Fred Collins (1949-2021) was the lone wolf of environmental protectors, a strong voice for the voiceless. He faced many battles to protect his ancestors and the place we call home, and he achieved dozens of wins for environmental protection and justice over his lifetime. Fred secured the County of San Luis Obispo’s adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a first in the United States. Fred was fiercely committed to protecting the Oceano Dunes, perhaps the longest-standing battle of his life, playing a pivotal role in the landmark Coastal Commission decision in 2021 to phase out off-road vehicles on our sacred Dunes. He defended against the destruction of the sacred site of Lisamu’ (Morro Rock) and helped secure national monument protection status for the Carrizo Plain.
In honor of Fred Collins’ legacy, the Fred Collins Environmental Warrier Student Scholar is awarded annually to students pursuing a career in environmental stewardship.
