Project Description
Please note: the Sinnamon Meadows conservation easement is private property.
Located south of Bridgeport Valley at the base of Dunderberg Peak, Sinnamon Meadows has been providing important resources to wildlife and our community for over a century.
With its historic ties, stunning scenery, agricultural value, and critical habitat, this is a truly remarkable place. Now, thanks to the foresight of the property’s landowners, support from our community, and assistance from our funding partners, Sinnamon Meadows’ spectacular, High Sierra working ranchlands will continue this way for many generations to come.
A Home for Rare Wildlife on Sinnamon Meadows
Situated above 8,000 feet and almost entirely surrounded by public lands, this unique property includes mountain meadows, aspen groves, coniferous forest, springs, and significant reaches of two creeks.
Its irrigated pastures serve as critical habitat for many notable wildlife species – including the iconic and elusive Sierra Nevada Bighorn sheep. Comprised of over 40 animals, the Mt. Warren herd unit congregates on the south-facing slopes of Lundy Canyon in the summer months.
Another species of particular conservation concern that can be found here is the Bi-State population of greater sage-grouse, which depends on pastures where irrigation and sustainable grazing provide essential late summer habitat for raising their young. With its open spaces and working ranchland, Sinnamon Meadows provides an ideal environment for this rare ground-nesting bird.
Ties to Our Region’s Past
Sinnamon Meadows’ rich cultural heritage makes the preservation of this property particularly vital to the Eastern Sierra region. The area was once used on Native American trade routes, and later became the location of the historic Dunderberg Mill and town of Munckton.
It has been used as summer pasture since it was originally claimed under the Homestead Act by early prospectors (including the property’s namesake, early Mono County pioneer James Sinnamon) in the late 1850’s. Sinnamon Meadows was even the setting of a western film, “Belle Starr’s Daughter,” made in the late 1940s! A promotional image from this film is displayed below.
Partnering for Permanent Conservation
“My children are 4th generation cattle ranchers, and keeping our family and our land in the ranching business is very important to me,” said Bryan Masini, property owner of Sinnamon Meadows. In 2012, Mr. Masini and his business partner approached ESLT to learn more about how they could permanently protect their land’s natural qualities, while retaining the ability to use the property for grazing as it has been for more than a century.
“With the completion of this conservation easement with ESLT, we are excited that we will be able to continue to work our land for many years to come,” he added. “The experience and professional manner with which ESLT staff completed this complex project has continuously impressed my partner and me.”
