Revision as of 09:34, 5 April 2016

Big Sur Land Trust's mission is to inspire love of land and conservation of our treasured landscape.^[1]

Summary

The Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) is a private non-profit located in the Monterey, California. The trust promotes conservation of land and water in California's Central Coast Region and has protected approximately 40,000 acres of land as of 2016. ^[1]. The organization also manages ~17,000 acres ^[2] of conservation easements, and partners with land owners to maintain the natural resources and prevent development in perpetuity. The land trust envisions cooperative and mutually beneficial management of land resources that support a vital community and natural environment. The land trust provides numerous benefits to the local community in the form of recreational space, educational opportunities, and hands on land stewardship. Additionaly, BSLT has been a leader in the restoration of Carmel River Lagoon and influential in the progress of the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (Carmel River FREE) Project.

Location

Big Sur Land Trust headquarters are located in central Monterey. In general, the organization manages properties located within Monterey County ^[3]. Vierra Ranch and Rancho Colinas are the most northern properties located in the foothills of the Gabilan Mountains. Circle M Ranch is the southern limit of the BSLT propoerties and is located near Lucia,CA on the Big Sur Coast.

History

In 1978, the Big Sur Land Trust was formed by seven families who envisioned the preservation of the iconic Big Sur landscape for the benefit of future generations. ^[4]. Nancy Hopkins served as BSLT's first president. She was succeeded by Zad Leavy who served as executive director for 25 years. ^[4]. David Packard^[4] and several others^[5] helped the land trust purchase the first property,a 3,000 acre ranch located south of the Big Creek Reserve. Purchase of Circle M Ranch was a pioneering example of community collaboration to successfully protect and preserve natural resources.

Founders

Founders envisioned conservation of the unique landscape and cultural heritage found in Big Sur and Central California for benefit of future generation. The 1978 founding members of the Big Sur Land Trust included ^[6]:

• Zad and Laela Leavy
• Sherna and Kipp Stewart
• Roger and Beverly Newell
• Nancy Hopkins
• Lloyd and Pat Addleman
• Martin and Suzanne Forster
• Peter Harding

Mission

Big Sur Land Trust seeks to connect the community to the land, and promotes conservation of treasured landscapes unique to Central California.^[2]. BSLT achieves this mission by providing various opportunities to engage with nature through the development of land conservation projects, establishment of green infrastructure and the protection of working landscapes^[2]. In 2013, BSLT began development of summer nature camps to teach youth in the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas Valley communities the value of natural spaces. Summer camps aim to inspire future generations of land stewards^[2]. BSLT believes sustainable land stewardship can be enhanced by increasing the opportunities available for the community to connect with nature; many of the land management projects led by the organization reflect this ideal. Stewardship projects led by BSLT include river restoration, wildfire prevention, and wildlife corridor protection. Finally, BSLT believes natural beauty is one of the greatest inspirations for art and music. The trust organizes events that foster a connection between the earth and artists.

Prior to 2013, BSLT's mission was to conserve significant lands and waters of California's Central Coast, and primarily focused on purchasing land for conservation in perpetuity. However, due to the economic constraints from increasing property values and decreasing public agency budgets, BSLT reprioritized their goals to make a broader impact. A refocused mission has allowed BSLT to continue to impact preservation of wild lands under changed conditions. ^[7]

Board of Trustees

As of 2015, The Big Sur Land Trust Board had 16 board members. The board includes 12 trustees and four administrative roles: board chair, co-chair, treasurer, and secretary. The board is supported by a 10 memeber advisory council.^[8].

George N. Somero- Board Chair. Mr. Somero has expertise in a variety of natural sciences, and specializes in rocky intertidal ecosystems of Central California. He is an active member of the Monterey Peninsula community and serves as a board member for the Monterey Bay Research Institute [MBARI] and numerous scientific journals.

