The City of San Luis Obispo is proud of its natural setting.  In order to ensure that this setting remains healthy, vibrant, and a community asset forever, many policies and programs are in place that are carried out by staff throughout the City.

In 1995, to bring greater guidance and a more proactive approach to the City's resource protection efforts, the Natural Resources Protection Program was created.  The program is carried out by the Natural Resources Manager with assistance from the City Biologist, the program has two major areas of activity:  community programs and organizational support.

The City of San Luis Obispo's open space currently includes some 14 City owned properties totaling approximately 2,500 acres of land and water, plus easements totaling another 1,400 acres, bringing the total open space acreage to 4,100.