Marks Ranch Backcountry to Remain Open Space with Upcoming Transfer to County Parks

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When the Land Trust purchased Marks Ranch in 2007, our goal was to create a community park for the people of Salinas while protecting the Ranch’s natural characteristics, which provide important habitat for wildlife. To reach that goal, BSLT has partnered with Monterey County Parks to apply for state grant funds that will result in the transfer of 624 acres of the Ranch’s eastern portion to County Parks as an addition to Toro Park. The granting process been uncertain since the state budget freeze, postponing the timeline for the transfer to County Parks for more than two years. But this summer (2010), the state funding agency, known as the Wildlife Conservation Board, made funds available for the project. In August, BSLT and County Parks negotiated the agreements necessary to implement the transfer, the County Board of Supervisors approved the agreements, and WCB awarded the grant to the County. Paperwork for the transferal should be completed this fall, ensuring that the land will remain as permanent open space that is accessible to the public.

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“Marks Ranch is strikingly beautiful, offering glorious hiking and views of the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay that nourish the spirit,” said Joanna Devers, Acquisitions Manager for BSLT. “Through this project the Land Trust and Monterey County Parks have developed a strong partnership, ensuring that this special place in Monterey County will be treasured for all to enjoy.”

WCB approved the grant in large measure due to the research on wildlife movement BSLT has been supporting at Marks Ranch and surrounding areas. BSLT recently released the results of a study detailing wildlife movement in the Highway 68 corridor and the area around Marks Ranch, Toro County Park and Fort Ord Natural Reserve. The study, conducted by Connectivity for Wildlife LLC and funded by the Land Trust, shows that this region facilitates a high degree of wildlife activity. Mountain lions, gray foxes, bobcats, coyotes, deer and North American badgers were among the species found to utilize a bridge underpass on Highway 68 at Toro Creek. The Land Trust will continue to work with its research and community partners to ensure that vital wildlife corridors providing safe passage for animals remain viable.

Following the transfer, BSLT will continue to own approximately 200 acres of the property, including historic buildings on Marks Ranch that are scheduled to be renovated in an innovative partnership with Hartnell’s Center for Sustainable Design and Construction. BSLT and Monterey County Parks are collaborating with a number of other partners, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County, to identify an outcome beneficial to nature and people on this remaining portion of the property, and will continue to seek other grant funds that will enable County Parks to acquire more of Marks Ranch and expand Toro Park.

You can help make the vision for Marks Ranch a reality.