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The More Mesa Preservation Coalition
updated: Mar 12, 2011, 8:45 AM
The More Mesa Preservation Coalition (MMPC):
MMPC is a group of concerned citizens (more than 1000 strong) committed to preserving More Mesa in perpetuity. The MMPC tracks events and development proposals that may affect the natural, recreational and scenic values of More Mesa, and takes appropriate action to protect these essential values. Our ultimate goal is to work cooperatively with the site's private owner, government agencies and the community, in order to purchase its 265 acres for long term preservation. The entirety of More Mesa and its beach could then be managed as a nature park, protecting both the habitat and recreational values of this incredible site.
Why Do We Care?
More Mesa is one of the most outstanding scenic and environmentally sensitive pieces of undeveloped open space remaining on the Coast of Southern California. Its open grasslands provide both valuable habitat and miles of informal trails. With sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the coast, More Mesa is fronted by one of the largest and most pristine white sand beaches on Santa Barbara County's South Coast. It is located just west of the community of Hope Ranch and about two miles east of Goleta Beach Park and UCSB. Incredibly, given its very desirable location, surrounding growth and past building proposals, this unique site remains undeveloped.
It Has Great Natural Importance.
More Mesa includes areas of coastal bluff, grassland, wetland, coast live oak and riparian woodland. The coastal bluff, consisting largely of a level terrace vegetated with non-native grassland, is bisected by two large canyons. These canyons, which are dominated by extensive wetlands, and drain northward into Atascadero Creek, provide key wildlife corridors. Moreover, this combination of extensive grasslands and wetlands adjoining a large native coastal riparian forest is increasingly rare in southern California.
In addition to extensive wetland, woodland and grassland habitats, notable ecological resources on More Mesa include nesting and foraging areas for the White Tailed Kite, a fully protected raptor, as well as providing important habitat for other sensitive species. These include: Burrowing Owls, Loggerhead Shrikes, Short-eared Owls, Coopers Hawks and Northern Harrier Hawks. Many other bird species, as well as mammals, such as coyote and fox, also utilize this area, a mosaic of increasingly rare habitats in the rapidly urbanizing south coast region.
People Love This Place.
More Mesa's sweeping ocean and mountain views, combined with its unusual habitat and wildlife values provide an unforgettable experience for the visitor. More than ten miles of existing trails have a long history of informal heavy public use for horseback riding, hiking and biking. In addition, More Mesa fronts one of the largest, and probably most pristine, beaches along the entire 30 miles of the south coast urban area. Clear clean water and a sandy bottom make this beach ideal for swimming. Moreover, its relative isolation also encourages use by a variety of Marine wildlife.
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