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Stornetta Brothers Ranch Acquisition Allows Coastal Protection and Public Access to Mouth of Garcia River

The Nature Conservancy Joins with State and Federal Governments to Protect
Important Wildlife Habitat While Ensuring Long-Term Operation of Family Ranch

San Francisco, Calif.—July 6, 2004—The Nature Conservancy announced today the acquisition and permanent protection of 1,711 acres on the Stornetta Brothers Ranch at the mouth of the Garcia River in Mendocino County, near Point Arena. A portion of the property will continue to operate as a family ranch with livestock and agricultural uses, while protecting habitat for threatened and endangered species. Public access will be provided along a significant stretch of California coastline.

The Stornetta Ranch property, which is located adjacent to the historic Point Arena Lighthouse, includes the ranch, the estuary of the Garcia River, coastal wetlands, two and a half miles of coastline, and a seven-acre island known as Sea Lion Rocks. The island, important for colonial seabirds and marine mammals, will be included in the newly-designated California Coastal National Monument.

"This acquisition is a wonderful example of how conservation can be done in the North Coast," said Wendy Millet, North Coast ecoregional director for The Nature Conservancy. "Public and private partners have come together to safeguard an important natural area while ensuring continued economic opportunities for local residents and compatible recreational opportunities for the public."

Property on the Stornetta Brothers Ranch was purchased by The Nature Conservancy in partnership with the State Coastal Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State of California Wildlife Conservation Board for $7,693,500 using public funds. After working with the State Coastal Conservancy to complete the acquisition, The Nature Conservancy donated the property to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for long-term stewardship. The Nature Conservancy also contributed to a land-use plan that is being developed for the property.

The Mendocino Coast Audubon Society contributed $1,000 to the purchase, and expects to work with BLM and the public in monitoring birds on the property. The society has conducted a Christmas bird count on the ranch and neighboring properties for 26 years.

Of the total 1,711 acres protected on the ranch, 1,132 acres were purchased, while an additional 579 acres were placed under an agricultural conservation easement to prevent development. Members of the Stornetta family will continue farming and ranching operations on conservation easement lands. Grazing will also continue on the remaining acreage under conditions outlined in a grazing lease.

"This acquisition brings into public ownership and protection a magnificent stretch of coastline," said BLM Ukiah Field Manager Rich Burns. "We look forward to working with our partners and the public to protect this area and provide new recreation opportunities."

Burns said people will be able to access the public portion of the property beginning July 15 for daytime activities including hiking, horseback riding, wildlife and wildflower viewing, and picnicking. Further details about allowable interim uses will be made available both onsite and online before that date, he added. "BLM will be working closely with the public in developing a long-range management plan, beginning with a public meeting later this summer," he said.

"The Coastal Conservancy has been working since the mid-1990s for the protection of this spectacular property, and is very grateful for the Nature Conservancy's assistance in its acquisition," said Sam Schuchat, executive officer of the Coastal Conservancy. "The purchase will benefit the natural environment and visitors to the coast along with the Stornetta family, which will continue its historic use of the ranch."

Migratory waterfowl, shore birds, raptors, threatened or endangered species (Tundra Swans, Western Snowy Plover, California red-legged frog, Point Arena mountain beaver and steelhead, coho and chinook salmon) can be found on the property. It also contains a cultural site for the Bokeja (Manchester-Point Arena) Pomo tribe who now number over 600 people in the North Coast area.

"I remember driving Highway 1 through the ranch and seeing Tundra Swans in the fields. This partnership will insure the habitat will be maintained while keeping the working ranch in operation and providing more public access," said Al Wright, executive director of the Wildlife Conservation Board.

Original purchase of the property by private parties predates California statehood. Since 1917, the Stornetta family has maintained private ownership and stewardship of the Stornetta Ranch and has worked cooperatively with universities and public agencies to improve habitat while employing sound agricultural practices. Public agencies were initially attracted to the property because it remains in healthy condition today.

"The Stornetta family is proud of its long heritage as stewards of this important acreage on the Garcia River. Over the years we have tried hard to practice good land management and we have been keenly aware of the property's abundant resources. We now look forward to continuing to operate our family ranch with the understanding that this vital area is now permanently protected," said Larry Stornetta, one of two principal operators of the Stornetta Brothers Ranch.

The Stornetta Ranch acquisition follows The Nature Conservancy's February announcement with The Conservation Fund regarding the protection of 24,000 acres of forestland in the headwaters of the Garcia River. The Garcia River is one of the most important river systems in the region for coho and chinook salmon and other threatened or endangered species. The combined acquisitions, totaling 33 percent of the Garcia River watershed, represent a unique approach to large-scale protection of natural habitats. Protection of the river's headwaters through the mainstem to its mouth - or from the forest to the sea - keeps the watershed intact, and ensures that resident species have the lands and waters they need to survive. In addition, because both properties will remain working landscapes, they will continue to contribute to the local economy.