MALT must change focus in the Point Reyes debate

The Marin Agricultural Land Trust's financial participation in Measure A clouds the importance of financial support for Marin parks and open space. During recent debates about ranching in Point Reyes National Seashore, it is my belief that MALT leadership stepped out of its primary role by publicly supporting commercial dairy and ranching activities within the park. This led me to view Measure A and funds for MALT in a negative light.

However, after further research, I believe the Marin Parks Department — recipient of most of the funding — needs financial support. Therefore, I recommend a yes vote for Measure A.

If MALT is serious about supporting environmental protection, open space and agriculture in West Marin, it should use its resources, including Measure A funding, to help ranchers and dairies move out of the Seashore. The national park is a unique and important public resource and recreation area.

Abundant private agricultural lands in Marin and Sonoma counties, many of which MALT has permanently protected, can be used for ranching and agriculture. It is a well-documented and data-driven belief that the private use of public lands by a few individuals for ranching is causing unacceptable levels of pollution, soil degradation and loss of native species. Additionally, ranches have clearly had a harmful impact on the endangered native elk herds.

It is time for the MALT Board of Directors to be creative and help ranchers move out of park lands by utilizing private agricultural land, not support ranching within Point Reyes National Seashore.

— William Mott, Mill Valley