2006 spring marin agricultural land trust newsletter

8/3/2019 2006 Spring Marin Agricultural Land Trust Newsletter

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/2006-spring-marin-agricultural-land-trust-newsletter 1/8

S p r i n g 2 0 0 6 Vo l u m e 2 2 N u m b e r 1

The much-heralded visit of the Prince of Wales toWest Marin last fall brought this area’s organic and sustainablyfarmed agricultural operations to international prominence.To most observers, it was a surprising field trip for the heir tothe British throne, though properties in his own Duchy of Cornwall have been farmed organically for more than 20years. He also is a dedicated spokesperson for other sustain-able agricultural practices. Still, one might ask, why Marin?

Organic agriculture is the fastest growing segment of thefarm economy in the United States, and Marin County hasbeen at the forefront of the movement since at least 1974when Warren Weber’s Star Route Farms in Bolinas becamethe first certified organic farm in California. In 1994, theStraus Family Creamery was certified as the first organicdairy west of the Mississippi. In 1999, a group of producersand organic advocates formed Marin Organic to foster envi-ronmentally sound agriculture and support local food pro-duction. And in 2000, Agriculture Commissioner StacyCarlsen established the first local government organic certi-fication agency in the United States right here in Marin.

“The visit of the Royal Highness and his wife was suchan amazing honor and confirmation that our work here is of critical importance far beyond our county line,” said Helge

Hellberg, Executive Director of Marin Organic, which coor-dinated the event in Marin.

However, traditional livestock agriculture is still the main-stay in Marin County, contributing $45 million to the econo-my. These beef, sheep, and dairy businesses form the backboneof farm operations on most malt -protected properties. But acentury and a half of good farming practices and responsible

Marin Agricultural Land Trust’s efforts to permanently preserve farmlandin West Marin are mirrored across the country by the more than 1,500 local an

regional land trusts also working to protect natural and agricultural resources in theirown backyards. At a national level, most of these organizations are affiliated with thenonprofit Land Trust Alliance (LTA), which supports the effectiveness of the nation’sland trusts and their use of conservation easements by helping expand the knowledgeand expertise of the local groups. Currently, LTA is spearheading two innovativeprograms: Land Trust Accreditation and Land Trust Standards and Practices.

In a time of increased congressional scrutiny of nonprofits and land conservationtransactions, the accreditation program is intended to maintain the public trust involuntary land conservation and help build strong and lasting organizations througha detailed, independent, professional, and peer examination of policies and programs.The accreditation will be managed by a commission of land trust professionalsincorporated as a subsidiary of LTA with independent decision-making authority.The first commissioners will be appointed in February, 2006. The commission

Maintaining the Public TrustIn Voluntary Conservation Efforts

C O N T I N U ED P AG E F O U

Tradition & Innovation BringPrince of Wales to West Marin

C O NT I NU E D P AG E S E V

marin agriculturalL A N D T R U S T N E W S

P R E S E R V I N G M A R I N C O U N T Y F A R M L A N D

MALT’s Bob Berner, left, chatted with Prince Charles at the Point Reyes Farmers’ Market during his visit last November



Since the mid-19th century, landscape painters havebeen portraying the luminous beauty of the western landscape.Prominent painters who visited California during that era of exploration included Thomas Moran, Albert Bierstadt,Thomas Hill, William Keith, and Virgil Williams.

In her introduction to the exhibit “Painters and theAmerican West,” Sarah Anschutz Hunt writes that someartists were even hired by the Santa Fe Railroad, “…receivingtrain tickets, meals, and lodging in exchange for a specifiednumber of paintings inspired by the artist’s journey throughthe West.” In all cases, those early illustrations helped shapethe experience for pioneers, gold miners, government explo-rations, and tourists who—lured in part by these works—later “tamed” and modified the virgin landscape that hadfirst appealed to them.

While ranching and farming also represent a modificationof the landscape, today we value Marin County’s remainingagricultural lands for local food production, open space, andwildlife habitat. Since ranchers first settled in Marin around1850 , the area has had a land-based economy. Though muchof the county has been urbanized, the tradition of family

farming still has a strong hold in West Marin. But that tradi-tion is in danger of being lost to non-agricultural uses.

