Save Mount Diablo
Spring 1999, No. 25
1998: A Very Good Year
1998
was an exc iting year for Save Mo1111t Diab/o; one in which we began or completed eight major projects. Our efforts include signing a contract to purchase the 427 acre Silva Ranch; partnering with the East Bay Regional Park District to raise funds for the 1,030 acre Clayton Ranch; working with the State Park to put together a deal on the 66 acre Turtle Rock Ranch, and working on the preservation of 1123 acres of the Roddy Ranch. Needless to say, we are busily raising funds to support these acquisitions
Project#1
Silva Ranch Acquisition (427 acres)
In 1987 Save Mount Diablo began the work necessary to connect the State Park to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve across five miles of private land. Save Mount Diab/o' s purchas e in 1989 of the 631 acre Morgan Ranch provided the first connection
between the two parks. Six years later the two parks had been joined in a mile-wide corridor stretching across spectacular, isolated Riggs Canyon. In 1998, a new staging point was created at the end of the paved portion of Finley Road, providing the first easy public access into Riggs Canyon.
The highest elevations in the Canyon, however, remained in private hands, raising concern about the ultimate health of the watershed below.
In August, Save Mount Diablo signed a contract to purchase the largest remaining parcel in the corridor, a 427 acre wooded and grassland bowl crossed by Finley Road, rimmed by Highland Ridge and rising up to Cave and Windy Points.
Preserving this beautiful property completes and protects the watershed area of the south-eastern slope of Mt. Diablo State Park, and widens the wildlife corridor between the Park and Morgan Territory Regional Preserve.
California red-legged frog, Coopers and sharp-shinned hawks, barn owls and peregrine falcons. Although mountain lions have not been sighted, they almost certainly utilize the property for movement as their presence has been confirmed within public lands on both sides of the property. The Silva property will also provide public trail connections with loop possibilities which become increasingly important with the development of new staging areas on Finley Road.
Save Mount Diablo must raise $625, 000 of the $750,000 purchase price by November 1999
Project#2
Clayton Ranch (1,030 acres)
In 1994 Save Mount Diablo acquired the 333-acre Chaparral Spring parcel, located off Marsh Creek Road, east of Clayton, and
across the road from the
A series of beautiful canyons with south facing grassland slopes, and north and east facing slopes of mature oak-bay woodland, the parcel is highly visible from the south and from existing public lands. Adding to the beauty and biological diversity of the parcel are abundant sources of water as the property has numerous springs, creek channels with year round pools, and a pond.
Adding to the wonder of this area are populations of the federally listed 1
Park. The purchase was the first step in bridging the two and a half mile gap from Mount Diablo State Park north to Black Diamond Mines. Until recently the largest property in the gap between the two parks, the neighboring 1,030 acre Clayton Ranch, was the subject
of a development proposal which was opposed by Greenbelt Alliance.
Clayton Ranch includes a mile of frontage on Marsh Creek Road and a deep stream canyon rising to a large
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Board of Directors
Malcolm Sproul
President
Arthur Bonwell
Vice- President/Founder
Amara Koss
Secretan;
Nigel Ogilvie
Treasurer
Robert Adams
Mary L. Bowerman
Founder
Paul Choisser
Donald de Fremery
Karen Hunt
Stephen Joseph
Robert Marx
Steven Mehlman
Robert Nunn
Allen Prager
Dave Sargent
Staff
Gerry Keenan
Executive Director
Seth Adams
Director of Land Programs
Lucea Keller Office Manager
Publisher
Save Mount Diablo
Masthead Panorama
Oak Flat, Mt. 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
1998: A Very Good Year
Continu ed from pa ge 1 chaparral covered point. The canyon slopes are striped with oak woodland and chaparral, providing rich wildlife habitat. Trails cross Keller Ridge (with good views of nine Bay Area counties and the Sierra Range) to within one half mile of Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.
