THE BIG SUR LAND TRUST

fall 2005 c o n s e r v i n g o u r p r e c i o u s l a n d s a n d wa t e r s f o r a l l g e n e r a t i o n s

Carmel River Parkway

“The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire
day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it.”
- CHINESE PHILOSOPHER

The mouth of Carmel Valley, a beloved landscape where a rolling

river valley joins the sea, is getting a fresh new look thanks to a
I N S I D E studio 606 ecosystematic design focus
landscape design team from Cal Poly Pomona. The Big Sur Land
Trust (BSLT) recently sponsored a landscape design project to cre-
ate a Vision Plan for existing parklands at the mouth of Carmel
I N S I D E palo corona stewardship issues
Valley. The Vision Plan blends professional landscape design prin-
ciples with new ideas from community members to create a master
plan for parkland and trails. The plan was produced by a design
I N S I D E marks ranch advisory committee
team of faculty and graduate students from the Department of
Landscape Architecture at California State Polytechnic University,
Pomona, through the University’s 606 Studio program.
I N S I D E donors thanks to you

BSLT’s vision for the mouth of the Carmel River Valley is to enhance existing parklands by
designing a parkway featuring special outdoor places, trails, and educational experiences.
Experiencing such a place will punctuate the value of healthy lands and waters as central to
our communities and our way of life.
continued on page 2
Eventually, all things merge into one,
and a river runs through it.
- Norman MacLean

T H E B I G S U R L A N D T R U S T - P O S T O F F I C E B O X 2 2 1 8 6 4 , C A R M E L , C A L I F O R N I A 9 3 9 2 2 T E L E P H O N E ( 8 3 1 ) 6 2 5 - 5 5 2 3 FA X ( 8 3 1 ) 6 2 5 - 0 7 1 6 - W W W. B I G S U R L A N D T R U S T. O R G
 FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Carmel River Parkway continued from page one

By restoring these parklands and connecting them with a trails network, the mouth of
the valley will become an outdoor showcase of nature where the best of the rich and diverse
New natural resources that grace the mouth of the river can be walked, experienced and enjoyed.

Approaches The boundaries of the Vision Plan reach Jacks Peak in the north, Point Lobos to the south,
and extend from Carmel State Beach inland, three miles up the Carmel River. Within these
boundaries, the plan focuses on five sub-regions:

1) Mouth of the Valley

One distinguishing characteristic of a healthy, effective human being is a
2) Hatton Canyon
continual commitment to self improvement through renewal, reinvention
and understanding about the changes in their lives and the world around 3) Martin Canyon-Jacks Peak
them. The same may be said for sustaining healthy, effective organizations. 4) The Carmel River Lagoon and Front of Palo Corona
The Big Sur Land Trust, faced with rapidly accelerating forces of social, eco- 5) Point Lobos Ranch and Reserve
nomic, and environmental change, is in the process of reevaluating its priori- 6) The Big South (the gateway to Big Sur)
ties and developing new partnerships and alliances to better adapt to these
salient forces in the world of land and water conservation. In a subsequent plan, the Carmel Valley Conceptual
Plan, ideas were captured that extend trails from the
Twenty-six years ago, the Land Trust’s prescient founders tapped into a com-
mouth of the valley to Carmel Valley Village
munity desire for a proactive land conservation movement in Big Sur. What
they could not forecast was the dizzying pace of change to Monterey County
By initiating the vision plan for a parkway, The Big Sur
25 years later.
Land Trust is pursuing goals and values implicit in its
new strategic plan, led by Executive Director Bill Leahy.
Perhaps more than any time in the County’s history, communities once recog-
nized as distinct and separate from one another are now connected in a myriad
"In our vision for the future, we see our communities
of ways. At a County wide level, the collective decisions and actions we make celebrating the unique character, scenic landscapes,
today will have a direct and meaningful impact on our children’s adult lives and rich natural resources that make them unique.
whether in Big Sur or Salinas. “Quality of life” concerns—affordable housing, To achieve that vision, collaborative partnerships among
libraries for children, retirement security, adequate health care and a healthy various groups must be both a goal, and a fundamental
environment—transcends political and geographic boundaries more than ever. practice."
Further, they are all competing for attention with greater intensity than they
were in the early 1980’s. The increasing price of land and diminished Another key strategic direction for the Land Trust is
resources for adequate land stewardship create additional, significant chal- community-based conservation. Through community
lenges to an organization committed to land and water conservation. Unless involvement and support, BSLT seeks to cultivate a
we adapt to this scenario by broadening our partnerships with key institutions personal connection between people, and the lands and
and community members, seeking new ideas and approaches to our mission, waters that define their communities.
and expanding our geographic focus, the Land Trust runs the risk of falling
short of its mission. In this project, community members were actively
involved in planning meetings, helping to generate
In this edition of our newsletter, you’ll see some examples of our shifting focus creative ideas and a vision. More than 250 community
including new partnerships that are shifting how we conceive of and imple- members participated in planning workshops in the
ment our land and water conservation mission. In the lower Carmel River spring in which they were able to provide ideas, share
Valley, a collection of adjacent public park and conservation lands offers an useful insights of the region and share potential concerns.
unprecedented opportunity to build public awareness and education about one
of California’s most important coastal rivers. The Land Trust has secured funding Implementation plans have not been developed, and
to work with public and private partners at the mouth of the valley to develop a will be dependent on community interest and support.
plan for ecological restoration, safe and appropriate public access, and enhanced
Ultimately, implementing a parkway plan of this scale
educational opportunities for people. Working with Cal-Poly Pomona’s 606
will involve many collaborative partnerships including
Studio in the Graduate School of Design, we are participated in a planning exer-
public and private organizations, and on-going commu-
cise that solicited input from a wide array of people within our community to
nity dialog, spanning many years.
create a vision for public use that reflects the needs of the community.

Also featured is one of our most important community partners, the Monterey
As part of the strategic plan of The Big Sur Land Trust,
Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD). More than two years ago, The Carmel Valley has emerged as a key focus area for conser-
Big Sur Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy entered into a cooperative vation. The Land Trust’s 25-year, overarching goals are
agreement to work toward a collective, holistic vision for long-term manage- three fold:
ment of the Palo Corona Ranch and the lands that adjoin it. This partnership 1) Protect and conserve a connected network of the
is now entering a new phase as we begin collaborating on the first major stew- diverse lands and waters,
ardship projects under this agreement.
2) Establish an expanded network of regional parks and
trails that is recognized as a model park system
The Land Trust’s new cooperative relationship with CSUMB, the launch of
our Marks Ranch Citizen’s Advisory Council, our participation in a communi- 3) Ensure responsible and ecologically-driven
ty visioning effort in Big Sur, and a look at private land conservation agree- management for all priority conservation lands.
ments as a conservation tool are others stories that highlight the more expand-
The plans for a Carmel River Parkway embrace these goals, and demonstrate BSLT’s
ed approach we are taking in our conservation projects.
commitment to this future direction.
Operationally, the Land Trust’s Board of Trustees recently voted on a resolu-
tion to adopt the revised and updated “Land Trust Standards & Practice.”
These guidelines, developed by the Land Trust Alliance, outline ethical and
technical standards for the responsible operation of a land trust that respond
to the new challenges of land conservation today. We are also supporting the
Alliance’s efforts to develop an accreditation process that will further engrain
these Standards & Practices throughout the Land Trust community. Our
demonstrated commitment to these “industry” upgrades reflects an extension
of our own efforts to grow and improve.

All of these examples represent the approach that all land trusts must aspire
to in this day and age. In some cases, it may take us out of our “comfort zone”
and challenge our capacity to listen to the needs of others. However, I believe
these are steps worth taking if they can broaden our reach, build bridges
between conservation and other community interests, and consider the needs
of local people.

The Carmel River Parkway Design Plan

Studio 606
An Ecosystematic Design focus on the mouth of Carmel Valley with particular emphasis
on the preservation and restoration of sensitive natural systems and landscapes.