Aware that art can articulate environmental issues, agroup of talented artists has been painting the farmlandsand open spaces of West Marin since 1998 for display inRanches & Rolling Hills, an art show and sale that benefitsmalt ’s farmland preservation program. This year’s event isset for Saturday, May 20 , and Sunday, May 21 , at theDruid’s Hall in Nicasio.

These painters, printmakers, and photographers are com-mitted to capturing the working landscapes and views thatmight be threatened by development. Since they alsobelieve that art can act as an agent of change and becausethey are dedicated to helping preserve the land that inspirestheir art, they contribute 50% of the income from sales tomalt . So far, this artistic survey of the contemporary rurallandscape has raised more than half a million dollars. Thefunds have been used for the purchase of agricultural conser-vation easements on Marin farms, permanently protectingthem from non-agricultural development.

Over the years, the show’s reputation in the artistic com-munity has grown, and competi-tion to be part of the event is sig-nificant. Some 40 artists will participate this year, about half of them from Marin and half repre-senting Santa Barbara’s Oak Groupfounded by renowned Californialandscape painter Ray Strong.Michael Whitt of Point ReyesStation is the curator of Ranches Rolling Hillswhich is coordinated

by malt ’s Elisabeth Ptak withassistance from Cindy Jordan.To ensure a place at the preview

sale and luncheon, watch yourmailbox for the announcementwhich will be mailed in March.Following the preview, the show isopen to the public at no chargefrom 2–5 p.m. on Saturday,May 20 , and from 10 a.m. –4 p.mon Sunday, May 21 .

—Elisabeth Ptak

Ranches & Rolling Hills Landscape Art Show Set for May 20 & 21

“Cypress Heaven” by Zee Zee Mott

2 M A R I N A G R I C U L T U R A L L A N D T R U S T

http://www.malt.org/hp/artshow.htm

http://www.malt.org/hp/artshow.htm



Over on the other side of the fence, not only is thegrass greener, but thousands of wildflowers display a spectac-ular spring bloom. What’s that other guy got that you lack?It may be a few cows.

When you see cattle or other hungry herbivores standingin the grass, they aren’t just posing for photographs, they areusually eating. And when they eat, they eat a lot: full-grownsheep and cattle typically consume their weight in forage inonly a month—that’s 200 pounds for a sheep and 1,000pounds for most cows. All this chowing down has a signifi-cant impact on the ecology of the grassland.

First, consider what happens when any animal eats. Nomatter what you choose to call it, animal waste, full of con-centrated nitrogen and other plant nutrients, is redistributedto the soil as the animals move about, contributing chemicalvariation to the environment. Wildflowers often need morenitrogen than grasses (just like the flowers in your garden),so they thrive when herbivores form a major part of thenitrogen cycle.

However, no matter how good the soil, growing plants inthe dark is next to impossible; sun and shade are very impor-tant factors in shaping their success. When annual grasslandsdon’t support significant populations of herbivores or haveintermittent fires, unchecked growth can result in the accu-mulation of thatch, the blanket of dead stalks and plantremains from previous years’ growth that shades seeds andyoung plants.

Since many wildflowers require strong early season sun-light to activate growth, this “thatch roof” drastically affectsthe vegetative composition of the grassland. Many scientificstudies, including classic comparisons conducted on the

Jepson Prairie Preserve in the Sacramento Valley, have doc-

umented that when regular grazing is stopped on Californiaannual grasslands, areas once known for their impressivewildflower displays exhibit a marked decline in diversitywithin a few short years.

Grazers, do, of course, have impacts on the land apartfrom the removal of grasses. However, one common con-cern, that freely grazing livestock will eat all those beautifulwildflowers, is simply a misconception. Not only are cattleknown to prefer grasses to most flower species, but many of the wildflowers most famous for their stunning displays alsomanufacture chemical defenses that make their foliage andflowers distasteful to browsing animals. For example, the

Douglas iris ( Iris douglasiana), common on the rolling hillsacross West Marin, is partially protected from herbivory byits mild poisons. California golden poppies ( Eschscholzia ca

fornica), visible as vast blankets of gold on the hillsides of many ranches, also have a mild toxin in their foliage.

