One portion of the heavily trafficked and beloved coastal bluffs of More Mesa is now permanently protected under a new conservation easement, Santa Barbara County officials announced on Saturday.
Just west of Hope Ranch, More Mesa is a de facto nature preserve, encompassing 325 acres of oak woodlands, riparian habitat, and informally public trails used by birdwatchers, bikers, dog walkers, and horseback riders alike. The easement will protect the space from development, while still allowing current recreational uses and park management.
Only the county-owned portion of More Mesa — encompassing 36 acres on the northwestern edge — is included, however. Much of the rest of the land is privately owned and has been repeatedly taken on and off the market by its Saudi Arabian landlords, who bought the property back in 2012 for an estimated $25 million.
The most recent market appearance of the 265 private acres was listed at $65 million…