Diablo watch issue 20 fall 1996 edition

Save Mount Diablo Celebrating 25 Years of Protecting Mount Diablo Fall 1996, No.20

Save Mount Diablo in the 1990's 25th Anniversary, Part III

BY SUSAN WATSON

2 5 YEARS

SAVE MOUNT DIABLO

Editor's Note: This issue of Diablo Watch concludes a threepart narrative of our history. Susan Watson became president of Save Mount Diablo as it expanded in the face of increasing threats to the mountain and decreasing public resources for acquisition. Even so, the 1990's have been a period of unprecedented expansion of public

open space.

In Part II, Bob Doyle recounted the eventful joining in 1989 of Mt. Diablo State Park with the East Bay Regional Park District's Morgan Territory Regional Preserve in Riggs Canyon. Although at that time the "join" was only a point at the corners of the two properties, the event marked a shift in the goals of Save Mount Diab lo - the mountain's open spaces need to be connected if they're to retain their natural values.

Autumn on the Mountain Schedule Enclosed

The enclosed Autumn on the Mountain EventSchedule is distributed in both The Diablo Review and Diablo Watch. Because the two newssletters have different publication dates, some events contained in the schedule may have already occurred by the time you receive this newsletter. We apologize if you missed an event that you would have liked to attend.

"Connection" has become a dominant theme in the 1990's. Although we are now a little more than half way through the decade, additions to the Riggs Canyon southeast corridor have been major. The 560 acre Musco property, south ofSMD's Morgan Ranch addition, was added in 1993 with 1988 State Park bond funds and the East Bay Regional Park District's help. The corridor, instead of remaining a corner point, became a wide sweep continued on page 8 1

Grand Slam!

Save Mount Diablo Directors Win Two Awards!

In the summer issue of Diablo Watch, we reported SMD's receipt of the State's first ever Dewitt Award for the highest level of cooperative partnership with the State Department of Parks and Recreation. Since then three SMD directors have won two other awards. On May 15th, Dr. Mary Bowerman and Arthur Bonwell, SMD's founders, received the Nation's oldest and most prestigious conservation award, the Chevron-Times Mirror Magazines Conservation Award. On May 25th, SMD President, Susan Watson, received Contra Costa County's Women of Achievement "Legacy Award For Lifetime Achievement," presented by Walnut Creek's Broadway Plaza.

Bowerman and Bonwell traveled to Washington D.C. to receive their Chevron-Times Mirror Magazines Conservation Award on May 15th. They were continued on page 9

In May 1992 Save Mount Diablo purchased theThree Springs Parcel on the slopes of North Peak. It was added to Mt. Diablo State Park on April 10, 1993.

MOUNT DIABLO

Board of Directors

Susan Watson President

Robert E. Doyle Vice-President

Amllra Ko · Secre ta ry

Linda Mehlman Treasurer

rt Bonw 11 Director

Paul Ch oi er Direc tor •

Susan D'Alcamo Director

Cl)arlic~ Danielsen Director

0 ,n de.FremeD' Til r ector

Stephen Joseph Director

Steven Mehlman Director

Bob Nunn Director

Allan Prager Director Staff

Seth Adams Program Director

Carol Campbell ,Development Director

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

Edited by:

Steve Mehlman and Art Bonwell

Fall Hikes and Events

Black Diamond Way Hikes from Clayton View The Area Pittsburg Would Like To Annex

Saturdays-Oct. 5th, 12th and 19th, 1996

Save Mount Diablo will lead three hikes in October from downtown Clayton, up the beautiful Black Diamond Way Trail, to the edge of Black Diamond Mine s Regiona l Park and into the proposed Pittsburg SE Area Annexation. The first half o f the 4 mile roundtrip is a gentle uphill, with gravity on your side on the return. You'll climb to the ridge for incredible panoramas of Mt. Diablo, Black Diamond Mines, and the Delta.

Times/Leaders: Saturday, October 5, 9:00 am-Stephen Joseph; Saturday, October 12, 2:00 pm-Seth Adams; Saturday, October 19, 10:00 am-Don de Fremery. Call (510) 229-4275 for more info.

Meeting Place: Black Diamond Way, on the north side of Clayton Road, 2.0 miles south of Ygnacio, and across the center divider from Center St. You can U-turn at Peacock Creek Dr. if you're driving east. What to Bring: Liquids, sunscreen, a hat and a snack.

Christmas Day Hike on Chaparral Spring

December 25, 1996, Wednesday, 11:00am at Chaparral Spring (Save Mt. Diablo)

Leader: Charli Danielsen

Work up to Christmas dinner by hiking on Save Mount Diablo's Chaparral Spring property on Christmas Day, December 25, 1996. We will walk to the ridge, feasting our eyes on Christmas-Berry (Toyon) and the views. Meet at Three Springs Gate, 10030 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton (across Marsh Creek Road from Chaparral Spring) at 11:00 a.m. We will return about 2:00 p m. Boots, sweater, water, water, binoculars &/ or camera are recommended. Rain or gales cancel. No calls, please!

