Bodega Bay News: $3.05 Million State Grant Advances Protection of Osprey Hill Ranch Near Bodega Bay

BODEGA BAY NEWS | ORIGINAL COMMUNITY REPORT · OCTOBER 2026

A prominent stretch of the Sonoma Coast north of Bodega Bay is the focus of a 2026 conservation acquisition effort. California’s State Coastal Conservancy documented a proposed $3.05 million grant to Sonoma Land Trust to help protect Osprey Hill Ranch, a landscape of coastal prairie, wetlands and streams adjacent to existing parks.

A critical link along the Sonoma Coast

The state environmental document describes a 365-acre ranch about four miles north of Bodega Bay, near Sonoma Coast State Park, Wright Hill and other protected lands. It identifies coastal grasslands, marsh, Douglas-fir woodland and stream corridors. Sonoma Land Trust’s own campaign describes the tract as approximately 355 acres; readers should note that published acreage estimates differ between the two organizations.

Why the land trust is seeking to buy it

Sonoma Land Trust says it faces a December 2026 acquisition deadline before the property could return to the private market. The state staff report identifies support for protecting open space, wildlife habitat, agricultural heritage and future outdoor access. An approved grant authorization and an acquisition campaign should not be confused with completed transfer of ownership.

Potential trails are not open yet

State materials discuss future connections to the California Coastal Trail and roughly two miles of possible new trail routes linking public lands. Any public-access plan requires additional work, stewardship planning and decisions about where recreation can occur without damaging sensitive habitats. People should not enter private areas based only on a proposed future trail.

What Bodega Bay residents should watch

Useful milestones include the closing of the land purchase, conservation-easement conditions, the completed public-access and stewardship plan, coordination with tribal communities, and actual announcements of open trails. Bodega Bay News will distinguish plans and funding from property ownership and construction outcomes.

Official documents and sources

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