Point Reyes Headlands. Photo credit: Morgan Patton
Considering the market conditions for ranching, plus persistent challenges of drought and climate change at the Point Reyes National Seashore, the recent settlement agreement that will result in the closure of 12 ranches in the park was the only economically and environmentally sustainable option.
I consider the fact that it was reached through a voluntary agreement and compromise on both sides, rather than a court-ordered judgment, reinforces that the status quo was not working.
The finalization of this groundbreaking settlement is welcome news. It resolves longstanding conflict and prioritizes the management of the park for public enjoyment, increased public access, restoration and healthier ecosystems.
The Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, where I serve as executive director, was not a party to the litigation on PRNS ranching but strongly believes this agreement between ranchers, the National Park Service and environmental groups is the best possible outcome in a challenging situation. We also participated in many rounds of public comments in the preceding general management plan amendment public process.
This outcome would not have occurred without the commitment of ranchers and the Nature Conservancy nonprofit, whose voluntary business decisions (reportedly involving the exchange of tens of millions of dollars) led to this resolution. We are also very pleased that the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria support the decision.
The parties to the settlement have turned the page, and now it’s time for our communities to join them, whether your passion is public lands, sustainable food systems, ranching or supporting ranch workers.
Some who don’t support ranching in the park are upset with reports that tens of millions of dollars were spent for a buyout when the ranchers don’t even own the land. Others support ranching and are critical of ranchers for making voluntary business decisions to accept the buyout. Nonetheless, everyone must realize the ink is dry on a legally binding settlement. We must move forward together.
Now, a top priority should be supporting ranch employees and efforts to provide them with a softer landing. Presumably, the 12 ranches that negotiated the buyout incorporated a transition plan to provide financial support for their employees, though the ranchers have not shared these details with the public. In addition, there are reports that the Nature Conservancy will step up to help workers, tenants and their families.
Others are ready to help. Thankfully, organizations like the West Marin Community Services, Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Marin Community Foundation, local land trusts and West Marin Fund understand the need to get moving and are working on the transition for workers.
Marin County officials and Rep. Jared Huffman are also showing their dedication to the community by respecting the decision made by the parties to the lawsuit and working to identify resources to support the transition. The county is already reviewing its options for permitting interim housing options, such as RVs and tiny homes. And beyond the policy changes it will consider, the county has stated it plans to provide transition funds to workers and tenants. All these actions will support the changes resulting from the voluntary decisions made by the ranchers.
Meritless lawsuits do nothing to help workers, including one recently filed that seeks private housing rights inside the national park for business employees (in this case, ranch workers), even after the business they work for ceases operations and they are no longer employees. These unwarranted claims threaten to turn national parks into de facto privatized housing developments. Not only does this lawsuit make no practical or legal sense, but it also risks turning Point Reyes into a national political football, where ranch workers and their needs become collateral damage in the reckless pursuit of private housing rights in national parks. While we all know housing is needed more than ever, our national parks and protected publicly owned lands are not the place for private housing, nor is it legally possible in this location.
We look forward to working with our partners and community to support a smooth transition, recognizing the enormity of the changes to the Seashore.
Ashley Eagle-Gibbs, of Fairfax, is the executive director of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, which works to protect and sustain the unique lands, waters and biodiversity.
As published in Marin Independent Journal on February 6, 2025 (Title as Submitted)
https://www.marinij.com/2025/02/06/marin-voice-economic-pt-reyes-settlement-only-environmentally-sustainable-option/
Other resources:
Marin Voice: It is time to let Point Reyes be wild again (Jan. 29, 2025)
Office of Supervisor Dennis Rodoni: Regarding the Point Reyes National Seashore Settlement Agreement and Revised Record of Decision
Prior Blog Posts on this Topic
There has been significant press on this topic. This list is not exhaustive.
