The 77 Ranch is a prime example of successful landowners who have made the, sometimes difficult, choice to keep their operation ecologically sustainable.
Howe Creek Ranch, Steve and Jill Hackett –Ferndale, Calif. (Humboldt County)
Steve and Jill Hackett have taken a proactive approach to integrating ecological sustainability into their 4,000 acres of forests and cattle pasturage, where the family has ranched and produced forest products for 95 years. Their forestry practices create corridors of mature forest and healthy watersheds that support salmon, spotted owls and other wildlife. The Hacketts have permanently protected their land through a conservation easement, ensuring that it will remain working timber and ranchland for generations to come. Steve helped to establish the vision and consensus for the California Rangeland Water Quality Management Plan as a prototype alternative to rangeland regulation. That plan is credited with injecting incentives and cooperation into ranch planning and restoration implementation, and with engaging environmental groups, industry groups and federal and state government agencies effectively. The plan now involves more than 1 million acres of private California ranchland.
Montna Farms, Alfred G. Montna –Yuba City, Calif. (Sutter County)
Rice grower Al Montna has created extensive habitat for wildlife, particularly waterfowl, through his 2,500-acre farming operation. He also led the way in replacing the practice of burning rice stubble with environmentally safe alternatives and reducing pesticide run-off into the Sacramento River by 90%. This year, he installed a solar power system to run the Montna Farms rice dryer. Known for bringing people together, he has held leadership positions in numerous industry organizations and public policy boards, such as Northern California Water Association, California Bay-Delta Authority and State Board of Food and Agriculture.
The Robert Stephens and Julie Packard Nonendowed Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County