OPEN SPACES
The latest news from the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Working to Protect The Ojai Valley’s Future - Today Vol. 9 No. 4
Conservancy Pursues River and Ranch Property Protecting Open Space On ALarge Scale
In mid-October, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy entered into an agreement with the Intell Management and Investment Company to protect 1,566 acres of their more than 2,000 acre ranch. The historic property lies in the western half of the Ojai Valley and is bordered by three miles of the Ventura River. The ranch has been known by many names over the last century. One of the early owners, W.I. Rice, christened it ‘El Nido’, which means ‘The Nest’in Spanish. More recently it became familiar to Valley residents as ‘Farmont’. Along-time battleground for environmentalists and developers, the sprawling ranch has remained relatively untouched and is a haven for a biologically rich mix of animal and plant species. The importance of this open space property is made even more significant by its location adjacent to the Los Padres National Forest and other protected watershed lands.
erty and have yet to see it all. There are new discoveries around each bend of the oak forested
For information on how you can help protect the Ventura River Open Space please see the inside back cover.
canyons and on every chaparral covered ridgeline.”
“Everyone who has toured the property is awed by its beauty, size and wild condition,” explains Jim Engel, Conservancy Executive Director. “I’ve taken numerous trips to explore this incredible prop-
As part of the agreement, the Conservancy will own 1,416 acres and hold a strict conservation easement on an additional 150 acres of land. In total, the Conservancy plans to raise approximately $4 million to acquire and provide for the long-term care and safeguard of the property. Acquisition must be completed before June 2003.
The California State Coastal Conservancy (CSCC) has shown a strong interest in helping acquire
the ranch, but also expects the Conservancy to raise local funds through private donations and other funding sources. “In order for us to get involved in this outstanding project, we must feel confident that the Conservancy has the ability to handle the long-term protection of the property,” said Peter Brand, Senior Project Manager for the CSCC. “We will work very hard to come up with the public funds needed, in conjunction with funds raised locally, to complete this project.” CSCC’s grant support would
see PROTECTING OPEN SPACE page 2
The Wild Side Of The Ventura River Property
Wildlife
Once the territory of grizzly bears, this ranch and river property is still home to a wide variety of wildlife including black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, badger, coyote and mule deer, to name a few. Abundant food, shelter, space and water make this a key habitat for local wildlife. In the wet months, frogs, salamanders and other amphibians abound in the seasonal creeks. During the highest stream flows, a few remaining endangered steelhead trout make their way up and down the three miles of river on the property. Birds of prey such as Great Horned Owls and a variety of hawks soar over the oak savanna, river bottom and under the open, oak canopy of Wills Canyon. Snakes and other reptiles take advantage of the large array of rodents and help keep their numbers under control.
Plants
“We’re off to a great start,” explained David Magney, a local environmental consultant. “In only a couple hours, we identified sixty different plants. Once we get a chance to explore the remainder of the property, I’m sure we’ll quadruple that number.” The property’s diverse topography creates ideal conditions for a variety of plants. Steep north facing slopes in Wills Canyon offer refuge for shade loving plants, while the surrounding chaparral blanketed hillsides are open to the intense summer sun. The ranch also includes pockets of grasslands and meadows, which harbor a colorful variety of spring wildflowers and native and non-native grasses.
Rivers and Creeks
The Ventura River runs through the eastern edge of the ranch for three miles. In dry years, “runs through” is a figurative term. In most years, the river is dry by August with a few iso-
lated pools remaining throughout the year. Still the river bottom plays an important role for wildlife as they move in and out of the surrounding National Forest. Before the creation of Matilija Dam, significant runs of Steelhead Trout inhabited this stretch of the Ventura River. Steelhead numbers have now been reduced to several dozen. Protecting this section of river with several deep pools could be critical to their successful recovery.
