Carrying the torch of conservation

Lisa Weger builds on a family legacy to benefit future generations

Lisa Weger has a deep connection to Weger Ranch, a 3,862-acre redwood property in the sprawling hills of Mendocino County. This land encompasses the largest nonindustrial private forest in the Big River watershed, with dense stands of coast redwoods and Douglas-firs, including almost 400 old-growth trees. The South Fork Big River meanders through the peaceful forest and surrounding grasslands, providing spawning grounds for coho and Chinook salmon and steelhead. This is also important habitat for imperiled northern spotted owls, foothill yellow-legged frogs, and the many raptors that soar high above the adjacent Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve.

This stunning landscape—and a strong commitment to its conservation—is Lisa’s family legacy. Beginning in the 1940s, Weger Ranch was acquired over two decades by the hard work and sacrifice of Lisa’s father, Don Weger. Simultaneously, and independently, Lisa’s mother, Audrey Jones Weger, was one of the first women to own and manage thousands of acres of ranchland in Northern California. Today, Lisa carries her family vision forward, carefully tending the land with the future in mind.

“As a result of my upbringing, I have always believed that I am the steward, not the owner, of Weger Ranch,” Lisa said. “My job is to protect and care for the land and the wildlife that resides there. My goal is to pass this treasure on to my sons so they may also steward the land and preserve this special place for generations to come.”

Lisa’s husband, Craig Blencowe, shares her commitment to thoughtful stewardship of this redwood landscape. Blencowe is a forester who advocates for prudent timber management as a means of preserving healthy forest ecosystems and quality of life in rural communities. Through decades of hard work, this dynamic duo has made a big impact on the health of their forest, while providing sustainable forest products and supporting the local economy.

“If done properly, we can sustainably harvest timber while preserving a biodiverse forest, high-quality wildlife habitat, and amazing trees that sequester carbon and clean the water,” Lisa explains.

In 2023, Lisa worked with Save the Redwoods League to protect Weger Ranch with a conservation easement, an innovative tool that ensures permanent protection of land while allowing private landowners to retain their property. Conservation easements are legal agreements that restrict the rights and allowable uses of a property, no matter who owns the land—now or in the future. In the case of Weger Ranch, the easement prevents any subdivision of the property, development of extensive infrastructure, or excessive timber harvesting. It ensures that the forest will remain healthy and intact, providing crucial wildlife habitat and a buffer for Montgomery Woods in perpetuity.

Lisa sold the conservation easement on this important property at a discounted price and also made a generous gift to the Save the Redwoods League stewardship fund to support the care of the redwood forest moving forward. She is happy to know that because of her work with the League, this incredible landscape will be protected forever. “This redwood forest will be preserved in perpetuity in much the same way that you see it today,” says Lisa. “We are very excited about that!”

By setting a high bar for sustainable forestry in the region, Lisa and Craig hope to inspire other private landowners to consider—and fund—conservation solutions. Her parents would be proud of the legacy the Weger family is leaving for generations to come.