1998 Diablo Watch - Spring Edition, Issue 23

Spring 1998 , No. 23

772-acre Garaventa Property Acquired

Putting to rest more than a decade of controversy, th e acquisition of the 772-acre Garaventa property was unanimously approved by the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors at its November 4th meeting. The parc e l, bounded on three sides by Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, was considered the top acquisition priority for the Preserve. Garaventa overlooks Contra Loma reservoir, Antioch and the Delta, with Mt. Diablo as a backdrop. The purchase of this biologically rich property h e lps to round out the park boundaries, adds valuable scenic open space to Black Diamond and completes the park's northern e dge.

"This prop e rty has some v ery, very difficult history going way back," said Park District Director Te d Radke of Martinez, who represents the area. He commended the Garaventa family, current owner s of the property, for their good faith negotiations and quick decision on the final a g reement.

Garaventa is spectacular. A thousand foot ris e from valley floor to ridgeline offers beautiful panoramic views as far as the Sierra range. Fire roads loop through oak woodland and grassland into deep valleys threaded with streams and jeweled with overflowing ponds. Large stands of wild rose and many small wetlands are associated with hillside seeps and springs. Narrow canyons are filled with toyon (Christmas

Newest addition to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.

berry), and protected exposures offer wildflowers early in the season.

Varied habitats support thre atened and end a ngered species such as the California red-legged frog, the San Joaquin kit fox and California tiger salamander.

There are good trail conn e ctions into the property from both Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and adjacent Contra Loma Regional Park.

Tunnels from the area's historic coal mining pe r iod underlie the property. Schultz's Canyon, once part of the active coal mining district, includes a tunnel through the ridge to the Central Mine in Stewartville.

Continu ed on page 4

Goodbye to a Dear Friend

WILLIAM HENRY SATTLER, 1909-1997

Sav e Mount Diablo has lost a dear friend , the world has lost a good man. William 'Bill ' Henry Sattler died on Christmas day, he was 88 years old.

Bill, who always wondered what lay over the next ridge, had explored every slope and incline, every meadow and every valley of the mountain he loved so much. Indeed, it was on one of his Mt. Diablo hiking trips that he met the love of his life, Genevieve. Together they helped co-found Save Mount Diab/a , working on the board from its inception in 1971 until 1992. During this time they helped to acquire and protect thousands of acres of open space .

Bill, is survived by his wife Genevieve; sons Alfred and Edward Sattler; daught e rs Joyce and Carol Sattler; and a brother Ernest Sattler.

The world was a better plac e for Bill ' s having been here . His son Al offered this quote in memory of his father ...

"Climb the Mountain and ge t their glad tidings.

Nature 's peace will flow into you as sunshin e flows into tre es. The winds will blow their own freshness into you.

And the storm s their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

John Muir

Save Mount Diablo

Board of Directors

Malcolm Sproul

President

Arthur Bonwell Vice-President/Founder

Amara Koss

Secretary

Nigel Ogilvie

Treasurer

Robert Adams

Mary L. Bowerman

Founder

Paul Choisser

Susan D' Alcamo

Donald de Fremery

Karen Hunt

Stephen Joseph

Robert Marx

Paul McIntire

Steven Mehlman

Robert Nunn

Allan Prager

Staff

Gerry Keenan

Executive Director

Seth Adams Director of Land Programs

Julia Office Manager

Publisher

Save Mount Diablo

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

The Mitchell Canyon Creek Restoration Project Or Something Fishy!

By Cyndy Shafer, Volunteer Coordinator, Save Mount Diablo

Native trout were once found in the State Park's Mitchell Canyon creek and the possibility that they survive is spurring dozens of volunteers to restore damaged areas within the canyon. Sponsored by Save Mount Diablo and Mt. Diablo State Park, The Mitchell Canyon Creek Restoration Project is just getting underway.

Most trout populations have been cross-bred with genetically compromised hatchery raised fish which resemble a native trout about as much as a house cat does a bobcat. Only two or three genetically pure rainbow trout populations are thought to survive, possibly including one found in Mitchell Canyon in 1985, when the Department of Parks and Recreation estimated a total population of 190 fish Fish have been seen as recently as several years ago, but surveys performed in 1997 found none.

