Conserved for
When Bob Campbell, a Lompoc-area rancher, farmer, and business owner, faced regulatory obstacles related to the presence of endangered California tiger salamanders on his property, it was difficult to move forward with his ranching operations. The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County worked with Mr. Campbell and federal and state wildlife agencies to conserve 460 rangeland acres for endangered wildlife habitat and to fairly compensate the Campbell family for the conservation deal.
The Campbell family consider themselves a partner in conservation, balancing ag operations, family livelihoods, conservation tax benefits, and wildlife habitat protections through nature-based solutions. Bob says, “We’ve grown cattle, beans, flowers, fresh vegetables…you name it, and always managed to make a living. In a way, we see conservation as a new crop in the lineup. Our family is now looking ahead to other conservation opportunities that will fit well and support our family’s farming and ranching business and help preserve Santa Barbara County’s valuable wild lands.”
