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 the preservation of Big Sur's pristine natural beauty for the 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. Purchase of Circle M Ranch,a 3,000 acre ranch located south of the Big Creek Reserve, was a pioneering example of the successful collaboration of community members to protect and preserve natural resources.

Founders

Founders envisioned the conservation of the landscape and cultural heritage unique to Big Sur and the California central coast for the benefit of future generation. The 1978 founding members of the Big Sur Land Trust include:

• Zad (Executive Director 25yrs) and Laela Leavy
• Sherna and Kipp Stewart
• Roger and Beverly Newell
• Nancy Hopkins (First President)
• 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 unique and treasured landscapes. BSLT achieves this mission by connecting people and the land, and provides various opportunities to engage with nature. Summer nature camps began in 2013, and 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. BSLT believes sustainable land stewardship connects nature and the community, and 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 trusts organizes events that foster connection between the earth and artists.