You are here

Home » Point Reyes National Seashore Drafting Management Plan For Beef, Dairy Ranches

Point Reyes National Seashore Drafting Management Plan For Beef, Dairy Ranches

Share

Published Date

April 22, 2014

A planning effort is under way at Point Reyes National Seashore in California to manage some 28,000 acres of beef and cattle ranches overseen by the seashore.

The need for such a plan arose in November 2012 when then-Interior Secretary Ken Salazar issued a memorandum authorizing the NPS to pursue long-term lease/permits for dairy and beef ranching operations.

Within the eventual management plan, the Park Service hopes to:

* Articulate a clear vision for ranching on existing ranch lands administered by Point Reyes National Seashore. 

* Implement the Secretary of the Interior’s direction to pursue issuance of lease/permits with terms up to 20-years.

* Address concerns related to tule elk impacts to existing ranch operations.

* Provide clear guidance and streamline processes for park and regulatory review of
proposed ranching activities, including best management practices that promote
protection of park resources.

“Ranching is integral to our history and to our future here at Point Reyes National Seashore,” said Park Superintendent Cicely Muldoon on Monday in announcing the planning effort. “For more than 50 years, ranchers and the park have been working together. This plan is an opportunity to build on that past, address current issues, and strengthen our shared stewardship of these lands. This plan will set a strong foundation for ranching now and into the future.” 

The first step in the ranch planning process is initiation of public scoping. Scoping, which will run from April 21 – June 2, 2014, invites the public to comment so concerns are identified early and the analysis is focused on the issues raised. 

As part of scoping, all are invited to attend public meetings during the first week of May. The open house-style meetings will be identical in format, and are designed to gather public comments: 

Tuesday, May 6, 2014, 5-7 p.m. Dance Palace Community Center 503 B Street, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 

Wednesday, May 7, 2014, 5-7 p.m. Bay Model Visitor Center 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965 

Comments may be also be submitted online or by letter. Written comments may be mailed or hand delivered to “Ranch CMP c/o Superintendent, Point Reyes National Seashore, 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956.” 

The NPS anticipates completion of the planning process in fall 2015. 

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Bogator on April 23, 2014 - 5:05pm.

First of all, I live in Florida, so I don't even pretend to know how things work in the west, but the NPS wants to manage 28,000 head of cattle, one of the most destructive beasts in the west, at Point Reyes, but the oyster farm is much too harmful for them. Something does not compute here. Perhaps some of you who live in California can fill me in on how 28,000 head of cattle are good for a WILDNERNESS area, but the oyster farm is not. Of course, since the feds cannot even keep a Nevada rancher from trespassing on federal lands, it seems that cattle rules but oysters do not.


Submitted by beachdumb on April 23, 2014 - 5:22pm.

It's 28,000 acres not head of cattle. The oyster farm was closed purely for political reasons. Don't you know that oysters not indigenous but cows are to Point Reyes? Cattle farms are not destructive but harvesting oysters are, silly.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.