Statement on Ranching in Point Reyes National Seashore
MALT’s mission is to permanently protect Marin’s agricultural land for agricultural use, and includes a vision of a thriving and inclusive agricultural community in a healthy and diverse natural environment. For 45 years, this mission has guided us in navigating change and creating a positive framework for advancing the future of working lands in Marin.
The recent settlement agreement reached between the National Park Service, ranchers in the Point Reyes National Seashore (the Seashore) and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and outside litigants will end dairying and change grazing operations in the Seashore. This is a profound loss to Marin County agriculture and our community.
MALT was not party to the mediation process or the settlement agreement, and we know how challenging the decisions made by the ranchers in response to their unique circumstances were. We are committed to supporting them in this next phase of their transition.
We recognize that this outcome presents significant challenges to the agricultural community of the North Bay. It will directly impact the lives of our families, neighbors, the people who work in dairying and ranching, and all parts of the community that these businesses touch. This transition will impact local families, jobs and economy, housing, schools, and local food security.
The story of agriculture in Marin County has never been a straight line. Instead, it is a story of innovation and resilience, of ranchers and farmers who have faced challenges and stepped into the role of changemakers – from organic dairies to regenerative ranches to artisanal cheese visionaries.
MALT remains deeply dedicated to supporting a vibrant future for agriculture in Marin. We are ready to continue to roll up our sleeves and collaborate with our community and other partners to shape this next chapter of innovation and resilience for agriculture in the Seashore, Marin County, and the North Bay. By coming together around a shared vision, we believe we can build a stronger and more sustainable agricultural future for all.
History
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 reached a settlement with special-interest groups and NPS which will end dairying and change grazing operations in the Seashore. This decision is part of a larger process through which the NPS is updating their General Management Plan (GMP), addressing many topics.
Why It Matters
The ranches in the Seashore and GGNRA help support our local economy and sustain a network of agricultural services as well, such as veterinarians, truck drivers and more. 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 remains deeply dedicated to supporting a vibrant future for agriculture in Marin.