Land Conservancy of SLO County secures 750 acres for future public park, with plans for recreation and conservation
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County (LCSLO) recently completed a transaction to conserve scenic coastal hills overlooking Morro Bay for future public enjoyment as a new San Luis Obispo County park.
On February 6, LCSLO acquired approximately 750 acres of coastal hills stretching from Del Mar Park in Morro Bay up through the Alva Paul Canyon on behalf of San Luis Obispo County, the new landowner. The transaction was Phase II of a three-phase plan to acquire land to create Toro Creek Park, managed by the San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation Department.
The $5.5 million purchase of Phase II was funded through a combination of state grants from the Wildlife Conservation Board ($3.5 million) and the California State Coastal Conservancy ($1.5 million), as well as private donations ($500,000). The private contributions were raised by LCSLO and its conservation partners at the Cayucos Land Conservancy and the Morro Bay Open Space Alliance.
This most recent transaction builds upon Phase I which conserved close to 300 acres of hills and beach between Morro Bay and Cayucos, including the area fondly known as “Dog Beach.”
LCSLO and the County of San Luis Obispo continue to work collaboratively on planning and negotiations for Phase III with a goal of completing the land acquisition by 2030. The Phase III property purchase would allow use for additional open space and recreation, as well as low-cost coastal accommodations in the form of tent and RV camping, a goal of both the County and the State of California.
San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Shaun Cooper stated, “This acquisition of Phase II is an important step toward making the Toro Creek Park concept a reality.” According to Cooper, County Parks and Recreation staff intend to pursue public access to Phase II as soon as possible; however, site planning, permitting, and site improvements are needed to accommodate safe public access. Prior to opening for public access, ongoing operation and maintenance funding will also need to be identified and approved by the County Board of Supervisors.
The Phase I and Phase II properties were acquired from affiliates of Chevron Corporation. The land was part of a former marine terminal used for petroleum storage and transportation with buffer property used for grazing.
Land Conservancy Deputy Director Daniel Bohlman reflected on the 10 years it has taken to attain this latest goal: “Around 2015, as Chevron began considering concepts for future uses of their property, LCSLO and our conservation partners expressed our desire to see this property brought into conservation for public benefit. Thankfully, we found a willing and patient partner in Chevron.”
The Land Conservancy is currently celebrating its 40th year of conserving open spaces, wildlife habitat, and farmland on the Central Coast. A local nonprofit, they have permanently protected over 66,000 acres of land in SLO County. To learn how you can support projects like this, visit lcslo.org