Perennial Springs
The three miles of the Ventura River may be the most easily identifiable riparian area on the property, but the six year-round springs that dot the three tributary streams become the most important feature to wildlife in the late summer. “Even in a year of record
low rainfall, these springs faithfully flow and provide critical water to wildlife,” said Jim Engel, Conservancy Executive Director. “They require a bit of the ‘explorer’s spirit’to find their location. They are hidden in dark side canyons and guarded by the spines of the Western Raspberry.” Engel says the challenge is well worth the rewards - giant, five foot Woodwardia ferns, vivid flowers and other shade seeking plants found no where else on the property.
Oak Savanna and Woodlands
If oaks are the favorite tree of Ojai Valley residents, then this piece of open space is paradise. Wills, Rice and several other drainages have significant stands of Coast Live Oaks. These well known trees are also found in the river bottom and open grassland areas on the southern half of the ranch. The groves in Wills Canyon contain an intact understory of snowberry and other woodland plants. This is a positive indicator of the ecosystem’s healthy condition and provides important browse species for Mule Deer.
PROTECTING OPEN SPACE
continued from page 1
come from Proposition 40 Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act bond funds, which was approved by a large majority of California voters during the March 2002 election. “These funds do not depend on the financial health of the State’s general fund and have been strictly dedicated to open space and environmental protection by the people of California,” adds Brand.
“The protection of this incredible piece of land is in keeping with our longstanding mission to preserve open space,” said Jim Jackson, Conservancy President. “Ojai Valley residents and the Conservancy have considered this a high conservation priority for nearly two decades. We’re now one step closer to realizing this dream.”
Ways to Help
Special End of Year Giving Opportunities
As we begin to reflect on another successful year, please consider a special gift to support the future of open space and the quality of life in the Ojai Valley. Your generous gift will be used to provide our board, volunteers and staff with the tools necessary to protect the Ojai Valley’s remaining open spaces.
Please consider these following options when making your gift:
1. ONE-TIME CASH DONATIONS
This type of donation can often benefit your bottom line at the end of the year.
2. APPRECIATED ASSETS
Donate a gift of appreciated stock, real estate, individual retirement plans or mutual funds. Avoid capital gains and receive a tax deduction.
3. DONATION OF NON-OPEN SPACE PROPERTY
Consider donating land or a home.The proceeds of the sale can directly aid the Conservancy’s efforts to acquire open space lands, restore degraded habitats or expand education programs to youth and adults.
4. ESTATE GIFT OPTIONS
The simplest way to provide an estate gift to the Conservancy is by including The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy in your will or trust. Please call the Conservancy if you wish to discuss other potential options for including us in your estate plans.
Naming
Special Note
Normally you receive an annual fund letter and a newsletter in November, but this year we’ve decided to combine both mailings and save natural and financial resources. Please use the enclosed SOS envelope to mail your contribution today.
This is the only request for the annual fund you will receive for the remainder of 2002.
Considering a gift but need more information. Contact Jim Engel at (805) 646-7930
5. CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS!
Purchase a Conservancy gift membership for a friend or purchase a Conservancy cookbook for only $15!
Also, every time you shop at Rains Department Store use your Rains Card and have 3% of your sale donated to the Conservancy.
Rights Still Available
For Cluff Vista Park
THE CENTRALVIEWING PLAZA~
Acentral overlook and gathering area with panoramic views of Chief Peak, Topa Topa Mountains and Sulphur Mountain. $50,000
Several key naming rights still exist at the Park. This is a wonderful opportunity to honor or memorialize a family member or friend. These funds will be placed in the Park Renewal Fund. The following opportunities still remain:
THE TRELLISES~ The Park’s three trellises, which provide shade and access to the center of the park, feature timber beams supported by natural stone columns. $35,000 each
OJAI AVENUE PLAZA~ This highly visible plaza features open seating for viewing the lower pool. $30,000
RINCON PLAZA~ The gateway to Ojai’s Newest Park, adjacent to the scented walk and butterfly garden. $30,000
FOR INFORMATION
ELPASEO PLAZA~ This entrance leads to the Trail of Discovery and is the permanent location of the Gift Appreciation Wall. $30,000
GARDEN OF DISCOVERY~ Anatural bedding of water plants along the edge of the stream with fragrant native flowers and shrubs. $25,000
CHAPARRALGARDEN~ Agarden with gentle slopes, native trees and plantings to block out street noise. $20,000
Call Jim Engel, Executive Director, The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy • 646-7930 or email:ovlc@ojai.net
OJAI VALLEY LAND CONSERVANCY
Post Office Box 1092
Ojai, California 93024
Office Phone • (805) 646-7930
Fax • 646-0253
Events Hotline • (805) 646-0251
E-mail Address • ovlc@ojai.net
Street Address:
250 E. Ojai Ave. #B • Back Arcade Plaza Website • www.ovlc.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Jackson • PRESIDENT
Carl Thelander/Spencer Silver VICE PRESIDENTS
Alan Rains • TREASURER
Joan Kemper • SECRETARY
Susan Bee
Vickie Byrne
Roger Essick
Allan Jacobs
Spencer Silver
David Trudeau
Allan West
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Julie Bloomer
Caryn Bosson
John Broesamle
David Bury
Fred Bysshe
Stacy Davis
David Garber
Ellen Hall
Carl Huntsinger
Thad Hyland
Richard Handley
David Lavender, Sr.
