SAVED PLACES SAVED PLACES TheThe StoryStory ofof TheseThese LandscapesLandscapes

CARPINTERIA BLUFFS HEARST RANCH The Carpinteria Bluffs are one of the most scenic open spaces and natural assets remaining Located 35 miles north of San Luis Obispo, Hearst Ranch covers 128 square miles and 18 along Santa Barbara County's urban . The site is the largest undeveloped miles of coastline. Originally known as Rancho Piedra Blanca, the Ranch was bought in coastal open space left between the City of Santa Barbara and the Ventura County line, 1865 by Senator George Hearst. The site offers outstanding scenic vistas and more than 19 and currently offers opportunities for a variety of passive recreational activities. The 52-acre beaches, including Arroyo Laguna the world-renowned windsurfing beach, and a large parcel provides access to an overlook on the neighboring property above a low tide elephant seal rookery. EDC led a successful opposition to a massive development project beach and a California harbor seal rookery. The rookery at the Bluffs is significant in that it is proposed by the Hearst Corporation for San Luis Obispo’s North Coast in 1998. Subsequent one of only four along the Southern California coast and is the only one accessible to the efforts resulted in a conservation easement for most of the Ranch in 2004. public. In addition to the scenic and recreational resources of the Bluffs, this land provides foraging grounds for birds and the existing flora contain remnant native plants as well as ORMOND BEACH WETLANDS several stands of non-native but majestic eucalyptus. The Environmental Defense Center successfully defeated a development plan in 1998, resulting in the eventual public Located in the City of Oxnard between the Port of Hueneme and the Naval acquisition of the Carpinteria Bluffs. Currently the Carpinteria Valley Foundation and Base, the Ormond Beach wetlands support many rare plants and hundreds of species of Citizens for Carpinteria Bluffs have retained the ongoing services of the Environmental migratory birds, including the endangered California least tern and Western snowy plover. Defense Center in challenging Venoco’s Paredon Project, maintaining that the oil drilling Like many of our dwindling Southern California wetlands, this area has been severely de- scheme poses an unacceptable threat to ground water quality and human health, as well graded and fragmented by human development and in spite of these impacts, the Or- as to the rest of the environment. mond Beach wetlands are still renowned among scientists and nature lovers. The California State Coastal Conservancy is spearheading efforts to permanently protect habitat and ex- pand and restore the wetlands. If restoration can be achieved, the Ormond Beach wet- DOUGLAS FAMILY PRESERVE land area could truly stand out among Southern California wetlands as a fully-functioning Formerly known as the Wilcox Property, the Preserve is located on the mesa above Arroyo wetland, providing habitat for native species and improving migratory connections for spe- Burro Beach and spans 70 acres of undeveloped ocean-front land. EDC achieved cies along the California coast. It can also be a destination for the local community and permanent protection of the bluff top property, preserved public access, and defended a out-of-town visitors with interpretive facilities, a trail network, boardwalks and wildlife over- strategic lawsuit against public participation. Subsequent efforts have led to public looks. However, decisions expected to be made soon by the City of Oxnard about the Or- acquisition of the property in 1996 and in 1997 EDC advocated for deed restrictions and mond Beach Specific Plan and the Oxnard 2030 General Plan could directly impact this vi- covenants for public use and enjoyment. sion. If approved as proposed, these Plans would further degrade the wetlands and signifi- cantly interfere with efforts to restore and expand the wetland area. EDC represents the Los ELLWOOD MESA OPEN SPACE Padres Sierra Club and the Environmental Coalition of Ventura County regarding these Plans. The City of Oxnard is expected to make a final decision about these Plans in 2010. Ellwood Mesa is an extraordinary 137-acre coastal bluff located at the eastern gateway to EDC will continue working on behalf of our clients and with our other Ventura County part- the Gaviota Coast in the City of Goleta. The property includes nearly a mile of coastline ners to protect and restore the Ormond Beach wetlands. and is one of Santa Barbara County’s last undeveloped coastal bluffs in a major urban area. Ellwood Mesa is a spectacular coastal property and home to a variety of flora and fauna, as well as some 60,000 migratory butterflies. It's also a sanctuary for hikers, joggers, SAN MARCOS FOOTHILLS PRESERVE birders, artists, and families. EDC advocated before public agencies and filed litigation that San Marcos Foothills is a 377-acre property located in the foothills above Santa Barbara, resulted in the protection of coastal environmentally sensitive habitat areas and northeast of the intersection of San Marcos Pass (Highway 154) and Foothill Road. For years preservation of historic public access. Subsequently, EDC negotiated a land swap that it has been the special preserve of hundreds of hikers, bird watchers, artists and casual visi- permanently protected the entire Ellwood Mesa and butterfly groves by transferring tors of all ages. Today, San Marcos Foothills is one of the most biologically rich sites on Santa development to the adjacent Santa Barbara Shores Park property near Hollister Avenue. Barbara’s South Coast. Because of its species richness, habitat diversity, and connectivity, The city of Goleta assumed public ownership of the mesa on February 4th, 2005, ensuring disturbing any segment of the system will have a negative effect on the whole. Represent- that this beautiful place will be preserved in its natural state for the enjoyment of future ing the Small Wilderness Area Preserves (“SWAP”) and as a member of the San Marcos generations. Foothills Coalition, EDC helped defeat a large residential project proposed in 1998 and sub- sequently responded to new development proposed in 2004, achieving additional protec- GAVIOTA COAST tion of 200 acres of important habitats and open space for the San Marcos Foothills.

The Gaviota Coast, located in southern Santa Barbara County, includes the coastal watersheds between Coal Oil Point in Goleta, to on Vandenberg Air Force SANTA YNEZ RIVER Base, and the remainder of Vandenberg’s coast to Point Sal. The portion down-coast of One of the largest on the Central Coast of California, the 75-mile-long river drains the north constitutes about 15% of Southern California's coast, yet contains slope of the , the south slope of the San Rafael Mountains, as well as approximately 50% of its remaining rural coastline. EDC served on the founding Board of much of the southern half of Santa Barbara County. Flowing from east to west and originat- Directors of the Gaviota Coast Conservancy and worked with the GCC to protect the rural ing in the Los Padres National forest, the river flows through the and finally undeveloped areas of the Gaviota Coast, from Coal Oil Point to Point Conception. EDC reaches the Pacific Ocean at Surf, near Vandenberg Air Force Base and the city of continues to work with various groups on Gaviota Coast issues. Lompoc. EDC obtained wetlands protection for flood control projects proposed along the Santa Ynez River by the Army Corps of Engineers and subsequently represented CalTrout in HAMMONDS MEADOW TRAIL public trust action before the State Water Resources Control Board. The Hammonds Meadow Trail connects three beaches between the Miramar and Biltmore Hotels. The walking path passes beautiful homes, crossing Montecito Creek to the The Environmental Defense Center protects beachfront. EDC protected coastal resources and access rights to Hammonds Meadow and enhances the local environment through and represented the Surfrider Foundation in achieving the dedication of public access trails to the beach and the restoration of the adjacent public access trail. education, advocacy, and legal action.