What is the 606 Studio?
The 606 Studio is part of the third-year
program for graduate students in the Landscape
Architecture program at California State
Polytechnic University, Pomona. During the
studio course, graduate students and faculty
function as a design team in a landscape design
studio to complete a comprehensive plan for
a real project.
Meet the Design Team
Sarah Peterson, Kirsten Christensen and Ty
Casey are the three graduate students who
committed a semester in their academic
career to the Carmel River Parkway Vision
Plan. With diverse personal and academic
backgrounds, they formed a strong team to
tackle the complex issues of the Carmel River
Valley and create an exciting vision for what
this region could become.
Sarah Peterson’s interests in land use planning
have been cultivated by her previous work
experiences on California’s Central Coast work-
ing in a landscape architecture and planning
firm, as a hiking guide and naturalist in Big Sur,
and for the local organic agriculture industry.
Her professional areas of interest include land-
scape preservation and restoration, greenway
corridor planning and trail design, coastal plan-
ning issues, community input and interagency
cooperation, and the integration of social and
environmental responsibility.
Kirsten A. Christensen is a future landscape
architect, interested in specializing in ecological
restoration, sustainable watershed management,
habitat protection, and the health of coastal
ecosystems. Fifteen years as a volunteer coun-
selor and programs director at a local camp has
inspired her to promote environmental educa-
tion for children in public school curricula.
Ty Kasey who born and raised in Austin, Texas
received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Botany
from the College of Natural Sciences at the
University of Texas at Austin. His studies in
Botany focused on cacti and native plants of
the Texas Hill Country. His course of study
included minors in Geography and Chemistry
as well as four different foreign languages.
Ty’s professional interests include restoration,
regional-scale planning, biodiversity, arid
climates, connectivity, and trail systems.
tated open, community meetings to engage California State Polytechnic
community members in ideas, models and
concepts for the project. The final step was
University, Pomona
a comprehensive design report which has Cal Poly’s graduate program
been completed and was presented to the
in the Department of Landscape
community in October.
Architecture applies advanced
methods for establishing strong,
Scope of the Design Plan
well-defined, and mutually
Working under the direction and with continuous
participation of the faculty, graduate students life-sustaining and enhancing
perform the tasks of research, analysis, planning relationships between
and presentation, using the Ecosystematic
people and the land.
Design framework, which stresses sensitive
understanding of ecology principles in relation
to human uses.
Research on the Mouth of Carmel Valley
explored its history, present characteristics
and condition, and plans for future use. Using
these data, the design team applied analysis
and design, with particular emphasis on the
preservation and restoration of sensitive
natural systems and landscapes.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Cal Poly’s graduate program in the Department
of Landscape Architecture applies advanced
methods for establishing strong, well-defined,
and mutually life-sustaining and enhancing
relationships between people and the land.
The curriculum, leading to a Master of
Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree, empha-
sizes case study projects at scales varying from
the garden to the region. Noteworthy assets to
the program include the John T. Lyle Center of
Regenerative Studies located on campus, and
the award-winning 606 Studio capstone experi-
ence for third-year graduate students.
For more information, go to the Cal Poly
Pomona website at www.csupomona.edu.
See the Graduate Program, and 606 Studio for
examples of past projects.
Thanks to the Cal Poly Foundation
The Big Sur Land Trust is grateful to the Cal
Poly Foundation for their generous support
and funding of the Carmel River Parkway Vision
Plan. Because of their support, the 606 Studio
design team presented our community with a
new design concept for parklands at the mouth
of the Carmel River Valley, and in doing so set
the roadmap for an important legacy project
on the Central Coast.

A Semester of Design
Projects for the course are selected through a For more information about the Cal Poly
highly competitive process. In January 2005, the Foundation, go to:
Land Trust was notified that the Carmel River www.foundation.csupomona.edu
Parkway Vision Plan project had been chosen
for the Spring 2005 606 Studio. Following a
schedule determined by the academic year,
project proposals begin in the fall, with actual
work starting in the first week of January.
During March and April the design team facili-
 A CASE IN POINT:
LAND PRESERVATION Pat and Lloyd Addleman

AGREEMENTS As part of the group who founded the Land

BENEFITING LANDOWNERS AND PROTECTING PROPERTY
Conservation groups working in California are facing the double challenge of
exorbitant real estate prices and state budget cuts that have virtually eliminated public
funds for protection and maintenance of additional parks and open space. An alterna-
tive scenario is to actively engage interested private land owners in conservation using
land preservation agreements. This popular method of conserving significant land-
scapes actually allows the property owner to retain ownership and only forgo certain
rights, generally related to subdivision, further development or other activities that
might disrupt the natural resources on the property.
Also referred to as a conservation easement, the benefits of land preservation agree-
ments are numerous. Based on the value of the property rights that are forfeited,
the landowner may claim an income tax deduction. The restrictions that are established
in the agreement dramatically reduce the land value, which also can lower estate and
gift taxes, helping families pass their land intact to the next generation. This is becom-
ing increasingly important to families wishing to preserve their heritage but who fear
steep taxes for their heirs. From the conservation angle, the agreement is important
because it is permanent, even if the property changes ownership.
"The permanent nature of the agreement is just one of the advantages of this type
of conservation tool," explains Conservation Project Manager, Sus Danner. “These
legally binding agreements allow the Land Trust to engage willing landowners in our
conservation efforts, while reducing the management and cost burden for us. Each
agreement is tailored to the specific values and current use of the property.”
Once the agreement is finalized, the Land Trust is responsible for monitoring the
property on a regular basis to ensure that the conditions set out in the agreement
are upheld. Currently, BSLT monitors 32 preservation agreements ranging in size
from 1 acre to 3,040. "We consider our easement landowners active partners in
our mission. As such, we want to keep them up to date on land management issues,
techniques and resources," says Bill Leahy, Executive Director of the Land Trust.
Trust, the Addlemans have been supporters
and conservationists for years. It was the
beauty of the Big Sur coast that originally
inspired them to help create a non-profit
group that would ensure these landscapes
would be conserved as a defining feature of
the Big Sur community. In 1970, Pat and
Lloyd purchased a 285-acre property along
Burns Creek. With a combination of redwood
forest, coastal sage scrub, and a section of
Buck Creek, the property is rich in natural
resources. The land borders National Forest
to the north, which increases its conservation
value. Over time as the pressure to subdivide
property increased, the Addlemans realized
how valuable their landscape was—both in
terms of development and natural resources.
In 1984, after consulting with their three children, the couple worked with the Land Trust to
develop a preservation agreement intended "to preserve and protect in perpetuity, and to
enhance by restoration, where feasible and practical, the natural, open space, aesthetic and
ecological values of the Property, and to prevent its use or development for any purpose or in
any manner that would conflict with the maintenance thereof as open space and predominantly
natural area." By donating their development rights on the property to the Land Trust, they real-
ized a significant tax benefit while contributing to the mission of the organization by ensuring
the conservation of significant lands and waters of California’s Central Coast for all generations.
The agreement allowed the family to keep their home site and also allowed access to a trail to
their water source which is on the protected part of the property. More than 20 years later, the
couple has no regrets about their decision. The protected part of the landscape remains pristine
wilderness that will be enjoyed by many generations of Addlemans. Lloyd would encourage private
landowners to consider this tool to meet personal conservation goals and for the financial benefits.
“Go for it! You can draft an agreement that exempts certain things—like your favorite foot path or
limited water use. The Land Trust has been great to work with and the agreement has required little
effort on our part. We’re glad to have this special place to share with our grandchildren.”
Property owners who would like more information on the benefits and process of developing
a land preservation agreement should contact BSLT’s Conservation Project Manager,
Sus Danner, at (831) 625-5523. All discussions are confidential.

Partners in Conservation:
M O N T E R E Y P E N I N S U L A R E G I O NA L PA R K D I S T R I C T

