Watsonville Slough Farms – Mini Ranch Acquisition

The California State Coastal Conservancy has issued a notice of exemption for grant funding to acquire the 62-acre Watsonville Slough Mini Ranch property located within the Middle Watsonville Slough wetlands complex in Santa Cruz County. This acquisition aims to protect and restore critical natural resources, including wetland habitats, enhance water quality, and conserve sensitive wildlife species and ecological corridors. The project also seeks to maintain compatible agricultural use on the land while ensuring ongoing access for California Native American tribes and the general public, balancing conservation goals with cultural and community needs. The initiative reflects a commitment to preserving coastal ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management practices in the region. Funding for this effort is being managed through the Coastal Conservancy’s grant programs, with Lexi Morrison listed as the primary point of contact for project inquiries. The notice was posted on December 9, 2025, and is categorized as a forecast, indicating anticipated future funding activity rather than an open solicitation. Although no solicitation number, NAICS code, or set-aside details are provided, the project’s location and objectives are clearly defined, with all performance taking place in California. Further information and documentation can be accessed via the provided link to the California Environmental Quality Act database.