Events continued on page 9

Help Us Celebrate Our 25th Anniversary

RESERVE OCTOBER 20 AND NOVEMBER 12TH

Save Mount Diablo is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year by thanking our members and the public for their support over the years. We began the celebration with a number of special hikes, which continue in the enclosed Autumn On The Mountain schedule. In addition, we're holding two special events this fall-a free "Save Mount Diablo Day" on Sunday, October 20th, when visitors to Mt. Diablo State Park can enter the Park without paying; and a party and slide show on the evening of Tuesday, November 12th at Walnut Creek's Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts Please reserve these dates; the events are our way of saying 'Thanks'.

Save Mount Diablo "Free" Day

MT. DIABLO STATE PARK-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 , 1996

Diablo Watch is printed on recycled paper with a soy base ink and can be recycled again.

Thanks to the generosity of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, visitors can enter the State Park free all day long. Save Mount Diablo will conduct walks, hikes and rides throughout the park during the day, and we'll cut a special birthday cake at 12 :30 at the Summit Museum. You'll receive a schedule of events at the Park gates. The Contra Costa Times, a major 25th Anniversary sponsor, will be advertising this event, but this is your invitation to attend . Bring your friends!

Diablo Wild Things

RED-LEGGED FROG LISTED "THREATENED"

On May 20th the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the California red-legged frog (Rana aurora) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The frog is notable for the reddish color of its underbelly and legs. Contra Costa County is considered one of the species' strong holds, and much of the habitat Save Mount Diablo has helped preserve supports red-legged frogs. The species is found on and around Mt. Diablo-within the State Park, at Morgan Territory, Black Diamond Mines and Round Valley Regional Parks, and at Los Vaqueros-and has been found during environmental

analysis for a variety of local development projects. The frog's new status will aid SMD in responding to development proposals

The listing was the first since President Clinton lifted a 13-month en [ congressional moratorium. A 'Threatened' listing means the frog may become endangered if preservation is not attempted, but allows more flexibility in management plans than would an 'Endangered' listing. The frog is reported to have vanished from 70% of its former range, primarily because of habitat destruction, overharvesting, pollution, and predation by introduced bullfrogs. California lists the frog as a Species of Special Concern under its own Endangered Species Act, but the federal listing adds new regulatory power to efforts to protect the species.

Red-legged frogs were made famous by Mark Twain's 1865 story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras Cow.1ty", a county in which they are no longer found. They were harvested by the tens of thousands at the turn of the century; when the red-legged population began to fall, bullfrogs were introduced to California as a substitute. Because they eat young red-leggeds, bullfrogs furthered the native' s decline-the frogs have vanished from many areas where there are no bullfrogs, however. Habitat destruction is considered the single most important reason for the frog's rarity, and may result from development, sedimentation from grading, or destruction of riparian areas by over-grazing.

Note from the President

mnl ess you have been in Siberia for the last six months, you know that this year is Save Mount Diablo's 25th Anniversary. You have read about the history and heard the remembrances and the reminiscencestwenty-fiv e years is a great opportunity, an irresistible one, to look back ,

And, it ha s been a great story The increase in land available for publi c m:reation in an area of burgeoning population growth over the past 25 years ha s been note wonhy-to say the least'

It is you, our donors and s upporters. who have made all thi s possible. But your support has had to be channeled over the years through the men and women who, in a very basic sense, have done the work to make your, and their, hopes and dream s co me to fruition. This column is dedicated with love and appreciation to all the board members and the staff who have actually been "there" - in the tre nches, at the seemingly intenninable meetings, on the long trips to Sacramento, and with the nuts and bolts of running an organization.

Poster Sale Benefit SMD

Creative Framing & Gallery in Danville has published a poster of artist Ron Norman's most recent paintings of the mountain. The three image suite depicts Diablo from Dublin, Danville and Lafayette. Ten dollars from the $30 sale of each print will be split between Save Mount Diablo and the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Assn. 1000 posters are being produced. Contact Creative Framing & Gallery, located at 424 Diablo Road in Danville, at 838-2747 for more information. Save Mount Diablo appreciates their support.

Why do we care about rare species, especially small, unknown species which aren't cuddly and might not make good poster candidates? The frogs, once common , are at the base of the food chain and sensitive to water pollution. The typical analogy is that they are 'canaries in a coal mine' warning us of the destruction of our own environment. P eregrine falcons, which SMD helped reintroduce to the State Park and whose population has largely recovered, warned us of pesticide contamination As with the famous spotted owl, at issue is not just the protection of a single species, but collectively of their habitat, the other species found there, and our own well-being If our environment is a great complex watch, or a beautiful symphony, how many cogs or notes can we live without befor e the watch no longer works and the symphony is not music?

Save Mount Diablo has had the e normous good fortune of having from the very beginning the most dedicated of board members. Th ese people have se1ved as volunteers , giving of their time and considerable talents to help preserve a mountain that seems to inspire such behavior. It is no small commitment; the work is constant, as these people actually run the organization. They did so completely for most of our history.

