100-Acre Big Ben Ranch Donated to Land Trust

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County announced today that its nearly 24,000-acre portfolio of protected natural resources and agricultural countryside now includes the 100-acre Big Bend Ranch, donated by Judy and Jack Stapelmann. Located in the El Jaro Creek watershed southeast of Lompoc, Big Bend cradles riparian habitat, oak woodland, and leased portions in farming and grazing. “We know the Land Trust will protect it,” Mrs. Stapelmann said. “It’s a win-win.”