This measure would recognize the dairy and beef ranching families of the Point Reyes National Seashore for their environmental stewardship and contributions to the economic success of the regions agricultural sector and would declare the Legislatures support for the ranching families of the Point Reyes peninsula and the National Park Service in their efforts to ensure the continuation of historic beef ranches and dairy farms and the preservation of the cultural and natural resources at the seashore.

This measure would recognize the dairy and beef ranching families of the Point Reyes National Seashore for their environmental stewardship and contributions to the economic success of the regions agricultural sector and would declare the Legislatures support for the ranching families of the Point Reyes peninsula and the National Park Service in their efforts to ensure the continuation of historic beef ranches and dairy farms and the preservation of the cultural and natural resources at the seashore.

This measure would recognize the dairy and beef ranching families of the Point Reyes National Seashore for their exemplary environmental stewardship and contributions to the economic success of Californias the regions agricultural sector and would declare the Legislatures support for the ranching families of the Point Reyes peninsula and the National Park Service in their efforts to ensure the continuation of historic beef ranches and dairy farms and preservation of the cultural and natural resources at the seashore.

This measure would recognize the dairy and beef ranching families of the Point Reyes National Seashore for their exemplary environmental stewardship and contributions to the economic success of Californias agricultural sector and would declare the Legislatures support for the ranching families of the Point Reyes peninsula and the National Park Service in their efforts to ensure the continuation of historic beef ranches and dairy farms and preservation of the cultural and natural resources at the seashore.

WHEREAS, Cattle ranching has been a mainstay of the Point Reyes peninsula since the establishment of Spanish missions in the early 19th century and is an essential part of the historical fabric of the Point Reyes National Seashore and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area; and

WHEREAS, Many of the families that ranched the Point Reyes peninsula a century ago continue to honor their families legacies by productively and responsibly working the land; and

WHEREAS, In establishing the Point Reyes National Seashore under the supervision of the National Park Service in 1962, the United States Congress recognized the value to the government and the public of the continuation of ranching activities, as presently practiced, in preserving the beauty of the Point Reyes peninsula; and

WHEREAS, The Point Reyes National Seashore enabling legislation was amended in 1978 to explicitly provide that the owners of agricultural property at the time of its acquisition by the United States may retain rights of use and occupancy for a finite term and upon expiration of a term, may, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior, be offered the opportunity to continue to use the land for historic agricultural production; and

WHEREAS, To date, the Secretary of the Interior has continued to exercise the discretion to offer that opportunity; and

WHEREAS, Former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar reaffirmed the importance of continued ranching on the Point Reyes National Seashore in 2012 when he stated that the United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service support the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching operations in Point Reyes pastoral zone and recognized that ranching has a long and important history on the Point Reyes peninsula; and

WHEREAS, On November 29, 2012, former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar issued a memorandum authorizing the National Park Service to pursue long-term maximum 20-year leases or permits for dairy and beef ranching operations, demonstrating the support of the National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior for the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching; and

WHEREAS, Pursuant to the California Coastal Act of 1976, the County of Marins local coastal program encourages continued ranching and dairying operations within the pastoral zone of the Point Reyes National Seashore; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture on the Point Reyes peninsula accounts for approximately 20 percent of the $100 million gross agricultural production of the County of Marin, is a linchpin of west Marin agriculture, and is thus critical to the economic success not only of the County of Marin but of the state as well; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the Point Reyes National Seashore are making great efforts to increase highly sustainable and organic agricultural activities, which makes them a crucial contributor to the regional foodshed and an internationally esteemed model for organic and sustainable agriculture, and allows them to cater to the preferences of bay area consumers; those efforts have earned the near-unanimous support of local Marin County environmental groups; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the Point Reyes National Seashore understand the importance of protecting natural resources and apply environmental stewardship to ranching and farming operations with respect to land, water, and wildlife resources, maintaining sensitive habitat for at least six threatened and endangered plant species and at least two sensitive animal species through their grazing activities, decreasing their greenhouse gas emissions footprint, and ensuring water quality through compliance with the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Boards Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Grazing Lands and Dairies in the Tomales Bay Watershed, among many other environmental benefits; and

