We’ve had some recent park and open space acquisitions — in San Diego River Park, The Escondido Creek Coalition, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Ramona Grasslands and area off Wildcat Canyon Road, Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve, Otay River Valley, San Dieguito River Park, Carlsbad Calavera, Crest, Cuyamacas, Daley Ranch … Many of these are due to the hard work of dedicated members of local support foundations. Others with major contributions from national organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, Audubon Society… Thanks to all, and keep these coming. Our population keeps growing, our open spaces get reduced and par needs constantly go up. Like to share some news about those?
And yet… Some of our public parklands and desirable public spaces are under threat. Same old story— more buildings, more highways, got to keep those illegals out, etc. Here are a couple we need to keep alert about.
- San Mateo Campground & San Onofre State Beach. Major threat to public state parkland so an Orange County toll road can move traffic from I-5 near the nuclear powerplant off to the northeast. This definitely takes over public parkland, with likely negative affects on the popular beach areas, tearing out part of the San Mateo creek trail, and definitely intruding on what is now a peaceful and top quality campground. Lots of folks have spoken loudly in opposition but it’s still a live issue.
- Border Field State Park. See the original Café posting for a description of this special treasure at the absolute southeastern most part of the U.S. and important for historical, natural and recreational values. The threat is due to the much-pursued border fence aimed at stopping illegal crossings. Much of this has gone in elsewhere; putting it in here will cause severe ecological damage and pretty much wipe out the state park.
Your comments, and actions, are welcome.
— TOM LEECH