Eel River Canyon Preserve is a nature preserve that protects more than of the Eel River and of its North Fork, including their confluence. The preserve is owned and managed by The Wildlands Conservancy as part of its system of preserves.
Geography The preserve spans elevations from to , encompassing steep ridges, riparian corridors, and oak woodlands. It includes frontage along of the Eel River and of its North Fork at their confluence. Forests include Oregon white oak, buckeye, big leaf maple, madrone, Douglas fir, and ponderosa pine.
Flora and fauna Habitats include perennial wetlands, vernal pools, and river corridors. Wildlife documented in the preserve include salmon, steelhead, foothill yellow-legged frogs, Pacific pond turtles, fishers, ringtails, and two herds of Roosevelt elk.
History The property was long held by the Dean Witter family as part of Lone Pine Ranch. In 2019, The Wildlands Conservancy secured an option to acquire the ranch after purchasing the adjacent White Ranch, now Emerald Waters Reserve. The acquisition was completed in 2021, creating the Eel River Canyon Preserve with support from state agencies and partner organizations.
Conservation The preserve is part of the Eel River Emerald Necklace, a The Wildlands Conservancy initiative consisting of preserves along the Eel River. In a 2020 interview with the Northcoast Environmental Center, representatives of the conservancy discussed the preserve's role in the Emerald Necklace and its relationship to other preserves along the Eel River.
Recreation The preserve is not yet open to the general public. Future public access has been discussed in connection with trails, river access for paddlers, and the proposed Great Redwood Trail.
Works The preserve was featured in a 2024 episode of OpenRoad with Doug McConnell, which showcased the Great Redwood Trail and described the conservancy's plans for public access along the Eel River corridor.
See also List of The Wildlands Conservancy preserves Spyrock Reserve Emerald Waters Reserve
References
External links Eel River Canyon Preserve – official site Eel River Emerald Necklace – The Wildlands Conservancy