Touch the Earth Ranch

Calaveras County

Demonstrating an Alternative to Subdivision

California Rangeland Trust in partnership with the Sierra Foothill Conservancy received a donated easement on the scenic Touch the Earth Ranch in 1999, which has served as a demonstration project since its acquisition. The ranch is strategically located in an area rich in resources that is experiencing rampant subdivision into 5 – 40 acre ranchettes. The Touch the Earth ranch easement helps California Rangeland Trust reach out to other ranchers in the area. As a result of our outreach efforts in the area, California Rangeland Trust is now processing several project applications that reflect the protection of significant foothill rangeland. California Rangeland Trust is grateful to the John and Patricia Garamendi family who donated the easement.