Conservation Deal of the Year
Corinne Gaffner Garcia / The Land Report
COASTAL RANGE Elevations vary from 900 feet above sea level to more than 3,400 feet on the Carmel Valley ranch.
As the single largest private holding in Carmel Valley, the 14,142-acre Rana Creek Ranch was once a part of the traditional homeland of the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County. It features rolling hills, lush forests, wide-open meadows, and multiple water sources.
Opening the preserve to the public will take some time, Haney says, as they “try to build facilities that are on par with the National Park Service.” There are also plans to turn the 9,000-square-foot conference complex built by the Markkulas into a land-stewardship institute.
The conservancy also plans to partner with the Esselen Tribe and tap into their deep knowledge to steward this remarkable property. Eventually, a portion of Rana Creek Ranch will be transferred to the tribe.
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