This park is the only national park in the nation that allows dairying within its boundaries. It leases the land to former owners who were bought out when the park was established in 1974. Organic and market produce operations are growing. Increased competition, cost restrictions, uncontrolled predators, and rising operating expenses all strain the dairy, beef and sheep industries. It is difficult to start up a new operation for those without access to land, and for landowners, it is difficult to switch to another livelihood.
Water is a limiting factor in some areas.
Most ranches have reservoirs and developed springs for animals, and there are restrictions on drawing summer water from local creeks. While Marin has some flat areas with deep alluvial soils for growing vegetables, much of Marin is a hilly peninsula with steep hills and ridges. There is an ongoing effort to assist farmers and ranchers to diversify their operations including leasing land or partnering with start up produce operations. MALT, a nonprofit organization, has been buying development rights or conservation easements since its inception in 1980 with public supported funds. MALT now holds easements on 35 ranches totaling 26,000 acres.