1996 Diablo Watch - Summer Edition, Issue 19

Save Mount Diablo Celebrating 25 Years of Protecting Mount Diablo Summer 1996, No.19

Blackhills/Sycamore Canyon

252 ACRE PARCEL TO BE ADDED TO STATE PARK

3 Forthefirsttime,Save a: g Mount Diablo can anffi nounce the near ,, completion of a nine <D iii year effort to protect Sycamore Canyon be- § a: low Mt. Diablo State Park's Southgate Rd. Toll Booth. The parcel is an incredible stream canyon draining from the State Park to Blackhawk below, and is surrounded on 80% ofits border by the Park. Bounded by high hills on the east and west and the sheer rock face of Devil's Slide to the north, the canyon is an integral part of the chaparral and rock communities that make up the mountain's southern Blackhills.

In addition to a robust riparian corridor, diverse plant communities and beautiful displays of wildflowers, the Blackhills parcel includes several threatened or endangered species. A fire road parallels Sycamore Creek and will be accessible to the public from Southgate Road's Curry Point by way of the Devil's Slide trail or Blackhawk Ridge Road. 252 acres have been agreed upon for dedication to Mt. Diablo State Park at no cost to the public. The State Dept. of Parks and Recreation has agreed to accept the parcel. Final approval by the State Dept. of Finance could come by the publication date of this article or within the next few months.

One of SMD's most important programs involves monitoring and responding to development plans proposed around the mountain. When Blackhawk was approved by the Board of Supervisors in the mid 1970's it included the most significant dedication of open space in the County's history, a promise of almost 2100 acres to be added to the State Park as five phases of development were completed. It also set the tone for preservation when development is proposed adjacent to park boundaries. Almost every large development approved since then has included significant dedication, or' gifting' of open space as a condition of approval.

continued on page 8

Save Mount Diab lo in the 1980's25th Anniversary Part II

Excerpted from an article written by

Robert Doyle

Save Mount Diablo's work has taken place during the

2 5 YEARS

SAVE MOUNT DIABLO

most hectic period of Contra Costa County's growth. Soon after the group was created, the number of major developments affecting the mountain skyrocketed. New cities were being created around the mountain. By getting involved at the right time, SMD has successfully undertaken one of the biggest conservation projects in the State. This was accomplished despite the area's development orientation and without opposing growth. During this time public land was added at an impressive rate.

Most of all, SMD has served as a catalyst in turning the public's great love for the mountain to its support. Had we not

continued on page 4

Neighboring residents aided SMD in preserving the 252 acre Blackhills dedication above Blackhawk.

MOUNT DIABLO

Board of Directors

Susan Watson President

Robert E Doyle Vic e-Pre s id ent

Amara Koss Secr etary

Linda Mehlman Tr eas ur er

Art Bonw ell Di rec t or

Paul Choisser Direct o r

Susan D'Alcamo Director

Cha r lice Danielsen Director

Don deFremery Director

Stephen Joseph Director

Steven Mehlman Director

Bob Nunn Di rector

All a n Pra ger Di re ct o r

Malcolm Sproul Director

Sloff

Seth Adams Program Director

Carol Campbell Development Director

Patrice Moran Administrative Assistant

Diablo Watch is published by Save Mount Diablo, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving land on Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain's natural values.

Edited by:

Steve Mehlman and Art Bonwell CONTAINS

Park District Purchases Aswad Parcel

160 ACRES WILL CONNECT MORGAN TERRITORY AND ROUND VALLEY

On April 16th, the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District unanimously approved Director Beverly Lane's motion to purchase the 160 acre Aswad parcel for addition to Morgan Territory regional Preserve . The parcel connects the Preserve with Round Valley Regional Park for the first time, and its purchase will protect the visual integrity of both parks. An option to purchase the parcel for $224,000 was first approved in 1988. The option was exercised on April 19th, and escrow closed in late April.

Aswad is located on the face of the ridge line rising into Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, and overlooks beautiful Round Valley. It is made up of rolling to steep terrain rising from 500 to 1,600 feet in elevation. Its vegetation is about 40% grassland; upper elevations are open canopy oak woodland. Although a multi purpose trail

Board Changes

CFO JUD MYGATT RESIGNS

JudsonMygatt,SaveMountDiablo ' s Chief Financial Officer resigned in March due to increasing professional commitm e nts. Jud lives in Blackhawk and became involved with SMD during the Blackhills development negotiations (see related article pg. 1) He founded "Residents Opposing Blackhills" in r e sponse to the proposal and helped coordinate SMD's response Several years later he joined SMD's Board of Directors and helped in the transition to a larger organization. He managed the group's funds, its annual audit, and its annual budget process. In addition,he served on the Fundraisin g Committee and took a strong interes t in SMD' s Diab lo Trail project.

is not feasible, the District will investigate creation of a single track trail between the two parks. The parcel includes three springs, and a small hunting cabin in poor condition will be demolished. Access is from Marsh Creek Rd. through Round Valley, which is expected to open for public use in the Fall of 1996 or early 1997.

The area has been recognized as one of the most significant scenic and natural habitat areas in Eastern Contra Costa County. It has abundant wildlife including the federally protected endangered San Joaquin kit fox , and the State protected Swainson' s hawk.

Please thank Director Bev Lane and the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District b y writing: Board of Directors, EBRPD, 2950 Per alta Oaks Court, P.O. Box 5381 , Oakland, CA 94605-0381

Diab/a Wat ch is printed on recycled paper with a soy base ink and can be recycled again.