However, many ,21 sections of the creek are protected by

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

has occurred over the past 150 years. Mitchell Creek joins Mt. Diablo Creek soon after leaving the State Park. Development in Clayton and Concord has isolated the creek from the Bay. Mining and grazing damage which began during the mid-1800s eliminated much of the streamside vegetation, increased erosion and caused an increase in water temperature. Firebreaks bulldozed during 1977's huge Mt. Diablo fire added to the damage. Small drop dams and culverts blocked upstream migration. Non-native plants moved in on the disturbed ground and are forcing out the natives.

The State's update of the Mt. Diablo dense thickets of blackberry and Volunteer

funded and short-handed, a trout recovery plan was not implemented.

State Park General Plan recommended a trout recovery plan and the removal of cattle from much of the park, the latter task completed in 1994. The result of their removal was increasing health for the Canyon. Given park budget cuts over the past decade, leaving the park underpoison oak, and there is still the chance that trout remain. If not, they can be reintroduced from the two remaining nearby native populations, if the creek habitat is first improved and restored.

Heavily wooded with alders, willows, and oaks, Mitchell Canyon puts on one of the Bay Area's best spring wildflower displays Huge grapevines hang from the trees into the creek, which sparkles and rushes as it drops through thickets of blackberry and poison oak. The canyon's beauty hides the ecological damage that

Enter Clayton resident John Roskelley, who has played in the creek since he was a kid. John had seen trout in the creek in 1995, but the decreasing numbers had him worried. He approached Save Mount Diablo and State Park Superintendent Larry Ferri with the idea of using volunteers to restore Mitchell Creek. A joint project was begun with Roskelly as lead volunteer.

Early on it was decided that the em-

Peggy Shafer at Mitchell Canyon

Continued fr om prev ious page

Snv e Mount Din/Jlo is very pleased t introduce om· n w pr sident, Malcolm Sproul. Born and raised in Contra Costa County, Malcolm has been a member of Save Mount Diab lo' s board of directors since 1992. A third generation Californian, he is the grandson of Robert Gordon Sproul, who was president of the University of California from 1930 to 1958.

Aphasis would be placed on restoring th e habitat for the sake of the overall canyon' s health, not just the trout. Riparian areas, like those along Mitchell Creek, are some of the most valuable habitats for wildlife, providing important migration routes, nesting sites, food, shelter, and water. The goal of The Mitchell Canyon Creek Restoration Proj ect is to restore damaged areas within the canyon to a healthier state and to reduce current disturbances as much as possible.

Objectives include:

1) determining whether the fish still survive,

2) conducting historical r ese arch to ascertain whether the population is native,

3) assessing the creek's flows and temperatures to insure that fish can survive seasonal fluctuations should reintroduction be proposed, and

4) preparing an overall Restoration Plan.

The project will span more than three years, with much of the work being done by volunteers Tasks will include monitor-

Precipitation Records (July 1 to June 30)

ing, removal of non-nativ e plants and reintroduction of native plants, installation of horse watering troughs, and removal of sediments, old culverts and other structures blocking upstream migration

Water monitoring stations have b een set up and temperature, flow volume and velocity measurements are taken twice a we e k. A propagation area is being built near the canyon's mouth and plant propagation will begin soon. The first volunteer workday was in November, when fifty-two enthusiastic people showed up, despite the threat of rain, to rip out invasive periwinkle that was taking over the creek banks

So are there trout in Mitchell Creek? Join our volunteers, do a little work to benefit ou r mountain, and you may be among th e first to know. To get involved, call the Sav e Mount Diablo office at 947-3535 and tell them you would like to do something fishy

n avid outdoor man, Malcolm 's first outin g to Mt. Diablo was in 1963 when his Boy Scout troop camped at Curry Point. After receiving his A.B. and MLA in envirorunental planning from UC Berkeley he worked for the Marin County Planning Department for four years In 1979, he left the county and joined his current employer, LSA Associates, a natural resources management and environmental planning and consulting firm He is a principal in the firm and manages their Point Richmond office. As a member, then cochair, of Save Mount Diablo Land Use Committee, he has been on the philanthropic end of protecting and securing open space. Malcolm feels that Mt. Diablo is a wonderful visual resource, and that the open space we are protecting is not just for people, but that it is essential to the protection and stability of the greatest possible diversity of biological resources in the central California region.

