Tunnels, Timber, and Trails: The Balancing Act of the Santa Cruz Wild with Eric Lombardo

Ever wonder who’s behind the new trails you hike or the wildlife crossings you drive over? Eric Lombardo, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County's Director of External Affairs, joins us to pull back the curtain on how conservation actually works in our backyard. From public farms to wildfire-resilient forests, we discuss how protecting the 831 isn’t just about 'keeping people out,' it’s about inviting the community in. Tune in for a blueprint on how we can save our ecosystems, promote community, and still have a place to play.00:00 - Introduction to Coastal Land Conservation01:04 - Understanding Land Trusts03:11 - Eric's Journey to the Land Trust06:29 - The Importance of Public Access14:06 - Challenges and Solutions in Land Management17:10 - Balancing Biodiversity and Agriculture22:08 - Sustainable Timber and Forest Management43:21 - Community Support and Future Vision