Other common species that you are likely to find ingrasslands and throughout Marin county are blue-eyed grass(Sisyrinchium bellum), baby blue eyes ( Nemophila menziesiivar. menziesii), and California buttercups ( Ranunculus califonicus). Common shrubs, blooming a bit later and closer toeye level, include the buttery yellow bush lupine ( Lupinusarboreus) and my personal favorite, the bright orange stickymonkey flower ( Mimulus aurantiacus). There are many morewildflowers to find right in our backyards, from the familiarfavorites to ephemeral and rare species.

If you’d like to explore local wildflowers further, a partic-ularly good environment for seasonal viewing is the coastalscrub, a characteristic vegetative community which can befound on many of the ranches bordering Tomales Bay, and isaccessible to the public at Point Reyes National Seashore.The Abbotts Lagoon and Chimney Rock trails are perennialfavorites, or, sign up for malt ’s Hikes & Tours on the Cerini

Ranch or the Gale Ranch to see Marin County wildflowersat their best (see pages 5 & 6 for details).And as you stop to smell the flowers this spring, remem-

ber that hungry herbivores play an important role in this—and every year’s—impressive displays.

—Stella Cousins

For the past six months, Stella Cousins has worked as MALT’s season-al Stewardship Assistant, monitoring conservation easements anddeepening her experience with agriculture and conservation in thegrazed landscapes of California. Stella has moved on to other greenpastures, but we thank her for her time and hard work here in Marin.

Hungry HerbivoresEncourage Coastal Wildflowers

M A R I N A G R I C U L T U R A L L A N D T R U S T



On February 11 and March 4, both new and experi-enced malt volunteers will join together to expand their know-ledge of local farm history. They’ll learn about the challenges andopportunities facing Marin’s farmers and ranchers, and they’llincrease their understanding of malt ’s programs. These train-ings kick off the malt Volunteer Program year and launch thebuzz of activity that will take place for the next 12 months.

Malt is fortunate to have a cadre of dedicated volunteerssupporting the preservation of Marin’s family farms. Ourextended family of helpers—more than 50 people—is five times

the size of the malt staff. Last year, this unpaid workforce gavthe equivalent of $65,000 worth of time to the organization!This amazing contribution represents the monetary valueprovided by these dedicated men and women who lead Hikes& Tours, help in the office, and staff special events.

Just as important is the role these volunteers play as ambas-sadors to the community. Armed with enthusiasm, knowledgeof local farms, and a desire to make a difference, they spread theword about the threats to Marin agriculture and how every-one can help preserve these important resources. Volunteerstalk about the issues with friends, co-workers, neighbors, andfamily members. In addition, they give gifts of malt t-shirtand memberships, and contribute generously to the EllenStraus Farmland Preservation Fund. “I like being involved insomething I believe in,” says Kathy Callaway of Woodacre.

Volunteering is a great way to get to know malt better. “Whave learned what a precious resource West Marin really isand how precarious its future once was. It’s been especiallygreat getting to know, at least a little, some of the people whodedicate themselves to Marin’s agricultural life,” say Gary andPeggy Diedrichs of Sausalito.

Current volunteers hail from Marin, Oakland, SanFrancisco, Sonoma, and Berkeley. They’re people who recog-nize that Marin’s agriculture heritage and economy providevalue for the entire Bay Area. If you’re interested in becom-ing part of this trained and highly effective corps, contactLeah Smith, Education Program Associate, at 415-663-133or [email protected] .

—Leah Smit

grazing have created pastures with great biological diversity, allowing them to be naturalneighbors for organic operations. And, in some cases, owners have leased portions of their land to organic growers or transitioned to organic in whole or part themselves.

Nearly a dozen farms or ranches with malt easements now support organic busi-nesses, including the Straus Dairy, the Sartori Ranch, the Gale Ranch, the Lafranchi Ranch, the Poncia Ranch, the CeriniRanch, the Maloney Ranch, the Volpi Ranch, and the Stubbs Ranch. In most cases, the landowners are combining a tradi-tional undertaking like the pasturing of livestock on Marin’s rolling hills with growing certified organic row crops.

