Preserve the rest of Eagle Ranch in Atascadero, as well

Regarding “Eagle Ranch deal is laudable” (March 29), Lon Allan well-describes the Eagle Ranch easement as a “pristine piece of property.”

While this is wonderful news, aren’t the adjoining, remaining 3,000-plus acres just as pristine (and worthy of saving)? While E.G. Lewis may have envisioned residential development there many years ago, I hope this doesn’t imply his idea is written in concrete.

And while the Atascadero Mutual Water Co. still claims that our water supply is plentiful and not affected by the western United States’ drought issues and concerns, there hardly seems any wisdom in building up to several hundred new houses in this other “pristine” area in need of more water, infrastructure and related services.

Might the ranch owners consider a “kinder” use for such a remarkable and extraordinary property than just more residential sprawl? If the mentioned upcoming tours are as popular as anticipated, what about retaining the other half of the ranch for tourism, perhaps a small overnight lodge, guided tours on natural paths and trails, and wildlife observation lookouts? Paired with local wine tours, Hearst Castle, etc., the remaining Eagle Ranch could easily become a popular local and travel destination instead.

This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 6:54 PM with the headline "Preserve the rest of Eagle Ranch in Atascadero, as well."