They have come from many varied background s and professions. Some have served for many years; some only in the last few years All have the s ame dedication and vision as did the founder s in marshaling the deep love of the community for this mountain into actual preservation of the values of recreational, ecological , and aesthetic integrity.

I am pleased to announce that the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley ha~ honored this board and Save Mount Diablo with this year's Citizen of Achievement Award for making a difference in improving the quality of our community , This recognition is a significant honor, coming as it does from members of our own community. We thank the League for their work and their recognition of ours.

The California red-legged frog, found around Mt. Diablo, was recently listed as 'threatened' under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Save Mount Diablo's Stewardship After Acquisition

Save Mount Diablo stands for just that, saving the mountain-its land, vegetation, wildlife, physical and spiritual values which our board members, staff, and supporters hold dear. Public ownership of land is often the first step in protecting it. How that land is managed and used after purchase is also important to preserve the wild land or other values for which we wish to save it. That is why stewardship is integral to the mission of Save Mount Diablo.

Save Mount Diablo created a Stewardship Committee to address land management issues just before the organization acquired Chaparral Spring, the first property that Save Mount Diablo would directly manage for any length of time. After the property was acquired, the committee functions were stated as:

• management issues of Save Mount Diablo owned property and publicly owned park land

• biodiversity protection and monitoring

• restoration and volunteer work sessions

• trails and recreation

Everyone agrees that stewardship is needed of the Chaparral Spring property and other properties which may be acquired and managed by Save Mount Diablo. What is not agreed on is exactly what stewardship entails. For example, supervision of the grazing lease is a balancing act for the committee. The ranching community depends on having range land to graze cattle. Some people would like all cattle entirely removed from the property. Would the grasslands survive or be encroached by brush? Would the early curing wild oats combine with dry brush to become a fire hazard? We currently maintain grazing at the same level as in East Bay Regional Parks range land. Is that enough? too much? Visitors comment both ways. Are the cattle threatening the rare plants? Are they moving around the property sufficiently to provide fire hazard reduction? It is the committee's challenge to monitor and decide.

Chaparral Spring contains two stock ponds. One is fed by an ephemeral stream system, and is tucked at the base of a steep slope with oak woodlands nearby on the other sides. On what must have been the hottest day last summer, volunteers from Save Mount Diablo joined our rancher tenants, driving posts and stringing barbed wire to enclose that pond. It had been surveyed by biologists who concluded it has potential for red-legged frog habitat, with clear deep water in the center, and potential for aquatic vegetation in the shallows. The cattle like to congregate around it in the summer and fall, trampling the vegetation that does exist. This spring the gates remained closed so cattle have had no access to the pond. Plants are growing vigorously. Not everyone agrees that this was the best stewardship decision. The pond is, after all, man made. Would it have been more "natural" to have removed the dam, allowing the water to flow away each year in the restored stream? Observing the vegetation around the pond raises more questions. Will noxious weeds predominate? Will the vegetation become excessive for frog habitat? What length of time and when will the pond area need to be grazed? Volunteers are welcome to participate in the work of this committee in a variety of ways:

• attend hikes and participate in building observed species lists

• help fence the second pond on Chaparral Spring

• trail clean up and repair in early springtime

• participate in bunch grass restoration -harvesting, mowing, weeding, planting

• lead walks, hikes or workshops

If you are interested in becoming a part of this challenging and fun-filled work, call SMD at 947-3535 or Stewardship Chair, Charli Danielsen at 525-9076.

Wild Mount Diablo At The RCA

A Party & Slide show at the Regional Center for the Arts-Tuesday Evening, November 12, 1996

Internationally famous photographer Galen Rowell will present the first major public slide show of work from his upcoming book of Bay Area photographs-Wild Bay Area, including images of Mount Diablo. You'll receive an invitation to the party soo n. Please RSVP As Soon As Possible. Seating Is Limited To 300 and tickets will go on sale to the general public soon after you receive your invitation. Because of the generosity of event sponsors, we've set a low ticket price of $10, but hope that you'll consider a donation of $25$1 for each year of our work. All proceeds will benefit Save Mount Diablo's Land Preservation programs.

In addition to Rowell's work, in the RCA lobby we'll premiere SMD Board Member Stephen Joseph's new interactive CD-ROM P.O.V. Mt. Diablo. Take a journey across the mountain to some of the lands SMD has preserved, without ever leaving the room. We'll display photographs of Mt. Diablo and provide food and drink. Come as you are, and bring your friends!

On-Going Developments

252 ACRE BLACKHILLS DEDICATION BECOMES FINAL

Congratulations! On July 5th the 252 acre Blackhills parcel was added to Mt. Diablo State Park. Its acquisition by the State is the culmination of an eight year effort by Save Mount Diab lo. According to Seth Adams, SMD' s Program Director, "There was no cost to the public, but Save Mount Diablo invested a substantial amount of effort in this project. What we've accomplished is the filling in of a significant hole in the State Park's boundary."

