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California is known for LA (movie stars and the wealthy) and the popular tourist destination San Francisco, but the Golden State actually is the highest producer of agricultural products in the United States.
In total, California alone produces around half of the nation’s fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Moreover, it also produces 99% of the United State’s commercial artichoke crops and 95% of the garlic crops.
Farmers from other US states transport billions of bees to California to pollinate almonds.
Of all its produce, almonds are California’s largest agricultural export. On average, California’s booming agricultural industry supplies up to 80% of the world’s almonds. Farmers owe their abundant harvest to billions of pollinating honey bees.
During the annual blooming season, farmers transport around 30 billion bees to California to pollinate the almond crops. After this, they ship the bees to other states to pollinate other crops.
Now let’s take a look at the very wealthy top landowners in the State of California.
1. The US Government
The federal government owns 45.5 million acres in California.
This accounts for roughly half the land in the entire state. The government manages many National Park Service units, monuments, forests, and other outdoor sites. From towering Redwood trees to sandy beaches, visitors enjoy a wide variety of natural beauty.
The scenery is unbeatable, and tourists visiting these parks greatly contribute to the local economy and community.
2. Bureau of Land Management.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plays a vital role in preserving and managing California’s public lands. The BLM protects and maintains 1/15th of California’s total land mass.
They manage over 18 million acres of land, with a goal of protecting the land and maintaining its natural environment.
3. California State Land Commission
The California State Lands Commission manages 4 million acres of tide and submerged lands. These lands include bays, river beds, lakes, estuaries, and inlets.
The state-managed land spans from the Klamath River to Goose Lake in the north. The land also covers the Tijuana Estuary south of the Pacific Coast to the world-famous Lake Tahoe in the east. California State Lands Commission oversees how leases are handed out for both development between public and private lands.
4. California Land Trusts
Over 150 trust organizations actively protect 2.5 million acres with its sweeping conservation programs. Land trusts are essential for conserving natural resources.
These organizations work with local landowners and agencies to preserve public benefits. These benefits include economic growth, educational opportunities, and improved public health.
5. The Emmerson Family
The Emmerson Family, owners of Sierra Pacific Industries has 2.4 million acres of Cali land.
Sierra Pacific Industries is a third-generation, family-owned forest products company. They use this land to produce lumber, millwork, windows, and renewable energy from trees. Family members and managers at the company are committed to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). This helps them optimize resource utilization, which helps the wildlife very much. For example , the company has a specific plan in place to protect the spotted owl species.
At one time, Sierra Pacific Industries had to close all their lands to the public. Wildfires and drought concerns made the land unsafe. But recently, the forest land has been opening back up. Visitors can enjoy ancient trees, wildlife, and more than 600 miles of waterways.
6. The Fisher Family
The Fisher family has a land portfolio of 440,000 acres in Northern California. That’s roughly the equivalent of ten times Washington D.C.
Doris Fisher and her late husband, Donald, began purchasing acres in the 1970s.
How did the attain their wealth to buy the vast number of acres? They founded the popular clothing company Gap.
Now, the Fisher family controls a sustainable California forestry company that minimizes their harvest to 2% a year. Cutting down on harvesting isn’t hurting their profits. The family is still worth billions.
7. California Rangeland Trust
The California Rangeland Trust has successfully protected nearly 400,500 acres of rangeland.
The land spans 24 counties and includes 61 individual ranches.
The Rangeland Trust was granted full accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance. The trust also works closely to match funding sources with conservation values. Contracts are spelled out with landowners.
The agreements are set in place to help protect agricultural, scenic, historical, and wildlife values.
8. The Collins Family
The Collins Family owns 188,000 Acres.
Collins Timber Company, LLC recently bought 58,000 acres from Shasta Forests Timberlands LLC. The main parcels of land are by Westwood, Adin, Modoc, Shasta, and Sierra counties.
This huge land purchase marks Collins’ biggest timberland buyout in company history. The purchase boosts Collins’ California acreage to 188,000 acres, with an overall nationwide topping of 370,000 acres.
Shasta Forests Timberlands is a company that’s also committed to being good stewards for the environment.
9. The Singleton Family
The Singleton Family owns 100,000 Acres.
With 1.1 million acres of deeded land across the country, they are one of the largest landowners in the United States.
Singleton Ranches span from New Mexico to California. There are three California ranching locations; the Peachtree, Topo, and River Island Ranch. These can be found in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Peachtree and Top Ranches are primarily used for agriculture; River Island Ranch focuses on wildlife protection.
10. Northern California Regional Land Trust
The Northern California Regional Land Trust has been protecting 40,000 acres with the community’s help for over 30 years. During this time, they’ve helped conserve the acres, spanning Tehama, Glenn, and Butte County.
The trust focuses on finding financial and technical resources for conserving farms. They also help conserve wildlands and ranches. These lands maintain economic well-being, ecological health, and quality of life.
Like most land trusts, the Northern California Regional Land Trust has big plans for the future. They want to create a country where farmers pass down legacy lands without fear of development.