WILLOW CREEK RANCH: BUILT AND STEWARDED WITH LEGACY IN MIND
Ranching is a way of life that demands resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the land. It’s a tradition built on long days, hard labor, and a deep respect for nature. For many families, the ultimate goal isn’t just making it through the tough seasons or turning a profit—it’s ensuring that the land remains productive, healthy, and intact for the next generation.
Jack and Darcy Hanson of the Willow Creek Ranch have lived this ethos for over 40 years, building not just a business but a legacy rooted in stewardship, community, and family. Now, with their sons, Wyatt and Brad, returning to take over the ranch, the couple is able to look back with pride, knowing that their legacy is being carried forward.
Unlike many ranchers, Jack’s love for the land wasn’t inherited. Growing up in California’s Bay Area, he never imagined a life in ranching. But a retreat to a small property in Corning, CA sparked a connection with the land, ultimately leading to a career and lifestyle change.
Reflecting on that turning point, Jack shared, “I was just disenchanted with the Bay Area. I told my family I wanted to move out there and get my head on straight, but a month out there turned into a lifetime.”
After selling that property, followed by a critical sevenyear stint in Siskiyou County, Jack’s family purchased the Willow Creek Ranch in Lassen County. Nestled in the Willow Creek Valley, the ranch is surrounded by multigenerational family ranching operations and grazing lands.
Embracing this new opportunity, Jack sought guidance from his neighbors. And in doing so, he met Darcy, the
daughter of a neighboring rancher. After connecting with her family, the rest was, as they say, history.
Together, Jack and Darcy bought out the rest of Jack’s family in 1996 to fully take over operations on the Willow Creek Ranch. As a couple, they brought a unique blend of tradition and innovation, balancing Darcy’s deep local, ranching roots with Jack’s fresh outside perspective shaped by trial, error, curiosity, and an inquisitive mindset.
The couple has been involved in several national, state, and local organizations, including Cattlemen and Cattlewomen associations. Jack’s influential work as a founding board member and emeritus council member of the California Rangeland Trust stands out. Between Jack’s role with the organization and Darcy’s strong connection to her family’s ranching heritage, they’ve seen firsthand the hurdles many ranching families
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Our Mission: To serve the land, people, and wildlife by conserving California's working rangelands.
Willow Creek Ranch in Lassen County
Jack and Darcy Hanson on the Willow Creek Ranch.
LEADERSHIP LETTER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Carolyn Carey, Alturas
VICE CHAIR
Clayton Koopmann, Sunol
SECRETARY
Sylvia Cattani, Bakersfield
TREASURER
Bruce Hart, Glen Ellen
PAST CHAIR
Andy Mills, Placerville
DIRECTORS
Michael Dennis, Santa Margarita
Angelo Genasci, Sierra Valley
Valerie Gordon, Alpine County
Mark Lacey, Lone Pine
Kyle Lucas, Fields Landing
Doug McDonald, Palos Verdes Estates
Jared Mathis, Laguna Hills
EMERITUS COUNCIL
Devere Dressler, Gardnerville, NV
Jack Hanson, Susanville
K. Mark Nelson, Wilton
Dan O’Connell, Colusa
Steve Sinton, Shandon
Darrel Sweet, Livermore
Darrell Wood, Vina
STAFF
Michael Delbar, Chief Executive Officer
Jon Cartwright, Finance Director
Jackie Flatt, Conservation Director
Shannon Foucault, Development Director
Alyssa Rolen, Communications Director
Steve Blank, Principal Gifts
Nancy Schaefer, Senior Project Manager
Brent Duka, Annual Giving Manager
Robin Hanson, Programs Manager
Mikie McDonnell, Stewardship Manager
JT Reiser, Transaction Manager
Madison Goss, Communications Specialist
Mike Norberg, Accounting Specialist
Katerina Webster, Transaction Specialist
Joyce Vitug, Development and Events Associate
Kassie Yde, Executive Assistant
Justin Gallo, Rangeland Steward
Emily Ehrke, Intern
Dear Friend,
2024 has been an incredible year for the Rangeland Trust! We reached some significant milestones. We took advantage of new opportunities to expand the organization. We reconnected with old friends and built new relationships throughout the state. Most importantly, we helped more ranching families achieve their dreams of conservation and safeguard the working landscapes that are so important to all of us.