WHEREAS, Livestock practices and carbon sequestration both have scientific support showing these activities can help mitigate climate change; and

WHEREAS, A recent settlement agreement to litigation involving the National Park Service, seashore ranchers, the County of Marin, and three environmental organizations has resulted in a General Management Plan Amendment planning process that will consider the extended 20-year permits for continued historic ranching operations on the Point Reyes peninsula; and

WHEREAS, Rural communities need stabilization, and investing in infrastructure and long-term leases can create resilience for the Point Reyes National Seashore ranching and dairying community; and

WHEREAS, The National Park Service encourages ranchers of the Point Reyes National Seashore to provide affordable housing for individuals working on those ranches, which enables best agricultural management practices, retains a stable labor force, and makes farming a viable profession for the next generation; now, therefore; be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes the historic dairy and beef ranching families of the Point Reyes National Seashore as an important part of the cultural landscape and resource on the Point Reyes peninsula and for their environmental stewardship and contributions to the economic success of the regions agricultural sector; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature supports the ranching families of the Point Reyes peninsula and the National Park Service in their efforts to ensure the continuation of historic beef ranches and dairy farms and preservation of the cultural and natural resources at the Point Reyes National Seashore; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, Cattle ranching has been a mainstay of the Point Reyes peninsula since the establishment of Spanish missions in the early 19th century and is an essential part of the historical fabric of the Point Reyes National Seashore and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area; and

WHEREAS, Many of the families that ranched the Point Reyes peninsula a century ago continue to honor their families legacies by productively and responsibly working the land; and

WHEREAS, In establishing the Point Reyes National Seashore under the supervision of the National Park Service in 1962, the United States Congress recognized the value to the government and the public of the continuation of ranching activities, as presently practiced, in preserving the beauty of the Point Reyes peninsula; and

WHEREAS, The Point Reyes National Seashore enabling legislation was amended in 1978 to explicitly provide that the owners of agricultural property at the time of its acquisition by the United States may retain rights of use and occupancy for a finite term and upon expiration of a term, may, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior, be offered the opportunity to continue to use the land for historic agricultural production; and

WHEREAS, To date, the Secretary of the Interior has continued to exercise the discretion to offer that opportunity; and

WHEREAS, Former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar reaffirmed the importance of continued ranching on the Point Reyes National Seashore in 2012 when he stated that the United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service support the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching operations in Point Reyes pastoral zone and recognized that ranching has a long and important history on the Point Reyes peninsula; and

WHEREAS, On November 29, 2012, former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar issued a memorandum authorizing the National Park Service to pursue long-term maximum 20-year leases or permits for dairy and beef ranching operations, demonstrating the support of the National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior for the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching; and

WHEREAS, Pursuant to the California Coastal Act of 1976, the County of Marins local coastal program encourages continued ranching and dairying operations within the pastoral zone of the Point Reyes National Seashore; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture on the Point Reyes peninsula accounts for approximately 20 percent of the $100 million gross agricultural production of the County of Marin, is a linchpin of west Marin agriculture, and is thus critical to the economic success not only of the County of Marin but of the state as well; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the Point Reyes National Seashore are making great efforts to increase highly sustainable and organic agricultural activities, which makes them a crucial contributor to the regional foodshed and an internationally esteemed model for organic and sustainable agriculture, and allows them to cater to the preferences of bay area consumers; those efforts have earned the near-unanimous support of local Marin County environmental groups; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the Point Reyes National Seashore understand the importance of protecting natural resources and apply environmental stewardship to ranching and farming operations with respect to land, water, and wildlife resources, maintaining sensitive habitat for at least six threatened and endangered plant species and at least two sensitive animal species through their grazing activities, decreasing their greenhouse gas emissions footprint, and ensuring water quality through compliance with the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Boards Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Grazing Lands and Dairies in the Tomales Bay Watershed, among many other environmental benefits; and

