1991 Diablo Watch - Summer Edition, Issue 7

DIABLO WATCH

Save Mount Diablo

Protecting the Mountain Since 1971

Fire on the Mountain

This spring has been one of the best seasons for Mount Diablo State Park. We are back in full operation with campground and day use areas in high demand. The trails have seen thousands of visitors on horse, bike and foot enjoying the views and the fantastic wildflower displays. As I write this the grass is turning shades of golden brown and soon the green of our mountain will be replaced by the golden color of summer and the beginning of yet another summer fire season.

Wildfire can be beneficial to the natural systems of the mountain. In some cases plants require fire to complete their natural cycles. Many plants, particularly herbaceous species, only germinate within a few years after a fire. Other seeds remain dormant until the next fire, in some cases as much as twenty to thirty years.

As we all know, wildfire can also be quite destructive.

Over the past six years the California Department of Parks and Recreation has developed and implemented two major programs addressing the fire issues from a wildfire management aspect and a fire ecology aspect. The two programs, the Wildfire Management Plan and the Prescribed Fire Management Program, have goals specific to each plan as well as goals that are shared. The following information will help to explain each program and what we have done and where we are with each one today.

The Wildfire Management Plan began in 1985 when it became apparent that the wildfire management issues within Mount Diablo State Park needed to be addressed prior to completion of the Mount Diablo General Plan. To work with concerns that adjacent fire districts and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) had, one of which

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Summer 1991

Save Mount Diablo 20Years and Still Counting!

On major anniversaries people and organizations look back ontheir achievements. So it is with Save Mount Diablo on this our 20th year. This is a subject that can be simply nostalgic, but I want to recount here the solid achievements Save Mount Diablo has made toward its goals of land preservation over these twenty years.

Few people realize that in 1971 Mount Diablo State Park had under 7500 acres. Development around the mountain was sparse and the large number of open lands gave the mountain the appearance of wilderness; remote from the busy urban setting nearby. The reality was different as development inexorably crept toward

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Back Canyon after September 1977 lightning induced fire. Back Canyon 4 years later, April 1981.

Peregrines Return to Mount Diablo

For the first time this year, a female from SMD' s 1989 introduction and a male from last year's cross-fostering have attempted to breed.

Save Mount Diablo first organized the reintroduction of peregrine falcons to Mount Diablo in the spring of 1989. By reintroducing two chicks that first year at one site, two more last year at two sites, and another 2-4 birds this year, we hope to establish enough birds to support a sustainable population. Given 70-80% mortality in the birds' first year, this is no easy task. This year we got a glimpse of

the light at the end of the tunnel. A female from the first year, and a male from last year returned to the mountain and began nesting behavior Although they may be too young to breed this year, we've got our fingers crossed for next year.

Meanwhile, the pair introduced in mid-May fledged successfully in late June; however, the pair introduced two weeks earlier was taken by

Clayton Valley Farms Questionable Grading of Scenic Easement Still Unresolved

Several months ago we sent out an emergency alert about heavy grading which had destroyed one of the last big meadows on Morgan Territory Road The owners of the Gayton Valley Farms horse training facility blatantly ignored a scenic easement and built a football-field size horse track on supposedly protected land During the March rains, the 15-20 foot high earthen berm on the track's lower east side began to collect water and cracks began to form in the berm walls

Save Mount Diablo brought the matter of this questionable grading to

the attention of the Board of Supervisors almost ten months ago, but despite the testimony of Supervisors Torlakson and McPeak as well as several former Planning Commissioners who partcipated in drafting the Conditions of Development, the other members of the Board appear unwilling to enforce the scenic easement, or to protect open space in the Morgan Territory Area. The issue has been continued several times over the past few months; as Diablo Watch goes to press, the meadow's fate may have been 2

predators. This is our first loss of nestlings and although our record of success is still excellent, we mourn the loss of this pair to natural factors. Thanks to the Smith Companies for their continuing support, as well as the financial and volunteer support of the California Hawking Club, the Lindsay Museum, Mount Diablo Audubon, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and Chevron Corp.

