Plans for opening public access are in development. Other plans include a signing ceremony at Carr Ranch in January 2017.

“Permanent preservation of Carr Ranch would not have happened without John Muir Land Trust,” said Sykes. “But for JMLT, this land would eventually have been lost to development. And for EBMUD, this is a rare opportunity to protect drinking water right here in the East Bay.”