Recent Press

Tomales land to remain open space
Marin Independent Journal
Mark Prado
December 12, 2006

A 178-acre portion of the Tomales Farm and Dairy property known as the Cerini Ranch will never be available for large-scale residential development after a $1 million deal struck last week.

The Marin Agricultural Land Trust purchased development rights on the property, which is situated along the Tomales-Petaluma Road at the southern edge of Tomales.

"This conservation easement protects the natural environment and helps conserve the agricultural heritage of the Tomales community," said Doug Bosco, chairman of the Coastal Conservancy, which gave $500,000 toward the purchase.

"It's good for the economy, it's good for wildlife, and it's good for everyone who appreciates the character of West Marin."

Keyes Creek crosses the property, which flows into Tomales Bay via Walker Creek and provides open space adjacent to Tomales High School.

The Cerini family purchased the land in 1925, and in 2005 Gail Cerini sold it to Tomales Farm and Dairy, LLC.

Tomales Farm and Dairy worked closely with MALT, local representatives, the Marin County Planning Department and the Coastal Conservancy on the deal and donated roughly 70 percent of the appraised value of the land.

It forfeited existing development rights to as many as 10 building sites.

"In establishing a conservation easement on this beautiful property, we're pleased to have been able to take the first of many steps towards returning this land to productive agricultural pursuits, retaining open space around the community of Tomales, and creating a viable foundation for a productive and unique dairy operation," said John Williams, co-owner of Tomales Farm and Dairy.

Williams and his partners hope to re-introduce dairy operations, including an artisan cheese-making plant, on an adjacent site of roughly 300 acres.

Founded in 1980, MALT's agricultural easement program has preserved more than 38,000 acres on 58 family farms and ranches, permanently protecting them from subdivision and non-agricultural development.

Cerini Ranch was the group's only deal of 2006.

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