Philip Moncharsh
Vivienne Moody
Philip G. Pierpont
Mary Nye Pierpont
Steve Olsen
Michael Shapiro
Nina Shelley
Mansfield Sprague
Pat Weinberger
Merrill Williams
STAFF
Carole Cascio • Events and Volunteers ovlcevents@ojai.net
Jim Engel • Fundraising and Land Protection ovlc@ojai.net
Ronda Burrell • Membership Services ovlcmembership@ojai.net
Cathy Parlato • Preserve Management ovlcpreserve@ojai.net
President’s Message
Wow, dreams do come true,...maybe! In midOctober, we announced that after years of patience, perseverance, and hard work, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy has signed a purchase agreement with the Intell Management and Investment Company to protect 1,566 acres of the company’s 2,000acre ranch. Thanks to the leadership of Ellen Hall and Rich Handley, Phil Moncharsh, Mannie Sprague, John Broesamle and Jim Engel the OVLC is in position to create an open space preserve without precedent in Ventura County.
But as my uncle used to caution, “Apurchase agreement ain’t no done deal!” Well, that’s certainly true with regard to this project; there is still work to be done. The Conservancy needs the support of the local community, individual citizens, the public sector, and the private sector to complete this effort.
While we’re optimistic that the majority of the approximately $4 million needed for this project will come from Proposition 40 money administered by the California State Coastal Conservancy, we still must raise enough moneyjust under $1 million-to preserve and protect the property in future years.
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy has signed a purchase agreement with the Intell Management and Investment Company to protect 1,566 acres of the company’s 2,000 acre ranch.
According to Peter Brand, Senior Project Manager for the CSCC, “In order for us to get involved in this outstanding project, we must feel confident that the Conservancy has the ability to handle the long-term protection of the property.”
While the Conservancy does not intend to conduct a broad fundraising campaign along the lines of the Besant/Palmer or Cluff Vista Park campaigns, we will seek funding support from a narrow range of public and private organizations, as well as local citizens who have shown a strong interest in this project. The exciting news is that the present ranch owner of the Ventura River Property has already committed $100,000 towards the stewardship fund.
The fact of the matter is that restoring and protecting land requires significant financial resources. The Ventura River Property includes 2 1/2 square miles of land, three miles of the Ventura River, five miles of tributary streams, and 12 miles of potential hiking, equestrian, and biking trails. The stewardship of this property will necessitate ongoing resource protection and habitat restoration efforts, education programs, and trail maintenance/ construction. It will also require a professional staff person to oversee this work and coordinate volunteers.
The OVLC has always believed in acquiring land only if we can care for it over the long-term, and this property is no exception. Afiscally healthy stewardship fund will enable us to provide such care and eliminate the need to support Ventura River Property stewardship with fundraising efforts in future years.
So support the protection of this magnificent piece of property in whatever way you see fit. Keep in mind that this is a once-in-a-lifetime investment that will have significant benefits for the Valley’s 30,000 residents,...not to mention the children and grandchildren of those residents. Oh, and keep in mind one other thing my uncle used to say, “The only good escrow is a closed escrow!”
