The Utom Conservation Fund was established with settlement money from litigation to protect the Utom River (Santa Clara River in Ventura County) on behalf of plaintiffs Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, California Native Plant Society, and the Center for Biological Diversity.
The groups are working to identify threats to the river, opportunities to restore and protect it, and cultural values/assets along the river in need of conservation. The group also manages the fund’s investments to maximize sustainable growth to ensure long-term funding for its environmental and cultural goals.
