Saving The Last Perfect Place In California

Fourteen endangered species call the area home. Coyote stroll the beach, seals play in the surf, and osprey soar in the sky above as whales breach in the sea below.

Apart from being largely isolated from human contact, the land at Point Conception in Santa Barbara County will remain for eternity as it has for eons—a beautiful landscape of untouched California. The Nature Conservancy has purchased this land thanks to Jack and Laura Dangermond, philanthropists, conservationists, and co-founders of Esri, who made a transformative and timely philanthropic gift of $165 million to the organization. This private donation is the single largest philanthropic gift in the Conservancy’s history.

Protecting California’s Last Wild Place

Acquiring and protecting this “crown-jewel” coastal property has been a top conservation priority for decades. Under the Conservancy's protection, it will never get developed.

Visible from space as the exact point on the coast where California bends inward, this iconic piece of California will be named The Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve, and join the portfolio of protected lands owned and managed by the Conservancy. Collaborating with key partners and stakeholders, the Conservancy will embark on an 18-month planning process to understand all that is contained on the over 24,000 acres, how to bring it into balance and protect the various resources from ecological, cultural, and historical perspectives, and to develop a comprehensive plan that will shape the long-term use and management of the new preserve. In the meantime, it will remain a private working cattle ranch.

Unlocking Solutions to Big Conservation Problems

With endless opportunities for conservation, archaeological preservation, research, and education, The Conservancy intends to manage the property in its natural state, preserving untouched connected areas for wildlife to roam, plants to grow, and marine wildlife to thrive.

The Nature Conservancy has plans for managed public access focused on efforts to use the property as a center for research, discovery, and education that inspire the public about the importance of protecting our natural world.

Planning for the Preserve is the next step. The Conservancy wants to ensure the permanent protection of the last-of-it- kind resource, while creating research, environmental education and public benefit programs that allow the Conservancy to use this natural area for its highest and best use.

That will take some time. The land remains private and will continue to operate as a private cattle ranch during the course of the planning process. There are tremendously exciting opportunities associated with this project which will require appropriate planning and financing. The Conservancy asks for the public of California’s support and patience during this important process.