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Eugene Poncia Ranch, Tomales The 750-acre Eugene (Gene) Poncia Ranch has been in the family since 1915, and was operated as a dairy until 1991. The ranch, which is visible from Highway 1, borders Walker Creek, a major tributary to Tomales Bay. Gene Poncia lives on the ranch and raises beef and dairy replacement cattle with help from his son. Gene owned only a 50% interest in the ranch on which he was born and wished to pass it on to his son. MALT’s purchase of the easement enabled Poncia to acquire the other 50% and ensure the agricultural future of the ranch. "Four generations of Poncias have lived here," says Gene. "This agreement keeps the ranch in the family." MALT raised $2 million to preserve the historic ranch: $500,000 came from the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Farm and Ranchlands Protection Program, a federal program that protects farms having prime and unique soils or historical or archaeological resources. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the State Coastal Conservancy both contributed $750,000 to preserve the ranch. "This unprecedented level of support by state and federal agencies and private philanthropy represents an outstanding commitment to the conservation of important agricultural lands and a high degree of confidence in MALT’s ability to work with landowners to preserve Marin County farmland," said MALT Executive Director Robert Berner. "Working farms are important to the economy and heritage of West Marin. These conservation easements will help to ensure that the area's farming tradition remains alive and well," said Sam Schuchat, executive officer of the State Coastal Conservancy. "I applaud the efforts and commitment of the landowners, partners, and individuals that helped secure the easements for the Poncia Ranch,” said Ed Burton, state conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. "This illustrates once again how conservation partners working together form a strong conservation ethic can get a lot more done than any of us could have accomplished individually." Home | Site Map | Terms of Use |
