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Small Wilderness Area Preservation records
BANC MSS 81/38 c  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
This collection contains the organizational records of Small Wilderness Area Preservation, a conservation organization founded by Los Osos resident Emily Polk for the purpose of buying up small parcels of land for preservation as nature parks and reserves. It is includes correspondence, financial records and tax documents, incorporation documents, meeting minutes and membership rosters, newsletters and publicity materials, press and clippings, and program files. The program files include correspondence, proposals, permits, and other working documents related to the various projects undertaken by S.W.A.P. for purchasing and setting aside parkland in California.
Background
Small Wilderness Area Preservation (SWAP) was a conservation organization founded in 1971 by Emily Polk, a resident of Los Osos, CA, to purchase and set aside small parcels of land as parks, reserves, and open spaces. SWAP was incorporated in 1971 and solicited tax- deductible contributions from individuals in order to purchase land that would be “either saved from being destroyed, or returned from misuse to a natural wild state.” (1) It worked with and was supported by the Nature Conservancy and the Sierra Club, to which it deeded parcels. It approached landowners in order to persuade them to sell or donate their properties, which it could then lease, sell, or grant to landholding agencies or other foundations or corporations.
Extent
8 Linear Feet (5 cartons, 2 document boxes, 3 card file boxes)
Restrictions
Materials in this collection may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Availability
Collection is open for research.