Purpose:
To conserve remote properties on the north side of El Capitan Reservoir. If built upon, these lands would impact water quality in the reservoir, vistas from the River Park, Alpine and Blossom Valley, and wildlife such as golden eagles.

If built upon, a new road would most likely be created through the National Forest, damaging these lands forever.

Progress:
80 acres has now been conserved! In working with our partners this land is now permanently protected.

Just one 40 acre property remains of the original 120 acres in this planning area. If the land becomes available from the owner for conservation, we will work with them!

GOAL: Raise $10,000
REASON: If the property owner does decide to sell this property for conservation, we will need to pay upfront the costs for appraisals and possible a deposit. We may need to act fast! Once we have the property in escrow we will be able to have time to secure grants and donations for the remainder of the acquisition cost.

Details: El Capitan Highlands

These properties offer stunning views from Cuyamaca Peak to Lakeside. As they are near to El Capitan Reservoir, any building on the property can impact water quality in the reservoir. This results in higher treatment cost before water can be used by the people of San Diego. As San Diego County's largest reservoir, this is an important part of our region's local water supply strategy.

The property has several habitats which support local wildlife. Oak, riparian, coastal sage scrub and more. Seasonal streams cross the property as well. Nearby, golden eagle nests occur so this land is also used for foraging by the eagles who need large areas they can look down upon to locate food.

By acquiring these lands, we will be able to conserve them for future generations to enjoy. As these are remote areas, they are the hardest to raise awareness about to create a community interested in helping to protect them. But that doesn't make it less important!

Regional Map

Join the Effort! Donate Now Online Donate By Mail Click Here for a Form to Print River Wildlife Society Pledge to donate $3000 or more within 2 years and join a group of people who want to do a bit more. Society members are invited on property tours, receive direct updates from River Park Foundation staff and more. Contact Rob Hutsel for details. 1 Santa Ysabel Linkage 2 Eagle Peak Preserve 3 El Capitan Highlands 4 El Cajon Mountain 5 Chocolate Creek / Peutz Valley

For more information about the River Wildlife Fund and this effort, please contact the San Diego River Park Foundation Executive Director, Rob Hutsel, by email or 619-297-7380.