Below are just a few highlights from this past year:
• Because of your support, 400,000 acres of pristine rangeland , stewarded by 95 ranching families , will remain forever protected for future generations. This is a major milestone worth celebrating and is only possible because of you and this incredible community of landowner partners, donors, friends, and faithful supporters. Thank you for the impact you are making for California's rangelands and ranching stewards!
• By year-end, we expect to have conserved nine ranches totaling more than 13,000 acres of working lands in 2024. This is possible thanks to generous community support, federal and state agency grants, and partnerships with mitigators seeking to offset environmental impacts.
• In fulfilling our promise to serve as a trusted partner to the landowners who choose to conserve with us, we launched our new programs department to provide support and resources to help ranchers be more resilient. Over the summer we hosted our first educational workshop on succession planning, along with our first webinar on virtual fencing. We look forward to growing this department and facilitating more educational offerings next year and beyond.
• We wrapped up a successful film festival run with our new documentary, You Just Can’t See Them From the Road. The film was shown at more than two dozen film festivals across the country and garnered over 15 awards, including multiple coveted titles of “Best Documentary”.
While the film made its way through the festival circuit, we were unable to show it publicly. But now, we look forward to sharing it publicly through a series of film screenings throughout the state in 2025. Keep an eye out for more details on where you can watch it coming soon!
• We continue to expand our community through special events that remind you that the ranches we are conserving are in your own backyards. Over the past year, we built landowner, donor, and community relationships through a series of regional events in San Diego, Orange County, Shasta Barbara, San Francisco, and Sacramento. We also expanded into the Tehama-Shasta region with our first (and hopefully annual) Sorting Classic Pro-Am (read more about it on page 9).
• We continued to build relationships with State policy makers. Rangeland Trust CEO, Michael Delbar, testified multiple times in front of the State Senate Agriculture Committee to discuss ongoing challenges plaguing the agricultural industry, the importance of protecting California’s working lands and safeguarding our nation’s food supply, and the need for funding to support working lands conservation.
• Along with our colleagues through the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts, we participated in a coalition advocating for key changes to advance conservation through Farm Bill programs. As of press time, we expect the Farm Bill to be extended into next year, but we are optimistic that most of our requested modifications and additions are being included in the House version of the Bill. We look forward to continuing to serve as a voice for California’s ranching conservationists on Capitol Hill in 2025.
The Rangeland Trust is well-poised for future success, and we will continue working tirelessly to help ranching families make conservation possible. Together with you, we are excited to make more good news for the land, people, and wildlife in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Michael Delbar CEO
Carolyn Carey Board Chair
LEGACY COUNCIL
CHAIR
Jessica Schley
MEMBERS
Michael Campbell
Pam Doiron
Devere Dressler
Glenn Drown
Angelo Genasci
Valerie Gordon
Alexandra Gough
George and Kassandra Gough
Erik Gregersen
Sherry Harkins
Bruce and Elizabeth Hart
B. Wayne Hughes Jr.
Natasha Hunt
Eric Hvolboll
Caroline Power Kindrish
Lynn Kirst
Richard and Sharon Kline
Tim Koopmann
Jack Kuechler
Ken and Julie LaGrande
Eric and Megan Lindberg
Paul and Tina McEnroe
Morris Noble Jr.