Malcolm liv es in Moraga with his ,;,.rife ase and their three sons His younger boys are in 8th grade and 11th grade, and his eldest is a freshman at UC Berkeley. In addition to presiding over Save Mount Diablo, Malcolm is involved in youth sports as a coach (basketball) and as president of the West Diablo Valley Bronco League (baseball).

Mitchell Canyon

Periwinkle Patrol on a rainy afternoon

Garaventa

Continued from page 1

(Park District staff has determined that underlying tunnels present no hazard to the public.) A large stand of tree-of-heaven indicates the former site of a homestead.

According to Robert Doyle, the East Bay Regional Park District's assistant general manger for land acquisition and advanced planning, the property was sold in 1982 to S and J. Garaventa Investments and included as one of three competing landfill sites in eastern Contra Costa County. Use of the site as a landfill was opposed by the Park District and environmental groups. In 1990 voters disapproved of the site by a margin of 2 to 1 and another site was chosen. In 1993 the Park District board authorized purchase negotiations with the Garaventa organization.

At the November 4th meeting Doyle credited retired State Senator Dan Boatwright with arranging the first meeting between the two parties and acknowledged two longtime Park District supporters-Assemblyman Tom Torlakson and retired State Senator John Nejedly-for their strong encouragement of the process.

Gerry Keenan, Executive Director of Save Mount Diablo, addressed the District's board prior to their vote, "Your work in East County is farsighted and incredibly important. Years of hard work on the part of staff and under the capable leadership of the Board guarantees the ecological health of Black Diamond Mines Preserve. There is no question that the Garaventa property is the top priority for addition to the Preserve. Director Radke and the Board as a whole are to be complimented for a vision that includes open space for not only you and me, but for our children and our children's children."

The property will be acquired with Measure AA funding, the Park District's open space bond issue approved by the voters in 1988. The property will remain in land bank status, closed to the public, until appropriate fencing, sign placement and cleanup have been accomplished. Save Mount Diablo has arranged for a preview and public hike on the parcel on May 10 at 10:00 a.m. (refer to the enclosed April On The Mountain schedule for details).

HELP! We Need a New Horne.

The building we are in (donated space) has been leased by Lawrence Livermore Labs for their genome project.

We Must Vacate by May 1.

Need: 750 square foot office that includes at least one enclosed conference area of no less than 150 square feet. Location: Walnut Creek.

Donated space would be wonderful!

Park News

Wet, Wet, Wet!!! It's looking like another heavy rain year for the Mt. Diablo region with spring beginning in December. Lots of mud and high waters in streams and waterfalls. Higher elevation trails and ridgeline hikes are generally less muddy. Continuing rains will aid oak regeneration and provide a great wildflower season.

Black Diamond Mines Regional Park (EBRPD: 635-0135)

•The Chaparral loop trail, with its sandy soils, remains very hikeable even in wet weather.

•EBRPD will be fencing the group camp site to exclude cattle.

Chaparral Spring

(Save Mount Diablo: 947-3535)

• Four years of cattle management has resulted in increasing tree regeneration, especially in the stream canyons, where buckeye growth is most distinct. There are large numbers of 1, 2, 3, and 4-year buckeyes promising increased riparian cover for wildlife.

• Save Mount Diab/o's volunteer corps has been working to map trees for the group's Mountain Heritage Program, and trail work will begin once the rains have ended.

• After the rains end, the Contra Costa Water District will move the access road and gate to a safer entrance point further west.

Diablo Foothills Regional Park/ Castle Rock Recreational Area (EBRPD: 635-0135)

• Pine Creek is beautiful and the canyon is muddy The area near the State Park boundary which burned last year is lush and green and should have good wildflowers.

• No sign of returning peregrines, yet.