WHEREAS, Livestock practices and carbon sequestration both have scientific support showing these activities can help mitigate climate change; and

WHEREAS, A recent settlement agreement to litigation involving the National Park Service, seashore ranchers, the County of Marin, and three environmental organizations has resulted in a General Management Plan Amendment planning process that will consider the extended 20-year permits for continued historic ranching operations on the Point Reyes peninsula; and

WHEREAS, Rural communities need stabilization, and investing in infrastructure and long-term leases can create resilience for the Point Reyes National Seashore ranching and dairying community; and

WHEREAS, The National Park Service encourages ranchers of the Point Reyes National Seashore to provide affordable housing for individuals working on those ranches, which enables best agricultural management practices, retains a stable labor force, and makes farming a viable profession for the next generation; now, therefore; be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes the historic dairy and beef ranching families of the Point Reyes National Seashore as an important part of the cultural landscape and resource on the Point Reyes peninsula and for their environmental stewardship and contributions to the economic success of the regions agricultural sector; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature supports the ranching families of the Point Reyes peninsula and the National Park Service in their efforts to ensure the continuation of historic beef ranches and dairy farms and preservation of the cultural and natural resources at the Point Reyes National Seashore; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, Cattle ranching has been a mainstay of the Point Reyes peninsula since the establishment of Spanish missions in the early 19th century and is an essential part of the historical fabric of the Point Reyes seashore; National Seashore and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area; and

WHEREAS, Many of the families that ranched the Point Reyes peninsula a century ago continue to honor their families legacies by productively and responsibly working the land; and

WHEREAS, In establishing the Point Reyes National Seashore under the supervision of the National Park Service in 1962, the United States Congress recognized the value to the government and the public of the continuation of ranching activities, as presently practiced, in preserving the beauty of the Point Reyes peninsula; and

WHEREAS, The Point Reyes National Seashore enabling legislation was amended in 1978 to explicitly provide that the families that ranched the peninsula owners of agricultural property at the time of its acquisition by the United States shall may retain rights of use and occupancy provided that those families for a finite term and upon expiration of a term, may, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior, be offered the opportunity to continue to use the land for its historic agricultural production; and

WHEREAS, To date, the Secretary of the Interior has continued to exercise the discretion to offer that opportunity; and

WHEREAS, Former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar reaffirmed the importance of continued ranching on the Point Reyes National Seashore in 2012 when he stated that the United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service support the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching operations in Point Reyes pastoral zone and recognized that ranching has a long and important history on the Point Reyes peninsula; and

WHEREAS, On November 29, 2012, former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar issued a memorandum authorizing the National Park Service to pursue long-term maximum 20-year leases or permits for dairy and beef ranching operations, demonstrating the support of the National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior for the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching; and

WHEREAS, The Pursuant to the California Coastal Act of 1976 dictates that the maximum amount of prime agricultural land shall be maintained in agricultural production to assure the protection of the areas agricultural economy, and 1976, the County of Marins local coastal program provides for encourages continued agricultural ranching and grazing dairying operations within the pastoral zone of the Point Reyes National Seashore; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture on the Point Reyes peninsula accounts for approximately 20 to 22 percent of the $100 million gross agricultural production of the County of Marin, is a linchpin of west Marin agriculture, and is thus critical to the economic success not only of the County of Marin but of the state as well; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the Point Reyes National Seashore engage in are making great efforts to increase highly sustainable and organic agricultural activities, which makes them a crucial contributor to the northern California regional foodshed and an internationally esteemed model for organic and sustainable agriculture, and allows them to cater to the preferences of bay area consumers and earn consumers; those efforts have earned the near-unanimous support of local Marin County environmental groups; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the Point Reyes National Seashore understand the importance of protecting natural resources and apply environmental stewardship to ranching and farming operations with respect to land, water, and wildlife resources, maintaining sensitive habitat for at least six threatened and endangered plant species and at least two sensitive animal species through their grazing activities, providing carbon sequestration, decreasing their greenhouse gas emissions footprint, and ensuring water quality through compliance with the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Boards Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Grazing Lands and Dairies in the Tomales Bay Watershed, among many other environmental benefits that will protect future generations; benefits; and

