End of an era: Point Reyes ranchers and workers exit

On April 8, a total of 12 ranches on the Point Reyes National Seashore had officially shuttered their operations and permanently vacated the federally protected land after years of contested leases, litigation and environmental campaigns that sought to prioritize habitat protection over cattle operations.

The National Park Service, environmental groups and the Nature Conservancy settled with ranch owners for about $30 million, although for now two ranches remain. Ranch workers — largely excluded from talks — received significantly smaller payouts and have been displaced.