County Supervisors Reviewing CR FREE, Two Jobs Open, Dr. Savoca Speaks + Mitteldorf Closure

Act now!

Send your letter of support for Carmel River FREE to the Board of Supervisors by June 14. Here’s how:

The Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement Project (Carmel River FREE) will be coming before the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for approval on Tuesday, June 15. This critical action is needed to propel the project forward to final design and construction. We cannot move the process forward without this approval.Millions of state and federal grant dollars hang in the balance and we are on borrowed time in terms of a catastrophic flood.

Find more information about the project and how to submit your letter of support here.


An evening with Dr. Matthew Savoca

Thursday, June 17
5:30 – 6:30pm

Big Sur Land Trust is restoring critical habitats throughout Monterey County and all of these habitats are affected by plastic pollution. We see it as we work on dunes restoration at Martin Dunes in Marina. We see it at the Carr Lake park site and native garden in Salinas – and we must consider it as we are planning healthy wetlands there. And this issue is also prevalent at the mouth of the Carmel River where we are planning riparian restoration efforts as part of the Carmel River FREE project.

Hosted by Jeanette Tuitele-Lewis, this evening with Dr. Matthew Savoca will provide compelling information about recent studies on the impacts of plastic pollution – and even give a glimpse into currently unpublished research on the subject.

Learn more and sign up to join us on June 17 here.


Open: Preserve Manager Position

Apply by July 6

Big Sur Land Trust’s Preserve Manager is a dynamic and rewarding job! The projects are diverse and change seasonally. On any given day, you might be clearing downed trees off a steep mountain road, leading a volunteer trail work project, repairing a historic structure, reducing the threat of wildfire, overseeing contractors, or controlling invasive weeds.

Do you have the skills for this challenging position? Learn more and apply here.


Needed: AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Program Coordinator

Apply by July 15

Our volunteers are essential to furthering our mission of ensuring healthy lands, healthy people, and healthy communities can thrive across Monterey County. As part of the AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Program (VIP), we are looking to hire a coordinator from August 2021 to June 2022 to help boost our volunteer program!

Leave a legacy by building lasting systems of volunteer engagement and management with Big Sur Land Trust. Read the job description for this paid position here and apply today!


Forestry Project at Mitteldorf Preserve

Closed for hiking starting June 15

As fire season is upon us, Big Sur Land Trust is implementing the second phase of a forestry project with assistance from the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Improvement Program. This means Mitteldorf Preserve and Patriarch Ridge will be closed beginning June 15. We hope to have the work completed by mid-July and will share updates when we have more information.

The project involves felling dead and dying tanoak trees at the property and managing forest fuels that have accumulated since the 2016 Soberanes Fire – due to both fire damage and accelerated mortality caused by Sudden Oak Death.

Our goals include safeguarding California spotted owl habitat, preventing catastrophic wildfire, protecting the property’s historic “Lodge” and “Bunkhouse,” and ensuring public safety and recreational enjoyment.

Thank you for your patience and support while we make the lands you love safer and more resilient!