WHEREAS, Livestock grazing practices and carbon sequestration both have scientific support showing these activities can help mitigate climate change; and

WHEREAS, Recent A recent settlement agreement to litigation against involving the National Park Service presents a threat to Service, seashore ranchers, the County of Marin, and three environmental organizations has resulted in a General Management Plan Amendment planning process that will consider the extended 20-year permits for continued historic ranching and farming operations on the Point Reyes peninsula, the cessation of which would result in the loss of a valued historic cultural resource and significant economic consequences for the peninsula, the County of Marin, and the state; peninsula; and

WHEREAS, Rural communities need stabilization, and investing in a stable infrastructure for farmers and ranchers by allowing 60-year leases or 20-year evergreen and long-term leases can create resilience for the Point Reyes National Seashore agricultural ranching and dairying community; and

WHEREAS, Offering The National Park Service encourages ranchers of the Point Reyes National Seashore to provide affordable housing for individuals working families on those ranches, which enables best agricultural management practices, retains a stable labor force, and makes farming a viable profession for the next generation; now, therefore; be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes the historic dairy and beef ranching families of the Point Reyes National Seashore as an important part of the cultural landscape and resource on the Point Reyes peninsula and for their exemplary environmental stewardship and contributions to the economic success of Californias the regions agricultural sector; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature supports the ranching families of the Point Reyes peninsula and the National Park Service in their efforts to ensure the continuation of historic beef ranches and dairy farms and preservation of the cultural and natural resources at the Point Reyes National Seashore; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, Cattle ranching has been a mainstay of the Point Reyes peninsula since the establishment of Spanish missions in the early 19th century and is an essential part of the historical fabric of the Point Reyes seashore; and

WHEREAS, Many of the families that ranched the Point Reyes peninsula a century ago continue to honor their families legacies by productively and responsibly working the land; and

WHEREAS, In establishing the Point Reyes National Seashore under the supervision of the National Park Service in 1962, the United States Congress recognized the value to the government and the public of the continuation of ranching activities, as presently practiced, in preserving the beauty of the Point Reyes peninsula; and

WHEREAS, The Point Reyes National Seashore enabling legislation was amended in 1978 to explicitly provide that the families that ranched the peninsula at the time of its acquisition by the United States shall retain rights of use and occupancy provided that those families continue to use the land for its historic agricultural production; and

WHEREAS, Former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar reaffirmed the importance of continued ranching on the Point Reyes National Seashore in 2012 when he stated that the United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service support the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching operations in Point Reyes pastoral zone and recognized that ranching has a long and important history on the Point Reyes peninsula; and

WHEREAS, On November 29, 2012, former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar issued a memorandum authorizing the National Park Service to pursue long-term leases or permits for dairy and beef ranching operations, demonstrating the support of the National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior for the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching; and

WHEREAS, The California Coastal Act of 1976 dictates that the maximum amount of prime agricultural land shall be maintained in agricultural production to assure the protection of the areas agricultural economy, and the County of Marins local coastal program provides for continued agricultural and grazing operations within the pastoral zone of the Point Reyes National Seashore; and

WHEREAS, Agriculture on the Point Reyes peninsula accounts for 20 to 22 percent of the $100 million gross agricultural production of the County of Marin, is a linchpin of west Marin agriculture, and is thus critical to the economic success not only of the County of Marin but of the state as well; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the Point Reyes National Seashore engage in highly sustainable and organic agricultural activities, which makes them a crucial contributor to the northern California foodshed and an internationally esteemed model for organic and sustainable agriculture, and allows them to cater to the preferences of bay area consumers and earn the near-unanimous support of local Marin County environmental groups; and

WHEREAS, Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the Point Reyes National Seashore understand the importance of protecting natural resources and apply environmental stewardship to ranching and farming operations with respect to land, water, and wildlife resources, maintaining sensitive habitat for at least six threatened and endangered plant species and at least two sensitive animal species through their grazing activities, providing carbon sequestration, and ensuring water quality through compliance with the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Boards Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Grazing Lands in the Tomales Bay Watershed, among many other environmental benefits that will protect future generations; and

