Rancho Arbolado
Gaviota Creek Watershed - 2,550 acres

The long-time family owners of Rancho Arbolado, a 2,550 acre cattle ranch just north of Gaviota State Park, are looking to the Land Trust to purchase a conservation easement as part of their planning to pass the property on to the next generation. This mostly undeveloped ranch features dense oak woodlands and riparian habitat in the western fork of Gaviota Creek. The project would add to the 7,500 acres of open land already conserved on the Gaviota Coast by the Land Trust and its partners. The easement would limit development on the property to home sites for ranch owners and their employees, and agricultural improvements. It would provide a permanent natural buffer on the north side of Gaviota State Park, and would secure the scenic beauty along Highway 1, a state-designated scenic highway.

The Land Trust will apply for grant funds to purchase the conservation easement from the California Coastal Conservancy and the California Wildlife Conservation Board. Private donations and foundation grants are needed to cover direct costs of completing this transaction, and a minimum 10% local match for the state grants. Transaction expenses include a title report, biological resources assessment, legal services, title insurance, escrow fees and travel to Sacramento for grant agency meetings and hearings.