A nonprofit conservation group has picked up a second piece of a 7,500-acre ranch along the Upper Cosumnes River owned by developer Angelo Tsakopoulos.

American River Conservancy closed escrow at the end of October on 1,080 acres along the river east of the Sacramento County line for $5 million.

“This is beautiful river canyon landscape with tremendous views of the Sacramento Valley,” said conservancy executive director Alan Ehrgott.

The property purchase, accomplished through a combination of state grants and foundation money, not only keeps the area out of development but opens up more property for a planned river trail and wildlife area, Ehrgott said.

To that end, American River Conservancy last year purchased the first piece of what’s known as the El Dorado Ranch — 1,059 acres along the river and next to the new purchase. Ehrgott said the hope is to eventually acquire the entire ranch property.

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