Project Description

McKinney Ranch

This scenic, working cattle ranch includes 180 acres of vernal pools, grassland habitats and several creeks which support a wealth of sensitive species within the Madera Vernal Pool Recovery Area. The ranch was threatened by conversion to orchards and ranchettte development but will now be protected in perpetuity.

Location:

Along Highway 145 approximately 6.5 miles from downtown Madera in Madera County

Size: 3,602 acres

Price: $5.4 million

Outcome:

A conservation easement with Sierra Foothill Conservancy was recorded over the ranch in 2021. Funding for the purchase was provided by the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Bureau of Reclamation.