WHEREAS, Livestock grazing and carbon sequestration both have scientific support showing these activities can help mitigate climate change; and

WHEREAS, Recent litigation against the National Park Service presents a threat to continued historic ranching and farming operations on the Point Reyes peninsula, the cessation of which would result in the loss of a valued historic cultural resource and significant economic consequences for the peninsula, the County of Marin, and the state; and

WHEREAS, Rural communities need stabilization, and investing in a stable infrastructure for farmers and ranchers by allowing 60-year leases or 20-year evergreen leases can create resilience for the Point Reyes National Seashore agricultural community; and

WHEREAS, Offering affordable housing for working families enables best agricultural management practices, retains a stable labor force, and makes farming a viable profession for the next generation; now, therefore; be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes the historic dairy and beef ranching families of the Point Reyes National Seashore as an important part of the cultural landscape and resource on the Point Reyes peninsula and for their exemplary environmental stewardship and contributions to the economic success of Californias agricultural sector; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature supports the ranching families of the Point Reyes peninsula and the National Park Service in their efforts to ensure the continuation of historic beef ranches and dairy farms and preservation of the cultural and natural resources at the Point Reyes National Seashore; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

 THIRD READING 

Bill No: ACR 217

Author: Levine (D)

Amended: 6/20/18 in Assembly

Vote: 21

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 69-0, 7/5/18 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Point Reyes National Seashore: dairy and beef ranching

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This resolution recognizes the dairy and beef ranching families of the Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) for their environmental stewardship and contributions to the economic success of regional agricultural sector and declares the Legislature’s support for the ranching families of the Point Reyes Peninsula (PR Peninsula) and the National Park Service (USNPS) in their efforts to ensure the continuation of historic beef ranches and dairy farms and preservation of the cultural and natural resources at the seashore.

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. Cattle ranching has been a mainstay of the PR Peninsula since the establishment of Spanish missions in the early 19th century and is an essential part of the historical fabric of the PRNS and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
2. Many of the families that ranched the PR Peninsula a century ago continue to honor their families’ legacies by productively and responsibly working the land.
3. In establishing PRNS under the supervision of the USNPS in 1962, the United States Congress recognized the value to the government and the public of the continuation of ranching activities, as presently practiced, in preserving the beauty of the PR Peninsula.
4. The PRNS enabling legislation was amended in 1978 to explicitly provide that the owner of agricultural property at the time of its acquisition by the United States may retain rights of use and occupancy for a definitive term and upon expiration may, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior which has continued to date, be offered the opportunity to continue to use the land for historic agricultural production.
5. Former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar reaffirmed the importance of continued ranching on the PRNS in 2012 when he stated that the United States Department of the Interior and the USNPS support the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching operations in Point Reyes’ pastoral zone and recognized that ranching has a long and important history on the PR Peninsula.
6. On November 29, 2012, former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar issued a memorandum authorizing the USNPS to pursue long-term maximum 20-year leases or permits for dairy and beef ranching operations, demonstrating the support of the USNPS and the United States Department of the Interior for the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching.
7. Pursuant to the California Coastal Act of 1976, the County of Marin’s local coastal program encourages continued ranching and dairying operations within the pastoral zone of the PRNS.
8. Agriculture on the PR Peninsula accounts for approximately 20% of the $100 million gross agricultural production of the County of Marin, is a linchpin of west Marin agriculture, and is thus critical to the economic success, not only of the County of Marin, but of the state as well.
9. Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the PRNS are making great efforts to increase highly sustainable and organic agricultural activities, which make them a crucial contributor to the regional foodshed and an internationally esteemed model for organic and sustainable agriculture, and allow them to cater to the preferences of bay area consumers. Those efforts have earned the near-unanimous support of local Marin County environmental groups.
10. Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the PRNS understand the importance of protecting natural resources and apply environmental stewardship to ranching and farming operations with respect to land, water, and wildlife resources, maintaining sensitive habitat for at least six threatened and endangered plant species and at least two sensitive animal species through their grazing activities, decreasing their greenhouse gas emissions footprint, and ensuring water quality through compliance with the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Grazing Lands and dairies in the Tomales Bay Watershed, among many other environmental benefits.
11. Livestock practices and carbon sequestration both have scientific support showing these activities can help mitigate climate change.
12. A recent Settlement Agreement to litigation involving the USNPS, Seashore ranchers, Marin County, and three environmental organizations has resulted in a General Management Plan Amendment planning process that will consider the extended 20-year permits for continued historic ranching operations on the PR Peninsula.
13. Rural communities need stabilization and investing in infrastructure and long-term leases can create resilience for the PRNS ranching and dairying community.
14. PRNS encourages its ranchers to provide affordable housing for individuals working on its ranches, which enable best agricultural management practices, retain a stable labor force, and make farming a viable profession for the next generation.