Will and Danice Noble
Hayes and Patricia Noel
Rylee Pedotti
Steve and Liz Peterson
Steve and Jane Sinton
Scott and Karen Stone
Adrianna Pope Sullivan
Emily Taylor
Molly Taylor
Ben and Cheryl Trosky
John Vosburgh
VISIONARIES' CIRCLE
Herb and Mareva Barthels
Lorraine Bazan
Robert W. Carrau, Jr.
Michelle Cox
Ken Finn
Robin Flournoy*
Valerie Gordon
Erik Gregersen
Sheila Head
Lynn Kirst
Richard and Sharon Kline
Colleen Lenihan
Keith Whiting Moore
John Quinlan and Elizabeth Currie
Marilyn Russell
Steve and Jane Sinton
Nita Vail
Sheila Varian*
Requested anonymous (5)
*Deceased
MY INTERNSHIP INSIGHTS
I’m Emily Ehrke, and I recently graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where I majored in Agricultural Science and double minored in Agricultural Business and Water Policy. I grew up in Arbuckle, CA around the ranching industry. Naturally during my four years at Cal Poly, I spent a lot of time immersing myself in the beef program, which included serving as both the SLO Young Cattlemen’s Association President and the Cal Poly Bull Test and Sale Event Planning Coordinator. These experiences inspired me to continue to explore more career paths within the cattle industry post-graduation, which ultimately landed me here at the California Rangeland Trust for a sixmonth general internship.
Funded by the Grand National Rodeo Foundation, this internship is uniquely designed to give interns experience working in each of the five departments at the Rangeland Trust, including: conservation and stewardship, programs, communications, fund development, and finance. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the cattle industry, but I still was not sure exactly which direction I wanted to take. Thus, this internship opportunity was particularly appealing.
Since beginning my internship over the summer, I have gotten a taste of almost every arm of the organization. I kicked off the summer working with the conservation and stewardship team. I attended multiple site visits on ranches to meet with prospective landowner partners, review their conservation easement applications, and learn about the unique characteristics of each individual ranch. From there, I was able to see the beginning of the conservation easement process—from completing the project applications to finding potential funding sources to presenting new applications to the Rangeland Trust Conservation Committee. I also attended multiple monitoring visits which are designed to help the organization meet its perpetual responsibility of ensuring the terms of the conservation easements are upheld. I witnessed how these visits are vital to maintaining good working relationships between the Rangeland Trust and its valued ranching partners.
Following my time with the conservation and stewardship department, I provided support to the programs department. I helped organize resources and funding opportunities available to ranchers. I also researched the benefits of grazing and formulated those benefits into succinct messages that can be used on future projects. Additionally, I brainstormed new ideas to include in the bimonthly landowner e-newsletter. While still in its infancy, I witnessed how the programs department is already providing significant value to the Rangeland Trust’s ranching partners. As the organization likes to say, conserving the land is only the first part of fulfilling its mission; ensuring the land has a healthy and sustainable future is just as critical.
As I write this article, I am currently wrapping up my stint in the communications department. Working with the communications team has given me the opportunity to help demonstrate to a broad audience the essential role that ranchers play in stewarding California’s working landscapes that benefit all of us. Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to interview ranchers and write articles about their families, their experiences, and why they made the visionary decision to conserve their ranches. Additionally, I worked with the team to help produce podcast episodes to spotlight rangeland enthusiasts that have a connection to working lands in both direct and indirect ways. All in all, I feel fortunate to have played a small role in helping to share these impactful stories of stewardship, resilience, and hope, while also showcasing the importance of rangeland conservation to our social, cultural, economic, and environmental well-being.
Reflecting on my time here thus far, I have really enjoyed learning about each aspect of this incredible organization. It has been very rewarding seeing the process of starting a conservation easement, to then providing support and technical assistance to those landowners, to then telling their ranching stories. I have greatly appreciated the time everyone has put into facilitating this opportunity for me to learn and grow.
