Marin Voice: It is time to let Point Reyes be wild again

The recent decision to phase out commercial ranching in Point Reyes National Seashore marks a pivotal moment for this cherished landscape – and it’s long overdue. If the will of the people had prevailed, this outcome would have come years ago.

Although some have suggested that environmental groups somehow “gamed” the system, when all public comments were tallied over 90% supported ending commercial ranching in this singular national seashore on the West Coast. Yet, in 2021, the National Park Service chose a different path, authorizing 20-year leases for dairies and commercial ranching.

This decision not only contradicted the National Park Organic Act – which mandates that parks be managed for the benefit of all Americans, unimpaired for future generations – but it also allegedly violated the legislation establishing Point Reyes, the  Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. The ongoing degradation caused by ranching activities, from severe coastal water pollution to harm inflicted on native tule elk and fragile ecosystems, left environmental advocates with no choice but to sue the NPS.

What emerged during litigation was shocking: There was evidence of E. coli water pollution, overgrazing, the spread of invasive weeds planted for silage, failing septic systems and the killing of birds during silage mowing, not to mention the death of hundreds of tule elk that perished from thirst and starvation, confined by a fence, while taxpayers unknowingly subsidized this unsustainable system.

The promise of “sustainable ranching” made by former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar rang hollow. Even before a settlement was reached, several ranchers had already abandoned the effort, proof that sustainable ranching in PRNS is a contradiction in terms. Yet, apparent revisionist narratives attempt to paint a picture of broad support for maintaining the status quo.

By the time the California Coastal Commission narrowly granted “conditional” approval of the NPS plan – by a razor-thin one-vote margin – the continued opposition to ranching in the park was undeniable.

As the legal battle unfolded, ranchers joined the fray. Yet, in a surprising turn, many ranchers recognized the untenability of the situation. Faced with growing economic struggles and drought impacts from climate change, they agreed to retire their leases in exchange for compensation from the Nature Conservancy nonprofit organization, reportedly providing ranchers with millions of dollars each to leave voluntarily.

Importantly, the ranchers are not being forced out; they’re getting paid and not with government money. The American people already own the land, purchased decades ago. Now, thanks to the Nature Conservancy’s intervention, this priceless national treasure can finally be restored for the benefit of all.

Two ranching operations will remain in the park, but they will be subject to stricter and more transparent management regimes, including mandatory water quality and raven management (to protect endangered snowy plovers), as well as the elimination of silage growing and manure spreading.

One group remains in limbo: the roughly 90 residents who have lived and worked in the park as ranch workers. Unlike the ranchers, these families and workers don’t have a clear deal to help them transition to new jobs and housing. Despite substantial funds allocated to assist in their transition, the attorney for the workers has suggested that they can remain in the park even after the ranches close. But federal law prohibits residency in national parks without employment there. While we celebrate the restoration of Point Reyes, we must also ensure that farm workers are supported through this transition.

The phaseout of ranching at Point Reyes is not just a victory for tule elk and the promise of restored coastal ecosystem. It’s a powerful affirmation of the public’s voice and the enduring value of our national parks. By prioritizing restoration over private interests, we honor the promise that these lands will become unimpaired for future generations.

Now, let’s complete the work by ensuring that everyone affected by this transformation is treated with fairness and dignity.

René Voss, of San Anselmo, heads up the Western Alliance for Nature (wanconservancy.org) and Ken Bouley, of Inverness, is executive director of Turtle Island Restoration Network (seaturtles.org).