• Annual red-legged frog surveys confirm breeding populations of this federally protected threatened species in Pine Creek and various stock ponds. Some of the ponds also have non-native bullfrogs, which prey on the red-leggeds. Unlike the natives, bullfrog tadpoles need year-round water since they take two years to mature.

Garaventa parcel adjoining Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.

Lime Ridge Open Space (Cities of Walnut Creek and Concord:943-5854)

• Lime Ridge Open Space was dedicated and officially opened to the public on November 22nd. The best place to access the Open Space is at the end of Valley Vista at the Boundary Oaks golf course parking lot.

• Fencing, gates, and interpretive kiosks are being installed, and a signing program will soon begin to name trails.

• A thank you goes to the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation for the donation of a sickle mower to be used in native grassland restoration.

Los Vaqueros Reservoir Watershed (CCWD: 688-8175)

•The Los Vaqueros watershed is Contra Costa County's single biggest acquisition project since the 1920s, and is almost the size of Mt. Diablo State Park. Two-thirds of the watershed is expected to be open for recreation with the mix of recreational activities depending on public comment.

•The reservoir dam is complete and filling could begin as early as February.

•Students from Antioch High School have been participating in wetland monitoring and a willow planting effort along Kellogg Creek.

• Red-legged frog mitigation work, and cattle fencing at three different creeks and twenty stock ponds have been completed. 3'x3' wooden boxes near wet soils along streams have been built to provid e dry-season retreats for the frogs.

•Surveys are being conducted along new Vasco Road to see how w e ll California tiger salamander diversion

fences are doing in diverting the salamanders, through culverts under the road, to breeding ponds.

Morgan Territory Regional Park (EBRPD: 635-0135)

•Two Livermore policemen were in the news recently when they were lost overnight while cycling in the park.

The men were dressed in T-shirts and shorts when they were caught by a sudden storm. As a result, they suffered from hypothermia, which caused them to lose direction. The lesson is that you should always carry a park map with you, dress in layers and bring food and water. Maps are available at the staging area.

•The Finley Road staging area opened in February. Visitors can park along the road about a half mile from its end, then take the trail along the road up into beautiful Riggs Canyon. Please observe parking and private property signs.

Mt. Diablo State Park (State Department of Parks and Recreation: 837-2525)

•The park is wet, and the waterfalls are spectacular The park is in its best shape in many years.

• The Governor has announced his support for the first state park bond in ten years, to be placed on the June or November ballot if legislators pass enabling legislation.

• Last year's prescribed burns should result in great wildflowers in Pine Canyon, and in the Knobcone Point area.

• Pig damage is increasing as the pig population expands.

• Prescribed burns are being planned

this spring and fall to control yellow star thistle in Dan Cook Canyon and the Summit area.

• Exotic plant removal continues in Pine Canyon.

• Architectural plans are being developed for the Mt. Diablo Observatory Association's facility at Pioneer Camp.

•The Mt. Diablo Interpretive Association is readying a small trailer for Mitchell Canyon to distribute natural history information.

•California Statewide Trail Day is being planned for April 25th; call 837-2525 to get involved.

Round Valley Regional Park (EBRPD: 635-0135)

• Round Valley will be dedicated officially to the public on June 17th. (The enclosed schedule includes several hikes into Round Valley.)

•New fords (creek crossings) are in place along the creek and the staging area along Marsh Creek Road is under construction.

•The District has obtained a state grant to buy a small piece of land near the staging area which will protect additional riparian habitat and simplify trail connections.

Shell Ridge Open Space

(City of Walnut Creek: 943-5854)

•City staff are working hard to clean drains and limit rain damage.

•California Statewide Trails Day is on April 25th. Contact Dan Cather at 943-5854 to help with trail maintenance.

•The best place to access Shell Ridge is at historic Borges Ranch off Castle Rock Road

Three Springs

Keeping Posted

For more information or to aid SMD in its response to development projects, please call our office at 947-3535.

Stop Pittsburg's Annexation

The City of Pittsburg, in concert with the Southport Company, is seeking to annex almost 1500 acres to its city limits. The property is along Kirker Pass Road, up Nortonville Canyon, and adjacent to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve . If successful, bulldozers will tear through the land of ranchers opposed to the project. There would be significant impacts to endangered species, East County views of Diablo's foothills and on Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.

