Los Padres ForestWatch Los Padres ForestWatch protects wildlife, wilderness, water, and sustainable access throughout Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument. We achieve this through education, advocacy, and when necessary, legal action for the benefit of our communities, climate, and future generations. What We Fight For Protecting lands and rivers where nature thrives, free from the threat of development. Safeguarding our region’s plants and wildlife—large and small—and the places they call home. Promoting public access and providing opportunities for youth and families to explore the outdoors. Resilient Communities Advancing smart, effective solutions to protect our neighborhoods from wildfire. Forests & Climate Defending mature and old growth forests and eliminating fossil fuel development from public lands. Future Generations Securing a livable planet and healthy environment for children and generations to come. Trump Administration Moves to Eliminate Roadless Rule, Threatening Los Padres National Forest August 19, 2026 Trump Administration Moves to Eliminate Roadless Rule, Threatening Los Padres National Forest 22 Wild Places Across Los Padres National Forest and California’s Central Coast August 12, 2026 22 Wild Places Across Los Padres National Forest and California’s Central Coast Los Padres ForestWatch Expands Leadership Team with Three Key Appointments August 5, 2026 Los Padres ForestWatch Expands Leadership Team with Three Key Appointments Trump Administration Proposal Would Slash Oil Industry Cleanup Protections and Put Public Lands at Risk July 29, 2026 Trump Administration Proposal Would Slash Oil Industry Cleanup Protections and Put Public Lands at Risk 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. Some of Our Biggest Accomplishments Stopped Expansion of Oil Drilling in National Forest Stopped Expansion of Oil Drilling in National Forest Defended Black Bears in SLO County Defended Black Bears in SLO County Kept the Carrizo Plain a Monumental Landscape Kept the Carrizo Plain a Monumental Landscape Strengthened Protections for Roadless Areas Strengthened Protections for Roadless Areas Protected Forests From Commercial Logging Protected Forests From Commercial Logging Restored Access to Matilija Falls Restored Access to Matilija Falls Stopped Expansion of Oil Drilling in National Forest Stopped Expansion of Oil Drilling in National Forest Defended Black Bears in SLO County Defended Black Bears in SLO County Kept the Carrizo Plain a Monumental Landscape Kept the Carrizo Plain a Monumental Landscape Strengthened Protections for Roadless Areas Strengthened Protections for Roadless Areas Protected Forests From Commercial Logging Protected Forests From Commercial Logging Restored Access to Matilija Falls

Restored Access to Matilija Falls Banned Unmanaged Target Shooting Banned Unmanaged Target Shooting Stopped Drilling in the Carrizo Plain Stopped Drilling in the Carrizo Plain Stopped Oil Development Along the Forest Boundary Stopped Oil Development Along the Forest Boundary Ended Fracking in the Sespe Ended Fracking in the Sespe Defended Solitude Along Scenic Highway 33 Defended Solitude Along Scenic Highway 33 Ended Livestock Overgrazing in Carrizo Plain Ecological Reserve Ended Livestock Overgrazing in Carrizo Plain Ecological Reserve Kept Our Local Public Lands Beautiful Kept Our Local Public Lands Beautiful Protected the Gaviota Crest Protected the Gaviota Crest Protected Wildlife Habitat Corridors Protected Wildlife Habitat Corridors Our Impact by the Numbers Acres of stronger protections for public land Kids and families connected to nature Acres directly protected from development Pounds of trash removed Letters to decision-makers sent Acres protected from fossil fuel drilling Acres permanently conserved through land acquisition Explore the Wonders of the Los Padres From ancient tribal lands to towering peaks, from endangered species to dynamic ecosystems – explore the natural and cultural heritage of California’s Central Coast. Discover how we’re protecting these treasured landscapes for future generations. Journey through pristine wilderness rising 8,800 feet from the Pacific, walk among spectacular wildflower displays at Carrizo Plain, and learn about the rich tapestry of Native American cultures that have called these lands home for centuries. Delve into the fascinating interplay of fire ecology, wildlife conservation, and human history that shapes our region’s unique character. Upcoming Events Thousand Oaks Roadless Town Hall Join us to learn about the proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule and what it could mean for our local public lands. EVENT FULL: FREE Lunar Eclipse & Stargazing Experience Join Los Padres ForestWatch for a special evening under the stars as we gather to watch a deep partial lunar eclipse. Virtual Roadless Town Hall Join us to learn about the proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule and what it could mean for our local public lands. The ForestWatch Store From nature and hiking guides, to trail maps, to tees and hats, and magnets and stickers, your purchase today keeps it local and helps support our efforts to protect public lands throughout California’s central coast region. What People Say “ Los Padres ForestWatch is a key, citizen-based habitat and environmental protection organization that has proven to be critical in protecting local Nature in the coastal mountains of central California. There are continual threats to the Los Padres National Forest that LPFW has successfully addressed through community action and legal means. Rick H Professional with expertise in this field Los Padres ForestWatch is a key, citizen-based habitat and environmental protection organization that has proven to be critical in protecting local Nature in the coastal mountains of central California. There are continual threats to the Los Padres National Forest that LPFW has successfully addressed through community action and legal means. Would you like to help us do more? Donate & Membership Sign a Petition