Thanks to our members, Save the Redwoods League in March 2010 was able to transfer 200 acres to the Bureau of Land Management, increasing protection of the watershed including the Big River (pictured) and buffering ancient redwoods in Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve (SNR).
The League acquired the land adjacent to Montgomery Woods from two owners. Montgomery Woods harbors one of the largest stands of ancient redwoods in Mendocino County and some of the tallest redwoods south of Humboldt County. Several neighboring lands are managed by the BLM in cooperation with Montgomery Woods SNR.
The transferred properties contribute to protection of the Big River watershed, including one of its salmonid-bearing tributaries. Protection of this land is important, in part, because coastal Mendocino’s watersheds have the lowest percentage of protected redwood forest anywhere in the redwood region, according to the League’s Master Plan for the Coast Redwoods.
Improvement Project to Begin May 3
In a related project, the League is working with California State Parks to enhance the experience for visitors and improve accessibility at Montgomery Woods. By mid-summer 2010, improvements to the reserve will include an interpretive kiosk, new trail signage, enhanced park access, improved parking facilities and new accessible restrooms and picnic tables under the giant trees.
The work is scheduled to begin May 3, 2010, weather permitting. The parking lot will be closed Monday through Friday until approximately July 30, 2010. On weekends, access to the reserve will be allowed though the construction area, but parking will be limited to areas along Orr Springs Road. Please help pass the word to other visitors who frequent the reserve.
Montgomery Woods profile and map
Tags: land acquisition, news