Jim Jackson
Upcoming Events
CONSERVANCY CALENDAR
Explore The Ventura River and Ranch Property
Saturday, December 7, 2002
Time: 10am
Hike our latest open space project with Executive Director Jim Engel. Arare opportunity since the property is not yet open to the general public. Limited to the first 30 people. Sign-up now!
Annual Membership Meeting
Sunday, December 8 • 3-4:30pm
Ojai Retreat at the top of Besant Road
Achance to express your ideas about open space, meet new Conservancy board members, honor the Conservationist of the Year and learn about the latest about our open space projects. Refreshments will be served.
Explore The Ventura River and Ranch Property
Saturday, January 11, 2003 • 10am
Hike our latest open space project with Executive Director Jim Engel.
OVLC volunteers at last year’s celebration
Volunteer Celebration
Saturday, January 18, 2003 • 6pm-8pm
Location • TBA
The always popular event where you get a tasty sample of everyone’s cooking and plenty of praise for another great year of “volunteer power”.
Ventura River and Ranch Property
Explore The Ventura River and Ranch Property
Saturday, February 8, 2003 • Time: 10am
Hike our latest open space project with Executive Director Jim Engel.
Little Petroglyph Canyon Trip • April 5-6, 2003
Mark Your Calendar!
Tour one of the most incredible and well preserved Native American petroglyph sites in California with your friends at the Conservancy. $35 per person, more details in February.
All programs require pre-registration. Call 646-0251 or email us at ovlcmembership@ojai.net
The
New Members
Thank you to our new members for their exceptional support. The Conservancy’s success in the last year is due to the generous financial and volunteer support of our members.
Peter Bowen
Vera Brown
Julie & Ron Brun
Lee Cannaday
Susan & Peter Cheney
Diana & Bruce Crothers
David Del Negro & Linda Burr
Carol Fox
Gaylene Graham
Ruth & Gerald Harter
Maud Huey-Kenyon
Diane Jaffe
Phil Latham & Krista Newman
Louise Low
David Magney
Kim Maxwell Brown
Carmina & Tom McGee
Morgan Stanley
Jeanette Noble
Cathy Parlato & Heidi Glendy
Howard Resnick
Carrie & Mike Rubalcava
Carol Saunders
Judy & Eric Schwocho
Joyce & Russ Vivian -Ojai Stitchworks
Annual Fund Gifts
Holly & John Battel
Martha Churchyard
Margaret Dieges
Kathryn & Lloyd Fellows
Neal Filer
Helene Gordon
Dot & Cal Houston
Beth & Wes Kent
Sandra & Jordan Laby
Joy & Michael Mulligan
Santa Barbara United Way
Daniel Silver, M.D.
Edie & David Skaggs- The Ranch House Restaurant
CORPORATE MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM:
Double your support for open space! Many employers will match your contributions to the Conservancy.
BOEING on behalf of George Berg
3M Foundation Inc. on behalf of Spencer Silver Patagonia on behalf of Adrienne Moser
Renewals
Every year, hundreds of our members choose to renew their membership. Thanks for your exceptional support!We are happy to recognize the following individuals and businesses who have renewed their membership since mid-October. Your loyalty is greatly appreciated.
