In the late 1950s, a congressman used a remote California ranch as his conservation base; his work helped protect more than 70,000 acres as Point Reyes National Seashore

In the late 1950s, environmentalist Clement Woodnutt “Clem” Miller envisioned a different future for the windswept Point Reyes Peninsula, carrying that vision with him when he was elected to Congress in 1958. The Marin County Democrat became the political force behind a campaign to preserve the region as a national seashore during a time when development proposals threatened to transform parts of the landscape. Although the most well-known history of Point Reyes centres on its working ranches, Miller’s connection to the region was strictly political. nstead of owning land, Miller maintained close political ties with the owners of the privately owned Bear Valley Ranch, envisioning the property as the future gateway and anchor for his conservation campaign. Follwoing his efforts, the National Park Service later acquired the ranch from owners Bruce and Grace Kelham, and it now forms the administrative heart of Point Reyes National Seashore.

Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!