The last few months here have been truly eye-opening. Growing up in the cattle industry, I have always been aware of the many challenges that ranchers face. But now, I have a deeper understanding of the effects of urban sprawl,
overregulation, extreme weather, etc. on the livelihoods of California ranchers and the productive, working lands they care for. Running a multi-generational ranch is not an easy thing to do, and seeing the efforts that the California Rangeland Trust puts into helping to protect these ranches for the future sustainability of the industry is amazing. Since California is the fourth largest cattle producing state in the nation, it is important to support the land and the families that feed and sustain us. It’s been an honor to help do that throughout my time here.
I would like to give a big ‘Thank You’ to the Grand National Rodeo Foundation for sponsoring this opportunity for me. This has been such a great experience. I am so glad I have been given the chance to be a member of the Rangeland Trust team!
By: Emily Ehrke, Rangeland Trust Intern
PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
D onor Spotlight on Nick and Karen Guriel
Nick and Karen Guriel own and operate Coles Cattle Company in San Luis Obispo and have been loyal donors to California Rangeland Trust for nearly twenty years.
“We’ve personally seen and felt the loss of grazing land in California,” says Karen. Thirty years ago, the couple lived in Ventura County and ran a couple hundred head of commercial cattle on thousands of acres of leased land. Twice, the land they were leasing was sold to developers, and they were forced to move their herd. Frustrated by the situation, they moved to San Luis Obispo, downsized their herd, and today have a small operation producing composite steers for kids competing at County Fairs. “It was so sad to watch beautiful properties that were great grazing lands get turned into housing tracts,” continues Karen.
Nick was raised on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania and later served in the US Marine Corps. Following his service, he attended Cal Poly, Pomona where he met Karen, a native of Malibu, at a horse show. Early in their relationship, Nick joined Los Caballeros and Karen joined Las Caballeras. They’ve both been members for nearly thirty years. It was on their annual ride around 2004 that Karen met Nita Vail, who was then CEO of the Rangeland Trust. Having personally been affected by the loss of grazing land, Karen explains, “Rangeland Trust appealed to us as a great way to help save these lands from extinction.”
As they learned more about the organization, they wanted to get more involved. The Guriels have family involved in fundraising, so they understand the importance and impact of philanthropy. Karen goes on, “We began donating to the Rangeland Trust because they offered a great tool for families that are trying to hang on to these ranches and not have to sell due to tax reasons or family issues.”
Today Coles Cattle Company is a family affair. “I’m a fifth generation Californian, my daughter is sixth generation, and our granddaughters are seventh gen," says Karen. "They live and work on the ranch with us. They are the reason we support California Rangeland Trust – their future and that of future generations.”
MIDDLE SCHOOLER HOSTS FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT THE LANDS SHE LOVES
At just 14 years old, Veronica Miller Bowen has already discovered her passion for livestock and the land. Through her 4-H projects, raising sheep, goats, and steers, she has found a deeper appreciation for California’s working lands. Now, she’s using her entrepreneurial spirit to give back and help protect the lands she appreciates.
For a school project, Veronica interviewed a professional from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). When the interviewee heard about her passion for livestock, rangeland, and open spaces, they suggested she research the California Rangeland Trust. Inspired by the Trust’s mission to protect California’s rangelands, Veronica wanted to make a difference herself. She organized a fundraiser, selling hotdogs and lemonade during five minimum days at her middle school. Her efforts paid off, raising $462 to support the conservation of the open spaces she cares so deeply about.
When asked what resonates most with her about the work the Rangeland Trust does, Veronica shared, “I love seeing agriculture and the environment working together. California agriculture is very important and by keeping development off open spaces, we can help preserve the future of California agriculture.”
The Rangeland Trust applauds Veronica for her ingenuity and selfless actions to help protect the lands she loves. We wish her luck with all her 4-H projects and thank her for all her hard work to help preserve rangelands throughout the Golden State.
Inspired by Veronica’s gift, a number of the Rangeland Trust’s Board of Directors decided to match her donation with gifts of their own. If you would like to participate in Veronica’s outstanding contribution to conserving our working lands, you too can match her $462 gift. Use the remit in this newsletter or go online at www.rangelandtrust.org.
