Local Ranching Family Celebrates the Conservation of their 500-acre Ranch in Tuolumne County

(TUOLUMNE COUNTY, CALIF.) – April 10, 2025

On Thursday, April 3, 2025, a luncheon was held in celebration of the successful conservation of the nearly 500-acre working cattle ranch in Tuolumne County. With more than 50 guests in attendance, the event was hosted by the California Rangeland Trust and the Bloom family at the Bloom Ranch in Copperopolis, California.

Earlier this year, Matt Bloom and his family partnered with the California Rangeland Trust to place a conservation easement on their ranch, forever ensuring the land will continue to function as a working landscape and continue to provide an abundance of environmental benefits to the public.

“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.”

The luncheon 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. Bloom, also 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 easement was completed with funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and the California Strategic Growth Council’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) in collaboration with the Department of Conservation (DOC). SALC is part of  California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged 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.

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

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.

The Bloom Ranch conservation project is a shining example of how public and private entities can work together to protect California’s working landscapes. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Bloom family, along with the support of state, federal and private partners, this land will remain a vital resource for people, livestock, and wildlife alike.

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.”