It’s official: Chanslor Ranch is Sonoma County’s newest regional park and open space preserve

Chanslor Ranch, a 378-acre property along Highway 1 near Bodega Bay, has officially become Sonoma County’s newest regional park and open space preserve following Sonoma County Ag + Open Space’s $5.5 million purchase, with the sale closing in November 2023.

Since the sale concluded, Ag + Open Space and Regional Parks have been preparing the former guest ranch for public use through parking improvements, trail marking, and removal of safety hazards.

Fifth District Supervisor Lynda Hopkins stated that “Public ownership of Chanslor Ranch allows us to open up this beautiful space to more visitors and preserve its natural beauty for future generations.”

The ranch provides hiking and equestrian trails, along with a commercial stable offering private trail rides and horse boarding services.

The property’s location in a vital conservation area near the Salmon Creek Watershed makes it ecologically significant, protecting diverse ecosystems and species of conservation concern.

Positioned adjacent to Sonoma Coast State Park and near other conserved lands, the ranch contributes to coastal habitat continuity and serves as a climate adaptation asset.

Ag + Open Space General Manager Misti Arias highlighted that conserving such lands “connect habitats, protect waterways, and provide public access to the natural world.”