Wild Cherry Canyon: 20-Year Fight Secures Coastal Paradise

California has allocated a $42 million grant to permanently protect Wild Cherry Canyon, a 2,060-acre coastal area in San Luis Obispo County. This conservation effort, spanning more than two decades, finally secures the land that was at risk of residential development. The California State Coastal Conservancy authorized the grant to acquire both leasehold interest and underlying fee title, with the initial transaction expected by year's end.

Wild Cherry Canyon, situated inland of Avila Beach, is a crucial part of the Diablo Canyon Lands. Its diverse habitats, including coastal prairie and oak woodlands, support significant wildlife. The acquired property will focus on habitat conservation, cultural resource protection, and eventual public access.

This landmark achievement involved extensive collaboration, with state officials, conservancies, and local tribes working for over 20 years. Plans are underway to develop conservation and public use strategies, including potential collaborations with local communities and Chumash tribes, who have ancestral ties to the land.

Future plans for Wild Cherry Canyon include restoring and rewilding the landscape, supporting tribal stewardship, and creating thoughtful public access. A segment of the California Coastal Trail is also being considered, potentially linking Avila Beach to Montaña de Oro State Park, alongside low-impact camping and educational programs.