Los Padres ForestWatch works to protect and restore the natural and cultural heritage of the Los Padres National Forest and other public lands along California's Central Coast through community involvement, scientific collaboration, and legal advocacy.

Description:
We are the only organization working to protect the entire Los Padres National Forest - from the Big Sur coast to the Sespe wildlands - and the nearby Carrizo Plain from damage caused by oil drilling, illegal off-road vehicle abuse, unmanaged livestock grazing, logging, and other resource extraction. We conduct on-the-ground restoration projects that improve forest conditions and repair degraded areas; review and comment on projects proposed by public land management agencies to ensure consistency with scientific principles and environmental laws; monitor forest conditions and activities on public lands to reduce or eliminate impacts to forest resources; consult with leading scientists and experts to ensure that public land management agencies are using the best available science; file appeals and, if necessary, lawsuits to compel public land management agencies to comply with our nation's longstanding environmental laws; collaborate with other organizations and citizens committed to forest protection; and increase the public's understanding of the important role that our region's public lands play in maintaining the local economy, quality of life, and environment of our communities.

Our vision is one of wild landscapes and expansive wilderness; free-flowing rivers providing clean water for wildlife and local communities; healthy, intact ecosystems that maintain the region’s rich biological diversity; the recovery of rare plants and animals; protection of sacred sites and landforms important to Native communities; and diverse recreation opportunities that allow for public use while minimizing environmental impacts. Whether you care about wild forests, free-flowing rivers, untrammeled deserts, or the creatures that inhabit these beautiful places, ForestWatch is here to ensure that they have a voice.

History:
ForestWatch was founded in 2004 and has experienced tremendous growth during our first three years, attracting five hundred members, securing several large grants from both local and national foundations, assembling a scientific advisory council, and securing several victories for the forest. We've quickly expanded into a powerful advocate for our public lands and established ourselves as one of the region’s premier conservation forces, combining organizing, advocacy, and science skills with innovative strategy and field work.

Contact person: Zack Bradford, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

PO Box 831 SANTA BARBARA, CA 93102