Randy Banchik & Jannell Greene Banchik
Susan & John Bee
George Berg
Caryn & Charlie Bosson
Masako Bristol
Ulrich Brugger
Wendy & Karl Burger
Joanne and David Bury
Vickie and David Byrne
Sarah Clark & Timothy Thomas
Eleanor Crilly
Liz & Rob Dautch
Mary & Joe DeVito
Mary & Lanyard Dial
Jon Dieges
Mary & René Diets
Patricia Ellison
Rose and Don Engel
C.J. Farrar
Cheryl & Ken Glass
Harriet Glass
Jill Greene Silver
Marian & Carl Greenfield
Carolyn & Carl Huntsinger
Betty Izant
Anne & Jerry Kaplan
Alan Kishbaugh
Rev. Coryl Lassen
Pauline Mercado & Timothy Kenney
Char & Jerry Michaels
Rudolph &Elizabeth Nava
Peter Noone
Linda & Ron Phillips
Ernie & Julie Rischar
Marcia & Kacy Rozelle
Lu & Tim Setnicka
Sally & James True
Ollie & Paul Turner
Greg Wardle -Coast & Valley Land Surveying
Huora ‘Sam’Williams
Danielle & David Zucker
GIFTMEMBERSHIPS GIVEN BYWENDYLOCKWOOD TO Jammie and Keith McCourtney
Becky Todd
DONATIONS MADE IN HONOR OF SHEILACLUFF’S BIRTHDAY
Vera & Angela Brown - The Dorchester
DONATIONS MADE IN MEMORYOF SUSAN TALLYN
Ann Crozier and James Duke in Memory of Susan Tallyn
Conservancy News Briefs
Cluff Vista Park Dedication
ore than 200 people joined Conservancy and city officials in the dedication of Cluff Vista Park on Friday, October 18. “One year ago we stood here among dirt piles and promised you a transformation of the site to something of beauty. Something we can all be proud of,” exclaimed Jim Engel, Conservancy Executive Director. “You can be the judge during your visit today to see if we succeeded.”
Guests toured the Park for the first time and were very excited by what they experienced. Children searched for animal imprints in the walkway borders and watched the water cascade onto the rocks below. Adults examined the copper oak leafs attached to the main trellis and the wide variety of colorful plants and trees that are situated throughout the Park. Judging from the first days response, beauty has won out.
Moonlight Shines Brighter Then Ever
Conservancy President, Jim Jackson with Don and Sheila Cluff, and Mayor Steve Olsen at the Ribbon Cutting Dedication for Cluff Vista Park.
hey keep outdoing themselves every year,” said Carole Cascio, Conservancy Events Coordinator. She was referring to efforts of volunteers, event donors and guests. The event netted over $40,000 for the Conservancy. This year’s increase in event revenues was in part due to more donations and cost savings. Volunteers logged over 1,000 hours for event planning and items purchased for the event were donated, deeply discounted or purchased ‘at cost’from generous local businesses. “We wanted to make sure that our guests generosity translated directly into greater resources to protect open space,” Cascio added.
Hello and Goodbye!
S
ince our last newsletter, we’ve added two new employees and said goodbye to another. Cathy Parlato is our new Preserve Assistant. She oversees our preserves and works with volunteer hosts. Cathy is most recently from Arcata in northwest California. You can bet she loves all the sunshine here in Ojai. Our second addition is a familiar face, Ronda Burrell. She will serve again as our Membership Services Coordinator, replacing Jill Green Silver. Ronda is excited to be back with the Conservancy and plans to use her energy and knowledge of the Conservancy to help our members when they need assistance or have questions. Jill is leaving us after almost two years of outstanding service. She saw us grow to over 1,000 members and brought many new supporters and volunteers.
Dedicated OVLC Volunteers Meet for Host Training
ommunity members and volunteers gathered at the Ojai Meadows Preserve for the first Host Training on October 6th. The orientation and training for volunteers was open to anyone interested in being a Preserve Host. The group of volunteers gathered under the shade of the eucalyptus grove. Cathy Parlato, Preserve Assistant led the training that covered ecology, wildlife, safety, Preserve rules & challenges. After the training was complete, the group was joined by additional dedicated volunteers who participated in a Preserve clean-up and beautification project. The Conservancy would like to thank all the folks that participated in the training and clean-up, and also wants to encourage you to join us!
Ojai Cookbooks On Sale - AGreat Holiday Gift
ur popular cookbooks are on sale for only $15. That’s 25% off last year’s price. This book is full of tasty recipes from Ojai’s finest cooks. This special price is available by calling the Conservancy office or by stopping by our Arcade Plaza location.
