Working with the Trust for Public Land, California State
Parks and Recreation, the Morro Bay National Estuary Program,
and other organizations, the Foundation seeks to acquire key
parcels of land to restore, protect, and enhance riparian and
coastal ecosystems. Restoration of natural flood plains, restoration
of contiguous riparian habitat corridors, and protection of key
coastal viewsheds are the major components of these efforts.
Foundation activities have been focused on several contiguous
parcels in the Chorro Creek watershed which will both preserve
the enormously scenic viewshed of the Highway 1 corridor and
the volcanic peaks known as the "Morros", and will
restore a large amount of flood plain and riparian corridor.
This work directly addresses several of the implementation goals
of the Morro Bay National Estuary Program.
The Bay Foundation is working with the Nature Conservancy
and the Central Coast Natural History Association in an alliance
called "Common Ground", to acquire key parcels of land
and easesments for the purpose of restoration, protection, and
enhancement of coastal ecosystems. The current project of focus
is the Irish Hills, a large stretch of coastal California between
Los Osos and Pismo Beach in San Luis Obispo County. In addition
to developing a management plan for the project, the Foundation
is providing Geographic Information System support, has provided
biologists during field tours intended to develop alliances and
funding opportunities, and is assisting with developing grass
roots support and political will for the program.
Conservation Easement Program
Working with willing landowners, the California State Coastal
Conservancy, the Morro Bay National Estuary Program, and other
organizations, the Foundation seeks to establish conservation
easements on critical parcels in Central Coast watersheds. Establishment
of best management practices and protection of agricultural land
while restoring, enhancing, and protecting coastal stream and
shoreline habitat are key components of this program. The Foundation
is currently working on two local projects, to develop conservation
easement terms and conditions, assist in mapping and site analysis,
and provide general local support for the funding agencies.
Coastal Stream Corridor Project