Since our founding in 2004, we have never faced so many pressures to open our public lands to commercial interests. From Washington D.C. to the state and local level, there seem to be an unprecedented number of proposals that could alter the Los Padres National Forest and other wild places along the Central Coast. Yet, because of the passion and dedication of our staff, Board, members, and supporters, we have been able to push back on many of these attacks throughout the last year. Here are some of our top achievements of 2018:
Sounded the Alarm on Fracking Plan
ForestWatch spearheaded community opposition to drilling and fracking on 1.6 million acres in our region that targeted schools, parks, conservation lands, nature reserves, vineyards, and wilderness areas. In ten short days we generated 3,000 public comments urging protection of key central coast landmarks.
Delayed Commercial Logging in Condor Country
We challenged a decision to fast-track two proposed commercial logging projects across nearly 5 square miles of the Los Padres National Forest. Our work was highlighted on the front page of the Los Angeles Times and garnered nationwide attention.
Defended the Carrizo Plain
We appealed the Bureau of Land Management’s approval of a new oil well and pipeline in the Carrizo Plain National Monument, stopping the project indefinitely.
Led the Resistance on the Central Coast
ForestWatch filed over 40 legal and administrative actions against the Trump Administration’s anti-public lands policies — ranging from the information requests and formal comments to appeals, objections, and lawsuits — more than any other organization headquartered on the central coast.
Dirtied Our Boots
We organized over 300 volunteers who contributed a collective 1,242 hours to remove 6,065 pounds of trash from the forest, 50 graffiti markings at Wheeler Gorge and Lizard’s Mouth, and several acres of invasive tamarisk from the Santa Ynez River as part of a multi-year restoration project.
Inspired Tomorrow’s Leaders
ForestWatch launched a new program aimed at inspiring youth and underserved groups to enjoy the outdoors and become future leaders of the conservation movement. And we trained six college interns preparing for careers in environmental protection.
Ensured Transparency and Open Government
ForestWatch filed suit against the Interior Department for concealing public records about last year’s attempt to shrink or eliminate the Carrizo Plain National Monument and more than two dozen other protected areas across the West.
Preserved Democracy in Ventura Co.
We defeated an attempt to eliminate the public’s right to participate in oil drilling and fracking decisions throughout Ventura County. By preserving this cornerstone of democracy, people can continue to have a voice in protecting our public lands and surrounding communities from pollution.
Catalyzed the Public to Take Action
ForestWatch launched a new online platform to make it easy for 5,800 residents to send messages to decision-makers about issues affecting our region’s public lands. We also grew our list of 13,000 supporters and interfaced with nearly 4,000 people at 31 community events between San Luis Obispo and Thousand Oaks.
Received Platinum Certification
For the second year in a row, ForestWatch received the highest Platinum certification from Guidestar, the nation’s leading nonprofit evaluation service. And we continue to be the highest-rated environmental organization along the central coast for the sixth year in a row by Greatnonprofits.
Promoted Smart Wildfire Planning
Working with fire scientists, firefighters, elected officials, and neighborhood leaders, ForestWatch promoted effective, science-based methods to protect our communities from wildfire.
Took Aim at Trigger Trash
We turned up the pressure on the Forest Service to protect our public lands from the trash and toxics left behind by unmanaged target shooting in the Los Padres National Forest.
Defended Clean Water for Downstream Communities
ForestWatch mobilized against a plan to allow the oil industry to pump toxic waste into an aquifer beneath the Los Padres National Forest near Sespe Creek, delaying the decision indefinitely.
Promoted Sustainable Recreation
We supported a Forest Service plan to convert motorized trails to more sustainable uses like hiking, biking, and horseback riding that will better protect aquatic habitat and water quality at a premier gateway into the San Rafael Wilderness.
WILD! for Public Lands
Our Ojai WILD! and Santa Barbara WILD! benefit events this year brought together more than 600 attendees — a new record — to enjoy live music, local wines and beer, delicious food, ad exciting auction items to support our local forest protection work.
None of these accomplishments would have been possible without our incredible volunteers, members, supporters, Board, and staff. Thanks to all who made 2018 such a great year here at ForestWatch!
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