$2.7M Grant Advances Restoration Vision for Point Reyes National Seashore

Sep 10

Science-informed restoration plan to guide the next chapter in Point Reyes

We’re thrilled to share that on August 28th, the California Wildlife Conservation Board unanimously awarded a $2.7 million grant to support the next phase of ecological restoration at Point Reyes National Seashore—one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, home to more than 100 threatened, rare, and endangered species, and a destination for over two million visitors each year.

This initial grant funds a comprehensive restoration plan, the design of wildlife connectivity improvements, and the removal of non-historic ranching infrastructure, including over 50 miles of barbed wire fencing, across thousands of acres of publicly owned coastline formerly leased for commercial agriculture.

WATCH THE FULL DISCUSSION HERE

The award was made possible thanks to strong letters and testimony from:

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Resource Renewal Institute (RRI), Congressman Jared Huffman, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the Point Reyes National Seashore Association, the California Native Plant Society, Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), Audubon Canyon Ranch, the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC), Western Watersheds Project, and the Natural Heritage Institute—demonstrating the broad coalition of support behind this historic effort.

Supporting Workers, Defending Progress

Beyond securing funding, we're protecting the 2025 voluntary settlement agreement that makes restoration possible. This means ensuring farmworkers and tenants receive proper transition support as operations wind down via our coordination of the Transition Support Plan, and defending the agreement against legal challenges that could delay or derail the restoration we've fought so hard to achieve.

By April 2026, 12 beef and dairy ranches are expected to cease their operations and vacate the national park, fulfilling the settlement terms and resolving our legal case. From that milestone forward, we will work together with TNC, the National Park Service, and supporters like you to bring comprehensive restoration to life.

We invite you to stay connected with us as this process moves forward and ensure your voice is heard.

A Blueprint for Ecosystem Recovery
The upcoming restoration planning process will offer the public numerous opportunities for input and review. Furthermore, it will establish parameters for a robust research and monitoring program to ensure restoration activities effectively reestablish natural ecological functions, protect sensitive waterbodies, and improve native plant and animal communities.