Despite growing public opposition and with scant information about the project, the City Council rubber stamped approvals of an inadequate Environmental Impact Report and an annexation request to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO regulates city boundaries). The annexation would set precedent for the County's voter-approved Urban Limit Line (beyond which large developments are discouraged).

LAFCO will meet in March or April. Meanwhile the East Bay Regional Park District, which would face increased liability from abandoned coal mining tunnel hazards, has legally challenged the approval.

Write or fax LAFCO with your opposition:

LAFCO, 651 Pine St., 8th Floor

Martinez, CA 94553

FAX: 646-2240.

County to Update

Communication Tower Policy

Last May the first renewal of 20-year land-use permits for communication towers on Mt. Diablo came up before the County. Subject to the County's

1977 Telecommunications Policy and given the rapid proliferation of tower proposals and technological changes, an update of the Policy has been long overdue. After an appeal by SMD of a Chevron tower permit renewal on North Peak, the Supervisors agreed to the update of the policy and, in a compromise between SMD and Chevron, the 20-year renewal was reduced to 10 years, with three-year reviews.

SMD has also appealed a permit renewal for the remaining towers on North Peak. Unlike Chevron, which has been a responsible tenant, the owner of the other tower sites has failed to respect the State Park's environmental values and has ignored SMD' s concerns. The Supervisors will consider the appeal in February.

Save Alamo's Last Open Space

One of the last two undeveloped parcels along Stone Valley Road, the 100-acre Allen property, has been proposed for development. This parcel, consisting of beautiful rolling grasslands with huge valley oaks is crossed by the Las Trampas Trail to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail, and abuts a canyon and high knoll on the north that is owned by the East Bay Regional Park District.

Summerhill Homes has proposed 64 lots. If the parcel is developed, the neighboring 100-acre parcel is likely to be the next target for development. The County has released a draft Environmental Impact Report (dEIR). If the development moves forward,

SMD is seeking to reduce the number of units, preserve significant acreage for addition to the neighboring Regional Park, and buffer the trail. Public hearings will begin this Spring.

To receive the dEIR or comment to the Board of Supervisors, contact Senior Planner Debbie Chamberlain at 335-1213, or write the Board of Supervisors at:

County Administration Building

651 Pine St., Martinez, CA 94553. A group of neighbors, organized as Save Alamo's Last Open Space, are opposing the project and can be reached at 831-6175.

Sand Quarry/Summit Project

On Lime Ridge

Concord's Summit project, in the old sand quarry and next to the State College on Ygnacio, was sent back to the drawing board this past summer. Changes proposed by Save Mount Diablo have been included and a new environmental analysis has begun. Significantly, a proposed 17-acre shopping center in the quarry has been deleted from the plan. Houses proposed on the highly visible ridge above the quarry have been moved to where the shopping center was to be located. The ridge area, about 30 acres of the parcel's 85, will be offered to the City for addition to Lime Ridge Open Space. A staging area and trails are proposed for connection to the Open Space. Neighbors continue to push for a smaller development.

Pittsburg annexation area/Kirker Pass Road

Heritage Tree Sponsors

Richard & Barbara Eakin

Gerry Keenan

Carole Cacciaroni Lehman

San Bruno Police Assn.

Thomas Harrington

Concord Police Assn.

William Turner Hobson

Concord Police Assn.

Millbrae Police Assn.

Thomas G. Manning

Marlys & John Egan, Jr.

Linda & Steven Mehlman

Bobbi Nevill

Tom, Barbara, Cari, Portia & Ty Preston

Teri & Chris Wills

In Honor Of

(Gifts made from August 6, 1997 through January 15, 1998)

