Lone Pine Ranch — replete with scenic river views, a resident elk herd, and unique geology and forests — is reminiscent of a national park. Throw in some world-class recreation and a famous family’s legacy, and it makes this stunning 30,000-acre ranchland property a once-in-a-lifetime conservation opportunity.

Lone Pine Ranch, once owned by businessman Dean Witter, is an expansive landscape that stretches across Mendocino and Trinity counties far away from the crush and cacophony of San Francisco Bay. At 30,000 acres — larger than 23,000 football fields — the property was at risk of being fragmented by piecemeal development and was a target of various conservation groups for decades. Now, through a unique conservation partnership among a variety of public and private interests, we are working to realize the dream of protecting this special land for its recreational and ecological importance and stunning scenic beauty.

An Outdoor-Lover’s Dream

Lone Pine Ranch will be a recreational wonderland for hikers, campers, anglers, kayakers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The property includes 18.5 miles of frontage on the Wild and Scenic Eel River and lies at the heart of the “Grand Canyon of the Eel,” along the Great Redwood Trail. Towering canyon walls and tumbling rapids make the Eel River one of the most popular rivers in the region for rafting and kayaking.

Diversity Worth Protecting

The property is also known for its intriguing geology, expansive lush wetlands, dense conifer forests, and classic California oak savanna. This forest-grassland ecosystem provides a significant carbon sequestration opportunity with more than 13,000 metric tons of carbon stored in fir, pine and oaks.

The Eel River is home to the southernmost summer population of steelhead trout, as well as chinook and coho salmon. It’s also home to a resident population of Roosevelt elk.

A Family Legacy

Lone Pine Ranch was owned for decades by Dean G. Witter, the founder of Dean Witter and Co., in 1924. Based in San Francisco, Dean Witter and Co. was one of the few brokerage firms on the West Coast when it was created, and the company’s foresight and determination allowed the it to be one of the few firms in the nation to survive the Great Depression. Witter purchased the land in the early 1940s and, until recently, the property had been owned by his heirs. They are ecstatic to see the ranch protected and the Witter family legacy preserved.

Our Role

For many years, our partners at the Wildlands Conservancy (TWC) owned a 3,000-acre portion of the Lone Pine Ranch. But in 2019, they sought The Conservation Fund’s help to protect the remaining 26,000 acres. With a generous low-interest loan from the Packard Foundation, TCF acquired Area 3 of the map, the last 8,000-acre parcel of the original 30,000-acre ranch.

This project was completed with the help and support of Governor Newsom, Secretary of Natural Resources Crowfoot, the Center for Biological Diversity, the California Wildlife Conservation Board and the California State Coastal Conservancy.

At this time the Fund is focused on reimbursing the Packard Foundation so their loan can be used for other worthwhile projects. We are actively fundraising to pay back that loan and ensure Lone Pine Ranch remains protected forever under TWC’s ownership. To support this effort, please contact Samaria Jaffe.