Recent Press

$1 million land buy saves ex-dairy farm
San Francisco Chronicle
Friday, December 29, 2006

A conservation easement has saved a 178-acre former dairy farm from possible development near Tomales in northwestern Marin County, allowing the owners to create a sustainable, organic creamery and produce artisan cheeses.

The Marin Agricultural Land Trust announced that it had finalized the agreement Thursday on the Tomales Farm & Dairy, known for years as the Cerini Ranch. The $1 million easement, of which the California State Coastal Conservancy paid half, restricts construction on the land to one single-family residence, ensuring that the land will only be used for agricultural purposes.

In exchange for the $1 million, the owners forfeited existing development rights on 10 building sites. The conservation easement also mandates protection and water quality enhancements to Keyes Creek, which runs through the property and drains into Walker Creek and Tomales Bay.

The property, adjacent to Tomales High School, was purchased in 1925 by the Cerini family, which sold it in 2005 to Tomales Farm & Dairy. The owners of the dairy plan to reintroduce dairy operations, including an artisan cheesemaking facility.

Home | Site Map | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy