June 15, 2001
Save-the-Redwoods League today announced the purchase of a beautiful nine-acre redwood grove adjacent to Jug Handle State Reserve. Carpeted with ferns, this grove shades Fern Creek and stabilizes its fragile slopes. The League purchased the land to protect the watershed of Jug Handle Creek which is fed by Fern Creek.
“Permanent protection of Fern Creek and the Jug Handle watershed is critical for long term effective conservation consistent with the scientific principles developed in the League’s Master Plan,” said Kate Anderton, the League’s Secretary and Executive Director.
“The Redwood Forest” (Island Press 2000 edited by Reed Noss, internationally-known consultant on biodiversity) is the heart of the Master Plan: a comprehensive analysis of the past, present, and future conservation needs of the redwood ecosystem on a landscape scale.
The League purchased the property with contributions from its members at a reduced price reflecting the property owner’s donation of a portion of the value established by a market appraisal. It is anticipated that the property will eventually be added to the State Reserve.
“The League and the State have worked together on a number of important purchases to conserve California’s natural and cultural resources and to create opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. I am delighted to see this property in conservation ownership and look forward to its inclusion in the Reserve, “ said Bob LaBelle, Mendocino and Russian River District Superintendent for State Parks.
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