This resolution recognizes the dairy and beef ranching families of the PRNS for their environmental stewardship and contributions to the economic success of regional agricultural sector and declares the Legislature’s support for the ranching families of the PR Peninsula and the USNPS in their efforts to ensure the continuation of historic beef ranches and dairy farms and preservation of the cultural and natural resources at the seashore.

Comments

According to the author,

Recent litigation against the National Park Service presents a threat to continued ranching and farming operations on the Point Reyes Peninsula. Should ranching and farming operations cease, there would be a tremendous loss of a historic, cultural resource and a significant economic consequence for the peninsula, the County of Marin, and the state of California.

The dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the Point Reyes National Seashore understand the importance of protecting the region’s natural resources and applying environmental stewardship practices to their operations. They engage in highly sustainable and organic agricultural activities, and agriculture on the peninsula accounts for about 20% of the $100 million gross agricultural production of Marin County.

It is important for the California State Legislature to recognize this unique area of the state’s storied coast and help preserve its longstanding agricultural productivity.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/7/18)

California Cattlemen's Association

California Farm Bureau Federation

Marin Conservation League

Marin County Board of Supervisors

Marin Resource Conservation District

National Parks Conservation Association

Marine Agricultural Land Trust

Save Our Seashore

Straus Family Creamery

West Marin Environmental Action Committee

Western United Dairymen

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/7/18)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 69-0, 7/5/18

AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Travis Allen, Baker, Berman, Bloom, Bonta, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Carrillo, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chen, Chiu, Choi, Chu, Cooper, Daly, Eggman, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kamlager-Dove, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Mathis, Mayes, Medina, Melendez, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, Patterson, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Rivas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon

NO VOTE RECORDED: Arambula, Bigelow, Brough, Cooley, Cunningham, Dahle, Maienschein, McCarty, Mullin, O'Donnell, Quirk

Prepared by: Jonas Austin / SFA / (916) 651-1520

8/8/18 16:19:17

**** END ****

Date of Hearing: June 27, 2018

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Anna Caballero, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:ACR 217

