Learn about the passionate team behind ForestWatch, working tirelessly to protect the California Central Coast’s wildlife. We are a small but mighty organization, working towards conservation, education, and advocacy programs. For 20 years, ForestWatch has stood strong against those who sought to harm our public lands. With the dedication of our generous supporters, we’ve achieved some remarkable victories. ForestWatch works in partnership with more than 100 local, regional, and national nonprofit organizations. Together, we form a strong alliance with a common goal of protecting Los Padres National Forest and other public lands along California's Central Coast, safeguarding our region's wildlife and watersheds, and inspiring the next generation of conservation stewards. A Note From Our Executive Director Ever since a small group of local forest advocates gathered around a picnic table in 2004, the ForestWatch Team has served as a powerful advocate for our region’s wildlife habitats and wilderness landscapes. With thousands of supporters, ForestWatch is leading the charge to protect and restore the forests, chaparral, grasslands, rivers, wildlife, and wilderness along California’s Central Coast. We are the only organization focused solely on protecting our region’s public lands, from the famed Big Sur coastline, to San Luis Obispo’s Santa Lucia Range and the Carrizo Plain National Monument, to the rugged backcountry of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. By effectively combining legal advocacy, scientific collaboration, and community outreach with innovative strategy and field work, we have built a solid track record of protecting these wild places—more than two million acres of them. In addition, more than two thousand ForestWatch volunteers have helped us restore degraded wildlife habitat throughout the forest. Whether you care about wild forests, free-flowing rivers, untrammeled chaparral, or the creatures that inhabit these beautiful places, ForestWatch will continue to ensure that they have a voice. With headquarters in Santa Barbara, our work extends across the vast network of public lands along California’s Central Coast. We focus on the Los Padres National Forest and nearby public lands, including the Carrizo Plain National Monument, Hopper Mountain and Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuges, Carrizo Plains Ecological Reserve, and lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. What Powers Our Effectiveness Our role is unique, focused solely on protecting the Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument . The ForestWatch team headquarters are right here on the Central Coast, just ten minutes away from the forest we work to protect. We live, work, and play here every day, giving us a unique understanding of the many ways our communities value these public lands. We’re effective. Our bottom line is simple – every action we take must result in direct, on-the-ground protection for our public lands. We focus our work where it counts, and deliver big results. We have a proven track record of achieving meaningful protections. We’re efficient. We are a small but mighty organization, directing most of our funds towards our conservation, education, and advocacy programs. We keep it real. Our positions are grounded in the best science and backed by hard evidence and data from the field. We consult with leading scientists and experts to identify the best solutions for the challenges facing public lands. We’re inclusive. We work with a variety of folks from all walks of life who share a common goal – protecting and restoring the forest. We also seek to amplify the voices of communities that are underrepresented in the conservation movement, and work to increase diversity in, and access to, our shared public lands. By forging alliances with local businesses, social justice advocates, indigenous allies, rural communities, and forest users, we increase our effectiveness and strengthen our community relationships.

Our Strategy is Simple Yet Effective We conduct on-the-ground restoration projects that improve forest conditions and repair degraded areas. We review and comment on projects proposed by public land management agencies to ensure consistency with scientific principles and environmental laws. We monitor forest conditions and activities on public lands to reduce or eliminate impacts to forest resources. We consult with leading scientists and experts to ensure that public land management agencies are using the best available science. We file appeals and, if necessary, lawsuits to compel public land management agencies to comply with our nation’s longstanding environmental laws. We collaborate with other organizations and residents committed to forest protection, and catalyze them into action to halt forest threats and restore damaged areas. We increase the public’s understanding of the important role that our region’s public lands play in maintaining the local economy, health, and environment of our communities. We introduce underserved youth and families to the outdoors, creating lasting connections to nature and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. We provide technical assistance to landowners and neighborhoods to live harmoniously with wildlife and, to promote wildfire safety, and to secure permanent public access rights and easements. ForestWatch is 20! This short documentary beautifully captures our 20-year legacy as guardians of the Los Padres National Forest, protecting these treasured lands from threats like oil drilling, logging, and mining. Join us as we continue to be the eyes, ears, and boots on the ground, gathering crucial data to preserve these wild places where both wildlife and humans can thrive for generations to come. Photo s: Bryant Baker What People Say “ Los Padres ForestWatch is an amazing organization. I had the pleasure of attending a caminata/hike with LPFW a few months ago. I was able to connect with folks who are learning and growing and getting informed on ways to get involved in our local forest. I appreciate the outreach efforts that LPFW takes to plant the seeds of land stewardship to members of the community who aren’t always included in conservation conversations. Gloria S Client Served Los Padres ForestWatch is an amazing organization. I had the pleasure of attending a caminata/hike with LPFW a few months ago. I was able to connect with folks who are learning and growing and getting informed on ways to get involved in our local forest. I appreciate the outreach efforts that LPFW takes to plant the seeds of land stewardship to members of the community who aren’t always included in conservation conversations. Would you like to help us do more? Donate & Membership Sign a Petition