ecosystem services Archives - California Rangeland Trust

Rana Ranch: Taking a Leap in Land Conservation

Calaveras County, as known as “Frogtown, USA”, was made famous by jumping frogs, so it only seems fitting that frogs are helping a local ranching couple take the leap to conserve their beloved ranch.

25 Years of Fighting for the Future by Keeping Ranchers Ranching

25 years ago, the California Rangeland Trust was born out of need— a need to keep ranchers on the land and a need to keep working lands productive in California.

The year was 1997— land prices were rising, taxes were becoming more burdensome, and the threat of development loomed over California’s rangelands. Feeling the pressures, some ranchers got out of the business altogether, while others moved across state lines to continue their operations. It seemed like the sustainability of California’s ranching industry was in jeopardy.

Rancho San Lorenzo: Blazing and Grazing Their Own Trail

Richard and Sharon Kline, current owners of Rancho San Lorenzo, were “city folk” by circumstance, but they are ranchers by choice.

Despite their urban upbringings, each held an appreciation for agriculture and the western way of life, and it was this shared appreciation that brought them together over 38 years ago.

Silva Ranch: A Perfect Union

It is often joked that the signing of a conservation easement is like a wedding—forever uniting a landowner and land trust in an ongoing collaborative partnership. Ranching is unique and complex, with highs and lows as cyclical as the weather. So, it makes sense that ranchers pursuing conservation want assurance that the organization they are signing a perpetual contract with understands these challenges and supports their efforts to steward the land while also making a living off it. The Silva family is no exception.

Goodwin Ranches: Fostering Passions on the Land

When George Goodwin bought the Goodwin Ranch in 1987, he was seeking to reconnect to the land and his agricultural upbringing. George grew up in Southern California and together with his wife, Martha, they raised their six children in San Bernardino County. But deep down, George knew he wanted to one day return to the place he spent many childhood summers—Northern California’s scenic Sierra Valley.

Oakvale Ranch: The Land That Ties Us

There is something to be said about California’s rangelands and the captivating stories of multi-generational stewardship held deep within the soil. The ranching industry is rooted in heritage. In fact, according to the California Cattlemen’s Association website, most of the ranches throughout the state have been in the same family for four or more generations. The Oakvale Ranch in Mariposa County, California is no exception.

Flentge Ranch: Protecting a Family Gift So It Will Keep On Giving

“It is a common story,” explained Steve Sinton, founding chairman of the Rangeland Trust and current emeritus council member. “Someone wants out, but that is part of the reason we decided to form the Rangeland Trust, to keep these California family ranches together.”

Sardella Ranch: Reigniting Progress

“Burn, baby! Burn!” Michael Sardella, owner of the Sardella Ranch and California Rangeland Trust ranching partner, exclaimed as he watched the first bit of smoke rise off his property. Ordinarily, a scene like this would send a rancher running to call upon emergency services for help. Afterall, that was the case when a wildfire ravaged through Sardella’s Tuolumne County ranch back in 2013. This time, however, the smoke signaled the opposite— it was a sign of progress to help mitigate future wildfires.

Wind Wolves Preserve: The Value of the Sky Above and Land Below

When you think about the United States Military, rangeland conservation may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But, through the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program, administered by the United States Department of Defense (DOD), our military branches are joining the movement to protect open landscapes for generations to come.

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.

Tag: ecosystem services

Rana Ranch: Taking a Leap in Land Conservation

25 Years of Fighting for the Future by Keeping Ranchers Ranching

Rancho San Lorenzo: Blazing and Grazing Their Own Trail

Silva Ranch: A Perfect Union

Goodwin Ranches: Fostering Passions on the Land

Oakvale Ranch: The Land That Ties Us

Flentge Ranch: Protecting a Family Gift So It Will Keep On Giving

Sardella Ranch: Reigniting Progress

Wind Wolves Preserve: The Value of the Sky Above and Land Below

California Rangeland Trust Premiers From The Ground Up

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