Steve Quirt, UC Cooperative Extension Organic & Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator, works with traditional opera-

tors, organic farmers, and those who are considering diversifying their farm businesses to reach new markets. He says thatthe cultivated system complements the wild system, both agriculturally and economically. “The row crops, most of which aresold directly to restaurants or to consumers at farmers’ markets, may provide a financial safety net for commodity producerswhose income can be unpredictable,” he says. “It’s a way to add on to their operation as an insurance against commoditymarket fluctuations,” he says. “It’s the perfect diversification.”

Today, West Marin seems poised to enhance its reputation as both a stronghold for mainstream agriculture and an innova-tive leader in the organic arena. Stewardship by local ranching families has kept thousands of rural acres viable and productiveover the course of a century and a half of use. As organic products become more mainstream, the transition to organic maybecome more inviting to local producers. With your help, malt —the first agricul-tural land trust in the United States—will continue its efforts to preserve the landthat enables sustainable agriculture of every sort to continue in Marin County.

—Elisabeth Ptak

4

Marin Agricultural Land Trust News© is publishedquarterly by Marin Agricultural Land Trust, a nonprofit,tax-exempt organization.

MARIN AGRICULTURAL LAND TRUPO Box 809, Point Reyes Station

California 94956-080


PRINCE OF WALESC O N T I N U E D F R O M P A GE O N E

Volunteer Training Kicks Off Year of Activity for MALT Supporters

Some 30 volunteers met in November at the Fairfax home of Kathy and Sean Callaway. The group celebrated its commitment to preserving Marin’s family farms by volunteering for MALT

mailto:%[email protected]




CERINI, PONCIA , & SPALETTA RANCHESGRASS-FED BEEF, LAMBS & HEIRLOOM POTATOES

Saturday, April 8Organic grower David Little raises organic pota-toes, strawberries, and a variety of vegetables onportions of two ranches protected by MALT ease-ments: the Cerini Ranch (where you’ll also meetDave Evans and learn about his Marin Sun Farm’sgrass-fed beef operation); and the Poncia Ranch(where Al Poncia will describe creek restorationprojects and introduce you to his spring lambs).

He lives on the Spaletta Ranch, a traditionalbeef operation. Pre-registration required.T IME : 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.WHERE TO MEET: Tomales Town Hall. Carpoolto the ranch.WHAT TO BRING : Water, picnic, walking shoesDEGREE OF D IFFICULTY :COST : $20 / $25 non-member

WINDRUSH FARM FAMILY DAYEARTH DAY ON THE FARM

Saturday, April 22Picture baby animals bounding over spring-greenfields. Feed the lambs, llamas, cows, and goats.Hunt for nature’s treasures and look for tadpoles inthe creek. Mimi Luebbermann breeds and raisesthe historic Lincoln breed of sheep, prized for theirlong-haired fleece. She will show us various fleecesand wool products and teach us how to card, spin,and dye wool. Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch inthe garden or out in the fields. A great tour forthe whole family. Pre-registration required.T IME : 10:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.WHERE TO MEET: 2263 Chileno Valley Rd., justsouth of Sonoma County line. From Marin, takeHicks Valley Rd. to Marshall-Petaluma Rd. Turnright on Wilson Hill Rd. Travel 3 miles to the farm.From Petaluma, take Western Ave. west 2 miles toChileno Valley Rd. Travel 3.6 miles to the farm.WHAT TO BRING : Water, picnic, walking shoesDEGREE OF D IFFICULTY :COST : $20 / $ 25 non-members ($10 for chil-dren, $55 for a family of 4 or more)

STRAUS DAIRYSILAGE & HOMEOPATHY

Thursday, April 27 Join dairymen Albert Straus and Julian Kayne inthe fields to learn about the practice of producingnutritious silage for animal feed. Silage is madeup of forage plants such as legumes, grasses, orcereal grains grown specifically for feed then

packed tightly in a silo or a nearly airless plasticbag to prevent spoilage. Learn about the issuesfacing family farms and watch the cows beingmilked in the dairy that was converted to organicin 1993 and today milks 270 cows that are treat-ed homeopathically. Pre-registration required.T IME : 1 – 3 P.M.WHERE TO MEET: Millerton Point Parking Lot,5 miles north of Point Reyes Station. Carpoolto dairy.WHAT TO BRING : Water, shoes that can getdirty,DEGREE OF D IFFICULTY :COST : $15 / $20 non-members

