Hearst Ranch

San Luis Obispo County

Precedent-Setting Agreement Redefines State's Conservation Paradigm

One of the largest land conservation agreements in California history, the conservation of Hearst Ranch in 2005 has exceeded expectations in protecting a significant part of the State’s coastline. In an unprecedented partnership, Hearst Corporation, the Rangeland Trust, American Land Conservancy, and the State of California ensured the 128 square-mile Hearst Ranch remains pristine rangeland forever. The Hearst conservation project includes 18 miles of California’s most scenic coastal landscape and an 80,000-acre working cattle ranch. Fifteen years later, the land remains viable wildlife habitat and a groundbreaking model for rangeland conservation around the country.