Category: For Media

California family secures 140-year ranching legacy by conserving their ranch in Gabilan Range 

The California Rangeland Trust is pleased to announce the conservation of the 9,400-acre Silacci Ranch in San Benito and Monterey Counties, Calif. Five generations of the Silacci family have been raised on the land, and just like other ranchers, they have faced many challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to continue ranching. With struggles like squeezed profit margins, increased fuel and labor costs, drought and water restrictions, stringent policies, and more, ranchers are often pressured to find alternative forms of income to supplement their business operations. By partnering with the Rangeland Trust to conserve the property, the family is safeguarding their ranch from future uncertainties and ensuring that their land and operations will remain viable for generations to come.

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Calaveras County family secures their family’s long ranching legacy

The California Rangeland Trust is proud to announce the conservation of the Nakagawa Ranch in Valley Springs, Calif. The United States is losing farm and ranch land at an alarming rate—2,000 acres a day are lost to development and conversion, according to a recent study by the American Farmland Trust. These losses threaten our nation’s food security and natural resources. Seeing development encroach firsthand led to the Nakagawas decision to conserve.

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Magical Piece of Arroyo Grande History Continues with New Owner

A magical piece of Arroyo Grande history has a new owner! Longtime home of the late legendary horsewoman, Sheila Varian, the 150-acre Varian Arabians Ranch, which is nestled amongst the rolling hills off Corbett Canyon Road, was the birthplace of some of the best Arabian horses in the world. Now, the torch has been passed to two-time Olympic athlete, Simon Arkell, who is rising up to take on the new challenge as ranch owner. The Olympic pole vaulter and his wife, Caprice, have high hopes to continue the amazing ranch legacy. 

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100-year-old Cattle Ranch Forever Protected in San Benito County

The California Rangeland Trust is pleased to announce the conservation of the Sans Topo Ranch in San Benito County, Calif. The 4,500-acre conservation easement was completed with funding from the Wildlife Conservation Board and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), with support from USFWS Ventura Fish & Wildlife Office (VFWO), California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW), and San Benito Working Landscapes Group.

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Landcape photo of the Rana Ranch showing golden grasses, oak trees, and rock outcroppings

California Rangeland Trust Partners with CalTrans and County of Calaveras to Conserve Critical Rangeland and Create and Restore Riparian Habitat on the Rana Ranch

California Rangeland Trust is pleased to announce the conservation of just over 42 acres of rangeland on the Rana Ranch in Calaveras County. These conservation efforts were funded by the County of Calaveras and CalTrans to mitigate for potential habitat disturbances resulting from efforts to realign California State Route 4 (SR-4). In addition to ensuring the land will remain undeveloped, the agreement will also create and restore critical riparian habitat for wildlife.

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Nearly 15,000 Acres of Wind Wolves Preserve Permanently Protected

The California Rangeland Trust is proud to announce a permanent conservation agreement of 14,631 acres on the 93,000-acre Wind Wolves Preserve in Kern County. Completed in conjunction with The Wildlands Conservancy, a California-based nonprofit, which owns and manages the property, and the Trust for Public Lands, this is the first installment in a series of conservation agreements on the Preserve with the Rangeland Trust.

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