Those who want to support the effort can visit www.preservekonocti.org and make a donation through Pay Pal, credit cards or electronic checks, according to county Public Services Director Kim Clymire.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors recently entered into an agreement to acquire 1,688 acres of land on top of Mt. Konocti, an area that has been in private hands since the mid-1800s. Few people have enjoyed the breathtaking beauty of Lake County as seen from the summits.
The acquisition includes all four peaks – Wright, Buckingham, Howard and Clark peaks – and the cell towers/communication center for a total sum of $3.8 million, Clymire reported. The acreage is adjacent to roughly 800 acres of BLM land including the Black Forest.
The board was able to purchase the communication center on Buckingham Peak outright by utilizing $1,200,000 of one-time excess geothermal funds. They have also committed to the additional $2,600,000, which is due in September of 2009.
On Sept. 2, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a fundraising campaign allowing the County to solicit donations for the acquisition, as Lake County News has reported.
Clymire said all donated money will offset the $2.6 million pledged by the county, which then will be used to acquire additional properties on Mt. Konocti. The ultimate goal is to provide hiking trails and public access from Clear Lake State Park to the peak.
As of Sunday, the site reported that the fundraising effort has received $14,664 in community support.
Clymire said the county has a rare opportunity to help preserve Mt. Konocti as open space for now, and for future generations. Pledges of $5, $10, $50, $100, $500 or more will help the county maximize its efforts. All donations are tax-deductible with 100 percent going toward the acquisition.
At www.PreserveKonocti.org, community members can find more information on the mountain's history, the acquisition and map, a photo gallery, news reports, a video tour of the top and more, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, plus the ability to accept online, automatic donations via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal and electronic checks.
People also can purchase Mt. Konocti calendars, note cards, T-shirts, tote bags, framed tiles and more from the site's online store; all profits benefit the Mt. Konocti acquisition.
Donations also can be mailed to Public Services Department, 333 Second St., Lakeport, CA 95453. Please make checks payable to the County of Lake, with "Mt. Konocti Acquisition" noted on the memo line.
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