In 2014, ForestWatch ended commercial livestock grazing in the Carrizo Plain Ecological Reserve, a 30,000-acre wildlife preserve in San Luis Obispo County adjacent to the Los Padres National Forest and the Carrizo Plain National Monument.
Our field surveys in 2009 revealed severe overgrazing across much of the Reserve. We also observed fencing in disrepair, trampled wetlands and springs, cattle trespassing into prohibited areas, and other unsatisfactory conditions. These lands—supposedly set aside to protect rare wildlife—were instead suffering from severe degradation.
After State officials allowed the overgrazing to continue unabated, ForestWatch took them to court. As a result of our legal action, State officials agreed to end grazing in the Ecological Reserve and embark on a multi-year management plan. The reserve received a much-needed respite from commercial livestock grazing. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife is now finalizing a long-term management plan for the area.
