Congress Is Investigating!
The House Natural Resources Committee wants YOUR evidence about Point Reyes. Here's how to become a whistleblower and help the investigation.
📢 What Is a Whistleblower?
A "whistleblower" is someone who tells the truth about wrongdoing. When you see the government doing something wrong, you can report it to Congress. The House Natural Resources Committee is the part of Congress that watches over national parks and public lands. They're ALREADY investigating Point Reyes—and they want to hear from YOU!
🔍 The Investigation Is Happening RIGHT NOW
In April 2025, the House Natural Resources Committee launched an official investigation into the Point Reyes settlement. They're asking tough questions:
• Why were there NO public hearings?
• Why did The Nature Conservancy pay $30 million to remove ranchers?
• Why were ranchers forced to sign gag orders?
• Did the Park Service break the law?
House Committee on Natural Resources
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Chairman Paul Gosar
🐄 Why Your Evidence Matters
Congressional investigations need evidence from real people. The Committee can:
• Hold hearings where ranchers and workers can tell their stories publicly
• Issue subpoenas to force the Park Service to hand over secret documents
• Invalidate the gag orders so ranchers can finally speak freely
• Stop the funding for the removal by adding language to budget bills
But they need YOUR help. The more people who submit evidence, the stronger the case becomes.
⚠️ Evidence of Wrongdoing
🚫 No Public Process
The 2025 decision completely reversed the 2021 plan—without any public hearings, any public comment period, or any environmental review.
🤐 Forced Gag Orders
Ranchers had to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) that prevent them from talking about what happened. Rep. LaMalfa called it "mind boggling."
😰 Coercion & Pressure
Their own lawyer said ranchers faced "massive pressure" and had "no choice." One rancher said they "felt so much in a corner."
💰 Hidden Money
TNC secretly secured $10 million in state funds WHILE negotiating with ranchers—without telling them. Kevin Lunny said TNC was "hiding their hand."
⚖️ Major Questions Doctrine
The Supreme Court says agencies can't make "vast" policy changes without Congress. Reversing 60+ years of ranching policy requires Congressional approval.
👨⚖️ Due Process Denied
Ranchers were outmatched by an $8 billion corporation. They couldn't afford equal legal representation. Their property rights were taken without a fair hearing.
📰 What People Are Saying
"The park service and the environmental groups applied massive amounts of pressure that really gave the ranchers no choice."— Attorney Andrew Giacomini, Marin Independent Journal
"We felt so much in a corner that [we] didn't know what else to do."— A rancher who took the buyout, KQED
"How we cannot have a public discussion of a negotiation like that is just kind of mind boggling."— Rep. Doug LaMalfa
"All I know is when they appropriated this money, it was far from being settled... TNC was 'hiding their hand.'"— Kevin Lunny, Press Democrat
👷 The 90 Families Congress Needs to Hear About
When the ranches close, it's not just 12 ranching families who lose. There are farmworkers, dairy workers, truck drivers, and their families who live on this land. Congress needs to hear their stories.
Losing Their Homes
(Nothing!)
About Their Fate
Tell Congress about the workers! They were never told about the deal. They're being evicted from their homes. Their voices deserve to be heard.
🎯 What Congress Can Do
Field Hearing
Hold a public hearing in West Marin where ranchers and workers can testify
Subpoena Documents
Force the Park Service to hand over all mediation records
Invalidate NDAs
Rule that gag orders in government deals are unenforceable
Cut Funding
Add budget language that prohibits spending money on evictions
📄 Sample Whistleblower Tip Template
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
Chairman Paul Gosar
FROM: [Your Name]
DATE: [Today's Date]
Dear Chairman Gosar and Committee Staff:
I am writing to provide evidence in support of the Committee's investigation into the Point Reyes settlement agreement.
A. Lack of Public Process: The January 2025 settlement reversed the 2021 plan without any public hearings, comment period, or environmental review.
B. Non-Disclosure Agreements: Ranchers were forced to sign NDAs that prevent them from discussing the settlement.
C. Evidence of Coercion: Attorney Andrew Giacomini stated ranchers faced "massive pressure" and had "no choice."
D. Concealed Financial Arrangements: TNC secured $10 million in state funds while negotiating—without telling ranchers.
Under the Major Questions Doctrine (West Virginia v. EPA), agencies can't make vast policy changes without Congressional authorization. This settlement reverses 60+ years of policy.
- Hold a Field Hearing in West Marin
- Subpoena unredacted mediation documents
- Investigate enforceability of NDAs in government settlements
- Recommend appropriations language to halt implementation
I am aware of community members willing to testify about:
• Impact on agricultural workers and housing
• Lack of public notice or participation
• Historical context of the ranching community
I am available to discuss this matter at [Your Phone] or [Your Email].
Respectfully submitted,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
📝 How to Submit Your Whistleblower Tip
Go to the Portal
Visit:
naturalresources.house.gov/contact/
Write Your Tip
Use the template above. Include specific facts and evidence.
Add Your Info
Include your phone and email so the Committee can follow up.
Submit & Follow Up
Keep a copy. Consider calling to confirm they received it.
🌿 6 Environmental Myths Behind This Bad Deal
The groups pushing out the ranchers claim they're "saving nature." Here's the truth:
📞 Key Contacts
House Natural Resources Committee
naturalresources.house.gov/contact/
Submit your whistleblower tip
Subcommittee on Oversight
Chairman Paul Gosar
Investigating Point Reyes settlement
Committee Address
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
📢 Your Voice Can Change History
Congress is investigating—but they need evidence from real people like you. Every tip that comes in makes the case stronger. Every voice that speaks up helps expose the truth. Be a whistleblower. Help bring the ranchers home. Get justice for 90 worker families.
Gregory Burgess for Congress
No Party Preference • California's 2nd Congressional District