Conservation Easement: R&R Ranch

An exciting conservation easement that came to the Land Trust in 2021 is the R&R Ranch. Located in eastern Mendocino County near Potter Valley, this property includes 1,412 acres of oak woodlands, riparian habitat and a beautifully preserved Victorian house that was built in the 1870s. There are scenic vistas, agricultural land and rich wildlife habitat. Tule elk and golden eagles are frequently seen on this property.

The late owner, Gary Rasche, wanted to ensure that the land remained a refuge for wildlife, and his trustees honored that wish with the conservation easement. The property was recently sold. The new owner prefers to remain anonymous but said the conservation easement did not give him any hesitation when he decided to purchase R&R Ranch.

“Wherever I live I’m going to be a steward of the land,” he said during a phone call in spring 2021. “This [the conservation easement with the Mendocino Land Trust] matches my intentions. It’s a great property, I love the topography, flat-bottomed farming land, rolling, oak-covered hills above. Gary and his family took great care of the property over the years. Wouldn’t change a thing—this is the highest and best use of the property, to keep the land the way it is.”