Robert Montgomery- Co-Chair. Mr. Montgomery practiced corporate law for 30 years, and served as assistant to to the Army's General Counsel in the Pentagon and held a General Counsel position for the Federal Energy Administration. Mr. Montgomery advocates for foster youth in the Monterey Peninsula and is a member of the international advisory board of the Monterey Institute's Center for Nonproliferation Studies.

• Judy Logan - Secretary
• Nigel Lovett- Treasurer
• Judy Sulsona- Trustee
• Mike Thomas- Trustee
• Jeane Landreth- Trustee
• Tom Archibald- Trustee
• Steve McIntyre- Trustee
• John Gamble- Trustee
• Alfred Diaz- Infante- Trustee
• Michael E. Marcus- Trustee
• Eric B. Lo Monaco- Trustee
• Sarah Berling- Trustee
• Tom Reeves- Trustee
• Julie Drezner- Trustee

Funding

The Big Sur Land Trust receives support through memberships, donations, and public conservation funds.^[9]. To fully accomplish program goals BSLT established a diverse fund raising strategy. The strategy focuses on acquiring public conservation grants, increasing private donations and developing public funding from sources with goals similar to the Land Trust. ^[10]. Recently,BSLT secured $14 million in State and Federal grants for the Carmel River FREE project.^[11] Between 2006-2013, BSLT received seven grants from the California Natural Resources Agency and State Coastal Conservancy for completion of various land management, access, improvement and acquisition projects. ^[12]

McMahan Revolving Acquisition Fund- Established in 2004 by Catherine L. and Robert O. McMahan. Funds are made available to BSLT to quickly acquire important lands, such as the Whisler- Wilson Ranch. BSLT reimburses borrowed monies through fundraising events. ^[13]

Land Ownership

Conserved and lands acquired or protected by agreements with the Big Sur Land Trust. In 2016, BSLT helped to conserve about 40,000 acres of land in Central California.^[14]

• Arroyo Seco Ranch ^[15] Arroyo Seco Ranch is the future site for environmental education and recreation programs. BSLT is coordinating a conservation grazing program to utilize the resources of the property responsibly. Unique and endangered species located on Arroyo Seco Ranch include the sycamore alluvial woodland forest, California red-legged frog, and steelhead trout. The Arroyo Seco River flows through the property and has been prioritized for steelhead habitat restoration.
• Circle M First property purchased by BSLT in 1978.
• Glen Deven Ranch^[16] Location for the summer youth nature camps and artist in residence programs, Glen Deven Ranch is set in the heart of the Big Sur Landscape. It is surrounded by iconic central coast grassland and woodland landscapes; the coastal rivers and wildlife thrive in this protected environment and offers members and visitors the opportunity to experience a pristine coastal ecosystem.
• Marks Ranch^[17] Previously a bustling egg production farm, Mark's Ranch is now a gathering location for Salinas and Monterey peninsula families to safely enjoy the outdoors. BSLT transferred much of the property to Monterey County Park for incorporation with Toro County Park, and much of the property is accessible through Toro Park Trails. The trust continues to host theatrical and recreational events on the Ranch, and upgrade usable facilities on the property.
• Mitteldorf Preserve^[18]The preserve is nestled between Joshua Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve(south), Palo Corona Regional Park(north), and Santa Lucia Preseve (east). Mitteldorf conserves a special ecosystem home to the largest redwood trees in Monterey County. It also protects rare madrone, oak woodland, coastal chaparral and grassland habitats. Currently, the trust is developing infrastructure for a nature camp and research program on the property.^[18]
• Canavarro
• Carmel Point
• Carmel River Songbird Preserve
• Curtis
• Kopp
• Gelbart
• Glen
• Mission Trails
• Murphy
• Notely's Landing
• Odello East
• Owens
• Tor House

Conservation Easements

BSLT protects lands through numerous partnerships and conservation easments. Easements ensure the protection of resources found on allocated properties and prohibit land development in perpetuity. BSLT and land owners agree donated lands will be managed under terms reflective of conservation values and intentions of both parties.

