Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT)

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 the Central Coast of California and has protected approximately 40,000 acres of land as of 2016. . The organization also manages ~17,000 acres 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 supports 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. In addition, the BSLT has been a leader in the restoration of [Glen Deven Ranch] and influential in the progress of the Carmel River FREE Project.

Location

Big Sur Land Trust headquarters are located in central Monterey. Much of the property the organization manages is located within Monterey County . Vierra Ranach 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 preservation of the pristine natural beauty of the central coast for benefit of future generations. . Nancy Hopkins, served as the trusts first president. She was succeeded by Zad Leavy who served as executive director for 25 years. . David Packard and several others 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 the successful collaboration of community and stewardship to protect and preserve natural resources from development.