Among the treasures of Goleta is picturesque Lake Los Carneros, near Los Carneros and Calle Real. If you haven’t been there, you owe it to yourself to visit this oasis of nature sitting within the city not far from Goleta City Hall.

One thing I’ve always loved about Lake Los Carneros is that while it is surrounded by city, you can’t see the city. All you see is the stunningly beautiful local nature spot, and the mountains behind the city. It is a truly peaceful spot to relax and enjoy.

It is also a good local fishing spot for those who take the time to learn to fish it effectively. Fishing line can get away from anglers, and a community coalition has come together to collaboratively rectify the problem.

Rather than me going on and on about it, allow me to share thoughts from some of the good people, organizations and companies who worked cooperatively to bring about a great solution:

Larry Basham of Santa Barbara Flyfishers Club had this to say:

“When we heard there was a problem with conventional fishing line being discarded around the lake or tangled in the tules, we were happy to join a coalition with the SB Audubon Society, Dos Pueblos HS Fishing Club, Pete Wolf and other fishing interests [including Santa Barbara Sportfishing Club] to make a plan to educate the public as to ‘Leave No Trace’ of the lake area, provide educational trail signs and receptacles for discarded fishing line at the dam and more garbage cans.
   
“SB Flyfishers purchased materials for the line receptacles and the DPHS Fishing Club built them. The Goleta City Parks & Recreation Dept. under George Thomson installed them at each end of the dam.

“Pete Wolf will monitor them and send line to Berkley Co. for recycling. The receptacles are listed on the CA.gov Fishing Line Recycling Program and people are encouraged to place any old line in them for recycling.”

Pete Wolf, owner of Big Hammer Lures/Sunrize Tackle, Inc. added his thoughts:

“I want everyone to experience the ‘natural playground’ I have found Lake Los Carneros Park to be over the past 40 years. A place to learn, discover, be inspired, and yes … have fun. I believe this is especially important for kids/next generations. A place where a quick dose of ‘nature’ is available at any time.

“Lake Los Carneros Park is just that … local & convenient. It fits Goleta’s ‘live, work, play’ campaign perfectly. Fishing, birding, history (Stow House), photography, walking the trails, riding bikes, catching lizards & snakes, playing hide and seek or playing with the goats at the Ranch … right in our own backyard.

“I’m happy people are realizing what an amazing place they have and spreading awareness about keeping it clean and taking care of it.”
Jessica Altstatt, from the Audubon Society added important perspective:

“Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) members, bird watchers and nature lovers of all ages consider Lake Los Carneros to be a total treasure. In fact, the Lake is recognized by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area! 269 species of birds have been reported from the lake and open space, making this park the South Coast’s second most ‘birdy’ location (#1 is Coal Oil Point Reserve and Devereux Slough at 288 species), and a must-see destination for locals and visitors alike.

“The relatively undisturbed lake and shoreline habitat, a rarity in Santa Barbara County, is what attracts so many different types of wild birds and waterfowl to this City of Goleta Open Space and park. Due to the all-access and level path across the dam, viewing the lake and its wildlife is accessible to everyone. 

“SBAS has been advocating tirelessly for protection of this open space because of its uniqueness, but also due to potential conflicts between providing adequate habitat for sensitive species and recreational use by the public.

“We are pleased to be working with motivated and capable partners, to bring ‘leave no trace’ education and awareness to all lake users, to minimize wildlife conflicts and to instill a high regard for nature within our young people.”