Los Padres ForestWatch

Los Padres ForestWatch protects wildlife, wilderness, water, and sustainable access throughout the Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument. We achieve this through education, advocacy, and when necessary, legal action for the benefit of our communities, climate, and future generations.

We are the only organization working to protect the entire Los Padres National Forest - from the Big Sur coast to the Sespe wildlands - and the nearby Carrizo Plain from damage caused by oil drilling, illegal off-road vehicle abuse, unmanaged livestock grazing, logging, and other resource extraction. We conduct on-the-ground restoration projects that improve forest conditions and repair degraded areas; review and comment on projects proposed by public land management agencies to ensure consistency with scientific principles and environmental laws; monitor forest conditions and activities on public lands to reduce or eliminate impacts to forest resources; consult with leading scientists and experts to ensure that public land management agencies are using the best available science; file appeals and, if necessary, lawsuits to compel public land management agencies to comply with our nation's longstanding environmental laws; collaborate with other organizations and citizens committed to forest protection; and increase the public's understanding of the important role that our region's public lands play in maintaining the local economy, quality of life, and environment of our communities.