The Point Reyes National Seashore Settlement Agreement

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 to settle a decades-long land-use conflict over the future of dairying, cattle ranching and wildlife management at Point Reyes National Seashore. The settlement is based on the decisions of 11 multi-generational 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 (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. 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. 

Please visit the National Park Services Website regarding the seashore for more information. 

• 11 lessees who operated 12 organic dairies or cattle ranches within the Point Reyes National Seashore accepted compensation payments as part of their 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 GGNRA will receive new 20-year leases to support viable agricultural operations with continued protection of park natural and cultural resources, and the NPS agreed to negotiate long-term leases for two ranching operations within the Point Reyes National Seashore.
• The departing lessees were given 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 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 Wildlife Conservation Board. More information on this funding can be found below.
• 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 was created through Associated Right of Way Strategies. 

If you have any questions regarding the Nature Conservancy's role in Point Reyes National Seashore, please check out their website. 

Who is administering this funding?

The California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), which 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. WCB was created by legislation in 1947. Today, it administers 17 programs that support projects in every corner of the state and in each one of California’s terrestrial ecosystems. 

WCB's seven-member Board consists of the President of the Fish and Game Commission, the Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Director of the Department of Finance, and four public members, two appointed by the legislature and two by the Governor. Non-voting members include three advisors from the State Assembly and three from the State Senate.

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. Only projects with strong potential for approval are invited to submit a full application. 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.