PARTNERSHIP OF RANGELAND TRUSTS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF CONSERVING WORKING LANDS
For the past 20 years, the California Rangeland Trust has joined forces with eight like-minded organizations as part of the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts (PORT) to conserve rangelands. Together, PORT has positioned itself as a driving force for conservation, spanning 12 states across the West and Midwest and supporting agriculture, the environment, rural communities, and the hardworking hands that sustain our working lands.
The Rangeland Trust's portfolio accounts for over 400,000 of the 3.1 million acres that PORT members have collectively conserved, with many more active projects to come. The United States loses roughly 2,000 acres of farm and ranch land each day, so the partnerships between private landowners and land trusts is an essential way to preserve land for food production, carbon sequestration, and the future of agriculture for generations to come.
The California Rangeland Trust is proud to partner with PORT members to preserve working lands and help ranchers continue their livelihoods across the country.
KEEPING OUR STORIES ALIVE
The land holds stories—stories of resilience, wisdom, and the delicate balance of humans and nature. When we conserve this land, we protect these stories, allowing future generations to experience and learn from them.
By safeguarding our landscapes, we give our children and grandchildren a chance to connect with the same beauty, history, and heritage that have helped to shape us. Every acre preserved is part of a story that is safeguarded for posterity.
And you have helped preserve 400,000 acres of rangeland across California!
The land is home to families, and each family has a story to share. When you give to help conserve California’s ranchlands, you are keeping alive the roots that connect our history to our present and future.
Your giving helps families like the Hansons of the Willow Creek Ranch pass on their story to future generations. Their hard work and determination provides the rest of us with the inspiration to fuel our own lives. They are also providing nutrients in our proteins and for the soil, securing valuable wildlife habitat, and creating healthier places to live.
In fact, you have helped 95 ranching families conserve their ranches and protect the priceless stories those lands hold dear.
This is bigger than one ranch or one family. All of us are part of a community, and we rely on one another for a better quality of life. When we work together, something beautiful takes shape. We are all interconnected, bound by the stories that land, people, and history weave together. Collectively, we’re ensuring that they endure and that this legacy of land and life remains for generations to come.
Earlier this year, a nurse thanked Rangeland Trust CEO, Michael Delbar, a rancher, for “feeding us”. We can all thank ranchers and farmers for feeding us, doctors and nurses for keeping us healthy, and dedicated community members for making our world a better place. And we also want to thank you for your role in this community, safeguarding our shared heritage.
Make a gift today to help keep our rangelands intact and thriving, where the stories of the past and the promise of the future can be shared and cherished.
Click here or scan this QR Code to make your gift now.
Scan here to make a gift
JESSE AGUILAR AND JOLEEN ELSTON
ANONYMOUS
TERRI ARINGTON*
MARIAN ASHE
ELIZABETH AUSTIN*
DAVID AZEVEDO
TERRI BARHAM
JANE BARNES*
JULIE BARNETT
THE BENEVITY COMMUNITY
IMPACT FUND
CHARLES BLACK*
BERT AND CAROL BRAUN*
SHANE AND MELISSA BUDDEN
CAROLYN CAREY*
ANN CHAMBERLIN
NATE CHANCE*
KAREN CHRISTENSEN
BARBARA COMFORT
JOE AND JOSINA CONANT
WILLIAM AND LOUISE
CONNELL*
DENNIS CORELIS
KATHY WARD
TIM CURRAN
DANIEL DIK
TERRY AND DIANE DUGAN
DAVE ERICKSON
DIANE ERICKSON
KIM ERICKSON
FIDELITY CHARITABLE
JUSTIN AND ARLEAH
FIELDS*
BERT AND CANDEE FORBES
HONORARIA
IN HONOR OF PETER BYCK
DENNIS KOSKI
IN HONOR OF RICHARD L FRENCH
SALLY FRENCH
IN HONOR OF PATRICIA NOEL
GAIL S. SCHOETTLER*
IN HONOR OF THE SINTON FAMILY
RICHARD AND CECILIA
RIGGINS*
IN HONOR OF NITA VAIL
KARL AND LAURIE GAGE
THANK YOU DONORS
AUGUST 1, 2024 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2024
CURTIS FRIEDRICHS
STACY FUSSELL
MOLLY AND MARK D.
