California Rangeland Trust

The rangeland trust ensures the upholding of our completed easements by conducting an annual monitoring visit on each of the 95 ranches in our portfolio. A monitoring report, prepared after each visit, notes any changes to the resources or compliance issues, and recommends corrective action if necessary. Monitoring is performed by staff, directors, or contractors supervised by the rangeland trust. Biologists and other experts are added to the monitoring team when necessary to assess the health of the habitat of any specific plant or animal species included in the easement. This process is made possible by stewardship endowments created for each property at the time the easement transaction closes, thereby ensuring permanent funding is available to conduct these activities in perpetuity.

Nearly 700 people from many backgrounds engaged in a variety of community- building events throughout california. These events raise awareness for the work we do, help connect people to people, and create opportunities for ranchers to meet one another and learn from one another.

Our new programs department, which was launched in fall 2023, engaged in learning activities and began presenting workshops and webinars for the ranching community. The purpose is to improve our services to the ranching community in california by connecting them to resources that can help them keep ranching, learn new tools, and access funding toward advancing their agricultural operations. In 2024, activities included a workshop in san luis obispo with panelists presenting on financial planning, estate planning, and other family legacy topics to inform ranchers of their options in maintaining continuity for the next generation. We also presented a webinar that provided information about virtual grazing technology, with speakers representing the technology, ranchers who have been using it and how, and options for seeking funding to aid in making the transition.