Quick Facts:
- 313 acres on Big Hill, dividing the Raccoon Creek and Bear River watersheds.
- Protected with a conservation easement since October 2007 with funds from the State of California, Placer County, and the California Wildlife Foundation.
Woodland and Rangeland Protection
Placer Land Trust’s Bear River Protection Program envisions protection of the Bear River watershed from Lake Combie to Camp Far West Reservoir. This area contains some of the last roadless areas in western Placer County, as well as significant oak woodlands, rangelands, and wilderness areas.
Oak Woodlands
The area between Raccoon Creek and the Bear River represents the largest contiguous area of oak woodlands remaining in Placer County. Approximately 331 species of wildlife inhabit Placer County’s oak woodlands including mountain lions, bobcats, several species of hawk, rodents, snakes, owls, and songbirds.
Wildlife Corridors
Large areas of intact wilderness provide critical habitat for larger animal species. The oak woodlands between Bear River and Raccoon Creek form an important north-south corridor complimenting the east-west corridors formed by the rivers and the adjoining riparian habitat. Liberty Ranch lies adjacent to Placer Land Trust’s Taylor Ranch Preserve and Kotomyan Big Hill Preserve, resulting in 802 acres of contiguous protected wilderness.
Recreational Trails
The easement on this property allows for a public recreational trail running north-south, supporting Placer Land Trust’s vision to connect Hidden Falls Regional Park to protected areas to the north along the Bear River.
Agricultural Heritage
This property also fulfills the dream of the landowner to prevent future development and preserve natural habitat on Big Hill, and at the same time, sustain agricultural activity in Placer County by creating a working cattle ranch under California’s Williamson Act.
Liberty Ranch Big Hill Preserve is currently not open to the public. For a list of our properties that have public trails, visit our Trails page.
