Typically, ecosystem restoration works toward returning conditions to a historical condition, usually set to pre-European contact. This view of restoration is beginning to change as new science indicates that our climate is changing. Current efforts target species or habitats by restoring natural processes that will add resiliency to ecosystems and allow habitats to maintain themselves with little or no management required in the future.
Take a moment to explore the different ways the Morro Bay Estuary Program and our partners are working to restore these natural processes promoting a self sustaining ecosystem. Click on the images below to learn more about each topic.
When the Portola expedition came through Morro Bay in 1769 the landscape they encountered was very different from what we see today. A large grizzly bear population occupied Los Osos, streams were full of steelhead trout, water abounded and the floodplains along the creek corridors contained large, thick forests commonly referred to as 'la cienga' or 'the swamp'.
Now, the grizzlies are gone, steelhead trout populations are declining statewide and there is less and less water available in our creeks.
Over the span of the last few years, we have worked successfully with the Estuary Program on a number of ranch infrastructure projects including fencing, road repair and livestock watering systems. Partnering with the Program on these projects has proven to be extremely beneficial to the university's cattle operation and range improvement practices. We are very fortunate to be located in this watershed, and be able to take advantage of their cost-share programs.
Aaron Lazanoff, Beef Operations Manager, Cal Poly State University
Past President, San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen's Association