POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE, Calif.— Today the National Park Service, Resource Renewal Institute, Center for Biological Diversity, Western Watersheds Project, Point Reyes Seashore Ranching Association, and other Point Reyes National Seashore ranchers reached a landmark agreement to settle a decades-long land-use conflict over the future of dairying, cattle ranching, and wildlife management at Point Reyes National Seashore. The agreement allows some beef ranching to continue while prioritizing ecological protection, wildlife conservation and continued recreational access.

The settlement is based on the voluntary decisions of 11 multigenerational family lessees to retire their 12 ranching operations on the national seashore in exchange for compensation from The Nature Conservancy. In response to these decisions, the National Park Service determined it was appropriate to issue a Revised Record of Decision on its general management plan amendment which affects 28,000 acres of former and current ranch and dairy lands in Point Reyes and the north district of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Under the revised management plan, the Park Service will rezone approximately 16,000 acres of former agricultural lands into a Scenic Landscape zone, which prioritizes resource conservation activities. Under the revised plan, tule elk will be allowed to generally roam freely within the national seashore and expand their numbers without a population cap.

As part of this settlement:

• 11 lessees who currently operate 12 organic dairies or cattle ranches within the Point Reyes National Seashore will receive compensation payments as part of their voluntary agreement to end their operations and transition off the Seashore.
• Nine ranches will continue at PRNS and Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Seven historic ranches in the north district of the recreation area will receive new 20-year leases to support viable agricultural operations with continued protection of park natural and cultural resources, and the NPS will negotiate long-term leases for two ranching operations within the Point Reyes National Seashore.
• The departing lessees will have approximately 15 months from the signing of the agreement to complete the wind-down of their operations on the Seashore and move off the land.
• The Nature Conservancy will collaborate with the National Park Service through an agreement to mutually support and share resources to promote conservation activities on the vacated lease areas. Both entities are interested in using the best available science, traditional ecological knowledge through consultation with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and an array of management tools to pursue park natural and cultural resource objectives.
• A tenant and employee transition support plan is well into development and financial resources have been secured to proactively support finding employment and housing alternatives for the employees and tenants of the departing ranchers residing at Point Reyes.

“This settlement is a major win for tule elk and Point Reyes’ environment, wildlife and native plants,” said Jeff Miller, a senior conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “I’m proud of what this collective agreement has accomplished and I'm looking forward to the improved management approach it can usher in. This is a historic opportunity to expand elk herds, restore coastal prairie habitats, and protect endangered species.”

“This agreement marks a crucial milestone in safeguarding and revitalizing the Seashore’s extraordinary ecosystem, all while addressing the very real needs of the community,” said Deborah Moskowitz, president of the Resource Renewal Institute. “It balances compassion with conservation, providing essential support to affected ranch workers, tenants, and their families while ensuring that this priceless national treasure is preserved and cherished for generations to come. As a National Park, Point Reyes belongs to us all, and this agreement makes that foundational promise a reality.”

“No one got everything they wanted, but we see this agreement as an important step forward for tule elk, and it offers a chance to restore rare coastal grasslands on Point Reyes,” said Erik Molvar, executive director of Western Watersheds Project. “This agreement represents a major shift in Park priorities, offering significant conservation opportunities. The new plan contains a number of conservation objectives, and we remain committed to making sure that these conservation commitments are fulfilled.”

The settlement resolves a longstanding and complex conflict at Point Reyes that created an untenable situation. Multigenerational family ranchers regularly voiced concern about the constant challenges and uncertainty surrounding their leases, which impacted the viability of their family operations. Environmentalists pointed to the impacts of agricultural leasing on wildlife management and the protection of the park’s natural resources.

Concerns over environmental degradation led the Resource Renewal Institute, Center for Biological Diversity, and Western Watersheds Project to file lawsuits against the National Park Service in 2016 and 2022. Numerous ranchers then intervened in the litigation to help the National Park Service defend the General Management Plan EIS and Record of Decision. During the summer of 2022, the parties to the litigation voluntarily agreed to enter into mediation.

All parties are working on a plan to support departing lessees, their ranch workers and their families. Expert organizations in employment and housing transitions have been consulted and will play a key role in these efforts. Direct financial support to employees and tenants for transition is critical, with some funding already secured and additional public and private fundraising are underway to ensure equitable and compassionate assistance. All those involved in the mediation and several partner organizations are actively pursuing financial, housing and employment resources in order to deliver comprehensive support to the impacted Seashore residents and workers.