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Tri-Valley Conservancy announced Tuesday that 1,168 acres of land between the cities of Dublin and Livermore was recently established as permanently protected open space.
Effective July 28, the Doolan Canyon Conservation Bank easement adds to TVC’s previous conservation efforts in the canyon, linking with an adjacent 178-acre easement secured in 2018.
The resulting corridor features more than 1,300 acres that provide habitat for threatened and endangered species including the California red-legged frog and the California tiger salamander, TVC officials said in a statement. Additionally, the conservation bank holds cultural and historical value and supports seasonal wetlands, riparian corridors and Cottonwood Creek, which flows through the property.
It is also the largest conservation easement held by TVC and with the easement’s legally-binding status, the land is protected from development of any kind and must be managed to protect wildlife habitat in perpetuity.
“This conservation easement is a victory for wildlife and the community,” TVC Executive Director Rebecca Spector said in a statement. “Doolan Canyon has long been a priority for permanent protection by both TVC and the community, and this conservation bank, in addition to our previous conservation easement, ensures the area remains as open space, provides habitat for a variety of species and is visually beautiful for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Located directly south of the conservation area is land that is conditionally permitted for limited commercial development, according to policy included in last year’s voter-approved Measure II.
Authorization of commercial development requires that the project “contribute substantially to the funding of the construction and/or maintenance of the Dublin Boulevard extension”, according to the General Plan amendment that came before Dublin City Council on Dec. 17 as part of the election certification.
“This conservation easement is a key piece of the greenbelt buffer between Livermore and Dublin,” TVC conservation manager Diana Roberts said in a statement. “This boundary helps curb urban sprawl, preserves biological diversity and supports the long-term sustainability goals of the region.”
TVC has been working on this conservation easement with Natural Resources Group since 2021, Roberts said.
TVC has also worked with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete the conservation easement, Roberts added.
Under the long-term management plan, the property will be maintained by the landowner and grantor Doolan Canyon Mitigation Associates Inc. and land manager Natural Resources Group. Funding for its management comes from a dedicated endowment.
The plan continues a generations-long tradition of active grazing on the land. Sustainable grazing practices support local wildlife and contribute to fire-resilient habitat management, TVC officials said.
TVC received its own endowment from Natural Resources Group for annual monitoring and oversight of the conservation easement, according to Roberts.
Dublin officials declined to comment on the conservation easement.
City of Livermore officials commended TVC’s work regarding Doolan Canyon Conservation Bank.
“This action aligns with our city’s commitment to open space preservation, strengthening the overall network of protected lands in our region,” Livermore officials said. “We recognize and appreciate these conservation efforts, which are preserving the valley’s scenic beauty and natural heritage for community members now and for those to come.”
