CASTRO CANYON RESTORATION FUND

In June 2008 lightening struck the Big Sur coast starting a wildfire that burned nearly 200,000 acres. In the first week the fire burned down Castro Canyon to within 15 feet of Deetjen’s buildings. Firefighters held the line, and the historic buildings were saved.

Virtually all Castro Canyon’s 12,000 acres burned in a medium intensity fire leaving a layer of white ash everywhere. Soon, the winter rains will wash the ash down the steep slopes, and if the rains are intense, tons of mud and debris—huge rocks and whole trees—will flow down the canyon and past Deetjen’s buildings.

White ash on hillside above Faraway

We are holding some buildings out of service for the winter and we are building temporary debris walls to protect these buildings and our bridges. We are installing erosion control blankets on the burned slope above the Creekhouse. In addition, as time allows, our crews will work their way up the canyon cutting up fallen trees and removing dangerous obstacles.

Fire from the parking lot bridge

There is only so much we can do, and the intensity of the winter rains and the natural purging of the Canyon will dictate the results of our efforts.

These erosion control and restoration measures are expensive, at least for Deetjens. They are not covered by insurance. Eventually, we hope to move up the canyon and work organically with nature to restore Castro Canyon to its pristine beauty while rebuilding our hiking trails including the Trail to Happy and the Deer Bed Trail. Already green ferns and patches of sorrel are appearing through the white ash.

Firefighters walk into Graves Canyon just north of Deetjens


Fire on day two from the Top House parking lot

To help finance this work we have started the Castro Canyon Restoration Fund. Initially, all donations will go toward erosion control and then for the deeper eco-restoration of the Canyon. If this work—restoring the land and trails their organic wildness—interests you, we ask for your contribution. Deetjens Inc, which owns the land and buildings, is a 501 c3 non profit foundation so your contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Thank you.

St. Francis after the burn on the Deer Bed Trail

Send donations to: Castro Canyon Restoration Fund Deetjens Big Sur Inn 48865 Highway 1 Big Sur, CA 93920 Download PDF with more information about the Castro Canyon Restoration