Marin OKs $3.3M Boost For Ranch Preservation Efforts

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve $3.3 million in Mesure A funds to support preservation projects for two ranches in Marin County.

The latest allocation supports the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), the nation's oldest farmland trust, which has protected more than 55,000 acres of farmland from development since its founding in 1980.

"These grants are examples of how community support preserves local agricultural lands and protects our food system," said Craig Richardson, senior planner at Marin County Parks. "Continuing small, family-owned farms have real environmental and economic benefits and align with our sustainability goals. When Measure A was renewed in 2022, it gave us confidence to know that Marin voters are on board with this mission."

County officials said the latest infusion of sales tax revenue will help preserve more than 700 across of farmland at Spring Valley Ranch and Bivista Ridge Ranch.

Spring Valley sits a few miles west of Hicks Valley and is home to a federally-recognized habitat for endangered red-legged frogs and more than 140 species of birds. More than 230 acres of the ranch are designated by the state as "farmland of local importance."

Bivista Ridge sits on the east shore of Tomales Bay, containing 473 acres of "farmland of local importance," and 150 acres of organic hayland, according to the county. Dairy cows graze on the rangeland, and the ranch is also home to a historic orchard.

The county said the latest round of funding will help MALT acquire easements and help keep the ranches functioning while protecting critical habitats. The first Measure A generated $16.5 million for earlier projects, matched by private and public funds over nine years.

"Since its initial passage in 2012, our team at MALT has utilized Measure A funding to protect more than 13 farms and ranches totaling more than 7,953 acres," said Lily Verdone, MALT's executive director. "We are tremendously grateful for this ongoing support — today's historic milestone was made possible through the ongoing commitment of our generous donors, partner organizations, and Marin County voters."