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Located just a few miles northwest of the town of Point Arena, the entire ranch features over two miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, the estuary/mouth of the Garcia River, and a seven-acre island that is accessible from shore at low tide. 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.
Rich in cultural history, the mouth of the Garcia River was the main village community of the Bokeya Pomo people who lived in the area for 9,000 to 12,000 years until the early 19th century. The village was called Pda'hau, which literally means "river mouth." 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, all can applaud this effort to preserve an important part of this area's natural heritage. Other
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In
June 2003, the State Coastal Conservancy (SCC) approved the initiation
of negotiations to preserve portions of the Stornetta Brothers Ranch,
1800 acres of prime coastal land adjacent to the Manchester State
Park. The close of escrow on this complicated preservation effort
is projected for "early 2004." Approximately 1200 acres will be handed
over to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for conservation
and eventual public access. The Stornetta family will continue to
own and farm approximately 1200 acres under an Agricultural Conservation
Easement, which prohibits residential development and specified commercial
uses. In addition, the family will continue to own the original Stornetta
compound, approximately 75 acres. Upon the close of escrow, the BLM
will
begin a two-phase management plan for all the property except the
family compound. Public access will most likely become available upon
the completion of the first phase of the management plan. The SCC's
action to start negotiations came after the Conservancy received over
350 letters in support for preserving this unique part of the rugged
Mendocino County coastline. 
Significant
natural resources, including critical wildlife habitat, plentiful
water, and diverse vegetation abound. Several riparian corridors,
including Hathaway Creek and two miles of the Garcia, extend through
the property. The ranch has extensive 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.