Director Linda Mehlman has taken Mygatt's place as CFO Formerly SMD's Board Secretary and co-editor of this newsletter, Linda is Vice-President and Senior Finance Manager for Bank of America. She r eceived her bach elors degree at the Universit y of Californi a a t Berkeley in Political cont inu ed on page 3

Charitable Bequests

B adding a si mpl paragraph to our will, you can help ensure th continu d acqui iti n f threaten open spac and preser ation of fount Diablo for futur generation Sav Mount Diablo apprecfat gifts of fu nd or real property.

for more Information, contad SMD at (510)229-4275

Re1iring Boord Member and Chief Financial Officer, Jud Mygoll al comp along rhe Dioblo Trail

SMD Receives First De Witt Award From the Department of Parks and Recreation -

Save Mount Di ablo wa s honor e d with pres entation of th e first DeWitt Aw ard, at the C aliforni a State Park Ran ge rs Conference in Ventura on Ma r ch 12, 1996 The DeWitt Aw ar d w as named in h onorofJ ohn DeWitt, th e long time Ex ecutiv e Director of the Sav e-th e-Redw ood s Leagu e. A partnership award, it recogn iz es external s upport to the Department of Park s and Recrea tion from indi-

sponsorship

Note from tlte President

lll ere it is summer 1 Save Mount Diablo is continuing to observe its Twenty-fifth Anniversary with special hikes on the mountain.

ci es . Save Mount Diablo will ce lebrate its 25 y ear

BE,\ D tABLO WATCH SPO OR anniversar y in 1996."

age sponso to help us o.ffi l the o to( printing and mailing this ne w letter a wekom and an b

Pres erve d land s [w ithin the St a te Park] hav e more than tripl e d Through their effo r ts , more th an 11 ,000 acres have be en added to Mount Diab lo State Park over the ye ars [from 6,788 acre s to almo st 19,000] Sav e Mount Di ablo continue s to rai se funds to pres erve the remainder of the mountain. Addition ally, they ha ve be en a strong s upporter of the Department's v ariou s resource management polividu als and organiz ation s who serv e a s ' irreplaceable partn ers in the accomplishment' of the DPR' s mi ssion . SMD was one of t w o winn e rs that best exemplified the highest le vel of coop e rative partnership with the State Depa r tment of Parks and Recr e-

Tlrl page of Diab lo Wa t ch is supported 1'y tire bequest of ation . Da.n and 811rbara Reid, of Diablo .

According to SMD President thanked on th pages. Susan Watson, " Save Mount Diablo is honored to have won the DeWitt Award. We are grateful to the Department

The award nomination, by Mount Diab lo State Park Superintendent Lawrenc e Ferri, stated in part: " Save Mount Di ab lo is a non-profit conservation organi za tion which has been preserving lands on Mt. Diablo and educating the public to the mountain's natural resources since 1971.

Board Changes

,,

•

for the vision to create parks to preserve such beautiful and significant places in California as Mount Diablo and for the courage and the tenacity to protect them. Save Mount Diab lo will continue to work with the Depa rtment in order to ensure that this unique mountain will be preser ved as a treasure for all people."

contim1edfrorn page 2

Economy of Natur al Resources and an MBA from Gold en Gate Uni versity Linda , her husband, Steve, and their daughter Chessa live in Walnut C re ek. Dire ctor Amara Koss has taken Linda's place as Secretary. Deputy City Attorne y with the City of Walnut Creek, Amara earned her B.S. in Natural Reso urces at the Univ er sit y of Michigan and her JD and Masters in Env ironmental

Law at Vermont Law School, graduating magna cumlaude. Amara was p r esident of the Diablo Property Owners' Association and live s in the community of Diablo with h er husband, Charles. Save Mount Diablo thank s all three directors for their hard work and hopes Jud , and his wife Virginia, will actually have some free time , now

On Easter, there was a special hike on a beautiful day at both Three Springs and Chaparral Spring, led by staff person Carol Campbell and board directors Charli Danielsen and Susan D' Alea mo. As Charli is a long time active participant with the California Native Plant Society, and the guiding light of our Bunchgras s Project, and Susan is with the Jepson Herbarium at UC Berkeley , our hikers were tr ea ted to wildflower spotting and identification par excellence!

25th anniversary hikes will continue throughout the year. I hope you will go on one or more in order to enjoy our mountain and its foothills in all seasons. There is always something new to enjoy as well as something familiar to see again.

Soon, we may be able to show you a new property that has a long history. The "Blackhills" Dedication to the State Park is about complete. (See Blackhills/Sycamore Omyon Article, pg 1). Let me tell you something about this land.

Toward the end of the 1980's, Save Mount Diablo and the Oliver Da Silva Construction Co. negotiated an ecologically sensitive plan of development that included a dedication to the park of251 acres of the Blackhills subdivision (formerly the Peterson Ranch) near Blackhawk. This is incredible land at the southern side of the park with stunning geologic formations and chaparral communities which are home to the threatened Alameda Whip Snake and the rare Mount Diablo Sunflower. There • have also been confirmed sightings of peregrine falcons.

At that time, the Da Silva Company, the County, Save Mount Diablo, and the State Park were all in agreement; however, over the years since 1989, what with One Thing and Another, the dedication languished. Save Mount Diablo periodically kept the issue alive with the county, the developer mercifully remained willing, and finally this year, we were able to pull all of the loose ends together and see that the Sta te formally accepted th.is magnificent and munificent dedication We give our thanks to all parties involved with this action.

When you can, come see this extraordinary addition to our State Park. And please read the schedule of hikes and join usonas many as you can. We always look forward to seeing you.

