[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S4508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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   25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAND CONSERVANCY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

 Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I take this opportunity to 
recognize the 25th anniversary of the Land Conservancy of San Luis 
Obispo County, LCSLO.
  Created in 1984 by a group of local residents determined to protect 
lands throughout San Luis Obispo County, LCSLO has experienced many 
successes over the past 25 years in its efforts to ensure a proud 
legacy of scenic beauty and healthy lands throughout the county. What 
began as an all-volunteer group working on small conservation 
agreements has since grown into an established land trust with 16 
professional staff members. LCSLO staff and volunteers work to set 
aside local lands for wildlife, farming, and ranching by preventing 
poorly planned development; protecting drinking water sources; 
restoring wildlife habitat; and promoting family farms and ranches.
  Since its initial projects in Cambria and Nipomo Mesa, LCSLO has 
permanently protected over 10,500 acres of land in San Luis Obispo 
County. The organization has worked to conserve over 100 acres of 
streamside lands to enhance habitats of steelhead trout, purchased over 
300 individual lots to protect the Monterey Pines in Cambria, and 
restored hundreds of acres of damaged coastal land in the Guadalupe-
Nipomo Dunes. Today, five of the Conservancy's land parcels are 
available for public use. Parcels that are not open to the public 
provide space for projects that produce stunning views, protect air and 
water quality, and preserve local farmland.
  The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo is a grassroots movement that 
empowers local farmers, ranchers, and residents to protect the land 
that make San Luis Obispo County so beautiful. By partnering with local 
organizations and offering residents the opportunity to contribute 
hands-on to the preservation of their own community, LCSLO is able to 
conserve the unique rural culture that is so closely tied to this 
coastal environment.
  For 25 years, LCSLO has worked passionately and effectively to 
sustain a high quality of life for residents and visitors in a healthy 
natural environment. I commend LCSLO staff and volunteers for 
maintaining the natural beauty of San Luis Obispo County and for 
supporting the county's agricultural and tourism-based economy. I look 
forward to future generations having the opportunity to enjoy this 
special part of California for many years to come.

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