Overview
Ranching has been a part of the Point Reyes region for more than 150 years, since before the area became a national park. When Point Reyes National Seashore (Seashore) and Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) were first created, Congress and the National Park Service (NPS) agreed that farming families would be able to keep their land under agricultural leases/permits. Since then, these families have negotiated with special-interest groups and NPS to protect their land and production. Lease extensions for these farmers and ranchers are currently being discussed. This decision is part of a larger process through which the NPS is updating their General Management Plan (GMP), addressing many topics.
Our Position
Because the continuation of agriculture in the Seashore and GGNRA directly affects our mission to permanently protect Marin’s agricultural land for agricultural use, MALT supports sustainable farming and ranching in these areas.
Why It Matters
Together, the ranches in the Seashore and GGNRA represent nearly a fifth of Marin County’s agricultural acreage and production. These working farms and ranches help support our local economy and sustain a network of agricultural services as well, such as veterinarians, truck drivers and more.