The Excelsior Vision
An agreement has been reached with the Trust for Public Lands to acquire an option to purchase 647 acres of the property, including the riparian portions along Deer Creek and the Yuba River, for permanent protection as open space. Under terms of the agreement, a conservation easement will be placed on 150 acres in the eastern portion of the property - the Black Swan Ranch - which will permanently protect the historic "Black Swan" hydraulic diggins and the surrounding wetlands and blue oak woodlands.
In addition, a conservation easement is proposed for the remaining 127 acres which would limit development to only a single home on each of the three parcels – the Excelsior Ranches. A small amount of additional development would be permitted on 22 acres adjacent to Highway 20, for future commercial development to provide much-needed jobs and affordable housing for the local community. The result? More than 880 acres – over 95% – of this unique and significant property will be permanently protected as open space.
Interested in participating in this groundbreaking conservation effort? The Black Swan Ranch and the three Excelsior Ranches – Swan Point, Peregrine Peak and South Knoll – will become available for purchase in June of 2010. Tours of the property can be arranged by emailing