Generations of cattle ranching in Point Reyes is being disrupted by a secret settlement, affecting dozens of farmworker families. Ranchers express anger and frustration over the deal, which they feel disregards their contributions and community. The USDA's special-use leases have historically allowed ranching in the Point Reyes National Seashore, making the sudden change shocking for many. Ranching has been pivotal for these communities, and the closure of operations threatens their way of life and local agriculture while environmentalists see this as a victory for nature.
"We've built up this farming community and food community and now we're at risk of losing everything because of this deal behind closed doors," said Albert Straus, who runs the Straus Dairy Farm in Marin County. His operation purchases milk from at least one of the dairy farms in Point Reyes slated to close.
Ranching has been a way of life in Point Reyes for generations, predating the land's designation as a National Seashore in 1962. A unique arrangement allowed private agricultural operations to continue under special-use leases with the National Park Service.
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