ConnectingCalifornia.org

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29 Acres in SLO Surrounding Nipomo’s Dana Adobe Protected

http://www.lcslo.org/

1/20/2009--The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County was honored by the Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos (DANA) for their collaborative community partnership which resulted in the permanent protection of 29 acres of land directly surrounding the historic Dana Adobe. The project was completed just prior to the current State of California budget freeze which is now gripping non-profit organizations throughout California.

With the current State budget challenges, The Land Conservancy was thrilled to have DANA receive the state award in December, 2008. Escrow closed on the 29 acres just one week before all California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) grant distributions were frozen.

Natural resources on the 29 acres include one quarter mile of Nipomo Creek, an Oak Woodland, a dramatic bluff-top view of the 100 acre preserve and expansive views of the eastern foot hills. The land and the Adobe were the heart of the 37,888 acre land grant, known as Rancho Nipomo, awarded Captain William Dana and his wife Maria Josefa Carillo Dana in 1836.

The 29-acre parcel with be joined with another 100-acre parcel which The Land Conservancy and other county-wide partners helped preserve in June and is now owned by San Luis Obispo County. The Land Conservancy is undertaking a massive restoration project of riparian areas along a portion of Nipomo Creek which flows through the protected property. The restoration will include the installation of 12,000 plants across nearly 7 acres of land adjacent to the historic Dana Adobe. Eventually these properties are envisioned to become a regional historical park.

“The grassroots organization, Save the Mesa, provided initial project funding to The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County which enabled them to obtain $715,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency toward the purchase of this property,” explained D.A.N.A. president and Land Conservancy Board Trustee, Herb Kandel. “Both of these local non-profit organizations were critical to our success.” Other key supporters were the California Cultural and Historical Endowment, the Briscoe-Mankins Foundation, The Hind Foundation, Peg Miller, the Edwin and Jeanne Woods Foundation, Dick Blankenburg, as well as numerous private donors. Their focus was to preserve the land and protect the historic Adobe.

…The purchase price for the 29 acre parcel was $1,188,000 and negotiations were handled by Byron Grant of South County Realty. Seller was the Donald and Elaine Grisingher Revocable Trust. Until the sale, D.A.N.A. leased the 29 acres as access to the historic Adobe. A unique partnership of local donors, non-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies helped D.A.N.A. complete the land purchase.