Cathy Parlato
Ronda Burrell
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
INVITATIONS
JOYCE GREENE, FLOWERSOF 0JAI COM PROGRAM
GRETCHEN GREENBERG
ELAINE NEEDHAM
MAILBOXES ETC
LINDA SILVER
TABLE DECORATIONS
ARC OJAI ENRICHMENT
CENTERFORTHEVASES
USEDFORCENTERPIECES
MARQUI BURY
PATSY GLENN
NANCY PEPPER
ATTHE PODIUM
DWIER BROWN
KIM MAXWELL-BROWN
LEE CANNADAY
CAROLE CASCIO
JEWELS EUBANKS
JIM LASHLY
ROBERT MACNEAL
MICHAEL SHAPIRO
JB WHITE
MUSIC
CARL BLEVINS
IRON MOUNTAIN BOYS
BLUEGRASS BAND
PATRICK MUSONE
MARK PARSON
ROBERT POND
DAVID ROINE
JUNIOR VEGA
PUBLICITY
RONDA BURRELL
PAT HARTMANN
OLGA SINGER
CASHIER
DAWN ENGEL
ADMINISTRATIVE HELP
JILL GREENE SILVER FAVORS
THE OJAI COOK
OJAI STITCHWORKS
TRASHAND RECYCLING
E.J. HARRISON & SONS
HELAYNE WHITE
HEIDI WHITMAN
PARTY HELP
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT
SHOPPE
BOY SCOUT TROOPS
#503 AND #504
BUDDY BARNETT, THE SPROUT MAN
PATSY GLENN
IL PICCOLO PARADISO
Moonlight on the Meadow was a Fabulous Success!
THE OJAI VALLEY LAND CONSERVANCY wishes to acknowledge and thank our wonderful Volunteers, 302 Attendees, Corporate Sponsors and Event donors who made the event possible.
MATILIJA JR. HIGH MEINERS OAKS
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
OJAI BREW PUB
OJAI VALLEY YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
LUPE RAZO, ANTOJITOSMEXICANOS
JOAN ROBERTS
PEGGY RUSSELL
SEA FRESH SEAFOOD
SOULE PARK GOLF
COURSE RESTAURANT
ST. ANDREWS
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
TOTTENHAM COURT
TUTTI FRUTTI FARMS, LOMPOC
JOAN VOGEL, THE OJAI COOK
AUCTION DONORS
Tucker Adams
Landscape Design
Aquasports
Attitude Adjustment
Shoppe
L’Auberge Restaurant
Belge
Australian Native Plants
Avanti!
Azu Restaurant
Bacchus Wine
Brewtiques
Barbara Bowman
Bart’s Books
Ben Franklin
Steve Bennett
Best Western China
Lake Inn
Bill Baker’s German Bakery
Andy Bisaccia
The Blue Iguana Inn
Bonnie Lu’s
Country Cafe
Kathy & John Broesamle
Vera Brown
Bryant Street Gym
Vickie & David Byme
Judy and Fred Bysshe
Calais & Co.
Carlton Gallery & Frame
Carrizo Plain
National Monument
Carrows Restaurant
Sheila & Don Cluff
Peter D’Aprix
Denny’s, Ridgecrest
Karin Dron
Jim Engel
Epicure Catering
Facials of Essence
Farris at the Heritage, Ridgecrest Farmer & the Cook
Fillmore & Western Railway Firehouse Pottery & Gallery
Foundation for American Roots Music, Bowlful of Blues
Full Spectrum Enterprises
Garden Terrace
Otto Heino
Hills Health Ranch, B.C.
Toetie Hogenboom
Human Arts Gallery
Independent Means, Inc. Raising Financially Fit Kids
Dane Johnson
Life Preservers, Andy Clare
Local Hero Books
Louie’s Restaurant, Santa Barbara
Lulu Bandha’s Yoga
Matilija Veterinary Hospital
Amanda McBroorn
Janis McCann, PhD
Le Merigot, A JW
Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa, Santa Monica
Milagro Pottery/Haute
Pots, Nancy Martinez
Nevado’s Restaurant, Mammoth Lakes
Noah’s Apothecary & Natural Pet Supplies
The Nameless Cafe
The Oaks at Ojai Spa
Adair Oesterle
Ojai Film Festival
Ojai Folk Music
Concerts
Ojai Ice Cream
Ojai Paragliding
Ojai Part-Time Band
Ojai Playhouse
Ojai Studio Artists
C ORPORATE S PONSORS
Open Space
OJAI VALLEY I NNAND SPA
Meadowlands
C APITAL C AMPAIGNS, DAVID K APLAN
PATAGONIA GREAT PACIFIC IRONWORKS
SILVER DEVELOPMENT & ASSOCIATES, INC.
