Press Room
Land Conservancy Announces Conservation Opportunity at Eagle Ranch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2007
Contact:
Bob Hill, Conservation Director
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
(805) 544-9096 or bobh@lcslo.org
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County and the Smith Family are pleased to announce that they have entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement, a crucial first step towards protecting a 3,000 acre portion of the Eagle Ranch. The rugged and magnificent family ranch is located just south of the City of Atascadero. The Smith Family has owned the land since 1964, and has continuously managed it as a working cattle ranch and wildlife refuge since that time.
The goal of the conservation agreement with the Land Conservancy is to protect the ranch's agricultural heritage and ensure the continuation of its long-standing family operation. The agreement would also shelter diverse oak woodlands and natural plant communities, the headwaters of several local creeks, and critical homes for a multitude of fish and wildlife species. "We are truly honored by the trust that the Smith Family has demonstrated in agreeing to work with the Land Conservancy for the long-term protection and stewardship of their beautiful ranch. The natural, scenic, and agricultural characteristics of the property represent the exact same values that are articulated in our mission statement – it couldn't be a better fit for us," said Bob Hill, the non-profit organization's Conservation Director.
The Eagle Ranch is bordered by US Forest Service land to the south and west, including Cuesta Ridge and Cerro Alto. Its conservation would help create a larger mosaic of protected private and public lands in the Santa Lucia mountain range. "The further back into the ranch you go, the more wild it gets," said Hill, "surely this land represents what the California of old must have looked like." The ranch is also notable for its significant water resources, especially the headwaters of Atascadero Creek, known to still carry steelhead trout. "The fact that the natural springs on the ranch continue to provide enough water to the creek to support trout year round is truly remarkable, and this is just one of many reasons why the opportunity we have today to reach a conservation agreement for the ranch with the Smith Family is so important" noted Hill.
The conservation agreement will retire "significant development potential," according to Hill, while allowing for continued cattle ranching, natural resource protection, and possibly limited public access where appropriate. "Three generations of our family have been fortunate enough to enjoy this unique property, and we are excited by the opportunity to protect its most important features for future generations," said Greg and Jeff Smith. It is anticipated that other portions of the ranch, comprised of existing lots from the original Atascadero Colony, will become a part of the City of Atascadero. The Land Conservancy and the Smith Family will continue to work on the details in the coming year, and expect to finalize an agreement for the landmark conservation gift sometime in late 2008.
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is a local nonprofit land trust working exclusively in San Luis Obispo County, California. We work to protect and restore lands having agricultural, habitat, scenic, and cultural values throughout San Luis Obispo County. Our efforts help protect water resources, prevent poorly planned development, restore homes for wildlife, and promote family farms and ranches in our region. Since our formation in 1984, we have permanently protected over 9,000 acres of land in San Luis Obispo County. For more information visit www.lcslo.org or call (805) 544-9096.