Causes: Animals, Environment, Land Resources Conservation, Natural Resources Conservation & Protection, Protection of Endangered Species

Mission: ForestWatch is a community-supported nonprofit organization focused on protecting the Los Padres National Forest, from the famed Big Sur coastline to the majestic Sespe Wilderness near the Los Angeles County line. We use community involvement, scientific collaboration, and legal and policy advocacy to protect and restore the wilderness landscapes, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation opportunities in this spectacular area for the benefits they provide to current and future generations.

Results: From our beginnings in 2004, Los Padres ForestWatch has worked tirelessly to protect the Los Padres National Forest and other public lands throughout California’s central coast region. We’ve built a solid track record of success over the years, becoming one of the most effective community-supported conservation groups in the country. And we couldn’t have done it without you—our members, volunteers, and supporters—who have been with us every step of the way.

From stopping oil drilling and fracking, to protecting forests from logging, and to safeguarding our region's wildlife, we're proud of our accomplishments. For a complete listing of how we've made a difference, visit our website at https://lpfw. org/fifteen-years-of-conservation-victories/

Geographic areas served: Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and western Kern counties along California's Central Coast.

Programs: Advocacy & monitoring: Tracked development and resource extraction proposals throughout the Los Padres National Forest, the Carrizo Plain National Monument, and other public lands throughout California's Central Coast region. Submitted comment letters, filed appeals, met with land management agencies, collaborated with scientists, and conducted on-the-ground monitoring and surveys to protect land, rivers, plants and wildlife.

Public education & outreach: Informed local communities about the value of our region's public lands, the threats and challenges facing these wild places, and opportunities to better protect these areas. Distributed information via our website, monthly e-newsletter, quarterly membership newsletter, press releases, film screening, art shows and public events.

Voulunteer habitat restoration: Enlisted 199 volunteers who contributed a combined 1,489 hours of service on 25 projects to restore degraded habitat areas in and around the los padres national forest. Conducted microtrash cleanups at 11 sites, resulting in removal of 3,427 lbs of microtrash that is harmful to young condors. Organized 1 fence removal project on the carrizo plain, resulting in removal of miles of fencing to give pronghorn the freedom to roam. Performed 5 tamarisk removal projects to eradicate this highly invasive plant from forest watersheds. Conducted 1 population survey of bighorn sheep in the sespe wilderness to help monitor and ensure the species' survival. Conducted 2 cleanups of illicit marijuana grow sites to remove remnant trash and irrigation tubing.