GAMBLE*
AVIVA GARRETT
BRAD AND CATHY GEIER*
ANGELO GENASCI*
PAMELA GLANZMAN
ETTY GOLDSTEIN
ERIK GREGERSEN*^
LINDSEY HAHN SPAAK
GERHARD HAHNE
RICHARD HAMILTON*
JACK AND DARCY HANSON*+
VIRGINIA HARRIS
KARIN HARROP
HARVEY L. AND MAUD C.
SORENSEN FOUNDATION
ALEXIS HEARST
JOHN HETZLER
VICKY AND CHUCK
HUGHES*
JENNA INOUYE
MARIA JAEGER
AL AND CHRISTIE JAHNS
ANDREA AND RICHARD
JARRELL
JOE JAUREGUI*
GARY AND WANDA JOHNSON*
JUDITH MCBEAN FOUNDATION
DOUG KNUDSON
FRANK MONGINI AND CHERYL LAFRANCHI
MEMORIALS
IN MEMORY OF GARLAND
AUSTIN
JON AUSTIN
IN MEMORY OF JIM
CLAWSON
MELVIN GEORGE*
IN MEMORY OF LEE
SINGLETON FRENCH
SALLY FRENCH
IN MEMORY OF WINFIELD (TED) HUNT
ERIK HUNT
IN MEMORY OF JA "TOOTS"
JAUREGUI
JOE JAUREGUI
IN MEMORY OF AMY
JOHNSON
DAN AND BARBARA O'CONNELL*
STEVE LEWALLEN*
THE LOUISE M. DAVIES FOUNDATION
JOSEPH C. LUIS
PAMELA LUMLEY
SUSAN EDINGER
MARSHALL
CINDY MARTIN
JOSH AND CINDY MARTIN
JARED AND KATE MATHIS
MATTHEW AND SUSAN
MCCOY
RUTH MCKINNON
SCOTT MCMILLIN*
VERONICA MILLER-BOWEN
ANDY MILLS
MURPHY AUSTIN ADAMS
SCHOENFELD
MARK AND ABBIE NELSON
JOHN OMAHEN
JIM ORRADRE*
JON AND LINDY PEDOTTI*
EVELIN PEKIN
STEVE AND LIZ PETERSON*
DONALD AND KAREN
PETTIBONE
CARL AND KAREN PEUS
SCOTT PILCHARD
KEVIN REEVES
PEYTON REEVES
THE GIVING BLOCK, IMPACT INDEX FUND
CALIFORNIA OUTDOOR PROPERTIES
MARCUS ROBINSON
IN MEMORY OF DR. BERT JOHNSON
STUART EPSTEIN
IN MEMORY OF DAN KAUFMAN
DAN AND BARBARA O'CONNELL*
IN MEMORY OF GEORGE MANOS
JOANNE NISSEN
IN MEMORY OF GATHA, JIM AND SALLY MARTINS KEARNEY AND LESLIE
MARTINS
IN MEMORY OF JOHN MAYFIELD
MICHAEL AND KATIE DELBAR
IN MEMORY OF DIANE PAULI
MICHAEL AND KATIE DELBAR
CONNOR NOLAN
ROSEBROUGH
MARY ROSS
TAWNY ROUNSAVILLE
LINDA RUSH*
STEPHANIE RUST
MARY AND PAUL SANKEY*
SCHWAB CHARITABLE
ERIC AND KATHRYN SCOTT*
JOHN AND JUDY SEMAS
PATRICIA SERIO
KEMPER AND JOANN SHAW
STEPHEN SINTON*^+
LAURANCE SORRENTINO
TIMOTHY SPERRY
MARILYN STANLEY
RONALD STARK
BARBARA STEINBERG*
MOLLY MERRILL STERLING
PIPER AND CHRIS
UNDERWOOD*
UNITED WAY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO COUNTY
STEPHEN AND JUDY WALKER
EFFIE WESTERVELT*
RALPH E. WIGGEN
CHERLYN WINN
S.P. WOOLERY
*SILVER SPUR ^VISIONARIES' CIRCLE +COMPLETED CONSERVATION PARTNER
IN MEMORY OF BETTY PEEK
MICHAEL AND KATIE DELBAR
DAN AND BARBARA O'CONNELL*
IN MEMORY OF CHRIS STOVER
LORRAINE BAZAN*^
IN MEMORY OF SHEILA VARIAN
TIMOTHY J HARLOW
IN MEMORY OF MARGARET WOOLLEY
MARY VAIL
FALL EVENTS
Sacramento Documentary Premier
In September, 120 guests gathered at the Railroad Museum in Sacramento for a special premier of the Rangeland Trust’s new award-winning documentary, You Just Can’t See Them From the Road. Sponsored by Murphy, Austin, Adams, Schoenfeld LLP and Al and Christie Jahns, the event featured a lively cocktail reception amongst the museum’s impressive collection of artifacts and was followed by an exclusive presentation of the film in the museum’s theater. Following the showing, guests were treated to a Q&A with special guest, Clayton Koopmann of the Koopmann Ranch, one of the ranchers featured in the documentary.