The success of The Big Sur Land Trust depends not
only on the support of the community and its generous
donors, but also on partner organizations whose
conservation efforts are compatible and who are willing
to collaborate and coordinate. The Big Sur Land Trust
is fortunate to have many such partners from the public,
private, and non-profit sector. Below is a profile of
one such partner.
Central Coast folks and visitors who
love the outdoors probably have
enjoyed an exhilarating hike
through Garland Ranch Regional
Park or a stroll along the scenic
Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.
These are just two examples of
the many parks and preserves the
Monterey Peninsula Regional Park
District (The Park District) has
established for the community.
Created in 1972 by a voter-approved
measure, The Park District acquires, protects,
and manages parklands and natural areas for public
benefit and enjoyment. Additionally, The Park District
provides educational and interpretive services designed
to increase appreciation and understanding for the
Central Coast’s unique natural resources. TheDistrict’s
boundaries cover over 500 square miles and include
the seven incorporated cities of the Greater Monterey
Peninsula, and the unincorporated areas of Carmel
Valley, and the Big Sur Coast.
Since its inception, The Park District has successfully
protected approximately 20,000 acres by acquiring or
helping to acquire a total of 26 parks and natural areas.
Most recently, The Park District played a key role in
the Palo Corona Ranch acquisition by working
closely with The Big Sur Land Trust and The Nature
Conservancy to solidify the deal. With the transfer
of the ranch now complete, the three organizations
have committed to a collaborative stewardship effort
for the property. This agreement allows the partners
to combine resources, test new approaches, and share
best practices that will benefit the communi-
ty while safeguarding the significant
habitat and sensitive wildlife that
make the property so valuable.
This collaborative management
model is a new approach among
conservation groups and govern-
ment agencies and is particularly
important as state budgets con-
tinue to shrink and land manage-
ment expectations increase. “We
are committed to encouraging col-
laboration between park agencies and THE MISSION OF
community organizations to maximize
THE BIG SUR LAND TRUST
efforts to produce a collective vision that tran-
scends traditional agency boundaries. This progressive IS TO CONSERVE THE
approach allows The Park District to complete valuable
park acquisitions, like Palo Corona Ranch, that other- SIGNIFICANT LANDS
wise would be beyond our limited financial means
while providing the opportunity for private conserva- A N D WA T E R S
tion organizations like The Big Sur Land Trust and
The Nature Conservancy to fulfill their conservation OF CALIFORNIA'S
goals,” explains The Park District’s General Manager,
CENTRAL COAST
Joe Donofrio.
F O R A L L G E N E R AT I O N S .
Palo Corona Regional Park:
What do enthusiastic hikers, hungry
cows, rare red-legged frogs, sensitive
archeological sites, and persistent invasive
weeds have in common? They are all
being considered in a comprehensive,
state-of-the-art management and access
planning process for Palo Corona Regional
Park, the newest addition to the Monterey
Peninsula Regional Park District’s
(The Park District) portfolio.
As the new owners of roughly 4,300 acres of the former
Palo Corona Ranch, The Park District is working on an
interim plan for visitor access. However, preparing a
property for recreational use is far more complex than
just clearing trails and creating parking space (although
both of these items pose difficulties as well).
In creating an access plan, The Park District, with assis-
tance from BSLT and The Nature Conservancy, has the
challenge of providing optimal, safe use for visitors with
minimal disruption to special habitats, wildlife, and
important archeological sites that are part of the land-
scape. Long-term management must also address issues
such as maintaining healthy grasslands and controlling
invasive weeds.
Palo Corona Regional Park is an ongoing and evolving
model of a sound partnership between public agencies
and non-profit organizations. Starting in 2001, the
partners--The Park District, The Nature Conservancy,
The Big Sur Land Trust , State Coastal Conservancy, State
Wildlife Conservation Board, California Department of
Fish and Game, and State Water Resources Control Board
– worked closely to secure and fund the acquisition,
finalize the sale, and complete the transfer of the property
for maximum public benefit.
Now the partnership enters a new phase – a collaborative
management and stewardship effort that combines the
strengths and resources of the three property-owning part-
ners (The Park District, Department of Fish & Game, and
The Nature Conservancy/Big Sur Land Trust) to tackle the
long-term ecological conservation issues that are particu-
larly challenging with a large property and limited funds.
Some of the current stewardship-related activities that
are planned include:
MANAGING THE SIGNIFICANT GRASSLANDS:
Palo Corona Regional Park is made up of several habitats,
but the most rare and unique is the coastal terrace prairie
found on the northern end of the ranch. This extraordinary
habitat is thought to have the most plant diversity of any
grassland in North America and is home to at least 30
species of important, often endangered wildlife. This habi-
tat is ideal for cattle grazing, which has taken place on
the ranch for generations and has helped control exotic
grasses, thereby protecting its diverse flora and dazzling
wildflowers. Grazing also helps reduce fire hazard by
lowering fuel load—something that is particularly impor-
tant in conservation lands like Palo Corona Regional
Park that border urban areas.
PARTNERSHIP TACKLES STEWARDSHIP ISSUES
With the help of a certified rangeland specialist, an adap-
tive management tool is being developed that will include
recommendations for using cattle grazing to manage the
coastal terrace prairie and grassland/coastal sage scrub
habitats while reducing exotic weeds without damaging
streams, ponds and other sensitive habitat.
CONTROLLING INVASIVE WEEDS:
Invasive weeds are a land management issue throughout
the Central Coast. Over the past 12 months, a group of
conservation partners (including BSLT, The Nature
Conservancy, The Park District, California State Parks,
Elkhorn Slough Foundation /NERR, UC’s Hastings Natural
History Reservation, Santa Lucia Conservancy, Department
of Fish and Game, U.S. Forest Service and several regional
ecologists) have started work on an Invasive Weeds
Initiative for the area. The group has engaged in a strategic
planning process based on The Nature Conservancy’s 5-S
Project Management Process (see box). Once complete,
the 5-S management tool provides a dynamic planning
framework that can be revised based on specific conditions
and outcomes.
The Palo Corona Regional Park landscape is favorable to
the use of this framework because invasives pose a serious
threat to the many habitats there and it is an ideal testing
ground for new abatement methods. The management part-
nership already in place ensures that the removal and
restoration work can be carried out efficiently and cost-
effectively.
MONITORING AND PROTECTING AMPHIBIANS:
The amphibian community within Palo Corona Regional
Park includes rare species like the California tiger salaman-
der and the red-legged frog (both federally listed). These
species are particularly sensitive to habitat disturbances
and so need to be given special attention when planning
trails and grazing programs in the park. The Big Sur Land
Trust and The Nature Conservancy are assisting The Park
District with this management issue by engaging a team
of university scientists who will conduct an in-depth survey
of these rare species. Data collected over a two-year period
will be used for an amphibian monitoring plan including
specific recommendations for protecting amphibian habitat.
RESTORING THE LANDSCAPE:
A grant to The Big Sur Land Trust from the Bella Vista
Foundation is funding the restoration of an abandoned,
eroding ranch road in the park. Unchecked erosion from
this road is impacting sensitive grassland habitat and a
Native American cultural site. The loss of grassland cover
and exposed soil invite and harbor exotic weed invasion.
Currently, the hillside is being restored to its natural slope,
with the erosion scar being seeded with native grasses,
and the success of the revegetation will be monitored.
For more information on Palo Corona Regional Park,
contact Tim Jensen, The Park District’s Special Projects
and Planning Manager at (831) 372-3196 or
tjensen@mprpd.org.
CASE STUDY:
The 5-S Adaptive Management Process
Conservation professionals can identify and
classify the priority issues facing an area using
the following process:
1. System: An area containing rare biodiversity
is identified and a project goal is stated. The
Central Coast is considered a biodiversity “hot
spot” with diverse and rare habitats that need to
be protected.
2 & 3. Stresses and Sources of Stress: The area is
evaluated--Is there reason to be concerned about
this habitat? What measurements can be used to
prove that concern is valid? What factors are
responsible for fragmenting or shrinking the habi-
tat (invasive weeds, poorly designed roads, exotic
pathogens)? In the case of the Central Coast, inva-
sive weeds such as Cape ivy, jubatagrass, Genista
and Eupatorium were identified as a major stress
affecting rare habitats.
4. Strategy: A strategy is developed that addresses
the stress and then an action plan to carry out the
strategy is created. The group decided that creat-
ing an Invasive Weeds Initiative would encourage
collaboration, include public and private landown-
ers, include education, and attract private funding.
5. Success: Each conservation site will be meas-
ured for success on the criteria of biodiversity
health and threat status/abatement. Once the
strategy is carried out and evaluated using these
measures, results are analyzed and lessons
learned are shared with others.
Adapted from “The Enhanced 5-S Project Management
Process,” The Nature Conservancy, June 2003.
Palo Corona Regional Park is
an ongoing and evolving model
of a sound partnership between
public agencies and non-profit
organizations. Starting in 2001,
the partners –The Park District,
The Nature Conservancy, The
Big Sur Land Trust , State Coastal
Conservancy, State Wildlife
Conservation Board, California
Department of Fish and Game,
and State Water Resources
Control Board – worked closely
to secure and fund the
acquisition, finalize the sale,
and complete the transfer of
the property for maximum
public benefit.
Donors Experience the Land
Announced last fall with a special mailing, The Big Sur Land Trust’s Donor
Benefits Program was launched this year and has been a great success. The
program offers several giving categories, with special benefits starting at the
Land Guardian level ($250) and increasing up to the Wilderness Seeker level
($10,000 or more).
BSLT has the unique ability to offer activities and experiences on the special
lands that were preserved through donor support. Our goal is to offer donors
an intimate look at the lands and waters preserved through their commitment
to, and support for land conservation.
A few of the highlights include:
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE members ($5000 and above) got a sneak preview of
the Land Trust’s newest acquisition project, Marks Ranch during the height of
wildflower season. Donors were treated to an exclusive tour of the property and
a picnic lunch served in a lupine filled meadow. In September, a bird walk led by
Craig Hohenberger, President of Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society, received
very enthusiastic feedback after a hike on the Carmel River Lagoon and spotting
61 species of birds. In October, President Circle members enjoyed a magical
evening at Rancho Grande in Big Sur with the evening culminating in a beautiful
sunset framed by Hawaiian dance and music.
Earlier in the year, TRUSTEES OF THE LAND ($1,000 +) participated in a
walk on Martin Dunes led by Conservation Program Manager Sus Danner and
Kriss Neuman, Wetlands Project Biologist, of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory.
Participants were treated to an intimate look at the native flora of the dunes and
learned about the animal species that thrive in this sensitive habitat. In August,
CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER
Land &Legacy Circle
The Land & Legacy Circle is a group of donors who
have made the important decision to include the Land
Trust in their charitable estate plans. This legacy gift will
make a lasting impression in the protection of the lands
that are so important to all of us.
Besides the satisfaction of knowing that their legacy
will support BSLT’s conservation efforts, participants are
invited to a special annual luncheon and are included on
special hikes and tours. There are a variety of ways that
the Land Trust can be part of your estate, including:
■ Bequests
■ Reserved Life Estates
■ Real Estate
■ Stock
■ Retirement Plans and Insurance Policies
Life income gifts, such as a pooled income fund or a
charitable remainder trust are also options that allow
donors to realize multiple benefits with one investment;
to increase their income, receive a charitable contribution
deduction, avoid capital gains tax and support local
conservation goals.
If you would like more information about our Land &
Legacy Circle and the creative gift options that can help
you achieve both your financial and philanthropic goals,
please contact the Land Trust at (831) 625-5523.
they were also invited to attend a sneak peek of the Carmel River Parkway Vision
Plan at Palo Corona Ranch.
LAND CONSERVATORS ($500 and above) have enjoyed breakfast at Mitteldorf
Preserve with executive director, Bill Leahy, followed by a guided walk on the
Nature Trail. Participants have been treated to a hearty breakfast in the splendor
of Mitteldorf Preserve while sharing in a conversation with Bill about the work
of the Land Trust.
LAND GUARDIANS ($250 and above) have experienced the beauty of Glen
Deven Ranch as they walk along the ridge in the light of the full moon. As they
enjoy dinner overlooking the redwoods, friends have been made and stories shared.
“Our members value experiences as opposed to tangible items like hats or mugs.
We designed the Donor Benefits events with this in mind and the response has
been impressive,” explains BSLT’s Philanthropy Director, Lana Weeks. “We’ve
planned activities that give participants an intimate experience while exploring
new landscapes and really learning about the environment, which creates an added
incentive for members to increase their gift to the Land Trust.” The Land Trust
will continue expanding the program to include more activities including lectures,
slideshows and more specialized hiking opportunities.
As a non-profit organization, the Land Trust relies on philanthropic support from
its community of members and donors to finance its programs. For more informa-
tion on the Donor Benefits Program and the 2005/2006 schedule of events, visit
the Land Trust’s website at www.bigsurlandtrust.org or contact Lana Weeks at
(831) 625-5523.
A MEMORIAL NOTE
BOB BROWN
A MAN KNOWN
FOR HIS LOVE
OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Robert “Bob” Brown, an avid supporter of Big Sur Land Trust, passed on
this fall in his community of Portola Valley. Bob grew up in Palo Alto and
majored in electrical engineering at Stanford and received an MBA in 1950.
While at Stanford, Bob met Pat and they were married. For many years,
Bob ran the construction company started by his father in 1932.
“Bob was definitely the leader for Portola Valley becoming a town inde-
pendent of the county,” says Bill Lane, former publisher of Sunset and
member of the original Town Council. Bob wanted to preserve open space
and especially the trails that threaded Portola Valley from the development
that was spreading into the hills. He and many others testified at county
hearings, passed petitions, and rang door bells. After incorporation passed,
Bob sat on the Town Council for 18 years and was mayor three times.
Bob was above all a true environmentalist. His commitment to land conser-
vation is impressive. Bob and his wife Pat were major contributors to the
Palo Corona Ranch, longtime donors to the Point Lobos Ranch acquisition
and a lead donor to our Marks Ranch project. The Browns’ – Bob and Pat
– stepped forward as the first major gift to an arena that the Land Trust had
not been in before – the Salinas Valley.
Bob was committed to the Land Trust and the work that we do and he was
committed to protecting this special place that we are all so gifted to live in.
A FA M I LY L E G A C Y C O N T I N U E S

