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1,092 Acres Added to San Timoteo Canyon State Park
Since its designation in 2001 as a new state park unit, RLC has been working to acquire properties for inclusion in the San Timoteo Canyon State Park in western Riverside County. This past summer, two valuable properties were acquired for this state park effort.
In June, RLC completed over nine months of negotiations with the Morring family to purchase 360 acres of property on the western side of the Badlands near Moreno Valley. This area of steep, dramatic hills covered with chaparral and scrub brush is located within Riverside County’s MSHCP and provides potential habitat for the Burrowing Owl and Nevin’s Barberry. From the hilltops of this property, much of the surrounding canyon can be seen. Because of this, the area holds great potential as part of the trail system envisioned as part of the State Park. The Morring Family was recognized for their contribution to the State Park effort at the September Board of Directors meeting.
In July, efforts to acquire 732 acres of property along the eastern edge of San Timoteo Canyon were finally realized. Oak Valley Partners, a major landowner on the eastern edge of San Timoteo Canyon, was sued in 2001 by environmental groups over their plans for a master planned development of resident and commercial uses. As a result of the lawsuit’s settlement agreement, Oak Valley agreed to allow 1,089 acres of their property to be purchased for conservation. Since that time, Oak Valley Partners has been committed to the preservation of a portion of their landholdings including the rocky ridgeline at the northeast section of San Timoteo Canyon. In 2003, 357 acres were acquired from Oak Valley through a grant by the State of California Wildlife Conservation Board. In July, the final 732 acres were acquired by the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority. This valuable habitat of oak woodlands, chaparral, scrub brush and riparian habitat will now be permanently conserved for future generations.
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Local Voice for Conservation
 Throughout communities in southern California, concerned citizens are recognizing that if local natural landmarks and valued open spaces are to be preserved for the future they need to take an active role in conserving these areas. From Palm Springs to Norco, Rialto to Jurupa, groups called “Friends of Palm Springs Mountains” or “Friends of Jurupa Mountains” are forming to ensure their voice for conservation is heard. RLC is working with these groups to develop and implement strategies to preserve these areas through acquisitions, donations and land use planning. Projects are underway to preserve the Chino Cone area at the base of the Palm Springs Tramway, Blue Mountain in Rialto, Jurupa Mountain and the Norco Hills. These projects undertaken by RLC are all funded and directed by local citizens working to leave a legacy of natural resources and scenic beauty for future generations.
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An Afternoon In San Timoteo Canyon
On April 22, RLC hosted "An Afternoon in San Timoteo Canyon" at the El Casco lakes. over 70 people
attended
this reception highlighting the acquisitions of numerous properties in San Timoteo Canyon and recognizing the landowners and funding
agencies which have helped to make the dream of a San Timoteo Canyon State park a reality. Representatives from the Western Riverside
County Regional Conservation Authority, Sate of California Wildlife Conservation Board, California State parks, City of Calimesa,
Union Pacific, southern California Edison, and Audubon Society were present to be recognized for their contributions to the
State Park effort. Honorees were each presented with an original etching of San Timoteo Canyon by local artist Janet Edwards.
Nature walks were available to interested participants after the event led by RLC Board members and wildlife authorities, Tom Scott and Greg Ballmer.
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