POST Transfers Agricultural Land to Coastside Farming Family
September 4, 2007
Joe Muzzi and his family have farmed 416-acre Bolsa Point Ranch and 142-acre Peninsula Farms on the San Mateo Coast for nearly half a century. All that time, the Muzzis have leased these properties without any assurance their place on the land is secure. Now, thanks to an agreement with the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), the Muzzis are the new owners of both farms, ensuring their family's livelihood will continue on the same carefully tended fields they have worked for more than a generation.
According to the agreement finalized in August, the Muzzis own the property outright while POST holds conservation easements on the land, which is adjacent to Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, near Pescadero. The easements ensure that these highly visible farm fields will be permanently protected from inappropriate development and remain an integral part of the sweeping Coastside landscape. The agreement also includes trail easements, held by POST and partially funded by generous support from the California Coastal Conservancy, that cover parts of both properties for future portions of the California Coastal Trail.
"Our goal for Bolsa Point Ranch and Peninsula Farms has always been to place the agricultural lands back into the hands of local farmers, so we are pleased to partner with the Muzzi family to preserve the historic use of these unique lands," said POST President Audrey Rust. "The transfer of these farms to the Muzzis also completes our vision to protect scenic views surrounding Pigeon Point Light Station and enhances low-impact recreational opportunities, such as hiking, along the coast. Now, visitors to the lighthouse will experience the true richness of this stretch of Coastside–farmers tending to windswept fields, hawks soaring over rolling golden hills, ocean waves lapping against sandy shores–all with the knowledge that this landscape is here to stay."
From Pigeon Point lighthouse one can see the large white barn, renovated by POST in 2002, on the Bolsa Point Ranch property where the Muzzis process their vegetable row crops. On the land, the family will continue to grow Brussels sprouts, leeks and fava beans.
POST originally bought Bolsa Point Ranch and Peninsula Farms as part of a larger acquisition in 2001 of one of the largest remaining undeveloped properties along the San Mateo Coast. Part of POST's Saving the Endangered Coast campaign, the acquisition prevented up to 51 luxury ranchettes and trophy homes from being built on the land.
POST's transfer of the two farms preserves rich, fertile soils that have helped make agriculture a tradition on the Coastside. "Our family has farmed these fields for nearly 50 years," said Joe Muzzi. "We are pleased to be able to purchase the land we've leased for so long. We have a lot of history here and it's a dream come true to own this land. I'm glad to know that those who visit this area will now be able to enjoy the beauty of this place for generations to come."