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"Preserving, protecting, and enhancing
the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
and its watershed"

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Mission & History

Mission statement

The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy (SELC) is a public-spirited, not-for-profit citizens group with the mission to preserve, protect and enhance the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and its watershed. It is governed by a volunteer board of directors, which sets policy for the executive director and staff. The Conservancy raises funds through membership dues and solicitation of private donations and public and private grants. Funds are used to support projects that directly benefit the health of the lagoon and watershed or upgrade services available to visitors.

Pioneer Protectors

Before there was a San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy or even a San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, there was a small group of local citizens in the 1960’s and 70’s dedicated to preserving the lagoon in the face of proposed development projects: beachfront condominiums, a residential marina, a water theme park and 2500 homes.  Their grass roots efforts included letter writing, information booths at community events, and contacting their elected officials.  Finally, they were rewarded for their years of dedication and persistence.  In 1982, the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve was officially created, and this precious bit of natural open space in the midst of our community was preserved.  In 2001, these dedicated citizens were dubbed the “Pioneer Protectors”.  They are:


Elegant Terns (Photo: Chris Taylor)

Lee & Claudia Taylor
Rosemary Kimbal
William Norgren
Mary Carol Isaacs
Robert Small
Carole Baile
Ralph Haynes
Nora Cochrane
Pete Schroeder
Robert & Ann Sensibaugh
Wolfgang & Karen Berger
Sandy Roberts
Eric & Suellen Lodge
Jack & Dolores Bradshaw
Tom Clotfelter
Bill & Janet Goff
Scott & Sheelagh Williams
Chet Ford
Claire Burgener
D. Dwight Worden
David Rorick
Kenneth Hill
Lawrence Ford
M. A. Nofflett
Mrs. Don Marsh
Neil Marshall
Neil Morgan
Peta Mudie
Scott Englehorn
William Craven

We thank these visionary individuals

Web SanElijo.org

History

1970
Formation of San Elijo Alliance (1970 - 1986)

1976
Formation of San Elijo Lagoon Foundation (1976 - 2001)

1987
Formation of San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy

2001
San Elijo Lagoon Foundation merges with San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy



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