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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 ...
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