Point Reyes National Seashore Settlement Information

On January 9, 2025, the National Park Service, Resource Renewal Institute, Center for Biological Diversity, Western Watersheds Project, the Point Reyes Seashore Ranching Association, and other Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) ranchers, reached an agreement over the future of dairying, cattle ranching and wildlife management at Point Reyes National Seashore. The settlement was based on the decisions of 11 multi-generational family lessees to wind down their 12 ranching operations on the National Seashore in exchange for compensation from The Nature Conservancy. The ranches were given 15 months from the signing of the agreement to complete the wind-down of their operations. A transition plan for the tenants and workers of the ranches was developed in partnership with Associated Right of Way Strategies and West Marin Community Services. 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 (GGNRA). Under the revised management plan, NPS will rezone approximately 16,000 acres of former agricultural lands into a Scenic Landscape zone, which prioritizes resource conservation activities. 

The County of Marin has been working diligently to identify solutions to the housing crisis that has affected West Marin residents for many years. In 2023, a study was commissioned by the Committee for Housing Agricultural Workers and Their Families, a group formed by the County of Marin, Marin Community Foundation and West Marin Fund in response to this crisis, which determined that West Marin needs approximately 1000 new housing units to accommodate the areas affordable housing needs. In response to this report as well as the closure of the ranches at Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS), which increased the visibility of West Marin's housing needs, the County enacted the Shelter Crisis Declaration and has been working alongside the Community Land Trust Association of West Marin (CLAM) and other local partners to fund housing solutions for West Marin residents.

Shelter Crisis Declaration

In March of 2025, the Marin County Board of Supervisors adopted the Shelter Crisis Declaration, which applies in the unincorporated areas of Marin, included West Marin. This declaration allows for expediting the building of temporary emergency housing, such as tiny homes, mobile homes, or other types of shelter lacking a permanent foundation. Find more information here on CDA's webpage regarding the Declaration. 

Building Long Term Permanent Affordable Units

CLAM has identified scattered sites throughout West Marin that will allow them to develop over 100 new affordable units in the next few years. Through the County's Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Measure W dollars, the County has invested in CLAM's efforts to redevelop, build, or purchase new housing that will remain affordable. Some of these investments include the 6th and B street lot, 55/65 Second Street in Point Reyes, and a site in Olema. 

San Francisco North Bay Dairy Community Transition Assistance Program  

The County of Marin, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is administering $1,000,000 in one-time federal funding through the San Francisco North Bay Dairy Community Transition Assistance Program to three ranches that formerly occupied PRNS. This funding was made available through Congressionally Directed Community Project Funding (requested by Congressman Jared Huffman) approved in the Fiscal Year 2024 federal appropriations bill. This program provided reimbursement-based financial assistance to dairies relocating from Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) to a new or existing dairy site within Marin or Sonoma County. Funds support the planning and implementation of NRCS-approved conservation practices that promote sustainable, environmentally responsible operations consistent with federal standards.

The California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) is a state grant-making agency dedicated to safeguarding California's spectacular biological diversity and wild spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. WCB works in partnership with tribes, conservation organizations, and government agencies to acquire lands and design and implement habitat restoration and public access projects statewide. Below are some frequently asked questions related to the grant opportunity available related to Point Reyes National Seashore. 

Where did this funding come from?

The Budget Act of 2024 (SB 108) as amended by AB157 included $10,000,000 to WCB “for Point Reyes for conservation projects that will enhance coastal wetland resilience, restore tule elk habitat and native vegetation, and improve public access in Point Reyes National Seashore.” 

How can this funding be used?

In accordance with AB157, the funds must be used for projects that enhance coastal wetland resilience, restore tule elk habitat and native vegetation, and improve public access in Point Reyes National Seashore. Planning and permitting activities to support such projects are eligible.

Who is eligible for funding? 

WCB awards funds to tribes, non-profit organizations and government entities. Because these funds would be used on federal land, the Department of Interior/National Park Service would need to approve any project that WCB funds, including ensuring site access for grant recipients.

What is WCB’s process for awarding grants? 

WCB accepts applications on a rolling, competitive basis. Partners present project ideas through a short pre-application. Staff then determine if a proposed project aligns with the mission, vision, and priorities of WCB and if funding is available to support it. Projects are presented to and voted on by the Board at WCB’s quarterly public meetings (February, May, August, and November).

Agendas are published on WCB’s website and emailed to WCB’s listserv at least 10 days prior to each Board meeting. WCB also notifies County Boards of Supervisors and tribes about proposed projects in their jurisdiction via letter approximately 30 days prior to each Board meeting.

How did The Nature Conservancy receive funding from WCB and what is it for?

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) applied for and was awarded $2.7M to complete the planning for restoration and long-term management of coastal prairie grassland ecosystems at Point Reyes National Seashore through the following actions:

• Develop a long-term managed grazing plan, through a process that includes public participation, designed to apply targeted grazing to achieve specific ecological objectives outlined in the Point Reyes National Seashore General Management Plan, including restoration of a diverse matrix of coastal prairie grasslands and shrublands.
• Complete the design and permitting necessary for new water infrastructure that supports the managed grazing program conservation objectives including fencing system repairs and improvements, water infrastructure, and virtual fencing systems.
• Develop a restoration plan, through a process that includes public participation, for former silage and manure fields, using soil and vegetation restoration strategies to lay the foundation for accelerating restoration of grasslands that have been heavily degraded through silage cultivation and spreading of manure.
• Develop a research and monitoring plan to measure the ecological impacts of management changes on the Project area and to enable NPS to achieve its goals in the General Management Plan over time.

Is the state paying for the interim grazing RFP through TNC that was released in 2026?

No. Interim grazing is not a task included in WCB’s grant to TNC.

What about the remaining money? How will it be used?

WCB has not awarded the remainder of the $10M earmarked for seashore projects. $7.3M is available for eligible projects by eligible entities. Funds may support implementation of certain elements of the management plan once identified or other restoration or public access projects.

How can the public stay informed about implementation of this grant and any future grants at the Seashore?

The planning grant includes public engagement. Sign up for WCB’s listserv (wcb.ca.gov) to track Board meetings and other news.

What is the state’s role in the settlement and the long-term management of PRNS?

The State of California was not a party to the negotiations or the subsequent settlement and does not own or manage any land within Point Reyes National Seashore. Point Reyes National Seashore is managed by the National Park Service, a federal agency.