THE LAND CONSERVANCY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Featured Project: O'Connor Ranch

Efforts Aimed at Conserving O’Connor Ranch

The Land Conservancy has successfully completed negotiations for a conservation agreement with local landowners in early 2011. This will permanently protect 189 acres of ranch lands on the edge of San Luis Obispo in the Morros.  The views and natural features of the property are emblematic of the unique resources that make up Los Osos Valley.

The conservation of O’Connor Ranch will help keep ranch owners, Joseph & Mary Lindsey, working the land, and it protects scenic open space, oak trees and a portion of Cerro Romualdo from future development.  

The O’Connor Ranch project is the latest success of a collaborative partnership between the City of San Luis Obispo Natural Resources Program, The Land Conservancy, Camp San Luis Obispo, and the National Guard. The National Guard’s Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) program provides funding for land conservation projects that eliminate housing development and other uses on land surrounding National Guard facilities that might conflict with training and other base activities.
In 2006 and 2007, National Guard ACUB funding was instrumental in permanently protecting the 838-acre Stenner Ranch and 315 acres of community open space at Stenner Springs.  The ACUB program represents one of the innovative conservation tools available that results in multiple benefits for local communities by leveraging federal funding. 

The partnership between The Land Conservancy and the National Guard embodies a truly collaborative approach with win-win results for multiple stakeholders:  National Guard gains a property buffer, landowners get fair compensation for selling development rights on their private property, and our community benefits from protected resources and lands that provide fresh water, clean air and local food.

“In a time when funding for conservation projects remains extremely scarce, we are very pleased to have forged this unique partnership, which is bearing fruit for us once again.  My hat is off to the City, Camp SLO, the National Guard, and to the landowners for all of their great work and support towards making this special project happen .” - Bob Hill, Conservation Director

Once the project is completed, The Land Conservancy will begin scheduling guided hikes to get YOU out on the land.  Until then, please continue supporting The Land Conservancy and sharing our good news so that we can complete more projects like this one. 

To find out how a conservation easement can help preserve your ranch for continued agricultural use, visit the LANDOWNERS section of this website, or call our office at (805) 544-9096.  You can help support local conservation like this by joining as a member or making a donation

If you are not a landowner and like projects like the O'Connor Ranch consider one of the follow ideas to help us complete more projects like this.

• 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..