Quick Facts:
- 61 acres on Big Hill in the Bear River watershed
- Protected in 2023 with funds from Emigrant Trails Greenway Trust, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, and Placer Land Trust members
- Oak woodlands, responsibly managed grazing land, and wildlife habitat
- Protecting watershed lands to preserve scenic beauty, wildlife corridors, and drinking water quality
Conservation Connectivity
Placer Land Trust works with willing landowners and conservation partners to protect land that connects wildlife habitat, public recreation opportunities, and scenic open space. The area between the Bear River and Raccoon Creek contains some of the last relatively “wild” areas in western Placer County.
This project was able to move quickly thanks to early support from Emigrant Trails Greenway Trust. With that commitment in hand, we were able to secure highly competitive grant funds from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) to complete the process. Project development was funded by a SALC capacity grant, which enabled Placer Land Trust to find funding to protect the preserve. Donations made by our members and supporters during the 2023 Conservation Celebration Week also helped fund this project.
Oak Woodlands
The area between Raccoon Creek and the Bear River represents the largest contiguous area of oak woodlands remaining in Placer County. Approximately 331 species of wildlife inhabit Placer County’s oak woodlands including mountain lions, bobcats, several species of hawk, rodents, snakes, owls, and songbirds.
Wildlife Corridors
Large areas of intact wilderness provide critical habitat for larger animal species. The oak woodlands between Bear River and Raccoon Creek form an important north-south corridor complimenting the east-west corridors formed by the rivers and the adjoining riparian habitat. Kotomyan Vista Preserve lies adjacent to Liberty Ranch, Kotomyan Big Hill, and Taylor Ranch Preserves, resulting in an extensive area of protected wilderness.
Cultural Heritage
The Kotomyan Vista Preserve name reflects the views of the Sacramento Valley from the preserve — the same views enjoyed by the Native Americans who resided in the nearby semi-nomadic Nisenan village of Kotomyan for thousands of years. The village of Kotomyan may be gone, but the views and now this land will remain protected forever. The Nisenan name also honors the Native Americans who have stewarded this property in the past, and are part of our community today and into the future.
Kotomyan Vista Preserve is currently not open to the public. For a list of our properties that have public trails visit our Trails page.
You can also check out our calendar for upcoming hikes and outings at Big Hill Preserves.
