Funding Appeal Letter

March 28, 2004

Dear Friend of the Environment,

We at SLO Coast Alliance (SCA) have just had our third annual meeting, looking back on our brief history with pleasure and amazement -- pleased at what has been accomplished; amazed at what needs to be done to protect our environment. We especially are pleased at the great support we have had from our participating groups.

There are over 30 organizations now who have banded together in SCA to become a major force. Our primary focus is the Coastal Zone of San Luis Obispo County, with concern and action (to date) extended from this nucleus as far south as the Gaviota Coast, as far north as the Big Sur Coast and Ventana Wilderness, as far inland as the Carrizo Plain, and westward to include concerns not only with the terrestrial, but also the
marine environment. Our mission continues to be to

1. Provide information and education on issues which involve the protection of lands and waters of the Central Coast Region, with a central focus on the Coastal Zone of San Luis Obispo County, but with our attention not confined to the political boundaries thereof; our area of concern spans the coast from Gaviota to Big Sur, and extends inland to the Carrizo Plain;
2. Provide information and education on the equitable application and administration of the California Coastal Act, California Environmental Quality Act, and other protective laws which too often are ignored or misused;
3. Conduct research and critical review of scientific data and information relating to the coastal environment, marine and interior;
4. provide information and opportunities for empowerment so the public might take a more active and creative role in protection of the lands and waters of the Central Coast Region;
5. foster and coordinate broadening public involvement in conservation of our Central Coast Region;
6. create and foster partnerships in the advancement of these goals;
7. participate actively in Area Plan Updates, Federal Land Management Plans, and other long-range planning efforts such as Estero Area Plan, Estrella-El Pomar and Carrizo;
8. Support for regional trails such as the Anza and California Coastal Trail.
9. Speaking out against proliferation of sewage sludge land disposal

In sum, we believe we have made a difference, and you individually as well as the over 30 groups supporting SCA, deserve credit for what has become a very necessary presence along the coast.

The record shows that the SLO County Board of Supervisors has done very little to protect our coast, with other governmental bodies in the region scarcely better. In fact, coastal protection in recent years has happened in spite of the Board which routinely has approved developments which would harm coastal protection and has voted repeatedly against the Coastal Act.
Any protection we enjoy today -- and in perpetuity -- has come only through the enthusiastic and effective efforts of dedicated environmental groups and, again, individuals like you. We thank you!

Accordingly, we come to you with our hand extended, asking for your
further support financially. Our efforts have been effective, yes, but
at a cost. Our treasury needs to be replenished. Some of our participating groups have been very helpful donors, but most have small and overtaxed budgets.
Therefore, we turn to you.

Please help us now at this beginning of our fourth year as SLO Coast Alliance, fighting the good fight to protect not only the coastal resources which we treasure and enjoy as well as the watersheds that feed the coast. We deeply appreciate whatever gift you can make.

Sincerely,


Tarren Collins, Co-Chair Pam Marshall-Heatherington, Co-Chair