Wildlands Conservancy outlines plan to buy Fillmore Farms and 4 Oaks Ranch for a preserve
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Summary
The Wildlands Conservancy said it is under contract to purchase two large Sespe‑foothill properties (Fillmore Farms and 4 Oaks Ranch), is finishing due diligence and envisions public access, school partnerships and managed conservation with closing targeted by end‑2026 and early‑2027.
Frasier Haney, executive director of the Wildlands Conservancy, asked the Fillmore City Council to consider the nonprofit's vision for two foothill properties that form a key landscape linkage for wildlife and provide scenic backdrop to the city. "Fillmore Farms is 1,282 acres and the 4 Oaks Ranch is 2,678 acres," Haney said, adding both parcels have a small sliver inside the city limits and are biologically important as movement corridors between the Los Padres National Forest and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Haney told the council the conservancy is in contract on both properties, is completing due diligence (title and third‑party rights) and hopes to close on Fillmore Farms by the end of 2026 and 4 Oaks Ranch in early 2027. The organization said it typically acquires land in fee title, seeks public access opportunities and runs outdoor‑education programs for schools. "These properties could give us an opportunity to have that kind of access for local public schools," Haney said.
Council members thanked the conservancy for its stewardship work and asked about funding sources; Haney said the acquisitions would rely on a mix of state Wildlife Conservation Board grants, private foundations and donors, and possibly watershed‑protection funds from a local settlement if eligible. He also credited a local photographer for images used in the presentation and invited council members to tour the properties when feasible.
Haney emphasized careful planning and management for any public access, noting the conservancy's preference for staff presence at preserves and long‑term operations planning. Council members expressed support and asked staff to continue coordination with the Wildlands Conservancy as acquisitions proceed.
