OPEN SPACES The latest news from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
Vol. 10 No. 1
Special Edition
Working to Protect The Ojai Valley’s Future - Today
Protecting River and Ranch Open Space Within Reach Conditional Approval Received For $3.1 Million Grant On January 23, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) received tentative approval for a $3.1 million grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy (CSCC) to assist with the protection of the historic and scenic 1,566acre open space on the west side of the Ojai Valley.The state agency’s grant funds will come from Conservation Bonds Acts 12 and 40. These propositions were approved by a majority of California voters and the funds are considered immune from the present budget crisis in Sacramento. Funding from this grant will also allow for the creation of a resource and recreation management plan that will guide the protection of plant and animal species, while allowing for safe public enjoyment by hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists.
June Deadline For $630,000 Fundraising Goal Final approval is contingent on evaluation of the OVLC’s ability to manage the land in perpetuity and on completion of a conservation easement on 150 acres. “We look to see if the organization has the financial and professional expertise to make an open space deal successful,” explains Peter Brand, CSCC Senior Project Manager. “OVLC definitely has a great combination of staff and volunteers, but we still need to see if they have enough funds to implement the project.” OVLC has set a deadline of June 2003 to raise the remaining $630,000 in donations and pledges for the protection of the largest privately held parcel in the Ojai Valley and vital wildlife habitat. If the campaign is not successful at least ten homes will be built on the ridgeline near Rancho Matilija and Wills Canyon. In this case, donors will have the option to have their gifts designated to another project or receive a refund. photo by Michael McFadden
Pledges Donors will be allowed to stretch out payment of their gifts over several years. This encourages donors to make larger gifts, which would not be possible if they had to complete the gift all in one year.
Naming Rights The OVLC offers naming rights as an opportunity to honor or memorialize family, friends or mentors. These naming rights range from $500 on a bronze plaque at the Preserve entrance to $1.5 million for the naming of the Preserve. Most naming rights will range from $10,000 to $100,000 and include: trails, trailheads, and geographic features. A large number of donors “The time is now for those from past campaigns have taken advantage of these opportunities. See reverse side for details on naming rights.
of us who believe this beautiful land is worth
Ventura River & Ranch Campaign Update
protecting. It is a once in a
Every $1 Donated Will Be Matched By $3 From State Grant
lifetime opportunity to set aside this special gift for
Campaign Goal
$4 million
our children and future
Pledges & Gifts Raised - 84% of goal
$3.37 million
generations.”
Pledges & Gifts Still Needed
$630,000
Jim Engel, OVLC Executive Director