This was the first of many more screenings yet to come. Now that the film has wrapped up its successful film festival run, we can finally show the film publicly! We are planning several more screenings throughout California in 2025, so keep an eye out for more details coming soon!
In October, we welcomed more than 50 competitors of all ages and experience levels to the Rangeland Trust Pro-Am Sorting Classic. This fun-filled event, organized by NorCal Sorters, offered a great way to make new friends and build community in the North State.
Thank you to everyone that came out to compete and watch the day’s events. We really enjoyed getting to meet everyone, and we look forward to expanding the event next year!
Rangeland Trust Sorting Classic
WILLOW CREEK RANCH CONT.
encounter when transitioning to the next generation.
When it came time for Jack and Darcy to plan for their own transition, they drew upon these experiences, taking a gradual approach to ensure everyone felt confident in the process.
“Darcy and I always hoped the boys would want to come back to the ranch, but we never tried to push it,” Jack explained. “We’ve always focused on sustainability. That word means a lot of different things to different people, but for us, it meant making sure our operation was solid enough to pass along if they chose to return.”
Wyatt, the older son, was the first to take on a leading role in the operation.
Immediately after graduating college, he returned to work full-time on the ranch, sharing that he never imagined himself being anywhere else.
Brad also returned after college, initially taking on a supportive role while working as a loan officer at a local bank. Yet, he always knew he wanted to return to the ranch full-time; that desire only grew stronger after he married and started his family. However, the Hansons first needed to ensure the ranch could sustainably support three households. Thanks to their careful management, when the time was right, both brothers were able to step into roles on the ranch.
For a few years, Jack and Darcy remained at the helm, guiding the ranch's operations and making the final decisions. But as time went on, they increasingly sought their sons’ input and gradually took steps back from the day-to-day management. Brad noted, “The transition has been rather seamless, thanks to our parents.”
Now, with the whole family working together, they’re once again focused on the future, exploring ways to secure their land for generations to come. Jack’s involvement with the Rangeland Trust made the idea of a conservation easement appealing, though he was not initially sure it was the right choice for their ranch. But as they looked ahead, the opportunity to protect their land while generating additional cash flow for growth became compelling.
