The Save the Source Initiative is one of the River Park Foundation's signature efforts. Several years ago a number of important properties were identified that needed to be conserved to provide for wildlife and plants, wildlife linkages to other areas as part of a regional system, outdoor recreation, the health of the River and scenic vista protection. Since then, we have been working with landowners to donate or sell their properties for conservation. We have 4 primary areas that we are working on
See Map of these Areas click here From when we started, there are just 10 properties remaining on our high priority watch list (Tier 1). We have recently expanded the Eagle Peak Preserve Conservation Area to include Cedar Creek and Boulder Creek. When combined with Ritchie Creek which was in the area already, these three tributaries of the River provide incredible recreation and wildlife values. To complete all of complete our Priority One acquisitions, we estimate $1,076,000 is required. We will continue to work on each property as we have funds available and the opportunity. We invite you to join us! You can support these efforts, by signing up for the Wildlife Club. OUR CONSERVATION STRATEGIES Strategy #1 The Reserve Fund (LARF) is used to secure critical land acquisition opportunities as they become available. Sometimes we need cash so that we may act quickly when an opportunity becomes available. Once we place a property under an option to purchase or in escrow, we then have time to raise funds through traditional fundraising and grants. The LARF can also be invaluable when grants work on a reimbursement basis, meaning we need to expend the funds, submit an invoice and then wait several months or longer to get reimbursed. Example: We recently were given an opportunity to purchase a fantastic 11 acre property on Boulder Creek. We had limited time as the property was publicly listed. We needed $2500 for the appraisal and $2000 for a deposit on the property. We were able to use $4500 from the LARF which enabled us to place the property in escrow and secure the right to purchase the property. Several of the owners of our Top Priority Acquisitions have expressed interest in selling their lands. If we can reach an agreement, your donation can help secure the right to buy the property until we can raise funds for the purchase through grants and donations. Thanks to the LARF we have 2 properties currently in escrow. We have 3 other owners that currently are willing sellers and we are negotiating options to purchase. Our current goal will enable us to pursue two of these acquisitions. By January 1, 2014, we would like to increase the fund by $100,000 to pursue the remaining properties on our Top Priority list.
Conservation Society BENEFITS:
For more inforation contact Rob Hutsel, Executive Director, the San Diego River Park Foundation at rob@sandiegoriver.org or 619-297-7380 Donate by check made payable to The San Diego River Park Foundation Credit cards donations can be made online or over the phone (619-297-7380). Click here for online donation STRATEGY #2 Did you know there are wild rainbow trout in San Diego County? You can help us protect a cold-water stream where the trout can be found living year-round. We recently completed our 2nd acquisition in this project area and are growing our acquisition fund so that we can pursue the next property. This one is incredibly important and strategic. If we find out the owners are willing sellers and we can work out a deal, we need to be able to jump quickly. But before we do, we need to raise $30,000 to retire the debt we had to take on for the most recent 11 acre acquisition. click here for details #2 El Cajon Mountain - West Face Addition #1 We are working to acquire 1 of 4 remaining privately owned properties on El Cajon Mountain (also known as El Cap or El Capitan). If we can raise just $27,500 we can preserve an important piece of this landmark. Click here for details Recent Accomplishments: El Cajon Mountain - West Face Boulder Creek - Fisherman's Camp 156 acre Peutz Creek Preserve
The above photos are taken from the property. The "no trespassing sign" demonstrates that the property was privately owned. Now that it is owned by the San Diego River Park Foundation we can make it open to the public as part of a managed access program. We will seek a balance between resource protection and providing access so people can connect with nature. San Diego River Park Foundation Project Partners and Supporters
More than $1 million was raised in donations and grants to complete acquisition of these three properties. Thank you to the more than 100 donors who helped conserve this land. |
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The San Diego River Park Foundation was awarded a $1.1 million land acquisition and restoration grant by the State of California, Department of Water Resources from Proposition 50 funds. This provided nearly $900,000 for acquisition of conservation lands which have been identified as a high priority by the River Park Foundation. We have worked with the Back Country Land Trust who was awarded a $350,000 grant toward this initiative. The Prop 50 funds can be used in areas A, B, and C on the map below. |
THANK YOU If we made an error on this list, please let us know so we can correct it. email |
Area A: Chocolate Creek & Peutz Creek Area B: El Capitan Highlands Area C: Eagle Peak Preserve |
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About the Grant: This is where you come in! So this is where you can help! Your donation is essential to making this conservation project succeed! Presentations Available
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Other Conservation Areas: The River Park Foundation has identified a total of 5 conservation priority areas as part of our Save the Source Initiative. Our goal is to conserve 80% of the lands within these areas. We work with landowners to acquire their property through purchase or donation toward these goals. We will also work with landowners outside of these focus areas, which are still within the San Diego River Watershed. If you are a landowner and are interested in discussing with us opportunities, please contact us. There may be significant tax benefits for donating your land! Plus, you will be providing this and future generations the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful Upper San Diego River Gorge just the way it is. Thank you! |
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El Cajon Mountain - Area E |
Santa Ysabel Open Space Link - Area D
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Sometimes, we need to act quickly to conserve a critical property. It is vital that we have funds in place to secure the right to acquire a property. Otherwise, the opportunity will be lost. The Land Acquisition Reserve Fund is a reserve fund dedicated to acquisitions. Rather than tied to a specific property, the goal is to replenish the funds through grants as well as property-specific fundraising. But the reality is that fundraising and grant writing takes time so the Fund is essential. Thanks to the Fund's founding donors, the Fund was initiated December 2011. Now, we have launched an effort to increase the Fund by $100,000. Left to Reach OUR GOAL: $22,590 DONATE TO THE Land Acquisition Reserve Fund - click here
Join the Wildlife Club! Your monthly donation of $5, $10 or $25 can make a huge difference for wildlife! Donate Now to the Wildlife Club "After several yeras of effort, we have 10 properties remaining to acquire to meet our Save the Source conservation objectives. Owners of 5 of these properties have expressed interest in selling. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity before us to protect wildlife, save nature and conserve the source waters of the River. We estimate that with the current grants and other funding sources we have in place, $1,080,000 needs to be raised to complete all of these acquisitions. I invite you to join me in leaving a legacy to benefit this and future generations." If you are interested in learning more about the Save the Source initiative, please contact me. Together we can do this! Rob Hutsel, Executive Director |
Reserve Fund Donors $10,000+ $5000+ $1000+ $500+ $100+ $1 - $99 |
