Drive north on Highway 1, round Estero point, and there lies Cayucos nestled between the curve of Estero Bay and grass-covered hills. Preserving this historic and beautiful open space is the main goal of the Cayucos Land Conservancy (CLC). Established in 1999, CLC is committed to the enduring preservation of that rural setting with its many natural and scenic resources so that this and other generations can enjoy its beauty. Our interests include:
- the Estero Bluffs, four miles of coastal terrace north of Cayucos and its overlooking hillsides
- the San Geronimo Ranch which is a dominant piece of the Cayucos view shed and overlooks the Estero Bluffs.
- hillside lots in the two antiquated subdivisions overlooking Cayucos
- the coastal terrace and hillsides south of Cayucos.
In addition, CLC is piecing together the open spaces surrounding Cayucos by working with willing landowners to create voluntary conservation agreements.
Thanks to the generosity of the Hind Foundation, John and Anna Negranti of Negranti Construction, the particpation of the CLC and the State Parks staff, efforts necessary for the opening of the Harmony Headlands State Park (access road, fencing, power, telephone, mowing the trail, signage, and installing a port-a-potty) have been completed.
On November 26, 2008, Harmony Headlands State Park opened for Day Use visitation. The park is open daily, from 6am to Sunset. As outlined in State Park rules and regulations dogs, horses and bikes are not allowed in the park. Additionally, there are no camping or ground fires anywhere in the park. Future plans for the park entrance includes an interpretative sign shelter with a park map and information, concrete parking stall bumpers, and iron ranger fee collection device, and a bridge walkway rail. These entrance facilities will assist with managing public access and the appropriate parking of vehicles.
CLC thanks Harold and Karen Biaginni for donating a 1950, color tinted, 3' by 4', black and white photo. We are also thankful to Woody and Judie Dike for donating the Phil Dike painting to the CLC. CLC is grateful to Jim Brabeck at Farm Supply for providing the annual maintenance of the restored San Geronimo Creek Windmill.
The Cayucos Land Conservancy is a member of the national Land Trust Alliance and subscribes to its Standards and Practices.
