The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is a 430-acre open space property surrounded by the community of Cambria and bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The Ranch has long been recognized for its scenic and habitat values. In its recent history, the Ranch has been used for cattle ranching, some crop production, and hiking. The Ranch is also beneficial to the Cambria Community Service District and fire agencies for emergency and utility service enhancement between the Park Hill, Marine Terrace, and West Lodge Hill neighborhoods. The Ranch is divided by the Hwy 1 corridor into portions referred as the East Ranch and West Ranch. 

The 350-acre western portion of the Ranch consists of steep to gently sloping hillsides immediately west of Hwy 1. West Ranch is enveloped on three sides by the Park Hill residential neighborhood to the north, the West Lodge Hill neighborhood to the south, and the town of Cambria to the east. The steep hillsides give way to gentle, rolling terrain extending westward from the ridgetop to the ocean bluff above the Pacific Ocean. The steeper portion of the West Ranch is composed of dense mixed forest, including Monterey Pines, with the southeast corner supporting the largest stand of this habitat type on the site. The forest extends over the ridgeline (an elevation of approximately 257 feet) and down the western slope to an elevation of about 235 feet. Smaller stands of Monterey Pines exist in the southwestern portion of the West Ranch as well. Much of the gently rolling terrain and coastal terraces west of the ridgeline are covered by grasslands that extend toward the sea bluff. Small areas of riparian scrub and seasonal wetlands persist along the drainages that flow westward from the hillside. These drainages support various types of hydrophytic (i.e. water-loving) vegetation. Furthermore, plants characteristic of wetland habitats are scattered throughout the grassland areas on the coastal terraces to the edge of the bluff.

The 70-acre eastern side of the Ranch lies to the north and south of Santa Rosa Creek and east of Hwy 1, and consists largely of the stream channel, banks, and flood plain of the creek. Santa Rosa Creek is the major drainage feature on the East Ranch and a small portion of the West Ranch. The creek is confined to a natural channel approximately 100 feet wide, but much of the year it is confined to a low-flow channel that is roughly 15 feet wide. Most of the floodplain away from the Santa Rosa Creek riparian corridor is covered by grassland until it transitions into the seasonal wetland and riparian areas near Hwy 1. The southern boundary of the East Ranch is a steep forest and coastal scrub covered hillside that extends from the creek floodplain (an elevation of approximately 33 to 43 feet) up to the 170-foot ridgeline. This hillside consists mainly of Monterey Pine forest and Coast Live Oak/Toyon woodland with small patches of coastal scrub. The southwestern portion of the East Ranch along Hwy 1 contains a seasonal wetland, which supports hydrophytic vegetation.

1.  A request in writing must be received by the Ranch Manager. The request must include the type of event, date or dates, number of participants and location where the event is being requested.
2. No vehicles, generators, amplified sound, fires, structures or tents, or receptions are allowed. Up to 25 (twenty-five) chairs will be allowed.
3. Participants will not exceed 50 (fifty). Over 25 (twenty-five) participants requires approval of Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Board of Directors. The Board must have at least a 45-days advance notice. FFRP must notify the Ranch Manager within 30 days if approval is denied.
4. Set up can be no more than 2 hours before the event and must be removed within an hour following the event. Signs to the event site will only be allowed during the set up, event and must be removed within an hour after the event.
5. A certificate of insurance must be provided before approval is final. The insurance must be for $1,000,000 in general liability and name the CCSD as additional insured.
6. The Ranch Manager will meet with the person(s) requesting approval to walk the approved site and outline the boundaries for the gathering. The site must be out of any environmentally sensitive areas.
7. A letter (permit) will be issued outlining the description of the event, the location and the rules.
8. FFRP would be notified of any Ranch Manager approved event, regardless of the number of participants.
9. FFRP and CCSD will meet at least annually to review this policy and its compliance with the terms of the Management Plan, Conservation Easement and protection of the Ranch's natural resources.
10. The Ranch Manager and a representative of FFRP will meet to designate areas suitable for public gatherings.
11. There is a $100 (one hundred) application fee for an event, donations will also be accepted and are always welcomed.

To host an event, please review the event policy and submit a reservation submittal in the sidebar.