BANNING RANCH CONSERVANCY

I have been interested in the future of Banning Ranch for a number of years, though I did not discover the Banning Ranch Conservancy until mid-2015. This was when I decided to move into a small home that I had inherited in West Newport Beach. I attended a few Conservancy meetings and was encouraged to attend the Coastal Commission meetings in both October 2015 and September 2016. The Conservancy proved passionate and resolute about preserving this large coastal property, which is home to a variety of plants and creatures and was successful in the denial of a large housing project on the site. Now instead, this expansive land parcel will hopefully bring enrichment to the community as a natural open space for all to enjoy. I am encouraged that the Conservancy is continuing its work to bring this vision to fruition. Our very populated coastal communities definitely need open natural spaces for peaceful enjoyment and learning. I look forward to continuing to volunteer with the Conservancy to help in this preservation process.

I recently moved to Newport Beach and ended up living about a block from the Banning Ranch. I had no idea what this big chunk of undeveloped land was until I stumbled upon the Banning Ranch Conservancy website. As a person who very much appreciates this earth and the preservation of its beauty and resources, I applaud all of those who were involved in the long, long, battle to preserve and restore this land for all people to enjoy, especially the future generations. I lived in Orange County from 1957-1961. I was able to enjoy the county before the massive development that has taken place in the time that Iʻve been away. To preserve land for those species who also live here is crucial to the web of life, upon which we are all a part, and to allow the coming generations to be able to share a small part of what some of us had much more of when we were young. Mahalo nui loa to those who have been involved in the preservation of the Banning Ranch and will be involved in the restoration of this rare piece of land that was saved from development.

I have served as president of the Banning Ranch Conservancy since its creation in 2008 and I can tell you not only are we making great progress, but that we are very careful about every dollar we raise and how it is spent.

It is no secret that environmental groups occasionally, and as a last resort, have to litigate. Such was the case in 2012 when the Banning Ranch Conservancy litigated against the City of Newport Beach for its improper approval of a development proposal on Banning Ranch. We knew we had a strong case and we were ultimately proven correct, in 2017, by a 7-0 State Supreme Court decision in our favor. This was a precedent-setting decision that will result in protection for sensitive habitat in the California Coastal Zone.

With our Supreme Court victory, we were able to recoup our attorney costs and legal fees.

Please strongly consider donating to the Banning Ranch Conservancy. I assure you your donation will be used wisely and strategically towards our mission of, "The preservation, acquisition, conservation and management of the entire Banning Ranch as a public open space, park, and coastal nature preserve."

Terry Welsh, M.D.
President, Banning Ranch Conservancy

It seems that they only take money for litigation and have yet to show any financials that prove that have taken collected donations and saved them in order to purchase open space. If they weren't being glorified as protecting the planet they would be know as a Lawyer's Best Friend.

The Conservancy is dedicated to the preservation, acquisition, conservation and maintenance of the entire Banning Ranch as a permanent public open space, park and coastal nature preserve. I was one of sixty people rallied by the Banning Ranch Conservancy who attended a Newport Beach city council meeting to voice our opposition to the construction of a highway on Banning Ranch. There were so many of us we were lined up through the lobby to take turns speaking.