West Coast Trail
The Pacific coastline is a complex landscape of human settlement, spectacular natural beauty and diverse habitat. Because of the tremendous growth in population and fragility of natural resources there, ALC has focused much of our work on the California coastline.
In 2005, ALC negotiated a conservation agreement to protect one of California’s crown jewels--the Hearst Ranch. The agreement, conserving more than 82,000 acres, added 18 miles to the California Coastal Trail. Other ALC coastal projects have benefited Oregon’s Siletz Bay, the Lost Coast in Northern California, majestic Big Sur and the Bolsa Chica wetlands in Southern California.
The West Coast Trail program will link these projects together through a 1,800-mile public recreational trail along the Pacific Coast from the point of Cape Flattery in Washington to California’s border with Mexico. Working with partners in Washington and Oregon, ALC will provide land transaction and organizational expertise to make the emerging trail a reality.
Current project highlights: Wild Cherry Canyon
Video Feature: Hearst Ranch Project
Photo: ©www.robertglennketchum.com
Projects Within the West Coast Trail Program
- Bolsa Chica Wetlands
Saving Vital Wetlands from Development - Fiscalini Ranch
Helping a Community Protect Open Space - Hearst Ranch
Conserving a Legendary California Ranch - Limekiln State Park
Expanding Access to the Big Sur Coast - Mendocino Public Access
Increasing Access to the North Coast - Molinari Ranch
Enhancing Recreation on the Central Coast - Rancho Ventana
Protecting Ancient Redwoods and Stunning Views - Sea West Ranch
Saving a Rare Coastal Prairie on the Harmony Coast - Siletz Bay
Conservng a Scenic Estuary on the Oregon Coast - The Lost Coast – King Range
Keeping California’s Lost Coast Wild - Topanga Canyon
Linking the Santa Monica Mountains to the Sea