The property is named for the Black Hills, Mt. Diablo's rocky southern ridges, which are nearly black in summer when the chaparral community there goes dormant. A large bowl surrounded by the State Park, the parcel includes the main branch of Sycamore creek, several smaller branching canyons, and another canyon that drains through Blackhawk. Sycamore creek is especially spectacular, lined with its namesake Sycamore trees, alders, willows and oaks, a bright green thread winding through an otherwise now dry canyon and dropping twenty feet down a twenty-foot wide waterfall. Devil's Slide, a quarter mile long stretch of exposed rock, descends more than 600 feet to Sycamore creek.

Blackhills is home to the State threatened Alameda whipsnake and the Mt. Diablo sunflower. Peregrine falcons, which SMD helped reintroduce to the State

Park, began nesting on the parcel several years ago. Peregrines were recently down listed from federally "endangered" to "threatened".

A fire road parallels the Creek and will be accessible to the public from Curry Point on the State Park's Southgate Road, by way of the Devil's Slide trail or an extension of the Park's Sycamore Creek Fire Road. The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association's proposed Trail Through Time will cross the western edge of the parcel, rising from U.C. Berkeley's paleontological quarry to the mountain's lower summit parking lot. Before the property is opened to the public by the State, some cleanup will be necessary. "We're excited that we are able to have the parcel added to the park," said Larry continued on page 10

ave Mount Diab lo WtShes to recognize tlw following gifts made in 1,onor of or in memory of others. T1,e e gifts were received betweenA.pril 1, 1996 and July 15, 1996.

In Honor Of

Joan & Tom Oeveland- Happy 35th Anniversary

Mary & Rudy Jacuzzi

Nada E ll enbrand

Kevin Ellenbrand

Marie Lowell - Happy Birthday!

The other half ofthe Rusti cos

Lori Rustad Womeldorff

Duane & Theresa Rustad

In Memory Of

JG orge Bacon

Betty Bacon

Our beloved son, Gregory Elisnore & Willa rd Ballenger

Peter Baturin

Margrete Baturin

Robert Bevis

Margot Bevis

Burton W. Bogardus

Francesca C. 13.ogardus

Thanks to Gary Gallaher

received

collected

Thomas Bowdle

Mr. & Mrs. R. Cheek

Virgil & Mildred Bozarth

S,md1:a L. Bozarth

Bubba, Brems & Jasper Eric Hinze!

Sue Ford

Nancy, Gisele, Monique Verrier

Robert Galbreath

Dr . & Mrs. F. Sweeney

Michele Amy Guard

Nancy Guard-Evans

Bill Hampton

Donna Rolens

Art Honnegger

Verna Kruse

Eunice Johnson

Susan Watson

Joan Kenston

Joseph Kenston

Torvald Klaveness

Mr. & Mrs. J. J. States

Margaret Ann Lage

Judy Hunt

honor

Robert H. Leslie

Mrs. Robert H. Leslie

Gene Logan

Jane Logan

Florence Ludins-Katz

Elias Katz

Floyd I. Marchus

Jay R. March us

Herman Nyland

Mary & Did< 13owers

Ronald P. O'Neil

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas O'Neil

R. A. "Drew" Paylor, DVM

Christine Witham, DVM

John & Elizabeth Pujol

Joan & Rolli11 Klink

Catharine Ray

retirement of Gary Gallaher, a manager at Pacific Bell's Chief Financial Officers Department at Bishop Ranch. Mr. Gallaher worked at Pacific Bell for 30 years. A co-worker mentioned "Gary loves Mount Diab/a and saw it every day from work. Upon his retirement, he asked that we donate to Save Mount Diab/a rather than give gifts." Save Mount Diab/a appreciates the support of Mr. Gallaher and his colleagues.

Aida Peterson

William Retallick

Ange la Broadl,ead

Edd C:.. Reye s

Gary R. Wirth

M m ttRowland

Elvera H. Rowland

Bert L. Smith

Kathryn M. Smith

Frank Speciale

Jeff & Linda Mandelbaum

Sid n ey Sway

DonaJd & Georg Palmer

Bandit

V. L. Bruene

Endang ered Snake s

Larry Thompson

Beautiful Sycamore creek was preserved on July 5th as part of the Blackhills dedication.

A Sunday Drive

EAST COUNTY'S THREATENED OPEN SPACE

SMD attempts to preserve and connect open space on and around Mount Diablo. Land in the rnral areas east of Mount Diablo is among the most spectacular and reasonably priced in the county, but East County development is spurring fragmentation and speculation in the areas near the mountain. More than 10,000 acres are proposed for development in East County. Antioch, the county's third largest city, included 70,000 residents in 1993, and is expected to include 121,000 in the year 2010, hot on the heels of Concord for first place. Brentwood and Pittsburg are following suit. Take the drive below and you '11 see what we mean. Our tour starts at the Ygnacio-Clayton Rd. intersection in Concord, follows Kirker Pass to Hwy 4, east on Antioch's Lone Tree Way, south on Deer Valley, and west on Marsh Creek Rd. back to Ygnacio. We include odometer mileage's, zero the odometer at each major road change (0.0), and include detours and hike/picnic spots. Take a pe!lJID..d paper and write two short note; (addresses below) whi le yo u 're a t it.