Carol Bernstein of Berkeley

John Tullis

Kerry, Mike and Chris Blackwell

Love Mom

Art Bonwell

Claire & Thomas Huffaker

Dr. Mary Bowerman

J. Frank & Edith Valle-Riestra

1st Anniversary of

Arne & Marie Helene Bugnion

Christine Brain Elston

Betty Campbell

Jacqueline & Harley Buettner

Dr. David Eakin, our son

Miss Dottie Eakin, our daughter

Barbara & Richard Eakin

The birthday of

Christine Brain Elston

William & Maybelle Brain

Jan & Bill Harris

Barbara & Richard Eakin

Curt & Linda Jimerson

Joyce K. Laird

Gerry Keenan

Jeannette & Bruce Howard

The Lamb Family

Barbara & Richard Eakin

In the name of

Marti & John Masek of Danville

Jayna & Dick Elgin

Karin McClure

Susan & John Tullis

Our daughter,

Haley Nicole M eh lman

Linda & Steven Mehlman

Their children Daniel & Amy Patten

Thomas & Nancy Patten

Ward Tabler

Alfred Weiler

In Memory Of

(Gifts made from August 6, 1997 through January 15, 1998)

Carrie Brandenburg

Elaine Booth

Arthur A. Brunch

Marina & John Rubiales

Dave Browne

Mrs. Pauline A. Browne

Mr. Mitchell Campbell

Helen & Al Fraschieri

Margaret Clark

Reta & Duane Simmons

Eddie Condon.

Susan Cond,on

John Falcone

Robert Falcone

Anna Lou ise Ferri

John Arnold

Evelyn & William Milani

Gerry Keenan

Deborah & John Janton

Susan & James Burke

Flora Heron

Jeannie S. Harmon

John Ginochio

Norma & William Reece, Jr.

Margaret & Carl Chavez

DPR Head,quarters Personnel:

Denise Kincaid

Susan Lynch

Linda Stock

Karen E. Vans

Nicole Leiria

John-Kelso-Shelton

DickTroy _

Patricia Megaf)im

Leah Finley 's Birthday

Ruth Chapton

Mary Glasgow

Lee Glasgow

Jean P Hauser

Barbara Hauser

Toby T. Johnson

Carole & Donald Johnson

Alan D.K. Laird

Joyce Laird

Rick Lehman

Carole Cacciaroni Lehman

San Bruno Police Assn.

Thomas Harrington

Concord Police Assn.

William Turner Hobson

Thomas G. Manning

Millbrae Police Officers Assn

Marlys & John Egan, Jr.

The parents of Lillian H. Lemon

Lillian H . Lemon

Erse! Lindsay

Edward M. Lindsay

Izidor Lub

Nestor Luis Vaschetto, M.D.

William Menegus

Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Menegus

Stewart Mouser

Georgene & Glen Deardorff

Leonard Nevill

Teri & d1ris Wills and Bobbi Nevill

Lewis 8. Reynolds

Mrs. Marian Reynolds

RJ111npho11y11d1ic- W/10 has been gone 160M years

Robert D. Clear

Merritt Rowland

Elvera H. Rowland

Willi11111 " Bill" Sattler

Winifred & Stan! y So r~ m

Mr. & Mrs. Fran.le VaJleRi'estra

Barbara & William Smith

Reb cca Beei.ner

Violand & Lloyd G ieg

Mr. & Mrs. Wayland Dawson

Selma King

Betty Ga ll ~g h e r

Helen Deman

Paul & Deirdre Katz

Elizabeth Zilen

Dion & B;:adMustard

Peg & :f red Kqvar

Linda & Dennis Satt ler

Joyce Ro va np era

Georgia Morrison

Raymond Sattler

Elizabeth Hoh nrieder

Alfred & Heidi .Ale£

ArtBonwelJ

Jean La ird

Ego n Pedersen

Steve Weir

Mary Ann Gaebe

L wi m .'e & Clare Rogers

Mrs. Tht!lma Dana

Mildrea & Edward Bennett

Jeannie Harmon

Marjorie Grennan

J~ness R. Hanson

Patrice & Robert Moran

Jean Apple

Dorothy & Er nest Satt ler

Mary S Burton

Doris Hand

Doris & Andrew Baltzo

Nicole Becker

Burton Bogardus

Christopher Valle-Riestra

Margaret & Jam es Trncy

Lind & al Higgins

Dorothy Dorsett

Dr. Mary Bowerman

Susan Watson

Phil Tamisiea

Jeanne Thomas

Warren Elvin Thomas

Ms. Ada Thomas

Dave Wilson

Caroline & Donald Underwood

You Can Help

To help us preserve and protect our mountain ...

