Los Padres ForestWatch

Since our beginnings in 2004, ForestWatch has grown to become one of our region’s premiere conservation forces. The Los Padres National Forest is California’s second-largest national forest, rising from the Pacific Ocean to more than 8,800 feet in elevation. These rugged mountain ranges are the scenic backdrop of our local communities, provide our towns and farms with clean sources of water, and offer an outdoor recreation haven for locals and tourists alike, enhancing our local economy and our region’s quality of life.

National forests do not receive as much protection as national parks, and are vulnerable to industrial development and environmental degradation. ForestWatch serves as a powerful voice for the forest, reporting environmental damage, upholding environmental protection laws, emphasizing sound science, and mobilizing volunteers to get the job done wherever they are needed.

Los Padres ForestWatch is the only nonprofit organization that works exclusively to protect wild places, wildlife, watersheds, and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the Los Padres National Forest and the Carrizo Plain National Monument along California’s beautiful Central Coast. We use legal and policy advocacy, education, science, and volunteer stewardship to protect these lands and the communities that depend on them.