2. 01/28/15
Sierra View Ranch
140 acres
Maintenance
Road
Spur to south and thru the
timber of stand 3
Spur to artesian spring
Access via Ponderosa Way
and Royal Forest Trail
Road.
Muddy Creek
Main residence and
office.
Barn/work shed
3. 01/28/15
Property Overview
Property sits on a ridge running North and South with saddle
on the south boundary adjoining Musty Buck Reserve. The
boundaries form a backward L shape with six distinct stands.
The majority of the property experienced a fire in the late 90’s
with subsequent logging. Natural seeding occurred with a
good population of ponderosa pine seedlings 1-9yrs old.
California Manzanita has overwhelmed the logged off areas,
which in turn has allowed other undesirable lower story plants
to spread and compete with the new pine growth.
4. 01/28/15
Sierra View Ranch Goal
Our objectives require a strong relationship
with the natural and native eco-habitat. The
economics and development of the property
shall drive towards the most current and
accepted methodologies to encourage
maximum tree growth, healthier natural
habitat, emphasis on native plants, soil
improvement, alternative green options,
aesthetic enhancement, and economic gain.
6. 01/28/15
Property Diversified
There are 6 distinct stands associated with Sierra
View Ranch. Stands do not necessarily mean timber
related.
Stand 1- Ridge stand, runs north and south at the
center of the property and supports a thick new
growth of Ponderosa and Sugar Pine softwoods ages
from 1-9 years.
Stand 2- East Slope stand runs north and south and
slopes steeply down to Muddy Creek and has running
water or sporadic pooling of water. This is the major
habitat for black bear, coyote, deer, mountain lion
and upland bird population.
7. 01/28/15
Property Diversified
Stand 3- Southwest stand is a mixture of
second growth ponderosa (25-40yrs, 8” and
up, some tree deformity) and sugar pine (15-
25yrs, 4” and up, tree deformity, some tree
health issues and insect damage.
Stand 4- West Juvenile stand has mixture of
softwoods, primarily Ponderosa and Sugar
pine. (10-20yrs, not much deformity or
damage, growth is being stunted from
overcrowding conditions.
8. 01/28/15
Property Diversified
Stand 5- Rock Outcrop stand is just east of the
juvenile stand and abuts the western slope of the
main north south ridge of Sierra View Ranch. It
lies at 2300’ elevation with a fragmented
limestone layer which has a moisture seam. At
the NE corner of this stand normally lies a year
round artesian spring. There is limited hardwood
trees with undesirable weeds and unidentified
plants. There is an access spur which is
generally passable during the summer months.
9. 01/28/15
Property Diversified
Stand 6- Center stand runs along the properties
center ridge and the inside mid point to the southwest
stand and to the west meeting with the Rock Outcrop
stand. Mixture of second growth and old growth
ponderosa and smaller Sugar pine. Limited hardwood
trees.
There is a maintenance road that branches off
through the Southwest stand, spur road to the spring
and continues onto neighboring property, and a spur
to the south center of the property.
10. 01/28/15
Primary Objectives
Fuel Reduction
Each stand will be prioritized
with objectives met over a
five year transition period.
Reducing the manzanita
stands, using mulch
technology, manual and
mechanical means.
Allowing larger stands of
manzanita growing paths,
targeting new growth for
clearing and mulching,
provides limited manzanita
expansion.
11. 01/28/15
Primary Objectives
Native Covering
As each phase of manzanita removal occurs, a combination
of localized native species and acceptable lower story
species as recommended by Butte County Ag Department
will be utilized in new plantings.
12. 01/28/15
Primary Objectives
Soil Improvement
Mulching methods and soil treatments as
outlined by Butte County Ag will be
implemented.
Natural and native flora will be major accent of
reseeding and planting stages.
13. 01/28/15
Primary Objectives
Wildlife Habitat
Water is major setback for
higher elevations of the
property. Introducing a
water recovery system
design for collection
during winter runoff for
use during summer and
autumn dry months. The
current lower story and
major California
manzanita growth gives
excellent cover, nesting,
and protection for all
species in several stands
and will be enhanced by
introducing watering
systems to aid with natural
influences.
14. 01/28/15
Primary Objectives
Timber Growth
Reduce overcrowding
conditions, remove
diseased, deformed, or
insect damaged trees
with 25’-35’ spacing
which will open the
timber stand.
Potential economic
gains through firewood,
limited building needs
from tree removal, and
other means
determined during all
phases objectives.
15. 01/28/15
Alternative Green Options
Solar Arrays
With the unobstructed eastern and
southerly views solar power is a viable
potential for clean energy for the ranch
needs and also could be of a size and
nature to produce larger amounts of solar
energy for Butte county.
16. 01/28/15
Alternative Green Options
Wind Generation
The natural canyon formed by Muddy
Creek runs north - south to southwest and
allows strong westerly winds, perfect wind
trough for both northern and eastern winds
Follow up studies, data collection and site
surveys will be necessary before moving
into this direction
17. 01/28/15
Aesthetic Enhancements
General Improvements
The blending of buildings and improvements
with the natural lay of the land.
Reduce disturbance of natural habitat.
Proper road maintenance with correct
crowning.
Overall development of Sierra View Tree
Ranch will take on a natural aesthetic value
tempered with well thought out procedures
and practices.
18. 01/28/15
Closing Overview
Sierra View Tree Ranch
This is a 10-20 year plan and will use many
different methodologies and techniques that will
not be discussed fully as they may change over
the duration of the plan. Certain phases may take
longer and/or be a continuous implementation of
recognized techniques to improve the objectives
and goals of the ranch. Certain items have been
omitted until a Registered Forester completes the
stewardship plan and proper lower story plant and
tree species can be properly identified. All
compiled data will be supplied at the final
submission of the plan.