Author:Levine – As Amended Ver:June 20, 2018

SUBJECT: Point Reyes National Seashore: dairy and beef ranching

SUMMARY: This measure would recognize the dairy and beef ranching families of the Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) for their environmental stewardship and contributions to the economic success of regional agricultural sector and would declare the Legislature’s support for the ranching families of the Point Reyes Peninsula (PR Peninsula) and the National Park Service (USNPS)in their efforts to ensure the continuation of historic beef ranches and dairy farms and preservation of the cultural and natural resources at the seashore. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. Cattle ranching has been a mainstay of the PR peninsula since the establishment of Spanish missions in the early 19th century and is an essential part of the historical fabric of the PRNS and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
2. Many of the families that ranched the PR peninsula a century ago continue to honor their families’ legacies by productively and responsibly working the land.
3. In establishing PRNS under the supervision of the USNPS in 1962, the United States Congress recognized the value to the government and the public of the continuation of ranching activities, as presently practiced, in preserving the beauty of the PR Peninsula.
4. The PRNS enabling legislation was amended in 1978 to explicitly provide that the owner of agricultural property at the time of its acquisition by the United States may retain rights of use and occupancy for a definitive term and upon expiration may, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior which has continued to date, be offered the opportunity to continue to use the land for historic agricultural production.
5. Former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar reaffirmed the importance of continued ranching on the PRNS in 2012 when he stated that the United States Department of the Interior and the USNPS support the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching operations in Point Reyes’ pastoral zone and recognized that ranching has a long and important history on the PR Peninsula.
6. On November 29, 2012, former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar issued a memorandum authorizing the USNPS to pursue long-term maximum 20-year leases or permits for dairy and beef ranching operations, demonstrating the support of the USNPS and the United States Department of the Interior for the continued presence of dairy and beef ranching.
7. Pursuant to the California Coastal Act of 1976, the County of Marin’s local coastal program encourages continued ranching and dairying operations within the pastoral zone of the PRNS.
8. Agriculture on the PR Peninsula accounts for approximately 20% of the $100 million gross agricultural production of the County of Marin, is a linchpin of west Marin agriculture, and is thus critical to the economic success, not only of the County of Marin, but of the state as well.
9. Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the PRNS are making great efforts to increase highly sustainable and organic agricultural activities, which make them a crucial contributor to the regional foodshed and an internationally esteemed model for organic and sustainable agriculture, and allow them to cater to the preferences of bay area consumers. Those efforts have earned the near-unanimous support of local Marin County environmental groups.
10. Dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the PRNS understand the importance of protecting natural resources and apply environmental stewardship to ranching and farming operations with respect to land, water, and wildlife resources, maintaining sensitive habitat for at least six threatened and endangered plant species and at least two sensitive animal species through their grazing activities, decreasing their greenhouse gas emissions footprint, and ensuring water quality through compliance with the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Grazing Lands and dairies in the Tomales Bay Watershed, among many other environmental benefits.
11. Livestock practices and carbon sequestration both have scientific support showing these activities can help mitigate climate change.
12. A recent Settlement Agreement to litigation involving the USNPS, Seashore ranchers, Marin County, and three environmental organizations has resulted in a General Management Plan Amendment planning process that will consider the extended 20-year permits for continued historic ranching operations on the PR Peninsula.
13. Rural communities need stabilization and investing in infrastructure and long-term leases can create resilience for the PRNS ranching and dairying community.
14. PRNS encourages its ranchers to provide affordable housing for individuals working on its ranches, which enable best agricultural management practices, retain a stable labor force, and make farming a viable profession for the next generation.

FISCAL EFFECT: None

COMMENTS: PRNS is a park preserve located on the PR Peninsula in Marin County, California. As a national seashore, it is maintained by the USNPS as an important nature preserve. Some existing agricultural uses are allowed to continue within the park. PRNS was established in 1962 to protect the peninsula from development which was proposed at the time for the slopes above Drake's Bay.

The author states "Recent litigation against the USNPS presents a threat to continued ranching and farming operations on the PR Peninsula. Should ranching and farming operations cease, there would be a tremendous loss of a historic, cultural resource and a significant economic consequence for the PR peninsula, the County of Marin, and the state of California. This resolution recognizes the dairy and beef ranching families of PRNS, along with the USNPS for their efforts to preserve the cultural and natural resources at the seashore."

Supporters state that the dairy farmers and cattle ranchers at the PRNS understand the importance of protecting the region’s natural resources and applying environmental stewardship practices to their operations. Furthermore, the dairy farmers and cattle ranchers engage in highly sustainable and organic agricultural activities, and agriculture on the PR Peninsula accounts for about 20% of the $100 million gross agricultural production of Marin County.

ACR 217 points out that it is important for the California State Assembly to recognize this unique area of the state’s storied coast and help preserve its longstanding agricultural productivity.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Cattlemen's Association

California Farm Bureau Federation

Marin Conservation League

Marin County Board of Supervisors

Marin Resource Conservation District

Marine Agricultural Land Trust

Straus Family Creamery

Western United Dairymen

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Victor Francovich / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084