The Morro Bay National Estuary Program was officially designated in 1995 as a result of a tireless community-based effort to protect this precious resource. Below you can find a timeline of Program highlights starting with the establishment of the supporting community organizations that grew into today's program.
1986 |
The Morro Bay Task Force, is re-established to provide a comprehensive approach to managing the watershed and estuary |
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1989 |
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The Friends of the Estuary and |
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1991 |
First State of the Bay Conference is held. The nine-day event is designed to increase awareness of the need to protect Morro Bay. |
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1993 |
Volunteer Monitoring Program is |
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1994 |
Morro Bay recognized as a state estuary |
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1995 |
Morro Bay gains National Estuary Program status from the EPA |
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1997 |
The Volunteer Monitoring Program is reorganized and becomes part of the National Estuary Program |
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1999 |
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Draft Management Plan (CCMP) is finalized. Over 700 individuals helped to draft the plan over a 4-year planning process. |
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2001 |
Chorro Flats Enhancement Project completed |
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Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan is signed by the governor. |
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2002 |
Volunteer Monitoring Program achieves EPA quality assurance seal of approval |
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2003 |
Walters Creek Restoration Phase 1 begun (completed 2005) |
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State of the Bay conference held |
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The 580-acre Hollister Peak Ranch Acquisition sets aside property previously slated for development |
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2004 |
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Estuary Nature Center opens |
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2005 |
Walters Creek Restoration Phase 2 begun (completed 2008) |
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2006 |
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Derelict Vessel Abatement Program begun |
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State of the Bay conference held |
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Morro Bay Watershed Riparian Fencing Program begun |
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Los Osos Dunes Hotel Site Acquisition |
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2008 |
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Sweet Springs East Acquisition |
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2009 |
Pennington Creek Concrete Removal Project |
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2010 |
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State of the Bay Conference held |
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2011 |
Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan update process begun |
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