The Marks Ranch Advisory Committee

Nisene Marks inspired a profound respect
of nature in her children, which led to a legacy
of natural areas for public recreation through-
out Monterey County. The Marks Ranch
property represents the final component to
the Marks family legacy.
An enthusiastic and distinguished group of
Monterey County community leaders have
stepped up to champion protection efforts at
Marks Ranch and ensure the Marks legacy
will live on as Herman, Agnes and Andrew
Marks intended. The Marks Ranch Advisory
Committee kick off meeting took place
on February 7, 2005 at the Tanimura
& Antle Headquarters in Spreckels.
Catherine Kobrinsky Evans – Partner of Quadrangle
Investments, a family-owned commercial real estate asset
development firm based in Salinas. Catherine is the
President of the Board of Directors of the Oldtown Salinas
Association, member of the National Steinbeck Center
Board of Trustees, member of the Downtown Rebound
Program Committee, and the Salinas Valley Business
Development Task Force as well as many other Salinas
community groups. She was the 2003 recipient of the
Athena Award for Business Woman of the Year from
the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Jim Gattis – Commercial Real Estate Redevelopment
Investor. Jim was Salinas Chamber of Commerce Citizen
of the Year and Salinas Jaycees Humanitarian of the Year
in 1981, and Monterey Bay Boy Scouts Humanitarian
Good Turn Award recipient in 1997. Jim served as
Hartnell College Foundation President and received
their Distinguished Service award. After serving on the
Community Foundation for Monterey County, he and his
wife Jeri were presented the Distinguished Trustee Award.
He was also named the National Steinbeck Center Trustee of
the Year in 2001. Jim is a member of the President’s Council
and a Fellow at CSUMB. He serves on the board for First
National Bank of Central California and was recently elected
to the Board of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System.
Joanne Taylor-Johnson - Joanne has been a community
activist since she was 8 years old when she sold over
$25,000.00 in war bonds. From there Joanne has worked
with numerous community groups throughout Monterey
County. Past service includes: Founding Board Member
of the youth science center, 1st Female President of Salinas
Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation, Founding Executive
Board Member of the National Steinbeck Center, Executive
Committee for the Hospice Foundation, Executive
Committee and Finance Chairman for the Monterey
Symphony, Board Member for the Community Foundation
for Monterey County and the Fort Ord reuse committee.
She was the 2002 recipient of the Community Foundation’s
distinguished trustee award. Joanne currently serves on
the Panetta Institute for Public Policy Board of Trustees,
CSUMB president’s council, AFS scholarship committee,
and the Bruce Church Educational Foundation.
Blanca Zarazúa – owns her own law practice in Monterey
County and is also an Of Counsel with the firm of Noland,
Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss. She currently serves as the Chair
of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Monterey
County. Ms. Zarazúa was appointed by Mexico’s President
Vicente Fox to serve as Honorary Consul of Mexico for
Monterey and Santa Cruz counties and was recently nomi-
nated to serve on the board of Chartwell School.

