May 2, 2015
About the Payne Ranch
BLM
The Payne Ranch was purchased by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in 1999 and 2001. The 12,816 acres are a part of the larger, 71,000 acres, Cache Creek Natural Area. Bear Creek drains through Thompson, Craig, Eula and Brophy Canyons and there are 17 stock ponds located on the ranch.
CATTLE RANCH
During the operating years of the Payne Ranch, cattle were typically kept on the ranch from November until June. Only a few dozen head of cattle were left on the land over the summer and fall months. When BLM originally took over the Payne Ranch land, they ceased all livestock grazing. Now, they allow some controlled livestock grazing to control weed populations.
WILDLIFE
Bear Creek is a fish-bearing stream that beavers, otters, northwestern pond turtles and the foothill yellow-legged frog call home. The Cache Creek Natural Area is primitive in nature and hosts tule elk, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, turkey, and valley quail. Both yellow-billed magpies and roadrunners have been spotted and the threatened bald eagle is seen year-round.
THE HILL PATWIN
Native Americans used the area as a refuge after their first contact with European-Americans. Archaeological resources date back 8,000 years. The Patwin are a subgroup of the Wintun. Patwin translates to ‘person’ or ‘the people’.
About the Payne Ranch
BLM
The Payne Ranch was purchased by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in 1999 and 2001. The 12,816 acres are a part of the larger, 71,000 acres, Cache Creek Natural Area. Bear Creek drains through Thompson, Craig, Eula and Brophy Canyons and there are 17 stock ponds located on the ranch.
CATTLE RANCH
During the operating years of the Payne Ranch, cattle were typically kept on the ranch from November until June. Only a few dozen head of cattle were left on the land over the summer and fall months. When BLM originally took over the Payne Ranch land, they ceased all livestock grazing. Now, they allow some controlled livestock grazing to control weed populations.
WILDLIFE
Bear Creek is a fish-bearing stream that beavers, otters, northwestern pond turtles and the foothill yellow-legged frog call home. The Cache Creek Natural Area is primitive in nature and hosts tule elk, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, turkey, and valley quail. Both yellow-billed magpies and roadrunners have been spotted and the threatened bald eagle is seen year-round.
THE HILL PATWIN
Native Americans used the area as a refuge after their first contact with European-Americans. Archaeological resources date back 8,000 years. The Patwin are a subgroup of the Wintun. Patwin translates to ‘person’ or ‘the people’.