25th Anniversary Continued

... continued from page 1

done so, we would all be living in a much less scenic county. Development has been proposed over the years in areas that we all know and enjoy today-quar-

1980's SMD Board member and photographer Bob Walker led SMD in urging the District and the State forward in an unprecedented drive south-eastward. In ries near Three Springs, 1989, led by Contra Costa Times columnist Gary Bogue, thousands of donors helped SMD acquire the 631-acre Morgan Ranch, the first connection between Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and the mountain.

dumpsatMarshCanyonand Round Valley, freeways above Walnut Creek-housing in the foothills around Mitchell and Donner Canyons, Shell Ridge and Lime Ridge. Our work responding to planning issues continues today, but during the late 70' sand 80' s we learned to be more affective at the local level after years of slow but steady success with state park acquisitions.

SMD has taken every opportunity to preserve strate-

Park, preserving much of the steep Blackhills. Additional dedications later on have brought the total to nearly 2000 acres. Negotiations with Blackhawk had started at only around 300 acres.

In the mid-1980's key acquisitions expanded the state park south-west, with the addition of the Macedo Ranch. A first of its kind 3 agency corridor-state park, regional park and city open space-linked up along the western foothills. In 1984, in a campaign to 'Add a mile to Mt. Diablo', SMD purchased the 360 acre Soto Ranch extending the park from Black Point to Arroyo Del Cerro Canyon above the Northgate area. continued on page 9

Unfortunately, we realized that not all the beautiful foothills could be purchased and that negotiating with developers was a part of what we had to do, like it or not. SMD pioneered ridge line protection and open space dedication as part of the development process. In 1980 the first Blackhawk development dedications were added to the State gic parcels-or to help agencies preserve them. In the early 1970's the mountain's north face and its three incredible stream canyons were acquired. In 1975 the Park District acquired the first pieces of Morgan Territory Regional Park. The following year, SMD made its first acquisition, the Morgan Territory Investment holdings, were preserved at the juncture of Marsh Creek and Morgan Territory roads, extending the State Park north with matching federal funding. In 1980 North Peak was acquired although too late to save it from construction of communications towers, it's crown of thorns. We later convinced the county to do a much better job of siting communication facilities in parks. During the

Save Mount Diablo 25th Anniversary Hike Series

Save Mount Diab lo will celebrate its 25th anniversary throughout 1996 In addition to other events, we will sponsor hikes to locations around the mountain that, with your help, we have been instrumental in preserving.

July 4th, Thursday, 5 pm, 25th Anniversary Hike

Juniper Camp (Save Mt. Diablo)

Leaders: Susan Dalcamo and Charil Danielsen. Reservations are required, call Save Mt. Diablo at 947-3535

Meet at Juniper Camp Mt. Diablo State Park. Stay on the mountain to observe the local fireworks displays. Bring something to eat, water and a flashlight.

July 27, Saturday,10:00 am, 25th Anniversary Hike

Round Valley (Save Mt. Diablo & Sierra Club, Mt. Diablo Regional Group)

2 YE A RS

SAVE MOUNT DIABLO

Leader: Don DeFremery 837-5646. Meet at south side of Marsh Creek Rd 1.7 miles east of Deer Valley Rd or 1.6 miles west of Camino Diablo. Car pool from Walnut Creek BART, 9:00 am. Join Don on a moderate hike that explores this lovely oak-studded valley with one climb to an overlook. Bring lunch and liquids. There is no water on the trail, so bring all you will need .

August 17, Saturday, 9:30 am, 25th Anniversary Hike

Morgan Territory (Save Mt. Diablo & Sierra Club, Mt. Diablo Regional Group)

Leader: Don DeFremery 837-5646. Meet at Morgan Territory parking lot on Morgan Territory Road. Car pool from Walnut Creek BART 8:30 am. Explore this little-known gem of a park on a moderate hike that includes sweeping vistas, wooded canyons, and some magnificent stands of rnanzanita. Bring lunch and liquids. There is no water on the trail, so bring all that you will need.

Then SMD President, Bob Doyle speaks at the Morgan Ranch Dedication in 1989. SMD's 631 acre acquisition connected Mt. Diablo Stale park with Morgan Territory Regional Preserve.

On-Going Developments

PITTSBURG PROPOSES MASSIVE ANNEXATION

In March, the City of Pittsburg began circulating a draft Environmental Impact Report for a proposed Southeast Area Sphere of Influence Amendment, Annexation & Prezoning. Pittsburg proposes to annex and develop 400-4000 units within a 2750-acre area stretching up Kirker Pas s and Nortonville Roads to within a quarter mile of the City of Clayton. Although Save Mount Diab lo has never been involved in a project proposed by Pittsburg, there would be significant impacts to areas of interest to the group if the proposal is approved. Most significantly, the area is adjacent to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, crosses the ridge to above Clayton, would greatly impact wildlife habitat, and ignores the County's Urban Limit Line. In addition, Pittsburg has approved projects in the past which included mass grading on steep hills; this area includes slopes as steep as 70 % (the county allows development on slopes of 26 %). Finally, the project might generate pressure to allow the use of the Regional Park District ' s Black Diamond Way trail (s ee related Hike article pg 6. ) for vehicular access. The project must be approved by the county's Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), and environmental groups, cities and other agencies have expressed major reser v ations about the proposal. Members of the public can write of their concerns about the project to the City of

m Honor Of

Do roth ea & Jim Benn eyCo ngratul ations

Carro ll & Bob Bre ntano

Sherry Gustafso n & David Von Bima

18th Distri ct-Eas tern Star

Dr. Ri ch ard Lirtin ger

Loui e & Johnson Clar k

Ro b & Meg han Mason's Wedd ing on Diab lo

Bev Maso n

Bill & Barbara Sickenb ergerHappy 50t h Anniversa ry

Le & Mary Glasgow

Li n &Ty ler Snortum-Ph elps

Beth Sn rtu m

Nortonville Roods to within 1/4 mile of Clayton 400 to 4000 homes ore being considered for development within this proposed annexation which is adjacent to Block Diamond Mines Regional Pork

Pittsburg, P.O. Box 1518, Pittsburg, CA 94565.