Committee members include:
Co-Chair Basil Mills - Founder and President of Mills
Distributing Company, a grower and shipper of fresh
vegetables headquartered in Salinas since 1958. Basil’s
community involvement includes immediate past President
of the National Steinbeck Center, Board of Trustees of the
Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Panetta Institute for Public
Policy, Board of Directors of the Hide ‘N Seek Children’s
Foundation, Board of Directors of the Children’s Services
International Children’s Cabinet, and member of the
Executive Committee of the United Way of Monterey
County.
Co-Chair Leon Panetta - Former U.S. Representative,
Office of Management and Budget director, and White
House Chief of Staff. Leon currently serves as a professor
of politics at Santa Clara University, Distinguished Professor
for the California State University, and Director of the
Panetta Institute for Public Policy. Leon also writes commen-
taries which appear on the feature and op-ed pages of The
Monterey County Herald, San Jose Mercury News, The
New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, The
Washington Post, and other newspapers.
Dr. Diane Cordero de Noriega - Acting President at
California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB). For
the past 6 years Diane has served as the Second in command
to the President, directly responsible for academic affairs,
student affairs and information technology. Under her lead-
ership CSUMB crafted its first strategic plan and its first aca-
demic plan. Diane led the campus to its initial accreditation
by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The
accreditation team highlighted CSUMB’s approach to
assessment of learning and institutional effectiveness as a
national model.
Paul Danielson – Paul currently serves as a Board member
with The Big Sur Land Trust and as Earth Science Corps
volunteer with the USGS mapping program. He is the for-
mer Chaplain at All Saints Episcopal Day School, Former
Pastor at the Church of the Good Shepherd and Former
Board Member of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance
Bill Doolittle – Partner of Doolittle & Ganos Investment
Counsel, LLC based in Carmel. Bill’s community activities
include serving as Past Vice Chair of the Community
Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Past President of
The Big Sur Land Trust, Past President of the Carmel Rotary
and Founding and Past Board Member of Friends of Carmel
Unified Schools. Bill was the co-recipient of the Carmel
Citizen of the Year award in 2003. Bill also served as
Campaign Chair of Sunset for Arts, the $21 million renova-
tion of the Sunset Theater.
Peter Hoss - Founding Partner of Noland, Hamerly, Etienne
& Hoss. Peter recently retired after 40 years and now spends Each committee member expressed a
most of his time writing. He writes a monthly column for
the Salinas Californian about Salinas Valley activities. Peter particular connection or interest in
is actively involved with the Steinbeck Center and Dixieland
Monterey. working to save the Marks Ranch. The
Advisory Committee is helping BSLT
Steve Pearson – Attorney at Law, Principal with Noland,
Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss based in Salinas. Steve is a past create a vision for the Marks Ranch;
member of the Board of Directors of the Monterey County
Bar Foundation, Past President and Executive Committee build collaboration for the project
member of the Bar Association of Monterey County, and
among government and community
member of the American Bar Association.
leaders, potential partners and the
Claudia Pizarro – Executive Director of the Monterey
County Health Consortium. Ms. Pizarro also serves on general population; secure funding;
various community groups including Vice Chair for the
and develop a long-term management
Salinas League of Women Voters, Chair of Adelante Mujer
Hispana and a mentor for the Action Council / E.C.H.O. and stewardship plan for the property.
(Education, Careers, Health and Opportunities). She was
the 2004 recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award from
the Consulate of Mexico.
The Reverend Jerome F. Politzer – Rector Emeritus,
St.John’s Chapel. Jerry’s community service includes the
Salinas Rescue Mission, Monterey County Anti-Poverty
Commission, Monterey Salvation Army, Co-founder York
School, and Episcopal Church Prayer Book Society. Jerry
has published: “A Lantern Unto My Feet”, “A Light Unto
My Path”, Editor “Lex Orandi”, and numerous magazine
articles. Jerry was a close personal friend of Herman Marks
and the Marks family.
Chris Steinbruner – CPA, Partner at Dunlap, Steinbruner
& Ludlow. Mr. Steinbruner is the current Director of
the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer for
Juvenile Impact, Member of the Monterey County Central
Republican Committee, Past Treasurer for the Carmel Sunset
Center for the Arts, and Past Director and Treasurer of the
Monterey County SPCA.
Assemblymember Simón Salinas – California State
Assemblymember representing the 28th Assembly District
since 2000. Assemblymember Salinas chairs the Local
Government Committee and serves on the Transportation,
Agriculture and Housing & Community Development com-
mittees. Assemblymember Salinas was named Legislator of
the Year by the California Transit Association and was fur-
ther honored by the Latino Caucus of the League of Cities
and the Association of California Healthcare Districts. Most
recently, he has been honored as Legislator of the Year by
the League of California Cities and also by the American
Planning Association for his work on affordable housing
and other local government issues.
Donors 2004
2004 WILDERNESS SEEKER
Arkay Foundation
Barnet Segal Charitable Trust
Stephen & Elizabeth Bechtel, Jr.
Betty Eschen Family Trust
Robert & Pat M. Brown
Community Foundation
for Monterey County
Bill & Nancy Doolittle
Estate of Philip & Edith Phillips
Kent & Lyn Evans
Marit Evans
Giant Steps Foundation
Trish Hibben
Estate of Sam Hopkins
J.A. Woollam Foundation
Jack & Syb Zaches Foundation
Florrie & Paul Kagan
Tedd & Kathy Kraft
Lumpkin Family Foundation
Ann & John Mahoney
Dr. & Mrs. Hugh A. McAllister
Blaine McDonough
Catherine L. & Robert O.
McMahan Foundation
Marsha McMahan Zelus
Bruce & Harriet Newell
Susan Newman
Newman’s Own, Inc.
Robert Stephens & Julie Packard
Harrison Thomson
Janet Effland & Bill Urbach
Whiteley & Nick Wheeler
2004 PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Bob & Marilyn Callander
Debbie & Bob Cervenka
Randall & Linda Charles
Paul & Margaret Danielson
Dean Witter Foundation
Jean L Draper
Clint & Dina Eastwood
Lowel Figen
Rosalind & Howard Fisher
Julia Foster & David Bates
Harlan & Barbara Hall
Ruth Hartmann
Kip & Jay Hudson
Lawrence Foundation
Gary & Judy Logan
Joseph Manganello
Sue McCloud
Heidi & Scot McKay
Sharon & Stan Meresman
Greg Minshall
Stephen & Margaret Schulte
Barbara Seeburger
Tiger Fund
Brigitte Wasserman
Webb Family Charitable Trust
Julia B. Wilson
2004 TRUSTEE OF THE LAND Judy Field
Pat and Lloyd Addleman
Ken Agle
Robert & Angela Amarante
Peggy & Jack Baskin
Sharon W. Bates
Mrs. Talcott Bates
Mary Bell
Roberta Bialek
Big Sur International Marathon Larry & Judith Lippman
Fred Terman & Nan Borreson
Erik Bueno
Barbara Baldock & Phillip Butler Robert Reid &
Mike & Nancy Canning
Peter Channing Wells
Eric & Katharine Comstock
Dawn Cope
CTB McGraw-Hill
David E. Reese Family Foundation Konny Murray
Bunny & Craig Davis
Robert & Rosalind Davis
Ned & Sandra Dewey
Susan Draper
Susan DuCoeur
Davis & Christine Factor
Rickey Feldner
Karen & Hugo Ferlito
Happy Fitzgerald
Lisa Boczar & Chris Ford
Elaine Fox
Fox Family Foundation
Charles & Susan Franklin
Marion Getz
Jeffrey Gorman
Dr. & Mrs. Tony Greening
Sara Harkins
Mr. & Mrs. Sydney P Harrison Margaret Eaton & Ron Yara
John & Marcia Harter
Robert & Elizabeth Helfrich
Rod & Alma Holmgren
Holmsky Family
Catherine M. Horne
Dr. & Mrs. Rolf Johnsen
Richard Kalinyak
Erling Lagerholm
Dave & Suzanne Larky
Bill & Lorien Leahy
Doug & Shawn MacKenzie
Carol & William McCarey
John & Jane McCoy
Rod & Peggy McMahan
Dick & Grace Merrill
Natural Selection Foods
Cary & Debbie Neiman
Armand & Eliane Neukermans Dick & Betty Dalsemer
New Masters Gallery
Peter & Francie Newfield
Don & Laura Newmark
Shirley Nootbaar
Pam & Jim Patterson
Sharon & Judd Perry
Gregory Pickert
Michael & Michelle Raggett Fred W Gilbert
Rancho Canada Golf Club
Paul Rembert
Nancy Riddle Iversen
Jon Kannegaard & Pat Sandoval
Dr. Don Scanlon
Frank & Denise Schiavone
Seifert Family Foundation
Diane Sena
Mary Shaw
Mr. & Mrs. Furman Sheppard Joseph & Barbara Lee
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Dr. and Mrs. Mark Lieberman
Roy & Sarah Signer
Leslie & Charles Snorf
