Description
Laguna Greenbelt, Incorporated (LGI) is an active non-profit organization founded in 1968 to preserve the open space bordering
the City of Laguna Beach, California and comprising Sycamore Hills and five canyons: Aliso, Wood, El Toro, Laguna and Morro.
LGI has worked both with and against local governments and private corporations in order to minimize land development of the
designated greenbelt. The records include correspondence, legal papers, organizational publications, printed items, environmental
impact reports, visual materials and minutes which document the origins and evolution of LGI in its first twenty years. The
collection chronicles activities and evolving philosophies of LGI and its members, and it illustrates aspects of Orange County
social and political history.
Background
This is a brief introduction to the organization and its early years. It is based on information in the records and an unpublished
description written by Joanna Brand.
Laguna Greenbelt, Incorporated (LGI) is a nonprofit environmental organization, founded in 1968 and incorporated in 1970.
LGI's projects and strategic goals revolve around the environs of Laguna Beach, California. The organization seeks to preserve
10,000 acres of land for a greenbelt around the city. A greenbelt entails land set aside for agriculture, recreational parks
or reserved open space and specifically excludes commercial development. LGI defines Laguna Greenbelt as Sycamore Hills, a
land parcel vegetated with mature sycamore trees, and five canyons: Aliso, El Toro, Laguna, Morro and Wood. LGI has initiated
and participated in local, regional and state-wide preservation efforts. Working both with and against municipal governments
and commercial enterprises, it has promoted and opposed myriad projects affecting the environment.
This chronology of events relating to LGI and its activities is
based on local and regional newspaper clippings within the collection and is not intended
to be either definitive or comprehensive.
Extent
10.8 Linear feet
(27 boxes and 2 oversize folders) and 37.2 unprocessed linear feet
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the University of California. Copyrights are retained by the creators of the records and their
heirs. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.
Availability
Processed components of the collection are open for research. Unprocessed additions may contain restricted materials. Please
contact the Department of Special Collections and Archives in advance to request access.