NCLT was proud to partner with Ray Patton at the Empire Mine Historic State Park to protect a 24-acre site adjacent to the over 700 acre park. The riparian corridor of South Wolf Creek bisects this property, which also contains rare native grasses and many heritage trees.

State Parks Senior Ecologist W. James Barry, Ph.D. wrote, "I have been studying natural grassland ecosystems for 25 years and have not seen a better example in the western Sierra Nevada than this site."

This project has been a great example of what is possible when you work together with other groups for a common purpose. The site was identified by the INCA report as a priority conservation site, but neither the Land Trust nor State Parks alone had the resources to purchase it.

The owners of the 40-acre site patiently worked with the two agencies to craft a deal that would work. They agreed to a phased-in purchase over two to three years, to allow more time to secure acquisition funds. The first purchase of 24 acres was assisted by a grant from The Nature Conservancy for $50,000.

After the management plan is completed, a low impact trail connecting this site to other trails in the park will be designed.