In September, the East Bay Regional Park District signed a two and a half year option on Clayton Ranch. Sav e Mount Diablo, working in partnership with the District, will help raise funds for the project. The ridgeline third of the Ranch was acquired in October 1998. The remaining acreage is scheduled to be acquired in October 1999 and April 2000.
Assemblyman Tom Torlakson and former Senator John Nejedly deserve great thanks for their help in facilitating the purchase. To date, the East Bay Regional Park District has contributed $500,000 of AA funds , and th e new Agricultural Trust of Contra Costa County has contributed $200,000 through Save Mount Diablo. In addition Assemblyman Torlakson, at Save Mount Diab/o's request, was successful in procuring $200,000 through last year's State budget. Senator Richard Rainey helped insure that the funding was approved by the governor. Remaining funding totaling $1,200,000 must still be raised.
The Clayton Ranch investors, especially Managing Partner Hal Boex, are to be congratulated for their willingness to work toward preservation of the Clayton Ranch prope r ty.
Project# 3
The Turtle Rock Ranch Acquisition (66 acres)
If you grew up in Contra Costa County and your senior class had a picnic on Mount Diablo, or your business hosted a "mountain retreat," it may well have been at Turtle Rock Ranch, a private facility high on the mountain's northwestern slopes, within the boundaries of the Park. After many years of operating Turtle Rock Ranch, Mitch and Anne Ward decided it was time for their own picnic, and have offered the 66 acre property for sale to the State. In addition to the rustic facilities , which include a pool, ball fields and a historic hom e built with native rock, the parcel includes beautiful chaparral and oak woodland draining into Pine Canyon, and scenic views of Central County
Negotiations are underway, and we all hope an agreement can be reached. Sav e Mount Diablo helped procure funds from several state sources for the possible purchase. Assemblywoman Lynne Leach, with the assistanc e of Senator Richard Rainey, is to be commended for her success in procuring an additional $200,000 in funding for the purchase through last year's State budget process
Project#4
The Athenian School Dedication (14.78 acres)
In 1988 the private Athenian School, located at the base of the mountain in the community of Diablo, began negotiations to sell the northern 45 acres of their property. The parcel was too expensiv e for
Diablo Watch is printed on recycled paper with a soy base ink and can be recycled
public acquisition and in an attempt to create an operating endowment, Athenian proposed development of 45 homes.
Located on Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, the Danville entrance to the State Park, the parcel is a visual gateway to the Mountain. Save Mount Diablo has been involved since development was proposed and worked with neighbors, the school and several developers, with the intent of minimizing environmental degradation.
Save Mount Diablo was successful in decreasing unit numbers in the development plan from 45 to 36 (by removing units from the highest knoll and a beautiful stream canyon). Development conditions include the offer of dedication of 14.78 acres to the State Park, a regional trail connection to the East Bay Regional Park District, tree preservation, and funding for the State to improve a vertical curve on Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard as it approaches the park boundary.
Over the past ten years the development has been transferred several times; the most recent owner and the new homebuilder, Greystone Homes, worked very positively toward the 14.78 acre dedication, which was transferred to the State Park in June.
Project# 5
The Final Blackhawk Dedication (511 acres)
Say the word "Blackhawk" and images of luxury development come to mind. What is less well known is that when it was approved in the mid-1970s it included the promise of the largest state park
dedication in California's history.
In 1964, Castle and Cook sold 2100 acres of the Blackhawk Ranch to Mount Diablo State Park, including part of BBQ Terrace near Wall Point, much of Curry Canyon and the Knobcone Point area, including Balancing Rock. Howard Peterson, a subsequent owner, sold the remainder of the Ranch to Blackhawk Development Company in 1975 which then began plaiming for a housing development of 4800 dwelling units on 4200 acres. Ultimately the number of homes was reduced to 2400, the largest ,It development ever in Contra Costa County. More than 2000 acres of ·, ' 4, open space was offered to Mount
Diablo State Park.
