STORNETTA BROTHERS RANCH PRESERVED

On June 30, 2004 the Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the State Coastal Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State of California Wildlife Conservation Board, completed the protection of 1,711 acres of the Stornetta Brothers Ranch, prime Mendocino coastal land adjacent to Manchester State Park. Of the 1,711 acres, 1,132 acres have been handed over to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for conservation and public access, and 579 acres will continued to be owned and farmed by the Stornetta family under an Agricultural Conservation Easement, which prohibits residential development, certain commercial uses and specifies habitat protection measures along this portion of the Garcia River. Not included in the 1,711 acres are the 89 acres of the original Stornetta family compound. The BLM will now begin a two-phase management plan for all the property except the family compound.

Located just a few miles northwest of the town of Point Arena, the ranch features the estuary and mouth of the Garcia River, a seven-acre island, Sea Lion Rocks, that is accessible from shore at low tide, and over two miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. The property includes all of the land surrounding the historic Point Arena Lighthouse (circa 1870) and extends inland approximately two miles, crossing State Highway 1.

Significant natural resources, including critical wildlife habitat, diverse vegetation, and two riparian corridors (Hathaway Creek and two miles of the Garcia), extend through the property. The ranch has abundant wetlands, numerous ponds and springs, groves of cypress trees, grassy meadows and sand dunes. Migratory waterfowl (including wintering Arctic tundra swans), shorebirds, raptors and other wildlife thrive on the property's pasturelands and wet areas. It is home to a number of rare, threatened and endangered habitats, plant and animal species.

The State Coastal Conservancy was instrumental in making this project happen. The start of negotiations came after the Conservancy received over 350 letters in support of preserving this unique part of the rugged Mendocino coastline.

It is unknown what future role, if any, RCLC may play in this preservation project. There could be easement monitoring and related reporting requirements. As public access is developed, there could be a need for additional financial support for trails, fencing, etc. In any event, everyone can applaud this successful effort to preserve an important part of this area's natural heritage.

From BLM website July 22, 2004:

The 1,132-acre Stornetta Public Lands are now open to the public on a limited basis. They include over 2 miles of coastline, the estuary of the Garcia River and adjacent beach, and a small island accessible during low tide. Stornetta borders the Pacific Ocean and the historic Point Arena Lighthouse on the west. To the north it is bordered by Manchester State Park. To the east it is bordered by State Highway 1 and Windy Hollow County Road. Land ownership to the south includes a property formerly owned by the U.S. Coast Guard, which now belongs to Mendocino Community College, and another private parcel. The college site, known as the Loran Station, is used for college classes and as a marine research facility. The small island, Sea Lion Rocks, will become a portion of the California Coastal National Monument system.

Under interim management rules, people can use the area for daytime activities, including hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, nature photography, and wildlife watching. Motor vehicles, bicycles, and overnight camping will be prohibited, pending a final management plan. The nearby Stornetta Brothers Ranch buildings and 579-acre agricultural conservation easement are not open to the public.

Parking is available at the end of Miner Hole Road. There is no public parking on Lighthouse Road. Point Arena Lighthouse and Rollerville Junction are private property. Parking is available in these locations for a fee or by permission.

CAUTION! The Stornetta coastal area contains many hazards. These include sinkholes, unstable cliffs, and deep marshes. Offshore rocks that are accessible at low tides can be underwater at high tide.

Use extreme caution when visiting this area.