ATHENIAN-BLACK OAK ESTATES

In 1992 the Board of Supervisors approved the 36 unit Black Oak Estates project on the northern 47 acres of the Athenian School property in Diab lo. SMD had successfully proposed a reduction in units from 45 to 36, a 14-acre dedication, tree protection and a public trail as Conditions of Approval for the project. Construction , however , was predicated on the developer providing legal acces s on the privately maintained Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd. None continu ed on page 7

In Memory Of

Jearu1e tte Bates

Millie Ford

Mary Bl oomer

Cha rl es Bl oo mer

13o ri s Roy Bocheff

Barbara Bocheff

Torn Bowdle

Sara & John Sta tes

A. J. Clark, Del ta Scou ter

The Tu ll is Fa mily

Jane C. De ubner

Julius C. Deubner

John H. Finger

Do rot hy Finger

CARL BALLAY MEMORIAL CAMPSITE

James W Fw1dingsland

David W. Casey

Be tt e Wilgus

Michael Ga ll ag her

Jean ni e Hannon

Joa n Kens ton

Joseph Ke nsto n

llloyd I. Marc hus

l'Jelen Marchu s

Lois Mace do

Maggie lliderbilzen

Rober t H. Meyer

Do ttie, Karen, Rich, Sue & Gi rl s

William Penn Mott, Jr.

Patti Pa rks McC lain

Larry Mowery

Margaret Mowery

My Parents

Anonymous

John A Raven tos

Patricia Donegan & Children

Ed d L. Reyes

Gary R Wi rth

Jay Rob inson

J C.

Kerry Smith

Matt Smith

Pat Temple to n

Carole & Bill Allen, Scott Fos ter, & Diana Chappe ll

Jealll\e Wa lkins

Peter & Grace Hartdegen

Ko na

Brian & Marcy Howard

The fri ends and fami ly of Carl Ballay h ave con tribu ted $2,600 to Save Moun t Diab lo to restore a camps ite at JuniperCamp gro und in the Sta te Park In h is lifetime, Ca rl Ballay spent many hours exp loring Mo u n t Dia blo, rock climbing in Rock City, camping at Juniper Campsite, or d ri ving to the summ it in one of his cl assic Heale y au tomobiles. After his death, hi s family an d friend s wan ted to establi sh a memorial in a p lace that Ca rl lov ed.

The #20 campsite at Juniper Campground was Carl's favorite camps ite, no t only because of its spectacular view but because Carl cou ld see his house from there However, th is campsi te, an d others th roug hout the Sta te Park, were showing signs o f wear. The rock Diablo cookstove, bu ilt in the 1930s by the Civili an Co nservatio n Corps, ha d fallen to ruin. The picnic table was on its las t legs. The State Park's budget for restora tion is stretc hed to the limit

Thank s to Carl's fa mily and friends, the site is being res tore d. By th is summe r, the sp ot will have a new picnic table an d food locker, and a restored rock Diablo s tove with Carl's name engrav ed on it

Save Mo unt Diab lo wants to thank the fa mily and friends of Ca rl Ballay for co ntr ibu tin g to his me morial and a ll owing a ll of us to share in Ca rl's favor ite place:

Geo rgi na Ba ll ay

Joe Ba ll ay

Sand i Bak er-Ball ay

John and Suza nne Bero[

Gerry Sla vin

Ne il and B~rbara Brad ley

Norrn an Kie hm and Arlene Jones

Doug Jon es

Nancy Takaichi

Fra nk PetTi lak

Wayne and Theresa Ruga

Denni Metas

Rob and Betsy Garafalo

Ginni e Kl ei.n

Pi1tsburg is seeking to annex o 2750 acre area stretching up Kirker Poss and

On-Going Developments

PITTSBURG PROPOSES MASSIVE ANNEXATION

In March, the City of Pitt burg began circulating a draft Environmental Impact Report for a proposed Southeast Area Sph re of Influence Amendme n t, Aimexati.on & Prezoning. Pittsburg proposes to am1ex and develop 400-4000 units within a 2750-acre area stretching up Kirker Pass and Nortonville Roads to within a quarter mile of the City of C layton. Although Save Mount Diablo has never been involved ina project propos d by Pittsburg, there wo uld be significant impacts to areas of interest to the group if the proposal is a pp.roved. Most significantly, the area is adjacent to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, crosses the ridge to above Clayton, would greatly impact wildlife habitat, and ignores theCow,ty's Urban Lin:tit Line. In addition,Pittsburg ha approved projects in the past which included mass gradjng on steep hiJls; this area includes s lop es as steep as 70% (the county allows development on slopes of 26%). Finally, the project might gen rate pressure to allow the use of the Regional Park Dishict's Black Diamond Way trail (see related Hike article pg 6.) for vehicular access. The project must be approved by the county's Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), and environmental groups, cities and other agencies have expressed major reservations about the proposal. Members of the public can write of their concerns about the project to the City of

rnHonorOf

Dorothea & Jim Benney-

Congratulations

Carro.II & Bob Brentano

Sherry Gustllfson & David Von Bima

18th Di stric.t-Ea stern Star

Dr. Richard Lininger

Louise & Johnson Clark

Rob & Meghan Mason's Wedding on Diablo

Bev Mason

Bill &Barbara SickenbergerHappy 50 th Anniversary

Lee & Mary Glasgow

Lisa & Tyler Snortum-Phelps

Beth Snort-um

Pittsburg, P.O. Box 1518, Pittsburg, CA 94565.

