[10] At that time, Fish Ranch stretched southeast about 11 miles (18 km) along the Carmel River south to the Los Padres National Forest.

[5] Environmentalists were concerned that the Palo Corona Ranch would be converted to an estate-type development like Rancho San Carlos, now Santa Lucia Preserve.

[3][12]: 325 In 2004, the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD) purchased the remaining 2,088 acres (845 ha) middle portion of the Palo Corona Ranch from The Nature Conservancy and the Big Sur Land Trust for the appraised value of $10.2 million.

[13] Once finalized in 2004, Palo Corona Ranch became the largest land conservation in Monterey County and one of the most significant due to its size and habitat.

In 2016, MPRPD acquired 140 acres (57 ha) of the Rancho Caňada Country Club and golf course in Carmel Valley, which provides public access to the Palo Corona Regional Park.