April on the Mountain

April on the Mountain was, again, a chance to experience Mount Diablo during it's prime time! Enthusiastic groups attended our hikes, wildflower walks, birding trips and trail day work parties. The 50th Anniversary of the construction of the Summit Building was celebrated with a display of classic cars from the 30's and 40's . Some events were cancelled due to unexpected (but quite welcomed) rain but that seemed to swell attendance for other events Leaders of the trips have expressed interest in participating in April on the Mountain next year. Until then, let us know of new events you'd like to see for this yearly event - we begin planning early! :;

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Save Mount Diablo's new bumper stickers are now available. To get yours, send a legal size self-addressed, stamped envelope to :

Bumper Sticker

Save Mount Diablo

P .O. Box25 Concord, CA 94522

Peregrines Return to Mount Diablo

For the first time this year, a female from SMD's 1989 introduction and a male from last year's cross-1ostering have attempted to breed.

Save Mount Diablo first organized the reintroduction of peregrine falcons to Mount Diablo in the spring of 1989. By reintroducing two chicks that first year at one site, two more last year at two sites, and another 2-4 birds this year, we hope to establish enough birds to support a sustainable population. Given 70-80% mortality in the birds' first year, this is no easy task. This year we got a glimpse of

the light at the end of the tunnel. A female from the first year, and a mal] from last year returned to the mounl tain and began nesting behavior. . Although they may be too young to: breed this year, we've got our finger crossed for next year.

Meanwhile, the pair introduced it . mid-May fledged successfully in late June; however, the pair introduced two weeks earlier was taken by

Clayton Valley Farms Questionable Grading of Scenic Easement Still Unresolved

Several months ago we sent out an emergency alert about heavy grading which had destroyed one of the last big meadows on Morgan Territory Road . The owners of the Oayton.

the attention of the Board of Supervisors almost ten months ago, but despite the testimony of Supervisors Torlakson and McPeak as well as several former Planning Commission-

tain next year. Until then, let us know of new events you'd like to see for this yearly event - we begin planning early!

Save

Save Mount

Diablo Hikes

Wednesday, July 24 : Riggs Canyon. Meet at Curry Point at 8:45 am ($5 parking fee) ; carpool from southeast corner of EmporiumCapwell parking lot, Newell & S. Broadway, Walnut Creek, 8:00 am. View fantastic rock formations in the southeastern corner of Mount Diablo State Park and see where the Mount Diablo - Morgan Territory Regional Trail will be located. This hike is cosponsored by the Sierra Club. Distance about 12 miles; elevation gains total about i4oo feet. Bring lunch and liquids (no water is available on trail). Hike should end about 4:00 pm.

Saturday, August 17:

WaUPoint- Pine Canyon. Meet at Macedo Ranch (end of Green Valley Road in Alamo) at 9:30 am ($5

Don de Fremery, leader I (837-5646)

0Congratu lations to Congressman George Miller Rangers Making News

Best wishes to Ranger Bob Justice on his retirement from the California State Department of Parks and Recreation. Bob has spent the last 10 years at Mount Diablo State Park and has worked as the ranger on the north side of our mountain. Part of this time, he patrolled the remote trails on horseback. Bob has been with the Park Department for thirty years working at Stinson Beach and Brannan Island before coming to our mountain He said he has enjoyed meeting so many nice people. Bob and his wife, Irene, will be living in the area - we hope we will continue to see him on the trails. Thank you, 1Bob, for your consideration and thoughtfulness to all of us.

Welcome to Ranger Carl Neilson who comes to Mount Diablo State Park from the Four Rivers District near Los Banos. Carl has been assigned to work on the Wildfire Management Plan for our mountain since he has gone through the Stateprescribed burn program.

Other recent staff assignment changes include: Ranger Barbara

parking fee); carpool from Walnut Creek BART, east end, 9:10 am Enjoy stunning vistas from Wall Point, followed by beautiful walk through Pine Canyon on return. Distance about 8 miles; elevation gains about 2000 feet. Bring lunch and liquids (water is available at lunch stop). Hike should end about 2:30 pm.

Saturday, September 14: Black Diamond Mines. Meet at Somersville Road entrance at last parking lot ($2.50 parking fee ) at 8:45 am; carpool from Walnut Creek BART, east end, 9:10 am. Explore the southern and eastern parts of this historic park, including the abandoned cemetery. Distance about 12 miles; elevation gains total about 2600 feet. Bring lunch and liquid.

Torres is now assigned to the north side of the mountain; Ranger Cindy Bates is assuming responsibility for interpretation and is working with the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association; Ranger Theresa Cortez has transferred to Santa Monica Mountain State Park . We will miss you Theresa. You have our very best wishes in your new assignment.

