Drakes Estero - Restored
Drakes Estero was used for commercial oyster production for nearly 100 years. In 1972, National Park Service purchased 71,028-acres of pristine wilderness directly north of San Francisco, on the stipulation that they would lease the land in the “pastoral zone” back to the families that had farmed it for generations. The commercial oyster farm received a 40-year Reservation of Use and Occupancy.
The Point Reyes Wilderness Act of 1976 designated all bodies of water, and land within certain boundaries in Point Reyes National Seashore, as wilderness or “potential wilderness.” The oyster farm fell within these boundaries.
Thirty years later saw the beginning of the decade long Oyster War, which pitted sustainable food advocates and local economy boosters against environmentalists and wilderness supporters. Ultimately, the National Park Service prevailed, and five miles of oyster racks and other debris were removed.
The fate of the oyster farm was certainly a loss for local food lovers in the Bay Area and for the oyster workers who were employed there, some for decades. But the decision sets an important precedent, marking a commitment to wilderness over private business—one that future generations will benefit from for many years to come. I wonder if the outcome would have been different in 2017.
Thanks, as always, for stopping by and for all of your kind comments -- I appreciate them all.
© Melissa Post 2018
Drakes Estero - Restored
Drakes Estero was used for commercial oyster production for nearly 100 years. In 1972, National Park Service purchased 71,028-acres of pristine wilderness directly north of San Francisco, on the stipulation that they would lease the land in the “pastoral zone” back to the families that had farmed it for generations. The commercial oyster farm received a 40-year Reservation of Use and Occupancy.
The Point Reyes Wilderness Act of 1976 designated all bodies of water, and land within certain boundaries in Point Reyes National Seashore, as wilderness or “potential wilderness.” The oyster farm fell within these boundaries.
Thirty years later saw the beginning of the decade long Oyster War, which pitted sustainable food advocates and local economy boosters against environmentalists and wilderness supporters. Ultimately, the National Park Service prevailed, and five miles of oyster racks and other debris were removed.
The fate of the oyster farm was certainly a loss for local food lovers in the Bay Area and for the oyster workers who were employed there, some for decades. But the decision sets an important precedent, marking a commitment to wilderness over private business—one that future generations will benefit from for many years to come. I wonder if the outcome would have been different in 2017.
Thanks, as always, for stopping by and for all of your kind comments -- I appreciate them all.
© Melissa Post 2018