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Council hears Placer Land Trust request for Clover Valley stewardship funds, asks staff to return with more details
Summary
Placer Land Trust asked Loomis for a restricted stewardship contribution for preserved land in the Clover Valley area; council members requested more information about access, fire‑mitigation costs and ownership and asked staff to bring the item back when those details are available.
Placer Land Trust representatives briefed the Loomis Town Council on a request for stewardship funding tied to the recently preserved Clover Valley property on the town's border. The land trust said the property’s long‑term conservation would be managed via a recorded conservation easement and that funds would be restricted to stewardship and ongoing maintenance.
The original property acquisition involved multiple partners, including Jessup, the Placer County Office of Education (PCOE), and neighboring jurisdictions. Placer Land Trust said the organization would hold the conservation easement even if ownership of the underlying land ultimately transfers to another steward; United Auburn Indian Community was reported to be exploring possible purchase discussions but had not reached any decisions.
Councilmembers and several public commentators said they welcomed preservation but asked staff and the land trust for more detail before any town commitment. Specific questions included whether Loomis residents would have practical access points, the estimated cost of required fire‑mitigation work, and the timing and nature of any ownership transfer. Several councilmembers also noted the town’s tree‑mitigation fund is the proposed funding source and asked whether the fund’s use should be limited to properties inside Loomis.
Public commenters urged caution unless the town could be assured of local access and clear public benefits. Jean Wilson asked that the town provide clear FAQs and outreach so property owners can understand what being inside a designated conservation area means for them.
Staff and the land trust agreed to provide more information on access options, the anticipated stewardship budget and any ownership outcomes. Council direction was to defer a funding decision and to return this matter for future discussion once those technical details — particularly access and fire mitigation costs — are available.
No formal motion to allocate funds was adopted; council action was recorded as a referral back to staff to return with additional information.
