FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: The Ejido Park
The Park & The Land
What are the borders of the park? The park encompasses 200 hectares of high-value conservation land. This includes a 5-meter protected corridor along the Pista Pista and Jane’s Addiction trails.
- Conservation Zone: Marked in green on our map.
- Private Property: The dark areas represent land already sold and outside the park.
- Common Use Area: The white octagon remains Ejido common-use land.
Why isn’t Las Palmas or Punta Gorda included in the park? As shown on our map, some trails are not included because they are on private property. While landowners currently allow access to many of these trails, it is not guaranteed. This is why LaVESTA moved urgently to preserve the remaining 200 hectares of Ejido land before it was too late.
Will the South Trail System ever be conserved? The North area provided the easiest path for conservation as it is “Common Use Land.” However, the Ejido has expressed interest in future projects for the South. To make that a reality, we need to prove this model works! Your donations directly impact our ability to expand.
The Legal & Financial Model
Why a Servidumbre (Conservation Easement)? An easement is the “gold standard” because it stays with the land even if it is sold. This gives us the certainty that if you trust us with your donations, we will have a protected park for 20 years, regardless of who owns the title.
Why didn’t LaVESTA just buy the land? The land was not for sale, and the cost would have been too high for our organization. Ownership also brings significant liability and administrative burdens. Based on expert advice, we pursued the Servidumbre route to protect the land, and also allows the Ejido to maintain full land ownership and be vested in the land conservation effort.
Why is LaVESTA paying for something that has always been free? In reality, we have been “trespassing” on for years. By providing a “Conservation Incentive,” we compensate the ejido for choosing preservation and allowing access.
How much is the annual payment to the Ejido? The initial annual payment is 500,000 Pesos, which increases in time for inflation. There are some additional fees for management of the ICF Park Fund, and independent monitoring to ensure the land remains protected.
What will the Ejido use the money for? The Ejido has an elected board that disburses these funds for community-related services.
Trust & Transparency
Can we trust LaVESTA with our donations? LaVESTA is dedicated to total transparency. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the USA and a Mexican Civil Association (A.C.) that adheres to strict governance. Our leadership team ensures funds only go toward our mission, and keeps strict records of every dollar.
Can the ICF Park Fund be used for tools or t-shirts? No. The ICF restricted fund is strictly for Park expenses: the annual incentive, legal protection, and monitoring. General donations to LaVESTA are used for trail maintenance, tools, and program coordination.
What happens if we don’t raise enough funds—or if we raise extra?
- If we fall short: The conservation contract will cease.
- If we exceed our goal: We will look to expand protections to the South Trail System or extend the 20-year term of the current park.
People & Maintenance
Who made this park a reality? The Ejido members had the incredible wisdom to vote for conservation as their legacy. Behind the scenes, LaVESTA worked for three years including and alongside:
- LaVESTA Leadership: Ermanno Strepparola (President), Mary Brookman, and Peter Aschwanden.
- Financial Oversight: Mike Jablonski (Current Treasurer) and Brandon Huber (Former Treasurer).
- Expert Support: ARCo (Alianza por la Regeneración de la Comunidad), DAN (Defensa Ambiental del Noroeste), iAlumbra, and conservation lawyer Camilo Daniel Thompson.
- The Donors: Everyone who contributed to our legal and startup funds!
Who maintains the trails? The trails were built by a long history of dedicated community members. Today, they are maintained by LaVESTA volunteers and paid locals. Eric Rubie currently serves as our exceptional North Trail maintenance team leader. The South Trail maintenance is coordinated by Greg Clarence, Tom Turner, and Jamie Napier.
Usage & Benefits
What are the extra benefits of this park for our town? Beyond recreation, the park helps drive sustainable tourism, increases local land values, provides massive health benefits for the community through “wild space,” and earns our town recognition for environmental stewardship.
Is the park accessible by car? No. To preserve the natural integrity of the area, there is no motorized access. You can view designated parking areas on Trailforks and enter by foot or bike.
What happens in 20 years? We hope to renew! By showing the Ejido and the community the benefits of conservation over the next two decades, we aim to make this park a permanent fixture of El Sargento.
How can I help? The most effective way is to Donate. Whether it’s a monthly contribution, a legacy gift, or volunteering your time, your support keeps the “Conservation Incentive” funded and the trails open.
Still have questions? Contact us at lavesta.bcs@gmail.com.