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California Rangeland Trust is the largest land trust in California, with 342,815 acres conserved. This page is frequently updated with our latest press releases.

California Rangeland Trust Announces New Chairwoman

The California Rangeland Trust today announced that Carolyn Carey has been elected to chair of the Board of Directors. Carey will work closely with the Rangeland Trust board and staff to protect the state’s working landscapes and a way of life for California ranchers.

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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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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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California Rangeland Trust Premiers From The Ground Up

Can well-stewarded rangelands restore the earth? From the Ground Up: Healing our Planet, Healing Ourselves, a new short film produced by California Rangeland Trust, explores this theme, as well as the environmental, economic and social benefits of conserved rangeland.

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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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Vernal Pool Habitat Permanently Protected in Sacramento County

California Rangeland Trust is pleased to announce the permanent conservation of 352 acres of the Apple Road Preserve in Sacramento County. This follows a previous conservation agreement established in 2019, which conserved 239 acres of the Preserve, for a total combined conserved area of 591 acres.

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Mitigation Project in San Benito County Protects 500 acres of Habitat on Working Cattle Ranch

(HOLLISTER) – Today, the California Rangeland Trust announced the permanent conservation of the 548-acre Roadrunner Ranch in San Benito County.
When utility companies perform construction projects or maintenance activities, they often need to mitigate for potential disturbances or losses to threatened or endangered species habitat by conserving a similar landscape in the surrounding area. Developed in accordance with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the conservation agreement on the Roadrunner Ranch is designed to help offset potential habitat impacts in 34 Northern California counties as part of Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E) Multiple Region Habitat Conservation Plan.

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Mitigation Project in West Roseville Marries Land Conservation with Residential Development

(ROSEVILLE, CA) – Today, the California Rangeland Trust announced the permanent conservation of 87 acres of open space in West Roseville, known as the Creekview Northern Preserve. The Rangeland Trust partnered with the land development and homebuilding company Anthem United who funded the conservation easement on the property to mitigate potential environmental impacts associated with the development of the 500-acre Winding Creek Community, a new residential area being constructed nearby.

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California Rangeland Trust Welcomes New CEO

(SACRAMENTO) – The California Rangeland Trust announced that Michael Delbar has taken the helm as its new CEO. He replaces former and longtime CEO Nita Vail who stepped down from her role at the end of April after more than 20 years. Having served as the Trust’s chief operating officer for the past 10 years, Delbar is well poised to lead the Rangeland Trust forward.

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Community Protects Critical Wildlife Corridor on Cuyama Valley Ranch

(SANTA MARIA, CA) – Today, the California Rangeland Trust announced the permanent conservation of the 300-acre Rock Front Ranch near Santa Maria, California. The ranch remains privately-owned, while the terms of the conservation easement ensure the conserved land will be available for grazing livestock and wildlife to continue to thrive in perpetuity. Funding for this project was made possible by contributions from the community.

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California Rangeland Trust Announces Co-Chairs

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, the California Rangeland Trust announced that current Board of Directors Chair Mark Nelson and Vice Chair Valerie Gordon have been appointed as co-chairs of the board for 2020. Together, Nelson and Gordon will work closely with the California Rangeland Trust Board of Directors and staff to protect the state’s open spaces and a way of life for California ranchers.

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California Rangeland Trust CEO Announces Departure

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, California Rangeland Trust announced that after twenty years of service CEO Nita Vail will leave her position at the end of April. The Rangeland Trust has tapped Michael Delbar, who currently serves as the chief operating officer, as Vail’s successor. He will assume his new role as CEO in May.

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A Western Affair 2019: Celebrating Cattle, Corks, and Conservation

A Western Affair 2019: Celebrating Cattle, Corks, and Conservation Sacramento, Calif. – April 4, 2019 –California Rangeland Trust is hosting its annual A Western Affair gala this summer, bringing together urban and rural communities to conserve our state’s precious rangelands and the benefits they provide. In partnership with the Wente

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California Rangeland Trust Launches A Common Ground, a Short Film about the Importance of Conserving Rangeland by Renowned Producer, Chris Malloy, in Honor of the Organization’s 20th Anniversary

California Rangeland Trust Launches A Common Ground, a Short Film about the Importance of Conserving Rangeland by Renowned Producer, Chris Malloy, in Honor of the Organization’s 20th Anniversary MEDIA NOTE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sacramento, Calif – September 4, 2018 – Chris Malloy of Farm League is a California rancher, surfer

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California Rangeland Trust Announces 1,900 Acres of Open Rangeland Permanently Conserved in Yolo County, California

California Rangeland Trust Announces 1,900 Acres of Open Rangeland Permanently Conserved in Yolo County, California MEDIA NOTE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sacramento, Calif – June 12, 2018 – SACRAMENTO –  This month, California Rangeland Trust announced the permanent protection of open rangeland through a 1,909-acre conservation easement on a portion of

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California Rangeland Trust Earns National Recognition

California Rangeland Trust Earns National Recognition MEDIA NOTE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sacramento, Calif – August 22, 2016 – California Rangeland Trust, a land trust that works to conserve California’s working ranches, announced it has achieved renewed accreditation – a mark of distinction in land conservation. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission

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Land Conservation Veteran Joins California Rangeland Trust

Land Conservation Veteran Joins California Rangeland Trust MEDIA NOTE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SACRAMENTO, Calif. – August 20, 2011 – California Rangeland Trust is pleased to announce Nancy Schaefer as the latest addition to its team as the organization’s Bay Area Program Manager. In this role Schaefer will use her 24

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Communication Boots Filled at California Rangeland Trust

Communication Boots Filled at California Rangeland Trust MEDIA NOTE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SACRAMENTO, Calif. – August 13, 2012 – California Rangeland Trust is pleased to announce the addition of Anna-Lisa Giannini to its team as the Communications Associate. In this role Giannini will help facilitate the organization’s communication and outreach

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