GALE RANCHBEEF COWS , W ILDFLOWERS & BIRDS

Sunday, April 30Walk along Chileno Creek on the Gale Ranchwith owners Mike and Sally Gale and naturalistDavid Wimpfhiemer. Learn how creek restora-tion projects here have increased wildlife andneotropical migrant birds such as warblers,Warbling Vireo, and Bullock’s Oriole. The opengrasslands are great places to see a WesternBluebird, an Ash-throated Flycatcher and even a

Golden Eagle, if we’re lucky. Hike over steephills to find and identify lupine, checkerbloomand other spring wildflowers. Meet grass-fed beef cattle that Mike Gale raises and markets directlyto consumers. Pre-registration required.T IME : 8:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.WHERE TO MEET: Gale Ranch, 5105 ChilenoValley Rd.WHAT TO BRING : Water, picnic, hiking shoes,binocularsDEGREE OF D IFFICULTY :COST : $20 / $25 non-members

LUNNY RANCH & DRAKESBAY OYSTERSOYSTERS, BEEF & ARTICHOKES

Saturday, May 6Meet Kevin Lunny who grew up on a 1,500-acre ranch on the Pt. Reyes Peninsula that isnow Marin’s largest organically certified pasture-land. In the 1970s, Kevin’s father, Joe, convert-ed the operation from dairy to beef. A few yearsago, Kevin converted that conventional herd tograss-fed and organic. To diversify his operation,he also planted five acres of artichokes, thesame kind that grew in that region before itbecame a national park. He also purchased theformer Johnson’s Oysters located on Schooner

Bay. Visit all three operations and taste theproducts that are in season.T IME : 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.W HERE TO MEET: Historic G Ranch, locatedon the right, six miles past Inverness on SirFrancis Drake Blvd.W HAT TO BRING : Water, picnic, walking shoeDEGREE OF D IFFICULTY :COST : $20 / $25 non-member

MCEVOY RANCHPLANTING & POLLINATING

Friday, May 12Tour Nan McEvoy’s 550-acre organic olive rancin a spectacular valley near the Marin-SonomaBorder. Walk among the flowering orchards andwildflowers and learn how olives are grown. Thorganic ranch is working to link the farmscapewith the landscape to increase wildlife habitat.Then tour the olive pressing facility and watch aoil is pressed or extracted from the olives. Tastethe oil and, if you like, purchase a variety of products made with this wonderful farm producLimited to the first 40 reservations received bymail. Pre-registration required.T IME : 10 A.M. – noon (Please arrive on time)

W HERE TO MEET: McEvoy Ranch, 5 milessouth of Petaluma at 5935 Red Hill Rd.(aka D Street or Point Reyes-Petaluma Rd).W HAT TO BRING : Water, walking shoesDEGREE OF D IFFICULTY :COST : $15 / $20 non-member

STRAUS DAIRYENERGY FROM COWS

Thursday, May 25Albert Straus and Julian Kayne are your hostsagain as you learn about the methane digesterand other creative energy solutions Albert hasimplemented at his organic dairy, the first westof the Mississippi. You’ll find out more aboutthe issues facing family farms and watch thecows being milked in the dairy that was converted to organic production in 1993 and todaymilks 270 cows that are treated homeopathically. Pre-registration required.T IME : 1 – 3 P.M.W HERE TO MEET: Millerton Point Parking Lo5 miles north of Point Reyes Station. Carpoolto dairy.W HAT TO BRING : Water, shoes that can get dirtyDEGREE OF D IFFICULTY :COST : $15 / $20 non-member

M A R I N A G R I C U LT U R A L L A N D T R U S T HIKES & TOURS Registration Form

signature date

signature date

RELEASE OF LIABILITY:Each participant must sign.I am aware that accidents or injuries may occur during hiking and walking activities sponsored by Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT). I amvoluntarily participating in these activities. I hereby agree to accept any and all risks of injury on behalf of myself and any of my minor childrenwho may also participate in the activity. As consideration for being permitted to participate in this activity, I hereby release, discharge, waive, andrelinquish any and all actions, causes of action, or claims for personal injury or damages that I, my assignees, heirs, and legal representatives mayhave now or hereafter against MALT or the property owner resulting from negligence or other acts, howsoever caused, by any employee, officer,agent, or contractor of MALT or the property owner arising from my participation or my child(ren)’s participation in the activity.

