Preserving Sugar Creek Ranch for Wildlife & Fish

The Scott River Watershed Council (SRWC) is acquiring 114 acres on Sugar Creek, including the Sugar Creek Ranch, to permanently retire development rights and establish a dedicated wildlife area. This acquisition aligns with the Council’s mission to conserve and restore critical habitats in the Scott River watershed. 

Donations received on Giving Tuesday will fund essential invasive weed treatments, including removing Himalayan blackberry from riparian areas to support beaver populations. With its strategic location at the head of the Scott River Tailings, the Sugar Creek property also enables large-scale floodplain restoration efforts. 

By preserving this land from future development, the SRWC aims to boost biodiversity, support native wildlife, and improve the ecological health of the Scott River ecosystem. The new wildlife area will provide a sanctuary for native species, with an emphasis on beaver and coho.

A place-based nonprofit, SRWC has 32 years of working the Scott Valley.  We continue to look in ways to expand our impact and in 2024 we worked on projects that included youth education, mountain meadow health, and environmental monitoring focused on streamflow, groundwater, and fisheries. These efforts foster community awareness, resilience, and sustainability across the watershed.

We also had our most productive instream restoration work in 2024, successfully completing 3 large projects in Patterson Creek, French Creek and Sugar Creek.  

Based in Etna, the SRWC advocates for sustainable land management, working closely with landowners, agencies, and community partners to conserve natural resources. Its work spans habitat restoration, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and forest health, addressing the ecological balance and resilience of the watershed. Key initiatives include fish habitat restoration, floodplain reconnection, and groundwater recharge, benefiting both local communities and wildlife.

The SRWC’s commitment to community engagement is evident in educational programs and volunteer opportunities that inspire local stewardship. Through projects like the Etna Community Garden and the Scott Valley composting program, the Council promotes sustainable practices and community involvement.  We also sponsor the Etna Farmers Market, supporting local growers from May to October. 

The Council’s passion and collaborative approach integrates ecological health with community needs, fostering long-term conservation in the Scott River watershed and contributing to the broader health of the Klamath River Basin.

To view the Scott River Watershed Council's Year in Review for 2023.