Y gnacio/Cleyton Rd.lKirker Pass

0.0 Head northeast on Kirker Pass toward Pittsburg. You '11 enter Pittsburg' s proposed 2,745 acre Southeast Area annexation (3.3), which would stretch south almost to Clayton.

4.1 At No1tonville Rd. take a short detour to the locked gate (4.5) to view the northern part of the proposed annexation and Black Diamond Mines Regional Park, the tree covered ridge in front of you. The road continues to Nortonville, the park's abandoned coal mining town, near the northern most stand of Coulter Pines in California and across the ridge to Clayton. The steep hills and the narrow creek flood plain will be graded if this area is developed. Return to Kirker Pass Rd. and go right (5.0) to the Pittsburg City limits (5.6) and Hwy 4 (7.4) east.

Railroad Ave./Highwuy 4

0.0 You'll have good views of Black Diamond Mines with Mt. Diablo beyond as you pass the Somers ville Rd. exit (2.9), a good detour into Black Diamond Mines. Somersville, another of the park's coal mining towns, is at the southern terminus of the road. Exit south (4.6) on Lone Tree Wayf'A" St. in Antioch.

Highway 4/Lone Tree Way

0.0 As you start south on Lone Tree, the State Park's North Peak will be briefly visible ahead. Turn right (3.2) onto Deer Valley Rd. and head south.

Lone Tree Way{Deer Va ll ey Rd.

0.0 Deer Valley crosses beautiful open countryside with views stretching from Morgan Territory to Mt. Diab lo. Much of the area has already been approved for development. Antioch has approved 17,000 units since 1990, of which 10,000 have not yet been built, and has begun work on two additional areas. At Prewitt Ranch Rd. (0.6) you'll enter

into Future Urbanization Area #1, a recent annexation of 2700 acres stretching to the city limits (1.9). 6,000 homes have been proposed, stretching all the way to Brentwood.

2.7 A large depression just to the left (east) of the road is a vernal pool. Spring rnnoff collects there, supporting unusual wildflowers. You 'II notice the many "For Sale" signs, a sign of the speculation that is rampant in the area. The highest, heavily wooded ridge before you (4.9) is Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. Before reaching Marsh CreekRd.,you'llpass overthewesternmostcomer(6.2)oftheCowell Ranch, where more than 5,000 units are proposed. The flip side is that several thousand acres could be preserved. At Marsh Creek Road (6.8), take a brief detour east (left).

Deer Valley Rd.!Marsh Creek Rd.

0.0 Head east (left) on one of the nicest scenic routes in the county. Marsh Creek, still flowing in July, follows the road, crossing big sandstone slabs and supporting beautiful riparian vegetation-white trunked sycamores, buckeyes, and willows.

1.7 Carefully turn around at the gate past the red barn. Framed with citrus trees, the gate marks a 10 acre field leased to the EBRPD by the Cowell Foundation. Not yet open to the public, the field will be the parking area and trailltead for Round Valley Regional Park. Retrace your route and continue west on Marsh Creek Rd. On the north (right) side of the road you'll pass the huge chaparral dominated canyon of Clayton Ranch (9.6), stretching a mile west to Morgan Tenitory Rd. and two miles north. A subdivision of 116 five-acre ranchettes is proposed here.

10.2 At Morgan Territory Rd. you can detour south on an even more beautiful route; SMD's first acquisition (now part of the state park) starts at this point on the south (left) side of the road with the scar of an old mercury mine above. You can enter the park at the Three Springs gate on the left (11.0). SMD' s Chaparral Spring parcel, which can be visited during walks led by SMD, is on theright(north); it shares a fence with Clayton Ranch and continues to the high tension power lines ( 11.2).

11.6 Closer to Clayton, the State Park boundary recedes south, and you enter Clayton's Marsh Creek Specific Plan Area (12.0). Views open up to Mt. Zion with its large quarry scars. More than 30 units have already been proposed on the left (12.2), and another 90 on the Heartland parcel to the right (12.8). Eagle Peak, MitcheJI Canyon and Black Point become visible to the left of Mt. Zion. If you drive to the end of Regency Drive (13.2) you can hike or picnic in Donneror Back Canyons.

13.6 Continue straight on Clayton Rd. when Marsh Creek turns left. You can detour right (14.2) on Peacock Creek into the last phase of the Oakhurst development. Park at the staging area on the right ( 14.3) and walk up Black Diamond Way, following a creek up to Black Diamond Mines and incredible views of the Delta. Complete the tour at Y gnacio Valley Road (16.1).

Please Write:

1) Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission, 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553. LAFCO controls whether unincorporated lands can be annexed to cities. Ask them to tum down Pittsburg' s request to annex the 2750 acre Southeast Area, because of impacts on Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, and because most of the area is outside the County's Urban Limit Line.

