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February 7, 2025
Dear Friends,
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It’s been stormy here in West Marin, with weather to match the shifting moods of the past month. We’ve been talking with many of our friends and supporters about the big changes at the Seashore since the National Park Service announced the settlement of litigation about land use in the park. This shift, coupled with the early, but fast-paced and concerning impacts of the new federal administration’s policies ushers in a time of change. In these buffeting winds, we stand steady with our National Park Service partners to care for and share the incredible gifts of the Seashore.
While there is a great range of feelings about the impending change, what remains constant is our shared love of Point Reyes and our collective commitment to our mission and work. Through all of our conservation, education, and community building efforts, we work side by side with the National Park Service and so many partners to map a park for all. You are an important partner in this work, and your steadfast support is reflected in all we achieve. We hope this video conveys our gratitude, and underscores that this place is here for you and for all, especially in times of stress and worry.
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We are especially excited by the early response to our open call for new board members. As part of our Mapping a Park for All initiative, we are experimenting with board recruitment to invite a range of voices to this leadership group. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity to support PRNSA, please apply using this link by February 15th.
As always, we welcome your questions and feedback about happenings in the park and our work to support the Seashore.
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Catherine Porter
Board Chair
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Donna Faure
Executive Director
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Settlement Ushers in Land Use Change at the Seashore | |
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In January, a long-running legal case was settled, ushering a new chapter for the Seashore. Through a mediated process, 12 of 14 dairy and beef ranches in Point Reyes National Seashore agreed to cease operations over 15 months. Seven beef ranches in the northern Golden Gate National Recreation area that are managed by Point Reyes National Seashore received 20-year leases to continue operation as part of the settlement. With support from The Nature Conservancy, ranch owners leaving the park received compensation for retiring operations. A transition package for employees and tenants affected by the settlement is in progress.
In the tradition of partner groups of national parks, PRNSA does not take a position on policy issues and we were not a party to litigation. We will collaborate with NPS, the Nature Conservancy, and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria to support grassland restoration, stewardship, and recreational efforts moving forward. This transition offers significant conservation opportunities, and also impacts our local community. For more information visit the NPS website and stay tuned for updates on how to support community members during this transition.
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We’re excited to share a collection of our most special moments from last year—from supporting plover, salmon, and plant communities to welcoming over 2,500 curious youth to the park through our Youth in Parks program. We couldn’t do this without our amazing community. Thank you for being a part of our interspecies web of resilience! | |
Peak Elephant Seal Breeding Season | | |
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Northern elephant seals have returned to Drakes Beach to give birth! To protect elephant seal pups during this important time, Drakes Beach Road will only be open from 10am to 4pm—when park staff and volunteers are present.
The beach itself is closed, but pay a visit to our beach store to enjoy the brand new seating area in front of the large picture windows that look out onto the beach. Visitors can sit and enjoy beverages and snacks purchased from the store while observing the elephant seals and their pups. The beach store is open Friday-Sunday, and holiday Mondays.
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Student Research Grants for Local Science | |
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The Tomales Bay Foundation (TBF) is accepting applications for its 2025 Science Grant Program. TBF will support research on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in Tomales Bay and its watershed including water quality, biology, fire, carbon, invasive species, native species, mapping, inventory, watershed ecology, and public and tourist impacts.
For more information on eligibility, visit TBF's website. Applications are due by February 28.
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We partner with the National Park Service to create opportunities for all people to experience, enhance, and preserve Point Reyes National Seashore for present and future generations. | |
Point Reyes National Seashore | (415) 663-1200 x 310
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