The 2000+ acres were added to the State Park as development phases proceeded, with Save Mount Diablo facilitating the process. 1131 acres, including Wall Point, Jackass Canyon, part of Dan Cook Canyon and part of both sides of Southgate Road below the State Park entrance, were added in 1980. 410 acres along Blackhawk Ridge were dedicated in 1987. Save Mount Diablo is working with Blackhawk Corporation, the Blackhawk Homeowner's Association and the Blackhawk Country Club on a dedication event to take place May 15, 1999, marking the dedication of the final 511 acres which encompass a grassy knoll, beautiful hidden valleys and steep slopes rising into the Blackhills below Oyster Point.
The Blackhawk Dedication is a rare opportunity to view this beautiful and inaccessible area. To attend the May 15 event, call Save Mount Diablo at (925) 947-3535.
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Rais ing money ha never been ha rd r, and doing what it take to preserve our wild open spaces has never been more necessary. We feel an extra sense of urgency when we know that Contra Costa is the fastest growing county in the Bay Area. We know that what we do today, tomorrow and the next day helps to determine the quality of our lives, now and for generations to come. We know too that it is people like you, who love the land and its wildlife who have helped Save Mount Diab/a preserve the magnificent mountain that is a visual symbol of the place we call home.
Save Mount Diablo has recently signed a contract for the 427 acre Silva Ranch, a beautiful property that widens the Mount Diab lo State Park to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve corridor, protects the upper Riggs Canyon watershed, houses multitudes of plants and animals, provides public trail connections and adds "breathing room for the soul." Two mountain angels, Mr. Charles Gresham and Mr. Bob Adams have made gifts that cover the first four payments. In November we must make the final payment of $625,000.
We are counting on your continued support as we strive to permanently protect the natural beauty and wonders of our mountain. With your help we can make a difference.
Across the Aisle
Thanks to the very good work of Senator Richard Rainey, Assemblyman Tom Torlakson and Assemblywoman Lynne Leach the State included $400,000 in the budget for two land projects. Assemblywoman Leach sponsored a request for $200,000 as part of the Turtle Rock Ranch purchase, Assemblyman Torlakson sponsored a $200,000 request as part of the Clayton Ranch purchase and Senator Rainey supported both requests.
Thank you
The final 511 of 2000 acres donated to open space by the Blackhawk Corporation
1998: A Very Good Year
Continued fr om page 3
Project# 6
The Roddy Ranch Dedication (1,123 acres)
Southwest of Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and its coal mines and ghost towns stretch a series of beautiful, parallel ridges. The largest and southernmost, near Round Valley, rises to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. To the north, several more define Briones, Deer, and Horse Valleys, before sinking to the Antioch city limits and Brentwood farmlands.
Earlier this year, rancher Jack Roddy and his partner Wayne Pierce proposed a golf course on 230 acres of their 2, 100 acre cattle ranch, which straddles Deer and Horse Valleys. The ranch' s southern boundary, along the ridge between Deer and Briones Valley, is one of East county' s most distinctive features. Its north face is covered with oak woodland in a landscape which otherwise consists of grassland on rolling hills.
Save Mount Diablo was concerned because the proposal would have been growth inducing in an undeveloped area, and because it failed to mitigate for habitat loss for a variety or rare and endangered species that inhabit the grasslands and wetlands. These include the San Joaquin kit fox,
the California red-legged frog and the California tiger salamander. In addition, the Ranch is located at the southeastern corner of Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.
The County's East County Regional Planning Commission approved the project without the necessary EIR and Save Mount Diablo and Greenbelt Alliance subsequently appealed the decision to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.
SMD's position was that an EIR would show the need for appropriate habitat mitigation for rare species. In the end a voluntary compromise was reached between environmental organizations and the ranch partners which was approved unanimously by the County Supervisors: no EIR was required and the golf course was given a go-ahead. The Board of Supervisors, concerned about habitat preservation, required the dedication of development rights on 1123 acres
The compromise mitigates for habitat loss, allows the ranch partners to build their golf course, and helps to ensure that cattle ranching can continue, since the land remains in the hands of the partnership. The State Department of Fish & Game, which will join the County in holding the development rights, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service applauded the compromise.