Marian Penn & Bill Soskin
Audrey Talbott
Richard Tevis
Robert & Connie Lurie
Marilyn Thomas
Dr. & Mrs. Mike Turbow
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Ungaretti Sherrie & Tom McCullough
Upjohn California Fund
Mary Martha Waltz
Doug & Ann Wilhelm
Phil & Carol Wilhelm
Susan & Michel Willey
R.A. Williams
Paul Witt
Shelia & Mark Wolfson
Bill & Shari Young
Dawn Zinser Church
2004 LAND CONSERVATOR Barbara & Buzz Rainer
Sue Addleman
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Beck
Sarah & Clay Berling
James & Nancy Bildner
Bruce & Anne Bloxom
Lacy & Bob Buck
Robert & Pat Burgess
Charles M. Weinberg Fund
Shirley & Edgard Coly
William & Sandra Cooper
Pauline K. Dall
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Davis
Daniel DeKimpe
Cliff & Ruby Deupree
Tena & Bill Farr
Don & Carol Hilburn
Joanne Hively
Larry & Jean Horan
IBM Matching Grants Program Elizabeth Chornesky &
Justin Dart Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Leahy
Gifford Lehman
David & Norma Lewis
Skip & Mary Anne Lloyd
Lee Jay & Julie Lorenzen
Jacqueline McManus
Leslie Montgomery &
Paul McManus
Anne & Rod Mills
Jim & Michael Ann Mitchell
Cynthia & Patrick Nowlan
Charles & Karen Osborne
Charlie & Linda Page
Sue A Pius
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Rosen
Jan Avent & David Rossetti
Drew Goodman & Myra Rubin Linda & Richard Barr
Bob & Nancy Schumacker
Evangelos & Kathleen Simoudis Seth A. Bates
Zaza & Howard Skidmore
Patricia Smith Ramsey
Mr. David Taggart
Jim & Fran Vorhes
Betty White Ludden
Jo & George White, Jr.
Paul Wineman & Jennefer
Lloyd Wineman
2004 LAND GUARDIAN
Barry & Betsy Adler
Frank & Regina Amato
Mr. Ted Balestreri
Wendy & Dave Banks
Audrey Barris & Randall Barkan Evalyn Gendel & Emmett Bonner
Letitia A Bennett
Dr. & Mrs. Robert L. Black
Randell Kent Bishop &
Robert Boger
Mr. Frederic Bohlander
Dr. Robert Cardinalli
Marvin Chandler
Judi Wallner & Larry Chandler
Mr. Alan W. Church
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Craft
Fred Dietrich
Nancy & Hugh Ditzler
David & Kathleen Fink
Dr. Anne Fitzpatrick
Linda and Howard B. Fosler
Todd & Cindy Ganos
Kathleen Gates
Migsy & Jim Hamasaki
Homer Hayward
Hayward Lumber
Marianne & George Hill
Mrs. Jeanne S. Holmquist
HSBC - North America
George & Lillian Huenerfauth
Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Kittrell
Lauryn Taylor Gallery
Marjorie Longo
Marjorie Love
Sal & Ada Lucido
Laurie MacTavish Best
Kevin & Deeann Mahoney
Constance Mahoney
Joe & Sheila Mark
Elizabeth Martin
Mick & Nicki McMahan
Eric & Susan Miller
Max Lloyd & Sharon Miller
Paul & Karen Munninghoff
Frederick McGarrity &
Helen Ogden
Joy B. Osborne
Jo Owen
Michael Glenn & Mo Pierce
Fuensanta Plaza
Dr. James Pretzer
Carl Rehnborg
Traci Reid
Kim Richardson
Clyde & Dottie Roberson
Wayne & Jennifer Ross
Dr. and Mrs. James Rossen
Drs. Jerome & Suellen Rubin
Dr. & Mrs. Alf Rydell
Robin & Chris Sawyer
Darren & Stacy Schmidt
Lary & Carlleen Scott
Dennis & Deborah Sharp
Alan & Sandra Silvestri
David Ligare & Gary Smith
Raymond Stevenson
Connie Stroud
Treadmill
Jonathan Tucker
Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Verska
Charles Wahle
Lana K. Weeks
Otto & Idell Weiss
Walt & Beth Weissman
Diane Wilsdon
Peter Heublein & Jean Wright
2004 LAND STEWARD
Margot A. Abeloe
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Adams
Rich & Susan Ajeska
Steve Alexander
Joele B. Allison
Dawn Anderle
Judy & Tom Archibald
David & Christine Armanasco
Harold & Doris Auerbach
Steve & Pam Austin
Barbara Babcock
Dr. Barbara Bannon
Forbes Bastian
Seth & Tanya Bates
Tony Bates
John & Priscilla Becker
Laurie & David Benjamin
Betsy Bennett
John & Alice Bergin
Dr. James M. Betts
Henrietta Stern & Tom Biggs
Walter Bilger
Scott & Janet Billets
Edwin & Miriam Bliss
Carol & Fred Bloner
Maehr & Ken Blood
Marshall & Suzanne Bloom
Roger & Barbara Bolgard
David & Georgene Bowen
Mr. Scott Bracke
Beau & Helen Breck
Janet Brennan
Jean Brenner
Frieda & Frank Bresk
Bob Utley & Elizabeth Brinton
Nellie & Paul Brocchini
Mary Broggie
Keith & Suzanne Brown
Marilyn Brown
John & Jane Buffington
Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Bullock
Jody Bunn
Lynn Burgess
Anthony J Bushlow, III
Robert Byers
Mr. Gregor Cailliet
Nancy Callahan
Daniel & Maxine Callinan
Gordon & Elizabeth Campbell
Rosemary Canfield
Vicki Canning
Shirl & Vic Carder
Carmel by the Sea Garden Club
Bernard & Sylvia Carroll
Andrea Carter
Joseph & Margaret Casey
Max & Cynthia Chaplin
Shirley Chapman
Michael & Audrey MacLean Clair
Marjorie Clark
Mr. Robert Clifford
Ann & Ed Clifton
Mike & Sandie Cloran
Bob Clovis
Roger W. Coleman
Robert Cooper
Jim & Jeanne Costello
Richard Cotchett
Merryll M. Cottrell
Mr. & Mrs. David Covell
Janet Covell
Amelia Craig
Sharon & Joseph Crescente
Mr. & Mrs. William Crocker
Brian E. Cronwall
Elizabeth Crowell
Wayne & Linda Cruzan
Stuart & Penny Crymes
Curtis & Betty Cureton
Jacqueline & Douglas Curran
Rita & John Dalessio
Greg & Lucia Choi Dalton
Gillian Danner
Bob Danzer
Stephen Davies
Susan Davis
Angela Davis
William & Helen De Martini
Sandra Delay
Martha Dennis
Lyndon C. Despard
Roderick & Sue Dewar
Dave & Carol Dixon
Sheila Dixon
John & Esther Dolan
Roger & Rochelle Dolan
Doreen Croll-Donahoe &
Bernard Donahoe
Bruce & Fran Dougherty
Hallie & Brad Dow
Dianne Driessen
Gail & Stan Dryden
Bruce D. Dunlap
Mr. James Dunn
Robert & Susan Dutton
Hal Eastman
Sandra & Larry Edgett
James & Helen Egerton
Dr. & Mrs. Eugene Eldredge
John & Kristine Ellison
Laura B. Enos
David & Lois Epel
Dr. & Mrs. Ronald M. Faia
Fran M. Farina
Hilary Farnell
Sharon & Sam Farr
Kent Marshall & Nan Farrell
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Feldman
Mrs. Carroll Fergusson
Mr. & Mrs. Antonio P. Ferraz
Rev. & Mrs. Ken Feske
Sue Ann Few
Bob Field
Guy & Libbie Fitzwater
Dean & Rene Flippo
Alexandra & Randy Forbes
Joe & Mary Ann Ford
Peggy & Steve Fossett
Russ Foster
Norman & Muriel Foster
Dean & Marcine Francis
Linda & Peter Frederiksen
Allene & Roger Fremier
Larry Frisone
Virginia F. Fry
Dr. and Mrs. Ron Fuerstner
George & Priscilla Galakatos
Mary R. Gale
Rob & Pam Gallaway
Iris Litt & Dale Garell
Frances & Donald Gaver
Paul & Linda Geiger
Barry & Jane Gendelman
Gus & Julie Gianulias
Vearl & Sharon Gish
Nadya & Valerio Giusi
Robert & Ginger Glockner
Jack R. Goddard
William Golden
Ann Prego & Andy Gonzalez
Dick & Claire Gorman
Rosanne Gould
Ossie Luis & Kristan Grace
Natasha Granoff
Judy & Mike Green
Daniel & April Green
Alicia Greenan
Jane Gregozek
Hilde Grill
Jim & Ann Gronvold
Rodney & Betty Guilfoil
Wolfgang Haas
Russ & Monty Haisley
Hope & Sandy Hale, Jr.
George & Mary Haltiner
Jonathan Penn & Karen Handy
Faye Hanger
Peter & Peggy Harding
Dr. & Mrs. John Harris
Judy & Chris Harrold
Lillian & Cal Hartman
Art Haseltine
Ann & Joe Hasselbach
Ginny Hawes
Lillian Hazdovac
Ben & Carole Heinrich
Rolf Lygren & Katherine Heller
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Helms
Connie & Ken Hess
Dick & Feesie Heuer
John Hicks
Col. and Mrs. J. Jack Hilgers
Celeste Williams & Peter Hiller
Ann & Glen Hiner
Irene C. Hines
Harvey & Margaret Hinman
Arch & Suzanne Hodge
Louise Holden
Theodore & Sue Hooker
Lucy G. Horn
Mrs. Lyman Dorothea Horton
Peter T. Hoss
Jay House
Dorothy B. Hunt
Charles Hutchins
Patricia Hutchins
Nancy Hutchinson
Joanne Irmas
Sharon Iversen
Patricia A Jacobs
Carol Jacobs
Eric & Cheryl Jacobson
Jim Jeffery
Lise Jensen
Bruce & Martha Johnsen
Vernon J. Johnson
James & Barbara Johnson
Mr. & Mrs. Stoddard P.
Johnston
William Johnston
Elizabeth Jones
Reggie & Anne Jones
Merrill Jones
Shirlee Jones
Mary Jane Joseph
Robert & Kyuja Kafka
Jesse & Carol Kahn
Victor T. Kasik
Dorothy Kay
Dr. Richard Kehoe
Wayne & Phyllis Kelley
Brian & Marsha Kelly
Irene Kennedy
Joe & Madeline Kepp
Nancy McCullough &
Sherrick Kernoll
Dr. and Mrs. Melvin Kline
Sandy & Dan Koffman
Marge Kolar
Barbara Korp
Gregory & Teresa Kraft
Bob & Patty LaKamp
Ed & Belle Landa
Richard & Mary Lawrence
Freda Le Neve
Susan Galvin & Michael Leavy
Laela Leavy
Lee & Rose Warner Foundation
Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Lehr
Lorin & Karen Letendre
Dayle Sarasohn, Psy.D & David
Levenson, M.D.
Richard & Lindy Levin
Paul & Elizabeth Levinson
William W. Lewis
James & Judith Lipman
Alan C Lisser
Barbara Livingston
Lucinda Lloyd
Barbara Locke
Kurt & Bettie Loesch
Alan Sandler & Laura London
Patrick London
Skip & Liz Lord
Mylo & Charlene Lowery
Mr. & Mrs. Edwin R. Lowry
Rosemary Luke
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Lynch
Jennifer & Roderick Macleod
Dr. Christopher Manke
Nathan Mann
Donna Manning
Dr. & Mrs. Arnold Manor
Jim Mather
Duane & Betty Matterson
Nanette Maysonave
Katie Clare Mazzeo
Linda Mc Harry
Connie Smith & Don McBride
Timothy & Kirsten McCarthy
Major General & Mrs. Charles
M. McCorkle
Mr. Michael McGibney
