Not all ranchers are born into the lifestyle, some are drawn to it. That was the case for Matt Bloom whose passions took root while working at a pack mule station. Long days on the trail strengthened his connection to the land and laid the foundation for his deep respect for its stewardship. What began as a job soon became a way of life, leading him to pursue a future in ranching.
Today, alongside his family, he owns and manages multiple ranching properties across California. But in the early 2000s, they were still finding their footing in the ranching industry. Like many first-time ranchers without land of their own, they leased property to run cattle—helping landowners manage vegetation, reduce wildfire risk, and sustain the ecological health of the landscape while also growing their own operation. One such property was a nearly 500-acre stretch of rangeland in the hills of Tuolumne County—a place rich in natural resources and history.
The Blooms knew this piece of land was special. Its rolling pastures were teeming with oak trees. Its terrain offered year-round water access. And, it was even home to world-renowned climbing rock, “Jailhouse Rock,” which continuously draws adventurers from across the globe. For ranchers like the Blooms, it was an ideal place to graze cattle. But for others, it was rich with opportunity for future development.
The ranch’s scenic views, potential for 20-acre ranchettes, and easy access to Lake Tulloch and nearby amenities made it an attractive location for the region’s next luxury subdivision. The owner of the land even had plans drawn up for its transformation and was waiting for the opportune moment to break ground.
Years passed but the right time never quite came. As outside pressures mounted, the property owner began selling off parcels of land. The Blooms, who had spent years leasing and caring for the property, saw an opportunity— not just to secure land for their operation, but to preserve a vital working landscape. Piece by piece, over the next decade, they purchased sections of the property, ensuring that it
remained intact as a ranch rather than becoming another casualty of urban expansion.
Bloom explained, “We really love the property, and we saw the value for it to stay as a working ranch. So, as the opportunities came to buy more and more of the land, we took them. We started off with 160 acres and kept building from there until we got to where the ranch is today.”
Flash forward nearly two decades, and the Blooms have not only cemented their place on the land but have also expanded their impact beyond ranching. Their operation has grown to include multiple businesses tied to the ranching industry, all driven by a shared mission: to connect more people to the land.
Staying true to his roots, Matt Bloom and his family own and operate the Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station, offering visitors a chance to experience the same deep connection to the land that first inspired his own journey. Meanwhile, on Bloom Ranch, they have upheld a public access easement for Jailhouse Rock, ensuring that outdoor enthusiasts can continue to enjoy this unique landmark through their stewardship of the land.
For the Blooms, facilitating this connection between people and the land is just as important as the work they do to maintain the property. And as they have watched development creep closer, they have become even more committed to protecting the land they love.
Recognizing the need for long-term preservation, they turned to the California Rangeland Trust to place their land under a conservation easement.
“With all of the development closing in around our land, there has been a noticeable shift in the neighborhood as this region becomes more like a commuter city,” Bloom said. “And when we lose our connection to the land, we lose our connection to each other and our sense of community. Ultimately, when the land is lost, it is something that can never be replaced.
In early 2025, that vision became a reality. The Rangeland Trust successfully completed the conservation easement on Bloom Ranch, securing its future as a protected working landscape. The project was made possible through a combination of public and private funding, with over 100 donors rallying to contribute nearly $200,000. The remaining funds were secured through key partnerships with the California Strategic Growth Council’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program in collaboration with the California Department of Conservation and the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).
“It means a lot to us that people came together to support the conservation of our ranch,” Bloom expressed. “I feel great about the fact that this beautiful ranch and all the different things that it has on it will be protected forever. My grandkids and great grandkids will be able to enjoy the ranch as it is today with no threat of development changing it.
The conservation of Bloom Ranch is more than just a victory for one family—it’s a testament to the power of community-driven stewardship. By working together, ranchers, conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and donors have ensured that this land remains a thriving working landscape, protected from the pressures of urban development. It is only fitting that a place cherished by so many has been safeguarded by those who understand its value.
The Blooms set out to preserve their way of life, but in doing so, they have also secured a lasting legacy for future generations to experience and appreciate.
California Rangeland Trust is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 31-1631453) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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