Many thanks to all the staff for their hard work to protect Mount Diablo State Park and to keep it clean and beautiful.

Congressman George Miller, representing most of Contra Costa county, was recently made chair of the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee a-position of oversight of issues as wide ranging as Indian Affairs, National Parks and Forests, and Western Water Policy. Miller has been acting Chair of the Committee for some time. One of the most powerful positions in Congress, the chairmanship has already allowed Miller to introduce reform legislation for habitat restoration connected with California's Central Valley Project. A long time supporter of Save Mount Diablo, Millet has helped procure federal Land & Water Conservation funding for land acquisition on Mount Diablo. He was recently successful in greatly expanding the John Muir National Monument in Martinez.

Pacini Still in Court

Neighbors of the proposed 45-unit Pacini project on Morgan Territory Road were to have their day in court at the end of May. They sued after the County Board of Supervisors re fused to prepare an Environmental Impact Report on the project which was approved in the mid-70's but failed to begin construction; eventually the project's permits lapsed. The Board of Supervisors re-approved the project without new environmental review. Save Mount Diablo opposed both the old and the new project for its many impacts and density far beyond neighboring parcels in Morgan Territory. We wish the neighbors good luck.

Wildfire Management

from page 1 was the buildup of highly combustible chaparral, we began numerous meetings with the five departments. During these meetings various concerns, methods of presuppression and suppression, tactics, and resources were reviewed in regard to their use in the park. In 1988 after over 50 meetings a Wildfire Management Plan was agreed upon.

The plan consists of a perimeter fuel break concept, wildfire compartments, and modified suppression, as well as setting up initial attack guidelines, resource protection concerns, and personnel considerations. The area receiving the most attention has been the perimeter fuel break.

The perimeter fuel break is a zone or area that is located at or near the park boundary. Here wildland fuels are reduced either mechanically or by prescribed fire to provide a zone that will assist in the suppression of a major wildland fire. The plan outlines specific widths for the zone depending on the type of vegetative cover. For example, in grassland the original zone was to be a thirty foot fuel break consisting of a ten foot width of mineral soil and a twenty foot width of mowed grass. We found that mowing in a wildland situation was impractical and not feasible. It was revised to read a thirty foot disced break adjacent to urban development and a 20 foot mineral soil break where feasible in the wildland along the designated perimeter fuel break. There are similar provisions for brushland and forest/ woodland areas along the perimeter.

Currently we have completed the items in the Wildfire Management Plan for the northern half of the park and are near completion of the requirements for the east and southeast portions of the park. We anticipate completion of the entire plan by October 31, 1991. That does not mean we stop all work. The Plan is a dynamic document and is updated as needed. In addition the perimeter fuel break is an ongoing project which must be maintained year by year.

The Prescribed Fire Management Program is separate from the Wildfire Management Plan although it is used to accomplish many of the goals of the Wildfire Plan. The overall goal of the

11Wildfire can be beneficial to the natural systems of the mountain.

In some cases plants require fire to complete their natural cycles. Many plants, particularly herbaceous species, only germinate within a few years after a fire. Other seeds remain dormant until the next fire, in some cases as much as twenty to thirty years."

Prescribed Fire Management Program is to reintroduce fire into its natural role in the environment. Since Europeans came to California fires have been routinely suppressed. This has interrupted the natural frequency of fires which, in tum, has caused a change in the vegetative structure in much of California. Suppression has led to large buildups of wildland fuel leading to hotter and more intense fires. Natural cycles have also been interrupted causing changes in successional patterns and vegetative mosaics.

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Prescribed fire is used to reintroduce the vegetation to its historic cycle and is accomplished by applying fire under a "prescribed" set of conditions. This prescription consists of specific meteorological and climatic conditions as well as specific requirements for staffing, containment lines, permits, and air quality. Only after these specific conditions are met will the fire proceed. Generally these bums occur in late fall, winter or spring. We began the program in 1985 and have burned approximately 1500 acres, primarily in the Rock City and Wall Ridge areas. Many of these burn locations are visible from along South Gate Road. We have a 400 acre burn planned for the fall/winter of 1991 in the Rock City and Wall Point area of the park.

I hope this helps in understanding the fire programs within the park. It is difficult to briefly describe two not so brief programs.

