Los Padres National Forest Gains 800 Acres

(Photo: wikipedia)

Source: Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest officials announced that more than 800 acres were recently added to the Santa Lucia Ranger District as part of a land transfer brokered by the Wilderness Land Trust. Six separate parcels, known as the Trout Creek properties, were acquired from private sellers by the Wilderness Land Trust earlier this year. The properties are generally located in the Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo area.
 
The lands are adjacent to both the Garcia and the Santa Lucia Wilderness areas and include portions of several trails as well as trailheads. As a result of the acquisitions, most of the popular Trout Creek Trail as well as the trailhead located on Hi Mountain Road, is now in public ownership, permanently protecting these acres for future generations.
 
"After five years of effort and excellent support from Wilderness Land Trust and local conservation groups and trail users, we are very pleased that these lands are now part of Los Padres National Forest and available for public enjoyment," said Los Padres Deputy Forest Supervisor Chris Stubbs.
 
Support for the acquisitions came from local organizations, including equestrian, hiking, and conservation groups. Lands along the Trout Creek corridor provide vital habitat for mule deer, black bear, wild turkey, Peregrine falcon, mountain lion,  threatened red-legged frogs, and other wildlife.