Land Transfers

BSLT collaborates with state and regional agency's and other conservation partners to acquire lands from private sellers. Many lands purchased or donated to BSLT are transferred to regional park districts or federal land management agencies for the benefit of the public. Partnerships such as this facilitate mutually beneficial and cooperative relationships between citizens and land managers. Listed below are lands BSLT has helped to acquire. Transfer names indicate the park or property the lands were incorporated into.

Whisler Wilson Ranch ( 317- acre)- BSLT purchased the property in 2010^[22] and sold the property to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District for $4 million in 2013. The property spans the East side of Hwy 1 from Carmel to Pt. Lobos and connects Palo Corona Regional Park to Point Lobos Ranch. ^[13]

Summary of Previous Work

The Carmel River Parkwayproject is a plan to inspire the conservation and preservation of the Carmel River ecosystem. Development of a recreational trail connecting the lower Carmel Valley to upper reaches of the watershed is a major component of the plan. ^[20] The South Bank Trail section has been completed.The Hatton Canyon Trail near Hwy 1 has received funding.

• South Bank Trail: Located in Carmel Valley on the south bank of the Carmel River, the South Bank Trail is a 1.5 mile ADA accessible pedestrian and bicycle path. It begins at Palo Corona Regional Park and continues to Quail Lodge. The project was funded in part by a $1.2 million grant from the California Resource Agency River Parkways Program, and was designed by the County of Monterey. ^[28] It is an integral part of the Carmel River Parkway vision plan.
• Hatton Canyon Trail: A trail from the top of Carmel Hill will connect with the Camel River Trail System at Carmel Valley Road^[20]

Other projects BSLT has worked on include:

• Palo Corona Project: Developed 4.5 miles of multi-use recreational trails and restored four acres of riparian habitat.^[12]
• Moo Land Development:Restoration of three acres of riparian habitat and installations of seasonal pedestrian bridge, two restrooms, and other amenities. ^[12]

Current Projects

Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (Carmel River FREE) Project

Partnerships

BSLT collaborates with numerous government and community partners to achieve its mission. As property values have continued to rise in [California's Central Coast Region] partnerships have become essential to mission success. Principle partners include the Nature Conservancy, Monterey County Parks District and California Natural Resource Agency. Listed below are some of the conservation and community partners BSLT has collaborated with to conserve the lands and waters of central California.

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} BSLT, Home Page
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3} BSLT, FAQ
3. ↑ BSLT, Landscapes
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2} Sam Farr Tribute
5. ↑ Big Sur Gazette 1979
6. ↑ BSLT Founders
7. ↑ BSLT, 2013 New Mission
8. ↑ BSLT, Trustees
9. ↑ BSLT, Support
10. ↑ BSLT, Plan
11. ↑ Freeing the river to use its floodplain, BSLT newsletter
12. ↑ ^{12.0 12.1 12.2} BSLT 2014 Audit
13. ↑ ^{13.0 13.1} BSLT Whisler-Wilson
14. ↑ BSLT, Landscapes
15. ↑ BSLT, ASR
16. ↑ BSLT, GD
17. ↑ BSLT, Marks
18. ↑ ^{18.0 18.1} BSLT, Mittel
19. ↑ ^{19.0 19.1} Monterey Herald 2008
20. ↑ ^{20.0 20.1 20.2} BSLT, newsletter 2007
21. ↑ ^{21.0 21.1} BSLT, Vierra Ranch
22. ↑ ^{22.0 22.1} Monterey County Weekly 2012
23. ↑ Monterey County Weekly 2001
24. ↑ EHS Cons.Plan 2009
25. ↑ MPRPD Mill Creek Purchase
26. ↑ MPRPD Palo Purchase
27. ↑ Monterey Herald 2012
28. ↑ Yuba News
29. ↑ ^{29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3} County Special Districts FY2015-16
30. ↑ Santa Cruz County Special Districts

Links

• California's Central Coast Region

• Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (Carmel River FREE) Project

• Carmel River Watershed: Map of Geology

• Maps of the Carmel River Watershed

• Carmel River Lagoon

Disclaimer

This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.