Mail completed registration forms and signed release for each participant with checks made payable to MALT.Marin Agricultural Land Trust, Post Office Box 809, Point Reyes Station, California 94956 . 415-663-1158

name(s)

street

city state zip

telephone email

Space is limited, and tours fill upquickly. Registration is by mailonly. Full payment is required, andall participants must pre-registerby five days prior to event.Confirmations will be sent. Refundsare given only if MALT cancels atour or if tour is already full. Pleasebe prompt. Events are timed aroundthe farm’s or dairy’s work sched-ules. We will be hiking and touringon private property. You have per-mission to enter for the hike or touronly. You may not re-enter at anoth-er time. Absolutely no pets allowed.

cu

here

✁

✁



It’s true that a small group can change the world,

and malt is a perfect example of that. Malt ’s creation wasthe result of a concerted effort on the part of individuals whovalued agriculture and open space, rural life and genuinecommunity, and who believed in the importance of preservingthese aspects of Marin. A destination not only for Bay Arearesidents, but also for people from around the world, westernMarin County’s unique and beautiful landscape is not whatit is today by accident or luck.

Partners for Preservation, malt ’s plannedgiving program, provides an opportunity for youto make a charitable gift with your estate assets tohelp secure malt ’s financial future—as well as oursuccess in preserving agriculture and the workinglandscape in Marin County—for generations to come.

Planned giving is a term that covers all kinds of charitablegifts including bequests, trusts, and gifts of retirement benefits.Such planning allows you to leave a real legacy with lasting,positive impact that continues far beyond your lifetime.

Though Marin occupies a relatively small slice of theworld, its beauty impresses visitors from far beyond theCounty boundaries. Malt ’s mission, though local in scope,represents a national movement towards recognizing andprotecting our agricultural heritage and the working land-scape—fundamental parts of Marin’s unique character.

Since 1980 , malt and its increasing membership ( 5,600members to date) have helped protect more than 38,000 acres

of farmland throughout Marin. Over the next 25 years, wit

your help, we hope to preserve the 80,000 acres still at riskWe hope you will consider leaving a legacy gift to malt

protect the character and landscape of Marin County forfuture generations. We invite you to join our other supporterswho have stepped forward to provide the philanthropic leader-ship and vision that is essential to sustain malt ’s future.

—Katie Medwar

P R O T E C T I N G T H E F U T U R E


Legacy Gifts Help Sustain the Future of Family Farms

Memorial giving can be a way of healing as well as remem-bering. One way to celebrate the life of someone importantto you who has passed away is to contribute a charitable giftin his or her memory.

Here at MALT, we are honored to have received many gen-erous memorial gifts in honor of Bill King, the late, celebrat-ed Bay Area sportscaster who passed away last fall. Othershave given thoughtful memorial gifts recently in memory of Susanna Jacobs, remembered as a longtime president of theEnvironmental Action Committee of West Marin. Gifts of this type commemorate the life’s work of these citizens,while supporting our farmland stewardship efforts.

A memorial gift to MALT supports our Stewardship Fund,which acts as an endowment to ensure our ability to con-tinue preserving farmland and safeguarding the integrity of our conservation easements in perpetuity. —K.M.

For information about including MALT in your estate plan, or if you have any questions about Partners for Preservation, or to honora loved one with a memorial gift, contact Development Director Rita Cummings at [email protected] or 415-663-1158 x 5.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. — MARGARET MEAD

will design the process and procedures this year, then test them with an initial roundof applications in 2007 . Full operations will be under way by 2008 .

Any land trust seeking accreditation must adopt LTA’s Standards and Practices. Firstdeveloped in 1989 , the Standards and Practices are guidelines for responsible operation

of a land trust. The accreditation process will use many of these as indicators of a land trust’s ability to operate in a soundethical, legal, and technical manner.

LTA’s Standards and Practices are organized into 12 Standards with supporting Practices. The Standards provide generalstatements covering all aspects of operations, including the organization’s mission, board accountability, staff and volunteers,

fundraising, financial management, transactional management, and easement stewardship. The Practices provide detailedguidance for fulfilling the requirements of each Standard. For example, Standard 1 requires a land trust to have a “clear missionthat serves a public interest, and all programs support that mission.” Supporting Practices include periodic board review of the mission statement, establishment of strategic goals for implementing the mission, and regular communication of theland trust’s mission and programs to members, donors, and the general public.