2) Board of Supervisors, Contra Costa County, 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553. Ask the Board to do all they can to preserve the Marsh Creek/Morgan Territory region.

Park News

Black Diamond Mines Regional Park (EBRPD) - The Mining Museum should reopen, at least partially, next spring. The backlog of abandoned mine openings (a number every year), which must be sealed, is partly responsible for the delay. A drinking fountain has been extended to the upper parking lot at Somersville. Trail grading is done. There have been confirmed Kit fox sightings in the eastern part of the park.

Diablo Foothills Regional Park/Castle Rock Recreational Area (EBRPD) - Single track trail construction has been completed in the park. There seem to be an exceptional number of rattlesnakes and ground squirrels this year - probably related to the past several good rain years - the cycle will probably decline, but pay attention on the trails. Park staff have been seeing quite a few bobcats, and peregrine falcons and coopers' hawks are sighted regularly. There have been the normal seasonal coyote sightings, but no problems. Coyotes have a tendency to pack up after the mating season There have been a couple of mountain lion sightings this spring in the southwest part of the park, and by the stables. The EBRPD is interested in hearing about sightings (call 837-3145 - leave date, time and location and a name and phone number). The big parking lot outside the Castle Rock gate in now open 7 days a week. The Picnic People, the Castle Rock concessionaire (934-4570), held an Open House on May 11 that was very successful, with horse rides and games.

Lime Ridge Open Space (Cities of Walnut Creek and Concord) - On July 16th the Walnut Creek City Council authorized the Lime Ridge Open Space Operation Proposal, which will lead to the opening of the park to the public next summer. The proposal creates three general operation areas. The area north of Ygnacio Rd. will

.1 , \ '. I,

I.. t') be operated like the other open space areas, including provision for dogs off leash. The area south of Ygnacio and east of Boundary Oaks golf course, identified as having the greatest concentration wildlife and biological diversity due to its varied habitat - chaparral, oak woodlands and grassland - is designated a wildlife habitat area with no dogs nor cattle The area south of Valley Vista Dr., open grassland and hillsides, will be grazed and dogs must be leashed. A boundary fence will be installed to separate the wildlife area from the grazed area, entrance gates will be installed in a number of locations, and signs and bulletin boards will be provided. Two new sections of trail will be constructed from the Ygnacio cattle tunnels. The City will be leading hikes in the Open Space this Fall.

Los Vaqueros Reservoir Watershed (CCWD) - There were three active golden eagle nests in the vicinity of the watershed; the District delayed activity in those areas until fledgling took place. Of 5 chicks total, four fledged (survived and learned to fly). The bridge over Kellogg Creek, the site of dam construction, had 200 cave swallow nests underneath and was left alone until fledgling occurred. The District has relocated more than 600 red-legged frogs, newly listed as threatened on the federal Endangered Species Act. Phase II-wetland and oak mitigations have been deferred until the Fall of 1997 for the District to monitor how Phase I efforts are working The Resource Management Plan is in process - a Baseline Conditions Plan is complete - and will go to the CCWD board in August. The Watershed Management Plan, a first step of that Plan, will be completed this winter. The Water District hopes to lead guided tours for interested groups in the watershed this Fall; tours can be arranged (call John Steere at 688-8363 or Ed Novi at 688-8175 if you'd like to be on the mailing list); the public will be notified. In the Spring of 1997 the Recreational Planning Program will formally begin.

Morgan Territory Regional Park (EBRPD) - The Park District intends to replace the care taker ' s residence at the staging area, but has first been doing research about early settlers and other cultural history. Natural and cultural history will be explained on interpretive panels to be installed at the staging area. The parking area will be expanded into the area where the current residence is; there has been a tremendous (40-45,000 visitors total per year) increase in use of Morgan Territory in the past five years as the expanding population of the Livermore Valley has discovered the park. The parking lot is often maxed out during the February-May peak period. There have been the usual sightings of golden eagles, and mountain lions-several plausible reports this spring.

Mt. Diablo State Park (State Dept. of Parks and Recreation) - The Governor has signed the State budget; it doesn't appear that the park will face any significant cuts this year, although past cuts have reduced the numbers of staff and decreased normal park maintenance . The Devil Mountain Double, a 200 mile bike race starting in Danville and passing through the State Park, was held on July 20. There ' s plenty of room in campgrounds (837-2525) , although they ' re starting to fill up on holidays and weekends. An Assistant Resource Ecologist joined the staff in August to help with oak woodland and riparian habitat studies, especially in Pine Canyon. There have been several work days involving volunteers, some from the Heritage Trail Fund and Bank of America. They worked on the Middle, Meridian, and Back Creek trails on the Park's north side, as well as some trails in the Rock City area. The new Diablo Communications tower, which blew over in December, has been replaced at the mountain's summit and equipment is being installed Road work is scheduled on Summit Road and at some spots along Northgate. There are some leaks at the Summit Museum, a continuing problem given the porous sedimentary rock the building is constructed of; the DPR is contracting for repairs. There have been a continu ed on page 8

SMD in the 90's cont'd

of open land. Recent additions to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve to the east have completed a connection with Round Valley off Marsh Creek Rd., first purchased in 1989 to be a future regional park.