Mr. Donald McNeely
Allen & Sandra Lee Mears
Dr. & Mrs. Herman Medwin
Bill & Mariam Melendez
John & Doris Melvin
Jackie Menke
Nita Messersmith
Glen Metz
Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Meyer
Neil Shapiro & Sandra Meyrose
Holly Mikkelson
Mary Mikkelson
David Mirkin
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Moeller
Peter Mollman
Bruce & Michelle Moore
Joann Morey
Marikay & Robert Morris
Barbara Morris
Graeme Morris
Derek Moulaison
Rachel & Richard Mueller
Dan L. Myers
Dr. Spencer W Myers
Ms. Sandra Neeland
Mary W. Newell
Lee & Kathy Newell
Nancy B. Newgard
Walter & Joanne Newman
Rita M Nicely
Anika Nicolas
Laura & Brad Niebling
Roger & Kathleen Niva
Wies Norberg
Mr. Thomas North
Michael Nyberg
David Oakes
Julie & William Obering
Barbara & Savanna
Occiogroso-Groocock
Grady O'Hara
John & Jane Olin
John & Carol O'Neil
Helen H. Ordway
Suzanne H. Paboojian
Mary Pacey
Steven & Ann Packer
Gary & Beverly Palma
Gaudenz & Sneha Panholzer
Dr. Manuel Pardo
Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Parker
Thomas Parker
Eric & Jane Parker
Jane Parker
Al & Laura Parmisano
Judy Parsons
Lon Parsons
Chris & Robert Patton
Dennis Peak
Susie Pearson
Mark & Mia Peterson
Bob & Kathy Petty
Dr. & Mrs. John P Phillips
Fred & Helen Pinkham
Jon & Care Pittman
George & Carole Poole
Dr. Michael Heymann &
Deborah Port
Nancy Porter
Pierre & Carol Prodis
Michael & Mary Quirit
Gerda Rayne
Bruce Merchant & Sandra Reel
Tom Reeves
Bill Reeves
Janet & Niels Reimers
Derek & Margaret Renaut
Tony & Barb Ricciardi
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Rico
James Ringrose
Glenn & Elizabeth Robinson
Terry Rockwood
Mr. & Mrs. Larry L. Rodocker
Mrs. Rodriguez
Barbara N. Roecker
Tom & Lori Rolander
Alan & Lyn Rosen
Gail & George Rothman
Muriel Isom Rowland
Monique Mikrut & Emily Rubin
Richard Farfan & Nancy Rubin
Stephanie Ruskell
Tom & Virginia Ruth
Karin Salomon
Ray & Celia Sanborn
Timothy & Jane Sanders
Patricia & Albert Santini
Dr. George Sardina
Bill & Blanche Scheidecker
Chris & Dick Schmidt
Eric Schreckenberger
Helen Schuttish
Seidler Foundation
H.C. Rockey & Eileen Seligson
Bert Semtner
Paul Shabram
Bill & Kathy Sharpe
Michael DeLapa & Becky Shaw
Connie Shelstad
Susan Shendel
Mr. Ron G. Sherwin
Mrs. Sandra Shoemaker
Dr. & Mrs. David Shollenbarger
Dr. John Sinnhuber
Rudy Zucca & Veronica Sison
Sidney Slade
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Smith
Stanley Smith
Pamela Dormandy Smith
Dan Sojka
Katherine C Springer
Tom & Margaret Staley
Michael W. Stamp
Rita & Shelby Steele
Morgan & June Stock
Virginia & Warren Stone
Christopher & Nancy Stout
Tom & Carol Stratton
Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur J. Strohm, Jr.
Louise Stuart
Marcella Stull
David & Jane Styer
John & Gail Stypula
Earl Meyers II &
Bonnie Jean Sunwood
Vivian Sweeney
Joseph Szewczak
Amy Essick & Frank Takacs
Edith Tannenbaum
Carol & John Tegtmeier
Daniel & Patricia Tellep
Shirley Thackara
James & Barbara Thomas
Judy Thompson
Loreen Todd
Robin Tokmakian
Harold Tokmakian
Mr. & Mrs. Vince Torras
Mr. & Mrs. J. Breck Tostevin
James & Margaret Tracy
Mark & Katy Travaille
Noah & Candace Trosky
Lonni Trykowski
Michael & Diane Uppman
Bill & Cecy Ussler
Madeline & John Van Zander
Jim & Pat Vance
Noradele Veronis
Ted Voigt
Catherine & Joseph Von Schwind
Margard Wagner
Mrs. Cecil M Wahle
John & Priscilla Walton
Stuart & Paula Walzer
Ned & Kate Washburn
Chase R. Weaver
Bill Weigle
Steve & Dannie Welkom
Marian E. Weygers
Gigi Wharton
Richard Wheat
Michael & Marilynn Whitcomb
Mrs. George White
Mr. Paul Whitman
Anne Whitson
Don Edwards & Edith Wilkie
Mrs. Roger Williams
Hope Williams
Sylvia Williams
Frederick B Williams
Josephine & Roger Williams
Gordon & Beverly Williams
Jerri McMillan & Sam A Wilson
Maryellen & Michael Wilson
William & Patricia Wilson
Martin & Karen Wiskoff
Kathi & Bill Wojtkowski
Judith Wolfe
Brian Grossi & Marilyn Woods
Reid & Karen Woodward
Mrs. Darby Moss Worth
Ken & Mary Wright
Wutke Family
Vern Yadon
Dr. Rod M. Yeager
Margaret Young
G.E. & Ruth Young
Dr. & Mrs. Rick Zug
Martin Zuniga
 Land Trust is Pleased to Welcome
New Board Members & Staff
Phil Wilhelm was born
and raised in Chicago,
Illinois where he co-
founded Huron Partners,
Inc., an investment
holding company
with concentrations
in commercial real
estate and various
operating companies.
He graduated from Duke University (BA 1969) and
Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management (MBA
1972). In 1980, he became an owner and managing
general partner of the Highlands Inn directing its re-
development and subsequently he became an owner
of several other Monterey Peninsula hotel properties.
Phil now resides in Carmel Valley with his wife Carol.
He is Board President of Big Brothers and Big Sisters
of Monterey County and his outside interests include
golf, travel, biking and hiking. Carol and Phil have
two adult children, Phillip Jr. and Julia.
Scot McKay was born
and raised in Evanston,
Illinois. He attended
the University Of Iowa,
Lake Forest College
and Keller Graduate
School of Management.
Scot is a successful
entrepreneur whose
business interests include an auto dealership, several
restaurants, a real estate development company, a soft-
ware company, and Chinese hotels and casinos. Most
recently, he purchased and renovated the 13-acre
Carmel Valley Athletic Club. Under his ownership,
CVAC was voted “Outstanding Facility of the Year –
2005” by the USTA. Scot’s most important “business”
is his family of seven children, ages 7 to 22, which
he “runs” with Heidi, his wife of twenty-five years.
The McKay Family moved to Carmel permanently
in 2003. Scot enjoys automobiles, tennis, golf, hiking
and being at the ocean. When asked why he wanted
to join the Land Trust board, Scot says, “Simple, love
of the land and sea... how can you not want to
conserve that?”
Linda Charles was born
in Pensacola, Florida and
traveled the country as
her Dad followed his Navy
career. She graduated from
Florida State University
with a Master’s Degree
in Math Education.
Linda moved to southern California to teach elementary
school, but soon became involved with staff develop-
ment presenting new ideas about teaching through
courses and workshops. She moved to Palo Alto to begin
work with an Educational Publishing company and pur-
sued this career for the next thirty years as an editor,
writer, speaker, manager and executive. Linda retired in
2002 and moved to Carmel fulltime with her husband
Randy. Linda loves to hike the beautiful hills of Monterey
and Big Sur and she looks forward to serving on the
Board of Trustees to further the important mission of the
Land Trust.
We abuse land because we regard it
Stephen Schulte comes
to the Central Coast from as a commodity belonging to us.
New York City, where he
continues in his role as When we see land as a community
Counsel to Schulte Roth to which we belong, we may begin
& Zabel LLP, a large New
York City law firm, which to use it with love and respect.
he co-founded.
Stephen earned his undergraduate degree from Brown - ALDO LEOPOLD
University, and completed his law degree at Columbia
University School of Law, where he has also been on
the adjunct faculty for many years. Stephen’s philan-
thropic commitments include serving as a board
member for Cardozo School of Law, Choate Rosemary
Hall School, The Innocence Project, and The York
School. Stephen and his wife Patsy have three children
and five grandchildren. In his free time, Stephen enjoys
fly fishing, cooking, hiking, and grandparenting.
Heather Brady
Stewardship Coordinator
Heather joined the BSLT
staff in 2005 after working
for three years as the Staff
Botanist for LBJ Enterprises,
a biological consulting
firm in Northern California.
She previously worked with Ecology Action of Santa
Cruz educating the community about pollution preven-
tion and waste reduction.
Heather graduated with honors from UC Santa Cruz
with a degree in Environmental Studies in 2002. She
has a wealth of experience in field biology, volunteer
and land management, permaculture, community
outreach and green design. She enjoys knitting, contra
dancing, bicycling, and swimming and is constantly
inspired by the beauty of our natural world.
Donna Walden
Executive Assistant
Donna has recently joined
the staff of BSLT. She is
a native of Salinas and
a lifelong resident of the
Monterey Peninsula.
After twenty-five years
in real estate she is now
making the BSLT an area of application for her skills
and experience.
She and her husband Bill enjoy hiking the many,
varied trails of the area and of the Sierras. Donna
considers living on the Monterey Peninsula to be
both a privilege and a responsibility.
 Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PA I D
Permit No. 93
Carmel, CA
93922