VENTURA R ENTAL PARTY CENTER
Wildlife
COLDWELL BANKER
P ROPERTY SHOPPE
RAINS DEPARTMENT STORE
Ojai Valley Athletic Club
Ojai Valley
Film Festival
Ojai Valley Nursery
The Ojai Vineyard
Adam Tolmach
The Paper Drawer
Patagonia
Great Pacific
Ironworks
Bill & Laura Peck
Gary & Chari
Petrowski
Il Piccolo Paradiso
The Place
The Venetian
Las Vegas
Punky’s Provence
Quality Inn, Ridgecrest
The Ranch House
Regal’s Wine, Spirits & Cheese Shoppe
Lena Rivkin
Paul Rogers
Royal Cleaners
Sage Hill Retreat
The Santa Barbara
Botanic Garden
Santa Fe Grill, Ridgecrest
Shangri-La
Custom Framing
Society-Social Calendar
Song Dog Ranch
Soule Park Restaurant
Paula Starr
Stir Crazy Stonepine Estate, Carmel Valley
Suzanne’s Cuisine
Timothy TeaguePicture Perfect
Tire Man
Trader Joe’s
Katie Thelander
Cricket Twichell
Virginia Unruhe
The Upham Hotel, Santa Barbara
The Village Florist
Carolyn & Gil
Vondriska
Guy Webster
Whiskey Creek Restaurant, Mammoth Lakes
Windhaven
Glider Rides
The Wine Cask, Santa Barbara
Yoga in the Ojai Valley, Suza Francina
Preservation THE OAKSAT OJAI
Wetlands
GROVE C ARE, I NC.
MAILBOXES ETC.
M EINERS OAKS ACE HARDWARE
MORGAN STANLEY
OJAI STITCH WORKS
TOTTENHAM COURT LTD
WAITE, JACOBSAND ATKINSON, ATTYS AT L AW
SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE
CAROLE CASCIO
EVENT CHAIR
KATHY BROESAMLE
MARQUI BURY
LINDA D’APRIX
PATSY GLENN
JOYCE GREENE
DIANNE BARNETT
JOHN BROESAMLE
RONDA BURRELL
SALLY CHENAULT
CLAIRE CLARK
DON CLUFF
SHEILA CLUFF
JIM ENGEL JR
NANCY ESCHER
MICHAEL EX
KAREN FAY
CINDY FRINGS
NORM & RUTH FRANE
CAROL GARRAMONE
HAROLD GLENN
RICHARD GLENN
KRIS GRECO
JUDITH GUSTAFSON
CATHY HANSEN
LARRY HARTMANN
PAT HARTMANN
PHIL HARVEY
ANITA HENDRICKS
CONNIE HUNT
CHRIS JOHNSON
PETE JOHNSON
LINDA LAMBERT
DAVID MCCANN
JANIS MCCANN
NANCY PEPPER
KATHY RICHARDS
BARBARA
WASHBURN
HELAYNE WHITE
SUE KHOUGAZ
JON LAMBERT
LACEY LANTZ
CELESTE MATASCEVAC
LINDA MCMILLAN
CHAR MICHAELS
DONNA MUSONE
PAMELA NYE
ALICE RAGLAND
EARL RAGLAND
DIANE ROSENBERG
MICHAEL ROSENBERG
CHRIS SMITHERS
JUDY STIX
PEARL SOTER
SANDI STUB
KERI SZABO
DALE THATCHER
BOB UNRUHE
VIRGINIA UNRUHE
NANCY VOYER
NANCY WAGNER
BETH WALKER
JOY WENZLAFF
RON WHITE
Helping Protect The Ventura River Open Space
Make A Gift
This is our most crucial need during the next eight months. Contributions to the Conservancy are taxdeductible and it is a wonderful way to show your support for present and future generations of Ojai Valley residents, who will benefit from your generous gift. Remember - when you put your money into land protection, that difference is on the ground forever. Here are several options:
Cash
Appreciated assets include: stock securities, real estate, individual retirement plans, mutual funds, tangible personal property or closely held stock you have owned over a twelve-month period, you will receive an immediate tax deduction and avoid paying capital gains.