In 1994, SMD was deeply involved in a new State Park B011d initiative, which unfortunately failed. Th loss has been difficult. Lands we should buy come on the market at unpredictable times; with little or no statelunds, one in a decade or once in a lifetime opp rtunities go by. In this recessionary period, no State Park bonds have passed since 1988, and the absence

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of funding has been difficult. Small affordable State Park bond issues every few years are the key to the functioning of our State Park system; we are encouraged by the public's increasing awareness of that fact.

Our Work Is Not Yet Complete...

When SMD was created in 1971 the State Park included 6,788 acres. By 1990 the State Park included 17,503 acres and other open spaces had grown to include 11,572 acres. By the end of 1996 the State Park will include almost 19,000 acres. Regional Parks and City Open Spaces, and SMD's own Chaparral Spring parcel together total 15,016 acres, and CCWD's Los Vaqueros watershed includes almost 19,000 acres. Altogether, in 25 years public open space on and around Mt. Diablo has expanded from 6,788 acres to more than 53,000 acres. Our work is not yet complete - on and around the mountain there remain large parcels in private hands even today - Mt. Zion, thousands of acres on North Peak, in Morgan Territory, and between the State Park and Lime Ridge, Black Diamond Mines and Round Valley. They remain under threat of development.

SMD has received many honors in these years. In January, 1992, we won the Take Pride in California Award, Public-Private Partnership, sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation and American Express. Later that year, we were National SemiFinalists in the Take Pride in America Awards. In the spring of 1992, the San Francisco Foundation gave us the first Helen Crocker Russell Award. In the spring of 1996, we won the Director of Park and Recreation A ward for outside groups - the Dewitt Award. Also this spring, two of our founders - Mary Bowerman and Art Bonwell - won the National Chevron-Times Mirror Magazines Conservation Award. [Ed. Note: This summer, Susan Watson received Broadway Plaza's Women of Achievement Legacy Award For Lifetime Achievement.] We are proud of the recognition, but honors are not the only measure of success.

It is with the public's help, assistance, and good will that SMD is able to continue to preserve the mountain and its environs in many different ways. It is the public's support, assistance, and good will that SMD needs to continue to preserve the mountain's open space. We ask you to continue to support preservation of Mount Diablo in the coming years.

Park News

... continuedfrompage7-----------------------------few mountain lion sightings this year but there has never been a reported problem with the big cats at Mt. Diablo.

Round Valley Regional Park (EBRPD) - An Interim Use Plan is being prepared. Five stream crossings have to be constructed al ng with a graveled staging area The hold-ups in opening the park to the public are negotiations with State Fish & Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding tate and federally listed thr eatened a11d endangered species. A petroleum pipeline relocation (related to the construction of neighboring Los Vaqueros reservoir) is almost finished.

Shell Ridge Open Space (City of Walnut Creek) - Borges Ranch Day on June 8th was a great s ucc ess, with nearly a thousand visitors. The ranch's Portuguese founders were celebra ted with the inclusion of Portuguese food; it so ld out in the first two hours. An area above Borges Ranch has been fenced and brush has been dragged in to create patches of wildlife coverage; the work contin ues. A few new trails have been constructed in the past few year and the new trail sign disks have been insta1led to clarify h·ails' routes and connection s . Vegetation b"ansects are being updated to monitor changes jn the open space's vegetation. The City has a contract with the county to try and control artichoke thistl and purpl star thi tie. There's a hope that use of microscopic wasps by neighboring property owners, to conh·ol non-native yellow star thi tie, may impact the thistle within the Open Space. A spray of molasses and water, along fence lines in se lected areas, continues to be used to encow-age cattle to enlarge fuel break

Save Mount Diablo purchased the 333-acre Chaparral Spring parcel in 1994, shown at center, as part of its efforts to connect Moun t Diablo State Patk south across Keller Ridge to Black Diamond Mines Regional Park, shown in the distance.

Bitter Root (Lewisia rediviva), a rare plant found in rock outcroppings and talus slopes above 2300 feet. SMD's work in limiting communication towers and enforcing clean up on North Peak has helped preserve the Bitter Root.

Grand Slam

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among 17 winners in the United States and Canada, and were selected for their efforts since founding Save Mount Diablo in 1971. The Award included a $2000 prize, which the winners donated to Save Mount Diab lo. They met with Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Bill Baker while in Washington D.C. True to form, they took the opportunity to lobby for SMD's latest acquisition project.

In a statement after receiving the award, Dr. Bowerman said, "My dream is that the whole of Mount Diablo, including its foothills, will remain open space that the visual and natural integrity will be sustained. Over the last 25 years I have participated with Save Mount Diablo in achieving the preservation of much of the area in my original dream. May Save Mount Diablo fully realize my dream during my lifetime." According to Bonwell, "Helping to create Save Mount Diab lo and arousing public and legislative support for the mountain has been the most important work in my life."