ATHENIAN-BLACK OAK ESTATES

In 1992 the Board of Supervisors approved the 36 unit Black Oak Estates project on the northern 47 acres of the Athenian School property in Diablo. SMD had successfully proposed a reduction in units from 45 to 36, a 14-acre dedication, tree protection and a public trail as Conditions of Approval for the project. Construction, however, was predicated on the developer providing legal access on the privatelymaintai.ned Mt. Diab lo Scenic Blvd. None continued on page 7

In Memory Of

Jeannette Bates

Millie Ford

Mary Bloomer

Charles Bloomer

Boris Roy Boch eff

Barbara Bocheff

Tom Bowdle

Sara & John States

A. J. Clark, Delta Scouter

The TuJJis Pamily

Jane C. Deubner

Julius C. Deubner

John H. Finger

Dorothy Finger

CARL BALLAY MEMORIAL CAMPSITE

James W Ftmdingsland

David W Casey

Bette Wilgus

Michael G.llla gher

Jeannie Hannon

Joan Kenston

Jos eph Kcnston

Fl oyd I. Marchus

Hel en Marchus

Lois Macedo

Maggie Jnderbitzen

Robert H Meyer

Dottie, Karen, Rich, Sue & Girls

William Penn Mott, Jr.

Patti Parks McClain

Larry Mowery

Margaret Mowery

My Parents

Anonymous

John A Raventos

Patricia Donegan & Children

Edd L. Reyes

Gary R. Wirth

Jay Robin son

J. C.

Kerry Smi1'11

Matt Smith

Pat Templeton

Carole & Bill Allen, Scott Foster, & Diana Chappell

Jemme Watkin s

Peter & Grace Hartdegen

Kana

Brian & Marcy Howard

The fri ends and fomily ofC11rl Ballay havccontributed $2,600 to Save MountOiablo l rcstoren ca mp siteatJuniperCampground in theStatePark. In his lUetime, Carl BaUay spentmru,y hours exploring M unt Diablo, rockclimbingin Rock City,camping atJuniperCampsite, ordriving to the summit in one of his classic Heal y automobiles After his death , his family and friends wanted lo establish a memoria l in a pla ce that C1rl loved

The4'20 MmpsileatjuniperCampground wa s Carl ' s favoritecmnp sUe, not only because of its spedacular view but because Car lcould see his house from th ere However, thiscampsite,and others throughout theStnte Park, wereshowingsignsofwear . Th e rockDiablocookstove, bailti.11 the 1930sby the Civilian Conserv a tion Corps, had fallen to ruin The picnic table wa s on Us la s t legs Th ' State ['ark 's budget for restoration is stre tched to U,e limit.

Thanks to Carl's family and friends, th e site is being restored By this summer, the spot will have a new picnic table and food locker, and a restored rock Diab lo stove with Carl's name engraved on it.

Save Mount Diab lo wants to thank the family and friends of Carl Ballay for contributing to his memorial and allowing all of us to share in Carl's favorit e place:

Georgina Ballay

Joe llallay

Sandi Baker•Ballay

John and Su7.anne llerol

Gerry Slavin

Neil artd Bnrbarn Bradley

Norm<1n Kiehm and Arlen Jon es

Doug Jones

Nancy Takaichi

Franli Petrilak

Wayne and Theresa Ruga

Dennis Metas

Rob and Betsy Garafalo

Ginnie Klein

Pitlsburg is seeking lo onnex a 27 50 acre area 1lrelching up Kirker Pois and Nortonville Roods lo wilhin 1/4 mile ol (loylon. 400 lo 4000 homes ore being considered for developmen! wilhin thi1 proposed onnexolion which is odjacenl lo Block Diamond Mines Regional Pork.

m 1c Mount Diab/a u,,is11c to rect1S71i:t tJi~fi>llowi11gJ:ifts mndl" ;,, hom,r of or ill momoriJ of otf,srs, 'l711!SI! gifts were recei v ed be.twee11 Jnnuary 1, 1996 amt March 31 , 1996. Th• c douaHons co111'i11ue ,., allow MD to preserve 111,d protect Mount Dinblo for ge,1ert1Ho11s of alifom{{ms

Hike Clayton's Black Diamond Way (AndViewPittsburg

Trailhead: Black Diamond Way, on Clayton Road 2.0 miles south of Ygnacio, and just past the Oakhurst golf course. Distance: 4 Miles round- trip. Difficulty: Gentle slope up a beautiful stream canyon. Time To Go: Early morning or late afternoon.

Black Diamond Way (BDW) is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible trai ls in central Contra Costa. Formerly a ranch road accessing Irish Canyon (behind Keller Ridge), BDW also crosses the ridge line from Clayton to the historic Nortonville coal mining town site in Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. It connects with Nortonville Road and drops to Kirker Pass Road south of Pittsburg. It's the easiest access point into western Black Diamond Min es. The trail is an easement across private Jand, so don't leave th e road until you reach the park From the juncture with Nortonville Road, a 1.5 mile loop enters the park and descend down beauti ful Coal Canyon to Nortonville. You'll pass through one of the County's most beautiful areas.