Standards and Practices are adopted by a land trust through a formal resolution of its Board of Directors. After adoption,staff and board work together to implement them in a manner appropriate to the size and scope of their organization. Theyare intended to serve as guides for individual operations and also as an indication of each organization’s commitment toupholding the credibility of the land trust community as a whole.

Malt has adopted the LTA Standards and Practices and intends to apply for the Accreditation Program when applica-tions become available. More information about these and other LTA activities is available at www.lta.org.

—Aimee Crawford

PUBLIC TRUSTC O N T I N U E D F R O M P A GE O N E

MEMORIAL GIFTS


http://www.lta.org/

http://www.lta.org/




P R E S E R V I N G M A R I N C O U N T Y F A R M L A N

Nonprofit OrgU.S. Postage

PAIDMarin

Agricul turaLand Trust

MALT BOARD OF DIRECTORSSam Dolcini, Chair Rancher, West MariWarren Weber, Vice-Chair Organic Farm

BoliStan Gillmar, Secretary Attorney, InverneDoug Moore, Treasurer Businessman, S

Francis

Janeann Erickson Rancher, TomalPhyllis Faber Biologist, Mill VallAnne Flemming Community Volunteer, RosTim Furlong Rancher / Contractor, TomaleTony Gilbert Lawyer, Marsh

Joe Gillach Businessman, San FranciscChris Kelly Conservationist, LarkspuSteve Kinsey Marin County Superviso

4th Distr Jim McIsaac Rancher, NovaTim Nunes Rancher, Point ReyeLoren Poncia Rancher, TomalLynn Giacomini Stray Farmstead Chee

Producer, Point Reyes StatioBill Zimmerman Rancher, Marsha

STAFFRobert Berner, Executive Director Aimee Crawford, Easement Program Manager Rita Cummings, Development Director

Laura Holter, Bookkeeper Katie Medwar, Development Associate Tony Nelson, Stewardship Coordinator Laura Patterson, Membership & Database ManageElisabeth Ptak, Associate Director/

Director of OutreacLeah Smith, Education Associate Katherine Landreth, Office Manager Constance Washburn, Education Director

namestreetcity state ziptelephone: emailcard # expiration datesignature

Marin Agricultural Land TrustPost Office Box 809Point Reyes Station, California 94956415 663 1158farmland @ malt.org

malt.org

M ARIN A GRICULTURAL L AND T RUST

private, member-supported, nonprofit organiza-tion created in 1980 by a coalition of ranchersand environmentalists to permanently preserveMarin County farmlands for agricultural use.MALT eliminates the development potential onfarmland through the acquisition of conserva-tion easements in voluntary transactions with

landowners. MALT also encourages publicpolicies which support and enhance agriculture.

My check payable to MALT is enclosed Charge my VISA Mastercard American Express

I want to help MALT preserve Marin County’s beautiful and productive agricultural land.Here’s my tax deductible contribution of:

$40 $75 $100 $250 Other $

MALT Tote Bag 20.00

perfect for the farmers’ market100% cotton T-shirt (Adult S, M, L, XL) 18.00

same design as tote bag

100% cotton T-shirt (Youth XS, S, M, L) 16.00same design as tote bag

100% cotton Baseball Cap 20.00spruce green, adjustable strap

Ranches & Rolling Hills Collection 15.00(a selection of 10 notecards with envelopes)

An Abundant Land: The Story of West Marin Ranchingan audio cassette driving tour narrated by Peter Coyote

Special price 5.00

Shipping/Handling: Add $5.00 per orderTotal $

Editor: Elisabeth Ptak. Graphic design: Gay Stack. Printed with soy ink on recycled paper.

M ARIN A GRICULTURAL L AND T RUST

Box 809 Point Reyes Station California 94956malt.org

A D DR E SS S E RV I CE R E QU E ST E D

The MALT SHOP


http://www.malt.org/


http://www.malt.org/shop/merchandise.html

http://www.malt.org/shop/merchandise.html




2006 spring marin agricultural land trust newsletter

Documents