OPEN SPACES
The latest news from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Vol. 10 No. 3
Working to Protect The Ojai Valley’s Future - Today
Summer 2003
Its Official: Ventura River Preserve 1,591 Acres Protected “We have waited a long time for this day,” exclaims Jim Engel, Executive Director. On Monday, June 16, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy closed escrow on the two-and-a-half square mile, Ventura River Preserve-Rancho El Nido and with one fell swoop made open space history. The Conservancy’s protection effort was the biggest ever in Ventura County by a land trust and guarantees the largest parcel in the Ojai Valley will be available for future generations to enjoy and as a haven for vanishing wildlife, native trees and rare plants. The newest preserve includes three miles of the Ventura River, four miles of tributary streams and seven perennial springs along with more than 300 species of plants and animals. Ninety percent of the property will be owned and managed by the Conservancy, while the remaining lands will be protected under a conservation easement owned by a private landowner and monitored by the Conservancy. The protection effort was made possible by local donors and a $3.1 million grant from the State Coastal Conservancy and Conservation Bond Acts 12 and 40.
Ventura River Pool
Fundraising Continues: 300 Donors and Counting The Conservancy still needs more than $100,000 to ensure the long-term protection of the Preserve and hopes to raise those gifts and pledges before the end of 2003. This includes $10,000 for a challenge gift, which must be matched by additional donations. Contributors can use creative, conservative approaches such as requesting matching gifts from their employer, making a gift of appreciated assets (stock, mutual funds, real estate), irrevocable estate gifts and pledging their gifts over two years. Donors who make extraordinary gifts may be able to spread out gifts over a longer period. The Conservancy offers a limited number of naming rights to honor or memorialize family, friends or mentors.
Plenty of Work Ahead Trailheads and recreational trails are being constructed on the property to ensure public safety and protection of the native habitats. At least a portion of the property will be open to public use this Fall. Meanwhile, guided walks and equestrian rides are being offered by Conservancy staff and volunteers. Janet Hanstad, Preserve Manager, is developing a resource management plan. She will seek to balance public needs with resource protection and the concerns of adjacent landowners.
Seeking Dedicated Volunteers One of Janet’s primary responsibilities will be to work closely with volunteers to manage the Ventura River Property and other Ojai Valley Land Conservancy properties. There are many opportunities to get involved. Some of the positions available for volunteering include patrolling the properties, biological and other scientific surveys, leading nature hikes, other educational activities, and participating in Ventura River Preserve Campaign Update preserve restoration and cleanup. Thirty volunteers have Campaign Goal $4 million already offered their assistance to care for the Preserve. Please see Pages 2, 5, 9 and 10 or visit the Pledges & Gifts Raised - 97% of goal $3.89 million Conservancy website at www.ovlc.org for more Pledges & Gifts Still Needed $110,000 information about volunteering, guided trips, donations, and the new Preserve.