The Trailhead is on the north side of Clayton Road, across the center divider from Center St. You can U-turn at Peacock Cr. If you're driving east. Park in the small staging area, and follow the unpaved fire road (marked by an EBRPD veined leaf logo) up the stream canyon For the first half mile you'll have the Oakhurst golf course and the stream on your left. The fire road is mostly exposed to the sun, and it should take 45

's ProposedAnnexation)

blue lupines, purple delphiniums, burgundy vetch, and poison oak groves in bushes near sharp edged gray mugwort.

The first part of the trail crosses open space preserved as a condition of approval for Oakhurst. Quickly you'll rise to view communication towers up in the Park ahead. Looking back toward Clayton you'll have ever more spectacular views of Mt. Diablo-from North Peak to Mt. Diablo's summit, to Eagle Peak and on to the quarries of Mt. Zion. You'll also see the last phase of Oakhurst, which is under construction. Before long the cliffs of Black Diamond Mines will come into view again, and you'll rise into a large open bowl of grassland.

The upper part of that bowl is included in an ambitious proposal by the City of Pittsburg to add 2750 acres to their city. The proposed annexation rises up Kirker Pass and Nortonville Roads, including part of Black Diamond Way, and actually overlooking the City of Clayton. It would be immediately adjacent to the Park, and could include anywhere from 400 to 4000 houses

As you leave the canyon and enter the bowl, the wildflower composition will shift, and there will be more lupines, brodeias, and scattered poppies. Near the crest of the pass chaparral species, like fragrant coastal sage brush and Indian paint brush, will start to appear.

For 25 years Save Mount Diablo has used members' financial support to preserve Mount Diablo

minutes to an hour to reach the Park gate. When the trail divides right into lrish Canyon and private property, continue left up to the cres t of the pass.

Almost immediately you'll notice the difference in the south and north-facing slopes-wind swept grassland on the left broken with huge 'praying' valley oaks, and more dense blue oak woodland on th e rig ht, with smaller Jobed leaves, and a straight co lunmar 's tick' formation until quite large in size. Ex posure to the drying sw1 is the cause. Du.ring the spring you'll also notice many wildflower s-yellow gum plant, white yarrow, soaproot,

At the crestis a spectacular view looking down through the Nor tonville gap and its high, steep knoll s. This second large bowl includes slopes as steep as 70 %, massive landslides, and slumps

caused by collap se d subsmfac e coal min es, and habitat of a variety of rare animal s peci es. One al te rnative proposed in Pitts burg's a nnexation plans would includ e a large dev elopment area in this bowl, and might require use of th e trail for e mergency access

Continue to the junction with Nortonville Road, and look up the road for a view of th e State's northernmost popu lation of Coulter pine s. If you follow the road up, you can loop down beautiful Coal Canyon to Nortonv ille and back up the Black Diamond Trail to the fire road in a 1.5 mile loop . The return trip to Clayton is, of course, all downhilL We'll keep you informed about the progress of Pittsburg ' s plans.

Heritage Tree Sponsors

ave Mount Diablo wishes to thank the followiug businesses aud i11divid1mls for their contribution to the Heritage Trees nnd Commemorative Grote Program in 1995.

Barbara Boyle, M.D.

The

Virginia

Park News

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (EBRPD)-lt's been a great year for red-legged frogs and California tiger salamanders, two threatened species-habitat enhancements are paying off. The Amscinkia grandiflora (a 'giant' fiddleneck with large yellowish flowers) reintroduction project continues, one of the leading plant reintroduction projects in the country, and the plants are spreading. Recent winter storms have threatened Somersville Road, and stabilization of Markley Creek has taken place. Superintendent Roger Epperson recently re-installed the gravestone of Reese Thomas, an 1869 land patent holder in the Black Diamond Mines area, at the historic Rose Hill cemetery. The Thomas family (grandchildren of Reese Thomas) continues to live and ranch in the area, and helped commemorate the restoration work.

Lime Ridge Open Space (Cities of Walnut Creek and Concord)-

The City of Walnut Creek is re-examining operation of and public access to the Open Space. Staff reports back to the City Council in August. Some of the issues to be addressed include possibly allowing dogs in part of the area, working with the City of Concord to implement the same rules on their portion of the open space, alternatives to dumping asphalt at one of the quarry sites, fire management, cattle grazing, use of herbicides, and parking. The Lime Ridge additions will probably open sometime in 1997. Trail routes have been evaluated and plant species have been inventoried. More than 180 species have been found.

Shell Ridge Open Space (City of Walnut Creek)-June 8th is Borges Ranch Day; weekend programs including tours of the historic residence continue as usual. The City continues to work with the Open Space Foundation to create new wildlife coverage around the Open Space with fencing and brush piles. There have been occasional mountain lion sightings, and the spring wildflowers have been great.

Mt. Diablo State Park (State Dept. of Parks and Recreation)Diablo Communications is working on the foundation for their new tower near the main peak's summit. There are problems with the long term stability of Northgate Road, and significant work will be

necessary in the future. There is continuing pig damage throughout the park. The Summit Museum is operating 10-Spm, closed Monday and Tuesday. Oak regeneration is taking place, especially in Pine Canyon. Wildflower displays are incredible, as usual, during this season, especially in Mitchell and the other northern canyons.

