A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity in the Scott River Headwaters

AP Ranch stretches across a dramatic 14,177-acre landscape of broad mountain meadows, mixed-conifer forests, oak woodlands, wetlands and willow-lined river corridors. The East Fork Scott River winds for more than eight miles through the heart of the ranch, tying together a rich mosaic of habitats before flowing downstream toward the Klamath. Rising above the valley, Lover’s Leap is a familiar local landmark, with sweeping views across the ranch and surrounding Klamath Mountains.

In 2021, TWC protected the adjoining 6,095-acres to create the Beaver Valley Headwaters Preserve, securing important forest, meadow, and stream habitats along the East Fork Scott River and its tributaries. Lying just upstream, AP Ranch will expand Beaver Valley Headwaters and remain in permanent stewardship of TWC to ensure that the headwaters of the East Fork Scott River are managed for conservation and ecological restoration.

The Wildlands Conservancy has secured the public and private funding needed to acquire AP Ranch, which will expand Beaver Valley Headwaters Preserve to more than 20,000 acres. The acquisition creates a rare opportunity to protect and restore the Scott River headwaters at a scale that can benefit salmon, wildlife and communities far beyond the preserve itself.

Investing in the Future

The $16.9 million acquisition is made possible by an $11.5 million investment from the Wildlife Conservation Board and generous private support. With acquisition funding secured, Wildlands is continuing to raise support for startup stewardship and to build the permanent endowment that will help care for the expanded preserve for generations to come. Continued philanthropy will also help advance restoration and public access planning as AP Ranch becomes part of Beaver Valley Headwaters Preserve.