Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) to sign a Lease Agreement for cattle grazing services with the Big Sur Land Trust as a component of the Big Sur Land Trust’s larger Marks Ranch stewardship program. The initial term of the Lease Agreement will begin July 1, 2026 and terminate June 30, 2036; and
b. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks to sign future amendments prior to the Lease Agreement expiration date if mutually desirable by both parties.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) to sign a Lease Agreement for cattle grazing services with the Big Sur Land Trust as a component of the Big Sur Land Trust’s larger Marks Ranch stewardship program. The initial term of the Lease Agreement will begin July 1, 2026 and terminate June 30, 2036; and
b. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks to sign future amendments prior to the Lease Agreement expiration date if mutually desirable by both parties.
SUMMARY:
The proposed cattle grazing Lease Agreement will help increase the landscape’s resilience to catastrophic wildfires in the portion of the Conner Marks Ranch Property (Marks Ranch) located inside Toro Park.
DISCUSSION:
The Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT), a California nonprofit benefit corporation, and the Monterey County Parks and Lakes Division have a long standing history of constructive partnership at Marks Ranch. In 2010 and 2012 the County purchased approximately 740 acres of land through the Wildlife Conservation Board, an agency of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife grant program.
The proposed cattle grazing Lease Agreement will help increase the landscape’s resilience to catastrophic wildfires, and help ensure the appropriate use and management of the portion of the Marks Ranch located inside Toro Park. The initial term of the Agreement will begin July 1, 2026 and terminate June 30, 2036, with an option to extend if mutually desirable by both parties.
The BSLT conservation grazing program is centered on increasing the landscape’s resilience to catastrophic wildfires. The approval of this long-term grazing lease agreement will allow the Parks Division to continue with this important partnership. Through this partnership, the County Parks Division can help with fire fuel reduction, wildlife corridor protection, and invasive plant management.
This request will authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks to sign future amendments in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Lease Agreement. It is recommended the Board of Supervisors approve and authorize the Director of PWFP to execute the Cattle Grazing Lease Agreement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Lease Agreement.
FINANCING:
The BSLT shall pay the County the amount of $4,700 each year. This will be payable in one lump sum payment on July 1st of every year following the year of tenancy, unless this fee is approved to be offset by the County. This amount will be increased by the two and a half percent at the end of year five (5) of the initial lease, should the parties wish to extend the agreement term.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The recommended action complies with the Board of Supervisor’s Strategic Initiative for Safe and Resilient Communities by helping reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires to the adjacent communities by minimizing fuel loads, and brush encroachment.
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Maribel Zendejas, Management Analyst II, 831-755-5304
Reviewed by: Ivo N. Basor, Real Property Specialist
Reviewed by: Bryan Flores, Chief of Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - Proposed Big Sur Land Trust Lease Agreement