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 worked 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 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?

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.

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.e

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.

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 onInstagram andFacebook.

What can I do to help?

• Sign up as a volunteer

• Donate!

• Spread the word and join us in securing this incredible space for the future!

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