The Chimineas Ranch is 31,000-acre property in eastern San Luis Obispo County. The rich cultural and historical legacy and profound ecological significance of the Ranch cement its prominence as a site for enduring public interest and involvement. The modern history of the Ranch begins in California’s post gold rush cattle-drive system. Prior to the opening of a coast route, the Carrizo Plains Trail from the Cuyama Valley across Chimineas was an important cattle-driving corridor. The name “Chimineas” reportedly was given by early vaqueros who found the remains of an old hearth and chimney on the property when camping there for a night. The ranch went through a series of private owners throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, but at the start of millennium was sold to the Department of Fish and Game, The Nature Conservancy and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Now under full public ownership, the Ranch facility provides extraordinary opportunity outreach and education on natural history, hunting, the role of ranching and other resource related concerns.
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