Stewardship

In the words of Aldo Leopold, “To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.”In the five years since our inception, Tejon Ranch Conservancy’s stewardship has focused on discovering the ecological richness of Tejon Ranch.  While we still have much to learn, the Conservancy is striving to understand the condition of Tejon’s habitats so that we can work to enhance and restore biodiversity.  Importantly, this analysis and planning is being done for a “working landscape.” Tejon Ranch Company has reserved the right to graze livestock, hunt and film (and in limited areas to mine, farm and extract oil) on the conserved lands.  Ultimately, the Conservancy hopes to be a leader in informing conservation management in working landscapes throughout California.In June of 2013 the Conservancy Board of Directors adopted the first Conservancy-prepared Ranch-wide Management Plan for Tejon Ranch.  This may be thought of as our first blueprint for conservation land management at the Ranch.  The Plan details over 400 management practices guiding the Tejon Ranch Company’s reserved rights and numerous Conservancy-sponsored enhancement projects.  It is an ambitious Plan that sets forth a vision of continued enhancement of natural resources as we monitor and adapt our stewardship moving forward.  The Plan is due to be updated at least every five years.