RANCHO ESTRELLITA MITIGATION BANK
Restoring Wetlands, Preserving Rare Species and Habitats,
& Sustaining Biological Diversity on California's Central Coast
Rancho Estrellita Mitigation Bank is a privately-owned commercial mitigation bank located on a working cattle ranch just east of Paso Robles in rural San Luis Obispo County, California. The Bank contains a unique assemblage of habitats on the undeveloped ranch property, and is being established to provide compensatory mitigation credits to offset permitted impacts to wetlands, waters, vernal pools, and federal and state listed species. Credits are anticipated to be available for qualified projects in early 2027.
Our Story
Rancho Estrellita has been a working cattle ranch on California’s Central Coast for generations, with agricultural use documented on the property since at least the early 1940s. Owned since the early 1900's by The Hillman Family, before being sold the present owners, the ranch has remained largely intact and undisturbed over that time, retaining extensive grasslands, riparian corridors, seasonal wetlands, and associated wildlife habitat.
With development pressures increasing across the region, the new owners of Rancho Estrellita sought a long‑term approach that would preserve the character of the land while contributing to regional conservation goals. Establishing a mitigation Bank allows this unique property to remain in agricultural use while permanently protecting its extensive biological and aquatic resources through conservation and active land management.
Rancho Estrellita Mitigation Bank reflects an approach rooted in stewardship, continuity, and responsible land use. By dedicating the property to conservation and mitigation, the bank provides a durable solution that supports infrastructure and development needs on the Central Coast while ensuring long‑term protection of valuable habitat and waters.