The Save the Redwoods League has entered an agreement to purchase the 1,517-acre Monte Rio Redwoods Expansion property in Sonoma County from Mendocino Redwood Company, LLC, marking a significant milestone in regional conservation efforts. The property contains second- and third-growth coast redwood and Douglas-fir forest and will eventually be conveyed to Sonoma County Regional Parks. Located less than two hours north of San Francisco, the property shares borders with Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Sonoma Coast State Park. Once conserved, the acquisition will link a contiguous protected area of more than 22,000 acres, comprising forest, wildlife corridors, and watershed regions stretching from the Bohemian Highway to the Sonoma Coast.
The property's ecological significance extends beyond its expansive size. It contains 1,287 acres of coast redwood forest that has been in timber production for over 100 years, with a few old-growth trees, including a remarkable 14-foot-wide ancient tree featuring a natural tunnel. The forest hosts diverse vegetation, including Douglas-fir, tanoak, and California bay trees. Environmental benefits of the acquisition are substantial. The redwood forest represents a high conservation priority due to its carbon storage potential. Redwood forests can store carbon in their rot-resistant wood for centuries, with young redwoods demonstrating rapid growth and significant carbon sequestration capabilities.
The property also includes 3.7 miles of streams, comprising the headwaters of Dutch Bill, Freezeout, and Willow creeks. These waterways are critical tributaries of the Russian River and serve as spawning grounds for federally listed coho salmon and steelhead trout. Save the Redwoods League is pursuing $20 million in public and private funding, including up to $6 million from Sonoma County Agricultural and Open Space District for a conservation easement. The League and Sonoma Land Trust are collaboratively raising the remaining $4 million to complete the property acquisition.
The project represents a significant expansion of the League's conservation efforts in Sonoma County, bringing the total conserved land to 15,626 acres. By creating a connected landscape, the acquisition aims to enhance ecological resilience, protect wildlife habitats, and provide new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The conservation of this property ensures the protection of vital watersheds and contributes to regional climate resilience through enhanced carbon storage in the redwood forests.
