Ruby Ranch
Ruby Ranch
Acres Preserved:
44
Year Conserved:
2020
Category:
Conservation Easement
Natural Features:
We wanted to preserve this land as open space, in a way that demonstrates a harmony between food production and conservation of our environment.
- Joe Goularte, Farmer and co-owner, Ruby Ranch
A Birds-Eye View
Ruby Ranch is located in the fertile bottomlands of Beaver Valley. This 65-acre family farm is owned and lovingly tended by Joe and Val Goularte, who raise grass-fed cattle on the land.
The farm is bisected by the east fork of Chimacum Creek, which bears coho salmon, resident cutthroat trout, and winter steelhead. The property is also part of a local wildlife corridor, facilitating safe travel for a host of animals between Chimacum Ridge and Mats Mats Ridge.
The Preservation Story
The Land Trust first began working with Joe and Val to protect Ruby Ranch in 2016. In 2020, the Land Trust purchased a conservation easement on Ruby Ranch, limiting development while preserving its important agricultural soils, salmon habitat, wildlife access, and scenic qualities for all time.
The permanent protection of Ruby Ranch was made possible with support from Jefferson County Conservation Future Funds, the US Navy’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program, numerous private foundations, and individual donors who support farmland conservation.
The Protected Property Today and Tomorrow
Dedicated land stewards who are inspired by the agricultural revival happening in the Chimacum community, the Goulartes are excited about their plans to expand and increase their farm’s contribution to our local food system.
Joe and Val have sought the support of the Jefferson County Conservation District as they seek to restore their section of Chimacum Creek for the benefit of migrating salmon and also the birds, amphibians, and other local wildlife who shelter, feed, migrate, and forage in and around the creek.
