In 2017, the U.S. Forest Service canceled plans to construct a massive fuel break in a remote corner of Los Padres National Forest after ForestWatch and the California Chaparral Institute challenged the project in federal court.
The project would have removed native chaparral habitat across a six-mile-long, 300-foot-wide corridor along the crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains on the Gaviota Coast, one of the crown jewels of Santa Barbara County. The area contains some of the most significant stands of Refugio manzanita, one of the rarest and most endangered manzanita species in California. The site was located far away from any structures, and would have diverted critical funds away from where they are needed most—directly adjacent to communities.
Our action protected rare plants and scenic views while encouraging the U.S. Forest Service to devote more attention to remediating fire risk closer to where people live.
