Our goal is to facilitate the protection of the Cuesta Inlet — a beautiful tidal wetland in our neighborhood — and preserve continued access for the benefit of community and wildlife.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, EIN: 88-3235556.

Anyone interested in joining the group’s efforts, please sign up to get involved.

The address of Cuesta Inlet is 1745 Doris Ave., Los Osos.

Our email address is savecuestainlet@gmail.com and we can reached by mail at Save Cuesta Inlet Inc. P.O. Box 6976 Los Osos, CA 93412-6976.

FAQs

Who is Save Cuesta Inlet?

We are a group of Los Osos community members who came together when we learned that Cuesta Inlet was listed for sale. We are working to facilitate the protection of the Cuesta Inlet and preserve continued access for the benefit of the community and wildlife. We formed a 501(c)3 corporation and have received non-profit status with the IRS under EIN: 88-3235556.

What are we buying? 

The 13 acre site comprises 3 parcels; one small parcel zoned residential, two parcels larger parcels (6+ acres each) zoned recreation of which one is predominantly water. These parcels are currently listed for sale, the asking price is a million dollars. An independent appraisal put the property value at $735,000, which is the agreed-upon purchase price.

View real estate sale listing here: 1745 Doris Ave., Los Osos – Cuesta Inlet

What are Save Cuesta Inlet’s objectives?

To facilitate the protection of the Cuesta Inlet and preserve continued access for the benefit of the community and wildlife. Save Cuesta Inlet was formed to facilitate the transfer of Cuesta Inlet from private ownership to the public domain.  Our goal is to maintain public access, boat launching, and provisions for other types of passive recreation.

Will Save Cuesta Inlet be the owner of Cuesta Inlet?

We have met with many agencies, including San Luis Obispo County Parks, the Coastal Conservancy, Los Osos Community Service District, and others.  The community desires to use the inlet for passive recreation, dog walking, birding, kayak launching, and similar activities. We feel this need can best be met through the evolution of Save Cuesta Inlet into the Friends of Cuesta Inlet Foundation and retaining ownership with local control.  

Will Save Cuesta Inlet manage the property?

Friends of Cuesta Inlet Foundation will be the manager.

What is the plan?

The short answer is we are going to fundraise in the community to purchase the property from the sellers.

How are you raising money?

First and foremost, we appeal to our community members for donations. We will solicit contributions from corporations that do business in our area. Additionally, we will pursue grants and other funds from organizations that support open space and land conservation. We will be holding various fundraising events and selling Save Cuesta Inlet merchandise.

How are you going to spend our donations?

Donations will be used to facilitate the purchase of the land and costs related to transitioning Cuesta Inlet to a land steward.

We are a 100% volunteer-run organization, and 100% of your contribution goes toward the Save Cuesta Inlet project. We do not take any overhead from the donations, though some donation methods incur processing fees of ~2-5%. Our donation page outlines no-fee donation options including checks.

Is my donation tax deductible? 

Yes, our 501(c)3 non-profit organization is registered with the IRS under EIN: 88-3235556.

Who will hold my donations?

Save Cuesta Inlet Inc. will hold donations in its bank account at Chase Bank Los Osos branch.

If this effort fails, what happens to my donation?

A small portion of the money will have been used for appraisal, surveying,  fundraising, and related costs. Donors will have the option of a refund or designating another 501(c)3 organization for their funds to go to.

Is any of the property suitable for a home site?

Yes, if another party were to purchase the property, they could attempt to build a home here. A previous offer in escrow was planning to develop the land. There is a potential home site on the property; however, obtaining a building permit, water meter, and other approvals would be extremely challenging. Currently, there are no sewer, water, or utilities connected. Save Cuesta Inlet has no plans or interest in building a house here.

How is the value of the property appraised?

Cuesta Inlet is such a unique property. There is nothing like it on the Central Coast. It has minimal commercial value and is unsuitable for a home site. However, it has immense value to the community as a passive recreation site and one of only three public kayak/skiff launch spots in a town of approximately 15,000 people. Ultimately, the level of support from the community will dictate its value. An independent appraisal put the property value at $735,000, which is the agreed-upon purchase price.

How long is this phase going to take?

We have been actively working on this for about three years, since the property entered the marketplace. We will keep going until we accomplish our mission — and now it’s crunch time! We have until November 29th, 2025, to raise the funds to close escrow and take on ownership of the Inlet.

Will Cuesta Inlet stay the same after we purchase it?

Our goal is to maintain public access, boat launching, and provisions for other types of passive recreation.

Will we be able to store our boats?

Boat storage can’t be guaranteed but is a clear priority for the local community. Please stay tuned — and fight for your inlet!

What will happen to the boats currently stored there?

Boats that are abandoned, not in use, or not sea-worthy, will need to be removed.

Will there be an effort to restore native plants and eliminate the ice plant?

Some amount of habitat restoration is the plan for a later phase, after acquisition and cleanup.

What impact will rising sea levels have on Cuesta Inlet and public access?

Models show Cuesta Inlet being impacted by rising sea levels. This is one of the reasons the land is not valuable for commercial use and development. Exactly when and how that will affect access to Cuesta Inlet is unknown. More information is available on the NOAA website: NOAA Rising Sea Level Models.

Will we be able to walk our dogs and pets at Cuesta Inlet?

Yes, dogs are a tradition at Cuesta Inlet.

Will there be a public meeting I can attend?

There will be several gatherings for neighbors and community members to meet the steering committee members and Board members of the nonprofit and to ask questions, donate, and share ideas on what is in the best interest of the community for preserving the Cuesta Inlet. Please go to the Get Involved section of our webpage (https://www.savecuestainlet.org/get-involved) to stay in touch and help our cause, and follow and share on Instagram and Facebook.

What can I do to help?

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