Hearst Ranch

Precedent setting agreement redefines state’s conservation paradigm

The Hearst Corporation, American Land Conservancy, California Rangeland Trust, and the State of California completed a comprehensive conservation project on February 18, 2005 that permanently protects the 128 square mile Hearst Ranch, located in San Luis Obispo County, California.  A major component of the project is the conservation easement restricting future development on the 80,000 acres of the ranch located on the east side of Highway One.  This spectacular ranch is the largest privately-owned working cattle ranch remaining on the California Coast.  The conservation easement ensures that the scenic, open space, agricultural and natural resource values of the ranch will be preserved in perpetuity.  California Rangeland Trust holds, monitors and will enforce the conservation easement.