The Story in Film
The Camatta on Film
Witness the land, the animals, and the Morrison family legacy through film — the story of one of California's last great working ranches, told in their own words.
The story of the Camatta Ranch and the Morrison family's commitment to preserving one of California's last great working ranches — 27,500 acres protected in perpetuity.
175+ Years
The land's human story stretches back to the Mexican Land Grant of 1846 — before California was a state.
27,500 Acres
An area nearly the size of San Francisco, now permanently protected from development by conservation easement.
One Family
The Morrisons have been the stewards of this land for over five generations, and they intend to pass it on.
"We do not inherit the land from our ancestors,
we borrow it from our children."
— Native American Proverb
The Easement
An Area Close to the Size of San Francisco
On April 19, 2022, the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County entered into a conservation easement with the Morrison family — permanently protecting all 27,500 acres of Camatta Ranch from future development. For context: San Francisco covers approximately 30,000 acres. The Camatta is almost as big — and it will stay wild.
The Morrison family continues to own and operate the ranch. They sold their development rights — meaning no subdivision, no commercial development, no breaking up the land — in perpetuity. Future generations of Morrisons will continue to ranch here. Future generations of wildlife will continue to call it home.
For more than five years before the easement was formally signed, the Morrison family worked with the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County, carefully structuring an agreement that would protect the land without disrupting the working ranch operation.
"The Morrison family continues to own and manage the ranch; they sold their development rights so the land will remain habitat for native animals and native plants in perpetuity."
27,500
Acres Protected
Close to the size of San Francisco
5+
Years of Partnership
With Land Conservancy of SLO Co.
April 19, 2022
Easement Signed
A historic day for Central Coast conservation
Forever
Duration
In perpetuity — no exceptions
How We Ranch
Sustainable Before It Had a Name
Soil-First Grazing
The Morrison family has always grazed cattle in rotational patterns that allow pastures to recover — never depleting the soil faster than it can regenerate.
Water Stewardship
On a dry Central Coast ranch, water is precious. The Morrisons manage their watershed with the same long view they bring to every decision — thinking in generations, not seasons.
Native Habitat Preservation
Chaparral, oak woodland, wildflower meadow, grey pine forest — the ranch's natural habitats are maintained as active ecosystems, not just scenery.
Wildlife Coexistence
From native deer and raptors to the ranch's own exotic herd, the Morrisons manage the property as a living system where ranching and wildlife coexist.