A planned solar energy project in eastern Sacramento County that would wipe out nearly 3,500 heritage blue oak trees has sparked one of the region’s most significant conservation battles in years.
The Coyote Creek Agrivoltaic Ranch, a 1,400-acre solar farm proposed by D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments, would generate roughly 200 megawatts of power. But construction would require blasting and excavating nearly 1.5 million cubic yards of earth across rolling foothill land dotted with centuries-old blue oaks, vernal pools, and habitat supporting hundreds of wildlife species. Some of the trees slated for removal are estimated to be more than 800 years old.
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved the project unanimously last fall despite hours of public testimony opposing it. But the opposition scored a major win in January when SMUD pulled out of its power purchase agreement, determining it didn’t need the site to meet its clean energy goals.
That victory was driven by a broad coalition of conservationists, tribal advocates, off-road recreation groups, social media creators, and everyday residents. Three separate lawsuits challenging the project’s environmental review are still active.
The fight isn’t over, though. DESRI is still looking for a new buyer for the energy, and the Barton Ranch landowners remain committed to the deal.
Conservation groups say the conflict highlights a deeper problem: California’s oak woodlands lack adequate legal protections despite their enormous ecological value. Blue oaks support hundreds of species per tree, play a critical role in watershed health, and hold deep cultural significance for Indigenous communities. Yet a recent state report found that oak woodland habitats are among the most underrepresented in California’s 30×30 conservation efforts.

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