Show Your Support
Cash, usually in the form a check, is the most common and popular type of gift.
Pledges
Please call Jim Engel, Conservancy Executive Director at 646-7930 or email him at ovlc@ojai.net for a confidential discussion.
We welcome pledges for up to two-years. This enables you to spread your gift over a longer period of time.
Appreciated Assets
If you decide to make a gift of appreciated assets to this campaign you are making a wise decision.
Tell you friends, family and neighbors about the project and share why you believe this is a worthwhile project. Write letters to newspapers expressing your support. Encourage others to make a gift or volunteer their time for the Conservancy.
Lend A Hand
The Conservancy will need volunteers to patrol, build and maintain trails. Volunteers can also help us complete wildlife, plant, and other natural resource and cultural surveys. Occasionally, we may need assistance of time, equipment or materials in a variety of tasks, including, installing gates, with fire hazard reduction, removal of trash, etc.
A BIG PIECE OF OPEN SPACE
Getting ABetter Perspective
•At 1,566 acre, it is the largest privately held parcel in the Ojai Valley
•Almost two and a half square miles of land
•Three miles of the Ventura River
•Five miles of tributary streams
•Twelve miles of potential hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking trails
•The property’s eight-mile perimeter would encompass twenty-seven Ojai Meadows Preserves inside its boundaries
•Once completed, the project will be the largest piece of open space protected by a nonprofit organization in the history of Ventura County.
Answering Your Questions About The Ventura River Property
Where Is The Ranch Located?
Located in the western part of the Ojai Valley, it is bordered by the Los Padres National Forest on the North and West, Rancho Matilija and the Highway 150 bridge over the Ventura River on the South, and the community of Meiners Oaks and Rice Road on the East.
Why Is This Property Important To Residents Of The Ojai Valley?
Ojai Valley residents have always been concerned about protecting open space. This property provides a rare opportunity to safeguard a large section of the Valley. Historically closed to the public, it will offer outstanding recreational and educational opportunities for residents. It also provides critical habitat for wildlife and protection of water quality.
What Will It Take To Protect This Important Landscape?
The Conservancy must raise approximately $4 million before June 2003. Potential funding sources include, Proposition 40 grant support from the California State Coastal Conservancy and donations from local citizens and organizations. About 75% of the money raised will go towards purchasing the property. The remaining 25% will go towards establishing a stewardship reserve fund that will help preserve, protect, and manage the property in perpetuity.
How Will The Stewardship Funds Be Used?
Safeguarding open space for natural resource protection and for use by the public in perpituity is critical to our mission.
Rather then continuously fundraising every year, we plan to place these funds in our Stewardship Reserve Fund to ensure the long-term care of the ranch. Stewardship funds will be used for habitat protection, educational programs, a professional resource protection staff, fire hazard reduction, trail construction and maintenance, etc. We will also leverage donations with volunteer efforts to squeeze as much out of every donated dollar.
Wasn’t The Conservancy Going To Get This Property For Free, Five Years Ago As The Result Of AConservation Easement?
Yes, we would have received an easement from the previous owner, but that easement would not have guaranteed public access nor enabled the OVLC to directly manage and maintain the property. The present agreement is much better for the public because it will enable the Conservancy to provide new recreational and educational opportunities to Ojai Valley residents.
When Will The Property Be Open To The Public?
The Conservancy will offer special guided tours between now and June 2003. The general public will be able to visit the property sometime after June 2003, but it is presently closed to public use.
Where Can I Find Out More About This Project?
Call Jim Engel at 646-7930 or email him at ovlc@ojai.net. All conversations are confidential. In the coming months you can also visit our website at www.ovlc.org for the latest update.