Ray Torres Supervising Ranger Mount Diablo State Park

Earth Day Celebration

Hundreds of people joined the festivities to celebrate Earth Day at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord on April 20, 1991. The many exhibits focused on environmental problems, ways to solve some of these challenges, and tips and suggestions on how we may better conserve our natural resources.

Plaudits to the high school and middle school participants of "Young Environmental Action" (YEA) for their efforts to improve our environment. One group was receiving donations for the purchase of trees to help in cleaning up our air.

Events such as Earth Day make all of us concerned about protecting our planet - both for ourselves and for our future generations. Let's all make Earth Day

The Knob-cone pine (Pinus attenuata) has cones which usually remain closed, but in response to fire the cones open and seeds are released.

Through the continuing work of environmental organimtions like Save Mount Diablo, the mountain has remained relatively the same though the Bay Area's population has boomed. Photo courtesy of the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

-from page 1 the mountain and open lands began to be divided. Today, the park is almost 19,000 acres and Save Mount Diablo has played an integral part in almost every addition.

Save Mount Diablo has purchased three properties by our own negotiations. In 1976, Save Mount Diablo acquired 117 acres of land in the northeast comer, using donated funds and Land and Water Conservation funds at no cost to the State. In 1984, we acquired, with similar funds, the very visible 360 acre Soto Ranch, on the west side of the mountain, (a "mile on Mount Diablo") and turned it over to the park. In 1989, our latest purchase was made - the beautiful Morgan Ranch of 631 acres on the eastern side of the mountain. Funds from the Bond Act of 1988, along with a large gift from Save Mount Diablo, made this acquisition possible.

Save Mount Diablo encouraged and was involved with other acquisitions: Hetherington, 1973, 160 acres; Murchio, 1975, 1350 acres; Morgan Territory Investment Company, 1976, 196.5 acres. Between 1977 and 1980, over 3500 acres were acquired with funds from the 1974 Bond Act and another 214 acres with mixed public funds. Almost 2000 acres have been acquired from 1983-1988 from more recent bond funds.

In addition, there have been donations of land from various develop-

ments such as the Blackhawk, Whitegate Estates and the pending Blackhills development. The Castle Rock area was acquired from the California State Park Foundation.

nAll this work and all this money is for the sole purpose of preserving an incomparable resource - this Island Mountain in our midst beautiful to see, home to many creatures, site of recreation for generations to come."

Today, the nearly 19,000 State Park acres and the land additions of the East Bay Regional Park District and the Open Space Districts of Concord and Walnut Creek have preserved much of the mountain. And yet, over one third of Mount Diablo is unprotected from further division and development.

All this work and all this money is for the sole purpose of preserving an incomparable resource - this Island Mountain in our midst beautiful to see, home to many creatures, site of recreation for generations to come.

Save Mount Diablo worked hard for the Bond Acts of 1974, 1980, 1984 and for Proposition 70 - the initiative bond Act of 1988. Governor Wilson is supporting a park bond act, now in formation, for June 1992. We

look forward to telling you more about it in future issues.

With your help, the last twenty years have shown a record of solid achievement. We are proud of our record and deeply grateful for your support. Let us together go into the next twenty years with renewed dedication to preserve these incomparable lands. Our beautiful mountain

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A Bloomin' Spring

In the Spring issue of Diablo Watch we posed the question of whether the drought conditions would affect the floral display on the mountain. March rains brought welcome relief to the parched plants making for a spectacular bloom of the mid-season flowers. Brilliant California Poppies covered the slopes and ridges along the Summit Road. Also in bloom were the Buttercups, Bird's Eye Gilia, Grass Pansies and Brodiaea.

Mitchell Canyon was not to be outdone! The Woodland Delphinium, Chinese Houses, Fairy Lanterns, Brodiaea and Serrated Onions provided a beautiful combination of colors in this comer of our mountain. The yellow flowers of the Narrowleaf Goldenbush and the purple of the Silver Lupine shrubs provided a lovely contrast.

It was delightful to see nature's garden. We hope you had a chance to see Mother Nature at her best!

Contributions

Are tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law. Checks should be made payable to:

Save Mount Diablo P.O. Box25 Concord, CA 94522

Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which has been preserving land on Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain's natural values since 1971. Preserved lands have more than tripled in that period. Save Mount Diablo continues to raise funds to preserve the remainder of the mountain.

Mount Diablo-a bird's eye view. Photo courtesy of Gary Fong, San Francisco Chronicle.