Bequests

Your gift to Save Mount Diablo by will, of money or otl,er per onal property, h elps to create a I gacy of open space.

Commemorative Gifts

You can remember a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or honor someone . special with a gift to Save :. Mount Diab/a.

Matching Gifts

Your employer may have a matd'ling gifts program that multiplie s your contribution to Snve Mo11nt Dinb lo.

Gifts of Cash, Securities or Real Property

Your gifts support the work of Save Mo1111/ Diab/o and are a lwa ys welcome.

Family Land Planning

You can preserve youi- land and keep it in private ownersh ip. Save Mo11ut Dinblo can help

Mountain Heritage Program

Dedicate an oak tree, a grove of trees, or acreage at Chaparral Springs as an enduring gift to someo ne you ch eris h.

Volunteer Office Help-A few hours of time on a regular basis, filing, organizing news clippings, copying, answering phones, and other tasks.

Heritnge Tree Volw1feer-£or the C h aparral Sp.ring prop rty. You will be trained

Creek Restorotio 11 - be a part of the Trout Project by helping w ith Mitchell Canyon Creek Restoration.

Wish List

Folding Table, 6', sturdy. Slide Projector, Kodak carousel wHh auto focus.

Camera, "point and shoot," with built-in zoom and flash. Scanner, at least 300 dpi, preferably color, and OCR. Paper Cutter, heavy duty.

For more information contact Gerry Keenan at (510) 947-3535

FreeDay@MT. DIABLO

Third Annual Free Day at Mt. Diab lo

Help us celebrate Mt. Diab lo' s birthday while kicking off State Parks Month. We'll cut a special Mt. Diablo birthday cake at 12:30 p.m. at the Summit Museum. Enjoy waterfalls, wildflowers, wildlife, incredible views, healthy exercise, and a price that's hard to beat. This event is sponsored by Save Mount Diablo, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association.

Leach, Rainey, and Torlakson Help Expand Coastal Conservancy Boundaries

California has a number of quasigovernmental agencies, referred to as conservancies, which have no regulatory powers but work with nonprofits and help preserve important areas of the state. Funding is often specifically designated for the work of conservancies and most of the Bay Area has been conspicuously absent from the list of areas served by a conservancy. Last fall the Legislature and governor approved legislation by Senator Byron Sher creating the Bay Area Program within the Coastal Conservancy (as opposed to the regulatory 8

Save Mount Diablo's mission is to secure through acquisition, protection and preservation, the open space necessary to support the full range of biological diversity and to insure the integrity of Mt. Diablo's natural beauty.

In support of our mission, Save Mount Diablo:

•Creates dedicated open space from land acquired through gifts, purchases and cooperative efforts with public and private entities;

• Educates the public about threats to the mountain;

• Works with landowners to preserve their property while realizing economic benefits;

• Works in partnership with Mt. Diab lo State Park, East Bay Regional Parks

Coastal Commission), and expanding its boundaries to include the full nine Bay Area counties. Previously the conservancy had included the coastal zone and the bay shoreline but not the interiors of any county. Save Mount Diablo supported creation of the Bay Area Program since it will serve as a vehicle for future acquisition funding. Special thanks are due the county's legislative representatives including Assemblyman Torlakson, Assemblywoman Lynne

Leach and Senator Richard Rainey, without whose help the legislation would not have passed.

District, and other organizations to increase open space;

•Monitors land-use planning;

• Aids in the restoration of habitat and the preservation of rare species;

•Offers technical advice to agencies and neighborhood groups with regard to securing open space;

• Works diligently to raise the funds necessary to support Save Mount Diab/o's mission.

Founded in 1971, Save Mount Diab/a has been instrumental in increasing open space on and around the mountain from 6,788 acres to more than 53,000 acres.

For more information, please write or call: Save Mount Diablo

P.O. Box 5376

Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (510) 947-3535

Mark Your Calendar: Blackhawk dedication celebration is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 25th, at 11 :00 a.m. More information to follow.