WiserEarth Features & Usability

The Pacific Forest and Watershed Lands Stewardship Council (Stewardship Council) brings together the expertise of leading conservation, natural resource management, business, and public officials to undertake a historic conservation effort for California. A unique and collaborative endeavor, the Stewardship Council Board of Directors unites a broad range of interests to guide the development and execution of a Land Conservation Program and a Youth Investment Program to benefit current and future generations of Californians.

Land Conservation Program

The Stewardship Council is a private, nonprofit organization that was established in 2004 as part of the settlement of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) bankruptcy. One of its primary goals is to ensure that over 140,000 acres of watershed lands throughout California are conserved for a broad range of beneficial public values. These values include:



* Outdoor recreation

* Sustainable forestry

* Agriculture

* Habitat protection

* Open space preservation

* Protection of historic values



Located across 22 counties, the land encompasses some of California's most stunning and wild landscapes. The parcels - almost 1,000 in total - stretch from Shasta county in the north to Fresno county in the south, from the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges to the Eel River watershed in Mendocino County and the Carrizo Plains in San Luis Obispo County.



The Stewardship Council believes that its programs can only be successful through the active involvement of its intended beneficiaries: the people of California. Please visit our public information page to learn more about how you can get involved.

Youth Investment Program

Connecting Youth with the Outdoors

At the Stewardship Council, we believe that outdoor experiences (whether in urban or wilderness areas) can positively transform young people personally, socially and academically. Unfortunately, the most needy - poor and underserved youth - have the least access to these life-changing experiences. By providing grant monies to existing community parks and youth development programs, as well as new programs in underserved communities, the Stewardship Council is working to make a difference in the lives of young Californians and nurture the future stewards of our state. Please see our grantmaking pages for specific information about funding and application procedures.