Round Valley Regional Park (EBRPD)-The target opening date for the Preserve has been moved to late fall or early winter. The new 1854 acre Preserve will be a much loved and major addition to East County's recreational opportunities. The District is doing an analysis of sensitive resources in conjunction with the design of a staging area, trail improvements, and stream crossings. Passive public use is being considered initially, without any significant development other than the staging area. There is the potential for additional trails, but the presence of sensitive species will require careful design work. Some of the issues facing the District are historic ranching and native American sites. The Preserve is habitat for redlegged frogs, golden eagles and the federally endangered San Joaquin kit fox. The grazing tenant has worked cooperatively with the District, and grazing will continue.

Los Vaqueros Reservoir Watershed (CCWD)-Old Vasco road is now closed to the public. The new road was opened April 16th. General public access will not be permitted until dam construction is complete. The wetland mitigation efforts (second phase) will commence again in June. Annual Kit fox surveys are being conducted. The Sprint cable down old Vasco Road is being relocated to the eastern edge of the watershed. Oil pipeline removal and relocation should begin shortly. The Dam's going full speed. Grazing numbers are down, cir terminated.

On-Going Developments.,, continuedfrompage5

theless, in April, without complying with all of the Conditions of Approval, the developer received a permit from the County to begin grading, and removed a significant number of trees along Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd. Neighboring property owners have appealed the permit to the Board of Supervisors, and SMD has expressed our concern, especially given that the 14 acres has not yet been dedicated to the State Park. The Supervisors will take up the matter again in May.

MOUNTAIN LION HUNTING (PROP 197) FAILS

On March 26th California voters handily rejected Prop. 197, the mountain lion hunting initiative, which would have struck down parts of the Prop. 117 Mountain Lion Protection Initiative enacted in 1990. Prop. 197 was considered the first part of efforts to repeal all of Prop. 117. Save Mount Diab lo opposed Prop. 197, and thanks you for your support for our position.

Spring wildflowers remind us whot we're working to preserve. Thanks for your support.

Blackhills Dedication cont I d

... continued from page 1

The 300 acre Blackhills parcel, formerly known as the Petersen Ranch, was at one time the residence of the founder of Caterpillar Tractors. Most of the parcelis untouched and in a nearly pristine state, although several structures exist near its southern border, adjacent to Blackhawk. The lower part of the Sycamore Creek stream canyon, which enters Blackhawk along Pepperwood Drive, is heavily vegetated with introduced trees. A smaller canyon, separated from the main canyon by a rocky knoll, drains into Blackhawk along Deer Meadow Drive.

The parcel was isolated by Blackhawk's approval, since that development is a private, gated community. Because the only access to the Petersen parcel is through Blackhawk, and Blackhawk's open space dedications to the State Park created an encircling boundary , the

parcel was for some years left alone. Although the parcel has been a high, long term priority for the State, its location created a prohibitive value and engendered lively interest from developers. As a result, other parcels were purchased with available funding.

In 1987 a partnership known as the Blackhill Developers purchased the parcel and proposed a General Plan Amendment and development of lots for approximately 44 large homes . To their credit, the partnership also proposed preservation of more than 80% of the parcel and dedication of much of that area to the State Park, although much of the proposed dedication was so steep as to be unbuildable in the first place. But the developers neglected to consider rare species and also proposed to culvert the stream canyon and fill it to a significant depth in order to create a larger building area. Contra Costa County announced their intention to approve a 'Negative Declaration', signifying that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) would not be required. Save Mount Diablo appealed and over the next 18 months an EIR was prepared. Board member Chris Valle-Riestra was deeply involved in SMD's consideration of the project, which first took place before the San Ramon Valley Regional Planning Commission and then before the County Board of Supervisors.

The EIR found a number of significant impacts, including the presence of the Alameda whipsnake and the Mount Diablo sunflower, two rare species. Alternatives suggested by SMD, including preservation of the creek and a small reduction in the number of units, were considered. Meanwhile, neighboring Blackhawk residents became concerned about the impacts of construction traffic and development, and formed "Residents Opposing Blackhills". The leader of that group, Jud Mygatt, later joined the SMD Board of Directors and was Chief Financial Officer until this year. (see related Board Changes article pg. 2)

Dozens of public hearings and hundreds of volunteer and staff hours later, the General Plan Amendment was approved by the Commission and then the Board of Supervisors, with SMD' s support. The Development partnership is to be thanked for their willingness to work with SMD and the community. The project was redesigned to include just 37 units, the stream was retained above ground, and the development area was decreased in size, including less than 35 acres out of 300. The existing structures will be removed. After approval, almost as a sign of faith, returning peregrine falcons, an endangered species that SMD had reintroduced to Mt. Diablo, chose cliffs within the parcel as a nest site.

Success? Unfortunately, the process was hardly over. Blackhill Developers sold their interest to Greystone Homes in Pleasanton for the actual construction of units. State Park budget cuts required long deliberation as to whether the State could manage the parcel. Rapid turnover of employees locally and in Sacramento required an on-going educational effort. Ultimately, Department of Parks and Recreation Director Donald Murphy, recognizing SMD's many year effort along with the parcel's outstanding natural values, approved the dedication He agreed with SMD that the presence of rare species necessitates professional management and that the addition will simplify State Park boundaries. Negotiation, title searches, and deed preparation have taken place in the first half of 1996. continued on back page

co11trib1ttions

To Sav Mount Dlablo are tadedtictible t th full extent provided b law. Ch ks ·n uld be mad pa abl to:

Sove Mount Di oblo PO. Box 5376 Wal nut Creek, CA 94596

Make y{Jur co11trib11tio11 to Sarit' Mou11t Dinbla_jO f11riher ask your emP.loyer iJ ii participates ill a 11111tclil11g do11nt1011 pro.~rom.

