Historic Mexican Land Grant Ranch Conserved in Perpetuity by Local Ranching Family in Partnership with California Rangeland Trust

(NEW CUYAMA, CALIF.) – March 17, 2026

El Rancho Español de Cuyama, commonly referred to as Spanish Ranch, a historic property in the heart of Cuyama Valley, has been voluntarily conserved by the Doiron family through a conservation easement completed in partnership with the California Rangeland Trust. This more than 5,650-acre ranch represents the largest remaining piece of the original 22,000-acre Mexican land grant from 1843.

Owned and operated by Pam and Dan Doiron for nearly 30 years, Spanish Ranch is a testament to sustainable land management in practice, balancing a seedstock cattle operation and a small farming operation with environmental stewardship.

Straddling both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, the ranch provides critical habitat and connectivity for a variety of wildlife species, including migratory tule elk and deer. Its diverse landscapes—from arid, rocky ridges and deep valleys to wooded mountains—support 33 other wildlife species, including hawks, falcons, and quail, that rely on the Ranch’s natural springs and native vegetation. Additionally, numerous special-status species, such as the California condor, Bald eagle, Golden eagle, Southwestern pond turtle, and Northern California legless lizard, migrate through or call the Ranch home.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States lost nearly 15,000 farms and ranches and more than 2.1 million acres of productive agricultural land in 2024 alone. California is among the states experiencing the greatest loss of agricultural land, losing just under 50,000 acres of farm and ranch land each year —an area larger than the city of San Francisco. This steady decline threatens not only food production, but also critical wildlife habitat and the longstanding tradition of responsible land stewardship passed down through generations.

Witnessing this reality on the surrounding landscape and across the state, the Doiron family was motivated by the property’s rich history and a desire to ensure this important landscape remains both intact and productive. Together, they decided to pursue a conservation easement with the California Rangeland Trust to safeguard the long-term health and productivity of the Spanish Ranch landscape and the family business.

Pam Doiron expressed, “Responsible stewardship is something that we believe in. We feel this deep responsibility to the land, to enhance it and to keep it working. This is the legacy that we want to leave, and this story is bigger than just our ranch.”

The success of this conservation project was made possible through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to protecting California’s working landscapes. Funding to complete the conservation easement was provided through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Agricultural Conservation Easement Program–Agricultural Land Easements. Recognizing the property’s significant big game population, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) also provided additional funding in support of the project.

“Ensuring habitat connectivity for tule elk and other big game in central California is a mission priority for RMEF, and conserving this property complements the 17 other land conservation, wildlife management and habitat projects RMEF has completed in the area,” said Jennifer Doherty, RMEF managing director of mission operations. “We are thankful for the landowners, California Rangeland Trust and other partners who support connected landscapes and the principle that ranching and conservation can work together.”

Beyond these public and nonprofit partners, more than 140 private donors and seven private foundations rallied behind the effort, collectively contributing nearly 54 percent of the total funding needed to complete conservation. Among these supporters was the instrumental contribution of the John S. Kiewit Memorial Foundation, whose leadership gift helped close the remaining funding gap and bring the project to completion. This extraordinary show of community support underscores the deep local commitment to protecting Spanish Ranch and the working landscapes of the region.

“The John S. Kiewit Memorial Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to assist in consummating this important protection of one of the region’s landmark ranches and applauds the vision and tenacity of the Doiron family as its stewards,” a representative from the foundation stated.

The Spanish Ranch closing marks a significant achievement for the Rangeland Trust, which has now collaborated with 105 ranching families to conserve more than 431,000 acres of rangeland throughout California. This project is a prime example of successful public and private partnerships working to protect California’s working landscapes. Thanks to the dedication of the Doiron family and the more than 100 other California ranching families, along with the support of state, federal, and private organizations, this land is now permanently protected as a vital resource for people, livestock, and wildlife.

Michael Delbar, CEO of the Rangeland Trust, said, “The success of the Spanish Ranch project is a testament to the Doiron family’s unwavering dedication to this land, coupled with the incredible support and shared vision of the community. It’s a proud moment when that kind of commitment comes together to ensure a legacy of conservation for future generations. This achievement sets a powerful example for sustainable land stewardship across the state and the region.”