Placer County directs staff to pursue purchase of 597‑acre Confluence Preserve at Raccoon Creek

The Placer County Board of Supervisors on March 4 directed staff to negotiate acquisition of a 597‑acre parcel known as the Confluence Preserve, part of the larger Raccoon Creek Ranch holding formerly associated with a mining entitlement. The board’s direction was unanimous after staff presentations and substantial public comment.

Why it matters: county staff and conservation partners told supervisors the Confluence Preserve contains high‑priority habitats — vernal pool complexes, riverine and wetland areas and reaches of Raccoon Creek and Dody Ravine — that planners say are suitable for restoration and for providing compensatory mitigation capacity for future development impacts in western Placer County.

What the board approved: the board asked staff to negotiate acquisition of the 597‑acre Confluence parcel and return with documentation. Staff said the Placer County Conservation Authority had already authorized placement of a conservation easement over the larger, 4,245‑acre property and the county would consider purchasing fee title to the Confluence parcel to give the county direct control of the restoration program. Staff estimated a purchase price of approximately $2.8 million for the Confluence parcel; the Placer Legacy/Open Space fund balance was cited at about $3.6 million.

Public comment and local concerns: supporters from land trusts, watershed groups and tribal partners emphasized ecological and habitat benefits and urged the board to secure the site. Friends of Auburn Ravine and other advocates noted salmon and anadromous fish potential and floodplain restoration opportunities. Several neighboring ranchers and landowners — including family members with historical ties to the property — supported conservation but asked the county to protect agricultural operations and to ensure water access for farm uses. Speakers also urged inclusive, indigenous‑led restoration and ongoing coordination with agricultural stewards.

County rationale and next steps: speakers from Community Development and the County Executive Office framed the acquisition as consistent with Placer Legacy objectives — conserving natural features, maintaining viable agriculture and protecting wildlife diversity — and with prior watershed assessments that prioritized restoration in this reach. Staff said the county has long‑term interest in securing mitigation lands for the region and that fee ownership would allow the county to implement the large restoration plan rather than relying on a private owner to carry it out. Negotiation authority allows staff to pursue terms and report back; staff identified potential fund sources in the county’s open space set‑aside, as well as partner funding opportunities.

What remains unresolved: supervisors and public speakers flagged implementation questions — most notably how existing agricultural operations would be maintained, how water rights and diversions would be handled during restoration, and how the county would manage agricultural leases or partner operators after acquisition. Staff said management plans and easement terms would be developed and that those details would be included in return reports to the board.

Provenance: staff presentation and public testimony occurred on the record during the March 4 board meeting; staff will return with negotiated terms and recommended documents for final action.