Forever Bloom: A Conservation Celebration

On a bright spring day in Tuolumne County, community members, agency representatives, and conservation partners gathered with the California Rangeland Trust and the Bloom family to celebrate a landmark achievement—the permanent conservation of the Bloom Ranch. Nestled along Lake Tulloch, this nearly 500-acre working cattle ranch features rolling hills, panoramic vistas, and rich, thriving ecosystems.

“Days like this remind us why we do this work,” said Michael Delbar, CEO of the Rangeland Trust, as he welcomed guests to the ranch. “Thanks to the Bloom family’s vision and commitment, this land will continue to provide clean air, healthy soils, and sustainable food—all while remaining in the hands of ranchers who know how to care for it.”

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal from local favorite Griff’s BBQ of Copperopolis before gathering for a short program honoring the Bloom family and the project’s many partners.

The program kicked off with Delbar welcoming attendees and talking about the importance of private lands conservation efforts, especially as California is projected to see a significant loss of working lands over the next 15 years. Matt Bloom, owner of the ranch, then expressed his deep appreciation for the support that made the conservation easement possible.

“It means a lot to us that people came together to support the conservation of our ranch,” Bloom said. “I feel great knowing this beautiful ranch—and everything it holds—will be protected forever. My grandkids and great grandkids will be able to enjoy it just as it is today, without the threat of development changing it.”

As part of the celebration of this milestone, the Rangeland Trust presented Bloom and his family with a commemorative easement sign in recognition their voluntary conservation efforts. The sign will be prominently displayed at the entrance to the ranch, serving as a lasting symbol of the family’s commitment to protecting the land for future generations.

The conservation of Bloom Ranch was made possible through collaboration with key partners, including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), through its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and the California Strategic Growth Council’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program, administered in partnership with the California Department of Conservation.

SALC is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that uses Cap-and-Trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost the economy, and improve public health and the environment—especially in underserved communities. A representative from the Strategic Growth Council was present at the event to celebrate the collaboration.

Amar Cid, Deputy Director of Community Investments and Planning with the Strategic Growth Council, highlighted the broader impact of projects like this one.

“For the past 10 years, the Strategic Growth Council has been proud to support conservation projects across California,” Cid said. “Protecting working lands, like the Bloom Ranch, is central to our mission, and this project exemplifies the power of strong public-private partnerships.”

The Bloom Ranch joins a growing list of conserved landscapes in the region. Across Tuolumne, Calaveras, and Stanislaus Counties, the Rangeland Trust has now partnered with nine ranching families to protect nearly 12,000 acres of rangeland. Statewide, over the past 27 years, the Trust has conserved more than 410,000 acres in collaboration with 97 ranching families—making it the largest land trust in California.

In addition to the state and federal funding sources, more than $200,000 in private donations helped cover the costs of the conservation transaction. A group of passionate individuals and private foundations, all committed to preserving California’s agricultural heritage, played a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success. Their collective generosity underscores the importance of community-driven conservation efforts.

This event marked more than a conservation milestone; it was a celebration of stewardship, partnership, and a shared commitment to California’s ranching heritage and natural resources.

Delbar concluded the celebration by reflecting on the significance of the day, “These efforts are important to celebrate. We’re proud to walk alongside families like the Blooms. They’re not just ranchers—they’re conservationists, caretakers, and community builders. Today, we honor that legacy.”