Overview

• The House Committee on Natural Resources has launched an investigation into the transparency and legality of the 2025 settlement, which phases out 80% of ranching at Point Reyes.
• Environmental groups have submitted over 3,500 pages of records to the committee but withheld key mediation documents under privilege claims.
• Two lawsuits filed by ranchers and agricultural workers allege unlawful evictions, lack of public input, and violations of environmental and housing laws.
• The settlement mandates the closure of 12 beef and dairy operations by June 2026, with compensation facilitated by The Nature Conservancy.
• Stakeholders are awaiting decisions from the Department of Justice and the Interior, under the Trump administration, which could decline to defend the settlement or side with ranchers.