Why are the Stewardship Council and PG&E giving away land in California?
Under a Settlement Agreement1 and associated Stipulation2, reached between PG&E and the State in 2003, PG&E is required to protect its more than 140,000 acres of Watershed Lands with perpetual conservation easements. They are also required to make those lands that are not necessary for current or future hydro-project operations available for donation to public entities and/or non-profit organizations. The overall objective is to preserve and enhance a broad range of Beneficial Public Values (including recreation, sustainable forestry, open space, protection of habitat, agricultural uses, and protection of cultural resources) on these lands. As part of the Settlement Agreement, PG&E was directed to fund an independent 501(3) organization to oversee this process. The Stewardship Council was founded in 2004 to oversee the Land Conservation Commitment, as well as a separate Youth Investment Program.