Dr Mary Bowerman and Arthur Bonwell, SMD's founders, received the Chevron-Times Mirror Magazines Conservation Award on May 15 in Washington D.C

SMD President Susan Watson was one of nine women honored as "Women of Achievement" by Broadway Plaza. The awards are meant to recognize women who have contributed to the quality oflife in Contra Costa County. Watson's Legacy Award For Lifetime Achievement recognized her years of effort helping to preserve the Bay Area environment. In Watson's nomination; SMD Director Steve Mehlman wrote, Susan Watson became Save Mount Diablo's president in 1989 and has been key in leading the organization during an amazing period of growth and success. Her vision includes maintaining this County's beauty in balance with its growing population and economic development. Virtually every person who resides or works in Contra Costa County, views Sue Watson's achievements and contribution to the quality of life in this county on a daily basis when we gaze upon the open slopes of Mount Diablo. There is nobody more deserving of a Women of Achievement Award."

Congratulations to the winners.

Hikes and Events

25th Anniversary Hike

November 23, Saturday, 9:00 am

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Family Buckeye Nut Throw at Chaparral Spring (Save Mount Diablo)

Leader: Seth Adams 229-4275

Bring the kids and join Program Director Seth Adams for a little fun on SMD's spectacular 333-acre Chaparral Spring parcel. We'll collect buckeye nuts along

several short loop hikes then throw them in two areas that need trees as wildlife cover (kids younger than 99 can even take one home to plant). They'll do the rest; you can come visit the new trees next year. Bring two bags with handles to hold the nuts. 3 hours. Heavy Rain Cancels.

1996 Trek Through Time

Saturday, September 28

Sponsors of Mt. Diab lo' s proposed Trail Through Time expect 500 participants in the 1996 Trek Through Time, to be held on Saturday, September 28th. The event will raise awareness and funds for the trail, which will highlight Mt. Diablo' s geological history and ecology.

Hc1, e Exlrc1 Office Sp,1ce?

Save Mo1mt Diablo is seeki ng a benefactQr with a few hWldred sq uare fee t o f extra office space. fter 25 years of operating from the hom of va ri us volu nt , we h a ve outgr wn this m od of doing business W e a~e seeking s pa e in the central Contra C ta County area. If u h a e tra pace or some p ibl leads ( r us, please call our Administrative staff person 1 Pat Moran at (510) 947-353

Sponsors include the University of California Museum of Paleontology, the Department of Parks and Recreation, Monte Vista High School and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. The Trek involves a morning hike from Rock City (elevation 1640') to the mountain's summit (3849'). A more moderate 2-mile hike to Sunset Picnic Area is an option.

The walk explores 100 million years of the mountain's geological history in the midst of extraordinary panoramas Experts will be on hand at prescribed stops to answer questions. The $20 fee ($15 for students) includes the Trek '96 T-shirt, shuttle service and park admission. Food and beverag es may be purchased. For information and registration forms, call (510) 937-3044.

Rock Climbers at Mount Diablo State Park

On Going Developments

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Ferri, Mt. Diablo State Park Superintendent. "We are working on putting together a plan to remove some things of concern for public safety."

Save Mount Diab lo will lead hikes on the parcel in the spring.

PITTSBURGH ANNEXATION TO GO TO LAFCO

In the last issue of Diablo Watch, SMD reported Pittsburg' s attempts to annex 2750 acres adjacent to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. A draft EIR was released in March and the final EIR will likely be released before you receive this newsletter. The project may be submitted to LAFCO (the Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission which controls whether unincorporated lands can be annexed to cities) by the end of September.

In the months since Pittsburg introduced their proposal, SMD, the City of Clayton, the East Bay Regional Park District and others have begun to rally to fight the proposal. We need your help! Please write LAFCO at the address be-

Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization which preserves lands on Mount Diablo and educates the public to the mountain's natural values. SMD acquires land, monitors land use planning on private lands, restores habitat and reintroduces rare species, builds trails and supports recreational opportunities, and works to insure that park maintenance needs are met. Since 1971, when SMD was formed, public open space on and around Mt. Diablo has expanded from 6,877 acres to more than 53,000.

Save Mount Diab lo continues to raise funds to preserve the remainder of the Mountain. For more information, to donate, or to receive SMD's newsletter, Diablo Watch, write to Save Mount Diablo, P.O. Box 5376 Walnut Creek, CA. 94596, or call (510) 947-3535

low, come on one of our Black Diamond Way hikes or take the East County Drive we describe (see related articles).

Please Write the Contra Costa Local Agency Formation Commission, 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553. Ask LAFCO to turn down Pittsburg's request to annex the 2750 acre Southeast Area, because of impacts on Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, and because most of the area is outside the County's Urban Limit Line.

East County development rises into the foothills of Black Diamond Mines.

You decide-beautiful hills or miles of subdivisions. Save Mount Diablo needs your financial support to respond to dozens of subdivision proposals around Mt. Diablo.