Pt. Reyes should promote environmental ranching

I always thought Marin residents cherished our rural and historic connection to agricultural land, be it in our national seashore or elsewhere. So, I was dismayed to learn of secret negotiations and settlements apparently orchestrated by the Nature Conservancy to reach an agreement leading to the eviction of most ranchers (and their housed employees) from Point Reyes National Seashore land.

It is my belief that the adverse environmental issues cited by conservationists could be addressed without terminating the ranchers’ leases. A few writers published on the Marin IJ Opinion page have addressed this issue, recently Richard L. Bailey and Judy Teichman. Bailey promoted “enlightened agriculture” and offered several solutions and mitigations to environmental degradation. They addressed overgrazing as well as wildlife issues, most notably the tule elk.

Teichman’s letter suggested that it might not be too late to “save agriculture in Marin.” Although there are ranches and farms in Marin that are not part of the national park, if we have learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown supply-chain disaster, it seems wise to produce as much food locally as possible.

I believe ranchers who wish to stay but felt coerced to accept a financial settlement to vacate their lands — some of which have been occupied for generations by the same family — should return their settlements and work with agricultural experts to create model ranches to feed Marin and Sonoma counties. They could educate future agriculturalists on prudent, proven, workable methods of sustainable farming.

Progressive, innovative ranchers such as Will Harris (author of “A Bold Return to Giving a Damn”) have found solutions to many of the environmental problems plaguing agriculture. It seems to me that a compromise concerning the tule elk could be achieved and the ranches themselves could become models of healthy and sustainable agriculture.

— Karen Hazlehurst, San Rafael

Fairfax recall effort needs to be rejected

Some say a recall election for two members of the Fairfax Town Council could cost at least $60,000. That’s a ridiculous amount to spend to try to eject elected officials who, in my opinion, are not only doing their jobs, but doing them well.

The last recall push was politically driven and focused on housing at School Street Plaza. That effort fell apart because, after all, the Town Council is not selling the property, the owner is. The Town Council is required by the state mandate to create housing.

Our council has pledged to serve all our residents, not just homeowners. In a recently published letter to the editor, Liz Froneberger states the incumbent council members who lost in November fell because they supported rent control.

I supported Fairfax’s failed push for stronger rent control. Residents who bought their homes in the 1980s for much less than they are worth now are out of touch with the challenges a renter faces in our town. Newly elected council members Frank Egger and Mike Ghiringhelli appear to represent them.

I am among the many who were grateful to the council’s support of protection for renters. We want everyone, even the cashiers at the Good Earth grocery store, to be able to live here.

In the article published March 7 with the headline “Fairfax officials targeted by another recall effort”, Michael Rosenthal said, “This is a tactic right out of the MAGA playbook. If you don’t like the results of the election, try to subvert them.” I think he has been a recent breath of fresh air. He adds wisdom in the mix. I agree with Rosenthal.

Please do not sign this misguided petition.

— Spirit L. Wiseman, Fairfax

Trump’s tariff policy doesn’t make any sense

Reading about President Donald Trump’s whole “on again, off again” tariff policy makes me want to throw up.

From my perspective, the entire policy seems ridiculous. Trump seems to believe that it will simply result in foreign governments paying the U.S. He does seem to care or understand that the tariffs are paid by U.S. importers who pass this along to consumers. This will, in turn, raise prices.

Sensible economists and advisers understand, but Trump apparently sees foreign tariffs as “ripping off” the U.S. The adverse stock market reaction to this announced policy speaks for itself. Congress must stand up and put a stop to this.

— Paul Hough, San Rafael