THE LAND CONSERVANCY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Featured Project: Froom Ranch Open Space Preserve

Overview/History

With over 300 separate donations from the local community, The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County and the City of San Luis Obispo surpassed the campaign funding goal to purchase Froom Ranch for open space in the City’s expanding greenbelt which currently includes over 6,000 acres. Not only does open space make San Luis Obispo communities more healthy and livable, but it also attracts important tourist dollars and protects critical resources and municipal infrastructure.

The collaborative conservation effort raised more than $63,000 in local donations over the last three months to create Froom Ranch Open Space; a 310 acre property that will offer new recreational opportunities and wildlife viewing in the SLO Greenbelt. The transaction was completed in July 2010. The City hopes to have the preserve opened for public use by late 2010 or early 2011l.

“I am continually amazed by the generosity of the citizens of San Luis Obispo. For the fourth time in the last few years our citizens have stepped forward with their own funds to help make local conservation projects happen. It is also important to recognize that major project support from Measure Y, Land & Water Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy provided 90% of the resources required to conserve Froom Ranch. ” - Neil Havlik, SLO City Natural Resources Manager

Key to the success of the local campaign were anchor donors Don & Mary Smith who gave $10,000 to launch the project, and SunPower Corporation who helped close the deal with its recent $10,000 contribution.

“Without the philanthropy and commitment of local people like Don & Mary Smith and businesses like SunPower, conservation projects like this would simply not be possible. This project shows the power of collaboration and strategic partnerships to successfully conserve local lands.”- Bob Hill, LCSLO Executive Director

Although the money to purchase the Froom Ranch property has been raised, additional funds are needed to cover The Land Conservancy’s costs to assist with the project, to monitor and steward the property in the future, and to support the protection of other special places like Froom Ranch that benefit people and wildlife—forever.

How Can You Help Protect More Places like Froom Ranch?

• Make a donation or renew your membership with LCSLO
• Volunteer during field work days, special events or on a committee
• Give a gift membership to a friend
• Consider including LCSLO in your estate plans
• Pass this Link or information on to a friend
• The more people who know about what we do the better chance we have
  of continued success on projects like this..