Payne Ranch Proposed Potential Wilderness Area
Management agency: Bureau of Land Management, Ukiah District.
Location: South of Highway 20 and west of Highway 16 in Colusa and Lake counties.
Size: Approximately 8,566 acres.
Description: The Payne Ranch is adjacent to the proposed Cache Creek Wilderness and together the two areas host a large tule elk herd and the second largest wintering bald eagle population in California.
The ranch is characterized by enormous stretches of grassland
and oak savanna, and rich streamside forests grow along the banks of Cache Creek.
Chaparral and open, rocky areas round out the habitat. The area has become increasingly
popular among hikers, equestrians, whitewater enthusiasts and others seeking
vehicle-free wildlands.
The ranch was privately owned until recently, and contains some four-wheel drive
roads and other developments that may require restoration. Senator Barbara Boxer’s
California Wild Heritage Act will allow the Bureau of Land Management to restore
the Payne Ranch. After five years, this area will become part of the proposed
Cache Creek Wilderness.
For additional information, please contact:
California Wilderness Coalition
info@calwild.org
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Just three miles off of Interstate 80, 