Made possible with funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Wildlife Conservation Board, the family chose a conservation easement with the Rangeland Trust to conserve over 1,500 acres of crucial wetlands and riparian meadows that serve as habitat for thousands of waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds along the Pacific Flyway.
Proceeds from the easement will be reinvested into the ranch, supporting essential maintenance, cattle herd management, and providing financial stability for the operation. With both sons raising their families on the ranch, they feel reassured knowing the land will be preserved for future generations to enjoy, and hopefully, take over.
Wyatt shared, “Our kids get to grow up with open space, and past us, this land will remain in the ranching industry, just as it is meant to be.”
Today, Jack and Darcy look on with pride as they watch their sons carry on the values they worked hard to instill. What started as Jack’s personal journey to escape city life has grown into a thriving, multi-generational operation.
Jack reflected, “Altruistically, it is a really great feeling knowing that we are helping feed the world. But, nothing beats the feeling of doing this as a family and building this sustainable life and business together.”
With the land secure for future generations, the Hanson family can rest easy, knowing that the Willow Creek Ranch will continue to thrive, stewarded by those who understand and cherish its legacy.
By: Madison Goss, Rangeland
Specialist
Jack and Darcy Hanson with their sons, Wyatt and Brad; their daughters-in-law, Kelli and Robin; and their grandchildren, Harper, Finley, and Townes. Not pictured is Jack and Darcy's newest granddaughter, Josie.
BEFORE YOU GIVE: 4 QUESTIONS TO ASK
It’s the time of year when you may be thinking about finally creating, or updating, your estate plan. Hopefully you are also thinking of the benefits that come along with including support for a cause that’s important to you.
Before you make a gift in your will, it’s wise to think it through…and to have a conversation. As you shape your long-term plans, find out how they align with organizations you’d like to include by asking these four key questions.
1. How will my gift be used?
Why it matters: Every nonprofit abides by accounting standards and makes financial information—like budgets and spending—available to the public. This information can be useful whether your gift will be invested long term or spent to fund immediate needs. If you want your gift to make a broad impact or to be used for a specific purpose, have a conversation with us about your goals to ensure that we can fulfill your wishes.
2. What is the vision of the organization?
Why it matters: A vision statement shares where an organization is headed. Because a legacy gift provides support well into the future, make sure the plan matches your values.
3. What is your 10-year plan?
Why it matters: Details on strategic plans, rainy-day funds, board bylaws and fundraising guidelines are clues that an organization will remain viable. An endowment like ours also provides financial security that will extend your generosity for generations.
4. How will my gift be recognized?
Why it matters: Philanthropy is always worth celebrating, and we’d love to welcome you into our growing Visionaries’ Circle! You also have the right to opt in or out of recognition and benefits. Express your preferences. It’s OK to ask to be removed from a list—or to be featured in our marketing to inspire other donors. Whether your gift is celebrated in a private or public way is completely up to you.
Let’s Have a Conversation
We can help with all of these questions and more. Contact Shannon Foucault at (916) 444-2096 or sfoucault@rangelandtrust.org to have a conversation about your legacy through the California Rangeland Trust.
EDITOR
ALYSSA ROLEN
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
STEVE BLANK, CAROLYN CAREY, BRENT DUKA, MICHAEL DELBAR, EMILY EHRKE, SHANNON FOUCAULT, MADISON GOSS, ALYSSA ROLEN
PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS
LAURA ADCOCK, VERONICA MILLER BOWEN, LEE CARR, EMILY EHRKE, MADISON GOSS, NICK AND KAREN GURIEL, HANSON FAMILY, KARLA MILLER
LAYOUT
ALYSSA ROLEN
CONTACT US
3900 LENNANE DR., SUITE 210 SACRAMENTO, CA 95834
916.444.2096 | RANGELANDTRUST.ORG INFO@RANGELANDTRUST.ORG
California Rangeland Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, federal tax identification #31-1631453.
