Sacramento Valley Ranch Owner Wins Prestigious National Wetlands Award

Mr. Richard Thieriot, the principal owner of the Llano Seco Rancho, was recently selected by the Environmental Law Institute for their 2009 National Wetlands Award. Thieriot was selected in the Landowner Stewardship category, in recognition of the land protection and habitat restoration efforts that he has implemented at the Llano Seco Rancho, located west of Chico, California.

The last of the intact Mexican Land Grants in California, the 18,000 acre Llano Seco Rancho has been in Mr. Thieriot’s family since the 1850’s. The Ranch consists of a mosaic of wetlands, agricultural lands, riparian forest, oak woodlands, and native grasslands that support a uniquely rich and diverse array of wildlife.  The property annually sustains peak populations of 500,000 ducks and 100,000 geese, along with a variety of Endangered Species and Species of Concern including Giant Garter Snakes, Greater Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles and Swainsons’ Hawks. Thieriot's stewardship has led to nearly 14,000 acres of the Ranch’s agricultural land and natural habitat being permanently protected by Conservation Easements held by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), The Nature Conservancy and the Northern California Regional Land Trust.  An additional 2,634 acres and 1,633 acres are now owned and managed by the USFWS and the California Department of Fish and Game, respectively.

In addition to land protection, the Ranch strives to integrate habitat restoration with its diverse farming and organic ranching operation.  The Ranch has worked cooperatively with the USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, the Bureau of Reclamation’s Habitat Restoration Program, Ducks Unlimited and The Nature Conservancy to restore hundreds of acres of wetlands, native grasslands and oak woodlands.

Mr. Thieriot’s passion and willingness to work with conservation organizations, as well as State and Federal agencies, has led to the permanent protection and enhancement of the ranch’s natural resources in the face of California’s rapid development.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work in California, Nevada and the Klamath Basin, and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov/cno.