Po s t O f f i c e B ox 2 218 6 4
Carmel, California 93922
contact

to reach us:
Telephone: (831) 625-5523
Fax: (831) 625-0716
E-mail: mail@bigsurlandtrust.org
www.bigsurlandtrust.org

Board of Trustees Staff

PRESIDENT Bill Leahy EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ann Peterson Mahoney Heather Brady STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR
VICE PRESIDENT Jim Cox GLEN DEVEN RANCH MANAGER
Marsha McMahan Zelus Sus Danner CONSERVATION PROJECT MANAGER
TREASURER
Cynthia Holmsky GENERAL MANAGER
David Bates Jo Lynn Rosbach PROGRAM COORDINATOR
SECRETARY
Stacy Schmidt ANNUAL FUND COORDINATOR
Phillip Butler Donna Walden EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Lana Weeks DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY
Linda Charles
David Zweifel MITTELDORF PRESERVE MANAGER
Paul Danielson
Kent Evans
Karen Ferlito Consultants
Rosalind Fisher
Law Offices of Zad Leavy and
Scot McKay
Robin Jepsen LEGAL COUNSEL
Sharon Meresman
Stephen Schulte Doolittle & Ganos INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Diane Sena Martin McCarthy ACCOUNTANT

Leslie Snorf
George N. Somero. Ph.D.
Phil Wilhelm

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MARKS RANCH PROJECT

Cleanup Effor t Removes 200 Tons of Trash From Future Salinas Parkland

As The Big Sur Land Trust continues its efforts to
purchase Marks Ranch, which will one day be an
855-acre addition to Toro County Park, our work
includes more than just fundraising and educa-
tion. We also have to contend with corrosive
liquids, tires, waste oil, and junked cars.
In August, BSLT partnered with the California
Integrated Waste Management Board’s Solid Waste
Disposal and Codisposal Site Cleanup Program to
conduct remediation of Marks Ranch. Since the
Marks family ended their chicken ranching activi-
ties on the property decades ago, illegal dumping
and vandalism of existing structures on the prop-
erty has been ongoing. An Environmental Site
Assessment conducted by BSLT recommended
removal of oil drums, barrels, trash, containers,
abandoned appliances, vehicles and other junk
and building debris. Several of the drums and
barrels contained fluids, primarily waste oil and
paint. Wastes were scattered over the northerly
portion of the site, where access is relatively
easy and there has been minimal security against
illegal dumping. A portion of Marks Creek had
been filled in with debris, which then washed
downstream in high flows.
BSLT requested the involvement of the State of
California to assist BSLT in conducting remedia-
tion operations. CIWMB staff visited Marks Ranch
and found that because of the degree of risk to
public health, safety and the environment on a
future public park, the cleanup of Marks Ranch
was a priority project. The State Board voted in
June 2005 to approve $175,000 in funds to reme-
diate Marks Ranch. Work commenced in August,
with heavy equipment, hand crews, and dump
trucks working for two weeks to remove nearly
200 tons of waste. All recyclable materials were
recycled and non-recyclables were trucked to
disposal facilities. An abandoned shooting range
near Portola Road will be the final phase of the
State’s cleanup of the site. As part of this final
phase, lead bullets will be sifted out of the soil
and erosion control measures will help ensure
the site is restored to grassland.
The Land Trust is committed to preserving this
spectacular property, and ensuring that it is safe
for future visitors. BSLT is fortunate to have found
an excellent partner and funder in the California
Integrated Waste Management Board.
Cleanup Facts:
13 truckloads of debris removed from
site – a total of 195.85 tons
2 truckloads of metals
3 truckloads of wood - total woods
and metals of 29.29 tons
2 truckloads of tires - 3.48 tons
2 drums of waste paint
4 drums of corrosive liquids
8 drums of oil/water wastes
10 drums of oil contaminated soils

Newsletter Design - Bunne Hartmann, Hartmann Design Group. Photography - Douglas Steakley, and BSLT Staff.