Contra Costa's largest private mitigation for the federally endangered San Joaquin kit fox, the dedicated area includes the oak covered ridgeline between Deer and Briones Valleys. The new wildlife corridor includes a 4.5 mile trail easement along the ridgeline and stretches one-third the distance necessary to connect Black Diamond Mines and Round Valley Regional Preserves.
Project# 7
Chevron's North Peak Tower Restoration
Save Mount Diablo applauds Chevron's removal of its communication tower on Mt. Diablo .
For more than twenty years, Save Mount Diablo has attempted to limit the increase in communication towers on Mount Diab lo' s peaks, calling for consolidation of sites and more stringent regulatory policies. The most profitable communication sites are highly visible as they are at the tops of peaks and ridges, and they include grading, access roads, power lines, generators, propane tanks, equipment buildings, concrete pads, guy lines and anchors, and fencing. In addition, these sites are often home to rare species which have adapted to the extreme conditions of Mt. Diablo's peaks.
In the mid-1970's Save Mount Diablo began petitioning for the County's first Communication Tower
ANTIOCH
DEER VALLEY ROAD
WALNUT
Mt. Diablo State Park and neighboring open space areas.
Policy, including a requirement for land use permits to regulate tower sites. The County's first policy was adopted in 1977. During this period, Chevron bought a site for a communication tower just below North Peak and applied to the County for a 20year land use permit; the County's first tower permit. Soon after, North Peak was acquired with public funding and added to the State Park. Chevron donated their 5-acre site to the State while maintaining a lease for the tower. Including 15 microwave dishes, the tower was highly visible.
In 1997 Chevron's 20-year permit came up for renewal. Steve Slavin, Senior Regulatory Analyst for Chevron Information Technology, worked with Save Mount Diablo in determining the fate of Chevron's tower. A compromise was reached granting Chevron an additional 10 years.
Simultaneously, the County adopted a new Telecommunications Policy which mirrored the Chevron compromise by reducing permit
periods to 10 years. Supervisors Mark De Saulnier and Donna Gerber, and County staff member Debbie Chamberlain were instrumental in improving the new policy as well as in suggesting the original compromise with Chevron.
On December 21, Chevron, acting on Slavin's recommendations, removed their tower, building, concrete pads, and other equipment; they have also committed to restoring the site. Chevron was under no obligation to make these changes. Their willingness to remove the tower, and to restore the tower area benefits both the mountain and the community.
Other towers will come up for County review in the next few months. It is Save Mount Diab/o's hope that other tower operators will take a page from Chevron's book. It is indeed precedent setting and an important step in preserving the County's beauty when we move from simply defending Mt. Diablo from additional towers, to the removal and
SA VE MOUNT DIABLO PROJECT RECAP - 1998
1 Silva Property
2 Clayton Ranch
3 Turtle Rock Ranch
4 Athenian School
5 Blackhawk Dedication
6 Roddy Ranch
7 Chevron Towers
8 Round Valley Dedication
restoration of a tower site on this registered National Natural Landmark.
Project#B
Round Valley Regional Preserve (2,024 acres)
The last issue of Diablo Review discussed the August 29th public dedication of Round Valley, the East Bay Regional Park District's newest preserve. In the ten years prior to the dedication Save Mount Diablo helped with acquisition and planning for the Preserve . In addition, Save Mount Diablo' s organizational Vision Statement has identified Round Valley as the southern anchor in an important new proposal, the Black Diamond Mines to Round Valley Wildlife Corridor.
You can now visit Round Valley at your leisure. The Preserve staging area is easily visible on Marsh Creek Road, about 12 miles east of Clayton and 1.6 miles east of Deer Valley Road Because of rare species, dogs are not allowed
