2025.08.21 | Community Voices Support for Fiscalini Ranch Preserve as Funding Decisions Loom

The Cambria Community Services District owns and manages the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, a treasured open space protected under a conservation easement developed jointly by CCSD and the organization that later became Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.  This easement clearly outlines CCSD’s legal and financial responsibility for the Ranch: “(CCSD) retains all responsibility and shall bear all costs and liabilities of any kind related to the ownership, operation, upkeep, and maintenance of (Fiscalini Ranch Preserve)…”.

     For the past 25 years, CCSD’s Facilities and Resources Department has overseen day-to-day maintenance of the Ranch.  However, recent budget decisions have significantly reduced funding for contracted services—by about two-thirds—despite ongoing staffing shortages and the need for specialized work that contractors typically handle.

     Last year, for example, the Facilities and Resources Department underspent its staffing budget by approximately $80,000 due to unfilled positions.  This shortfall in labor was not offset by increased contractor support, leaving critical maintenance tasks unaddressed.  A July site assessment reported several areas of concern: more than three dozen hazardous trees, diminished trail access, reduced fire breaks, unchecked weed growth, and the spread of disease in the pine forest—all of which contribute to elevated fire risk and safety issues for visitors.

     Community members have voiced growing concern over these conditions and the future of the Ranch.  At CCSD’s August 4 Finance Committee meeting, about two dozen supporters attended, with ten offering public comment and 30 submitting letters urging the restoration of contractor funding.  During the discussion, CCSD staff indicated that the District may consider transferring ownership of the Ranch and other community assets that fall outside their definition of essential services to an outside agency.

     The committee ultimately chose not to recommend a 0.5% budget adjustment that would have restored contractor support.

     Momentum continued at the August 14 CCSD Board meeting, where even more community members turned out to advocate for the Ranch.  Speakers emphasized the Preserve’s importance to local residents, its role in drawing visitors to Cambria, and the economic value it brings through tourism and property tax contributions.  Three FFRP board members reminded CCSD of the group’s financial and volunteer support and underscored the District’s ongoing obligations under the conservation easement.  At least seven additional speakers echoed these points.

     In response, the CCSD Board voted to form an ad hoc committee to help define the scope of maintenance for the Ranch going forward.  The committee will include CCSD Board President Debra Scott and Director Karen Dean and will collaborate with FFRP representatives.  The full scope and timeline of the committee’s work are still being determined.

     As this process unfolds, community input and engagement will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.