The 252 acre Blackhills dedicolion is habitat for 1he lhreatened Alameda Whipsnake The snake's s1a1us under 1he California Endangered Species Ac1 was ins1umental in the parcel's preservation

25th Anniversary

. . . continuedfrompage4

Lime Ridge Open Space was increased in size with Concord, Walnut Creek, Clayton and Contra Costa County contributing state park bond funding to this important natural area. Meanwhile visitation jumped sharply as trail staging areas and regional trails were created. The 1980's were a period which changed the definition of the mountain's use-from a time when visiting Diablo's parks meant getting in your car and going to rock city or the summit-to the present, when so many visitors walk down their streets and into one of the many different access points.

The mid-1980' s saw SMD' s Board reinventing itself by adding new members with new energy. The group's first staff, Program

article at pg 5). In 1989 with the help of many private donations SMD reintroduced to the State Park the first of six pairs of endangered peregrine falcons, which had not nested on Mt. Diab lo since the 1960s-what a hopeful symbol.

With only 6,788 acres in 1971, when SMD was created, by 1990 the State Park included 17,503 acres. Otheropen spaces had grown to include 11,572 acres. The State Park, Shell Ridge Open Space and Diablo Foothills Regional Preserve had been connected on the west. Morgan Territory had been joined with the State Park. Black Diamond Mines, Round Valley and Lime Ridge Open Space remained isolated park units, and acquisition at Los Vaqueros was just beginning

I Yes! I want to help celebrate Save Mount Diablo' 25th Anniversary I I with my donation! I

I Encl is my dOT1ation for $50 $75 $100 $35 __ other I I - - - - I

I Checks payable to: Save Mount Di blo I I (P.O. Box 5376, Walnut Creek, CA 94596) I I ________________ I

I ame I

I Addr Oty Zi Cod I I P e I

I Ph ne (Day) (Evening) I

Director Seth Adams, was hired in 1988 to aid in marketing and fundraising, while expanding SMD's long history of land conservation activities.

In June, 1988 the voters of the State approved the first citizen's CalPAW park bond, Prop. 70, collecting more than 10,000 signatures to place that measure on the ballot. After Prop. 70's approval bymorethan2/3s of the State's

U) 3 a: a, :il

As the 1980' s ended, Susan Watson, who will report on the most recent decade in the next issue of Diablo Watch, waselectedasSMD's new president. The commitment of SMD has been an inspiration to me. A few who really care and also have a long term vision can truly make a lasting contribution. But the job is not done. As Californians, we all share ownership in our parks. We can be connected to the land, our history and our natural heritage by helping to preserve them.

Editors' note: Save Mount Diablo was really characterized in tlie 1980's by Bob Doyle's dynamic leadership as president. He emphasized the building of close personal relationships with all sectors of th e community; a11d maintained f/Je view that preservation is a long term activity and that acquisition, especially around the State Park, 11111 st be SMD's first priority. While acquisitions are sought for n range of 11ah1ra/ values, tliey mu st be accessible to th e public for recreational use if public support for land pres ervation is going to be voters, the Park District was encouraged to place Prop. AA, a similar bond, on the November ballot that year. Its approval benefited the regional parks. Major expansions continued with the state park bonds coming about every 4 years ( its now been 10 years since the legislature has passed a state park bond). Round Valley, Diablo Foothills and Black Diamond Mines would also be expanded thanks public support for Measure AA.

The State's economic recession dried up park funding and brought major cuts to park maintenance budgets. While the State is recovering, State parks are in need. SMD began funding small projects

maintained. Currently the East Bay Regional Park District Assistant General Manager for AdvancedPlanning ,Acquisition, and Regional trails, Bob lives in Walnut Creek with his wife, Carla (whose support SMD gratefully acknowledges), and their two sons. Bob was elected President in 1978, a position he filled until in the parks, such as picnic table restoration and other park restorations. (See, e.g. Carl Ballay Memorial Campsite restoration

During the 1980's SMD worked with Stale and the East Bay Regional Park District to preserve a mile wide corridor from Mt. Dioblo Stole Pork to Morgon Territory Regional Preserve.

1989. He continues as amember of the Board and is chair of SMD 's Land Acquisition Committee.

Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization which has been preserving lands on Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain's natural value since 1971. Preserved lands have more than tripled in that period. Save Mount Diablo continues to raise funds to preserve the remainder of the mountain. For more information, or to receive Save Mount Diab/o's newsletter Diablo Watch, write to Save Mount Diablo, P.O. Box 5376, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 or contact Program

Director Seth Adams at (510) 229-4275.

Blackhills dedication

••• continued from page 8

The process hasn't met with any other hitches, so far . We'll inform you when and if the Dept. of Finance approves acceptance, and will let you know when the dedication is complete. Keep your fingers crossed.

Although there is no cost to the public for the acquisition of Blackhills, its preservation did require a significant investment of organizational resources and staff time by Save Mount Diablo. We appreciate the continuing financial support of all of our donors, for our work on this and other importantareasaroundMountDiablo. SMDhopes to lead hikes down Sycamore Creek to Blackhills later this year.

Mt. Dioblo in lhe shadow lo lhe righl of lhe 252 acre Blockhills Dedicalion. Blockhills was preserved lhrough lhe financial supporl of SMD's members and will be added lo lhe Slole Pork al no cosl lo lhe public.

The 360 Acre Solo Ranch was acquired in SMD's 1984 "Add AMile To Mt. Diablo ' campaign, including lhousonds of individual donolions Wilh lhe cu1back1 in Stole Pork funding, donations ore needed now, more than ever.