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OC Parks Newsroom
(1).jpg) | Limestone Canyon Stephen Francis Photography, used with permission |
Orange County Board of Supervisors Accepts 20,000-Acre Gift
by OC Parks Staff on 6/29/2010
On June 29, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to accept a gift of historic proportions – 20,000 acres of protected open space donated by the Irvine Company to the County for preservation and guided recreation.
The largest single donation of land to the County in its history, the Irvine Ranch Open Space gift increases OC Parks’ parkland by 50 percent, to 60,000 acres. Conservation efforts on the land will continue, and Orange County residents and visitors can access it through a variety of programs and activities.
“I have been a long time proponent of utilizing open space and preserving and protecting our existing park land,” said Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “I have been able to see some of the canyons and ridges within these lands and I appreciate the generosity of this transaction’s substantial acreage to the public. With this acceptance by the County of Orange, I am confident generations of residents and visitors will enjoy this stunning land for years to come.”
The gifted land encompasses a large portion of the Historic Irvine Ranch, which is designated a Natural Landmark by both the State of California and the U.S. Department of Interior. This honor recognizes the geological and ecological significance and the exceptional value of these lands to California and the entire nation. In 1897, James Irvine donated 60 acres for California’s first regional park, now known as Irvine Regional Park.
“The Irvine Ranch Open Space gift creates more opportunities for people to connect with the land and experience Orange County’s natural resources for themselves,” OC Parks Director Mark Denny said. “With that opportunity comes the responsibility of effective stewardship for this land to preserve it for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all visitors. We are honored to take on that responsibility.”
Through this recent donation, the people of the County of Orange and beyond will have increased opportunities to visit and enjoy rugged canyons and scenic vistas in places like Limestone Canyon’s formation called “The Sinks,” considered the “Grand Canyon of Orange County.”
“This land’s importance comes not only from its beauty but its uniqueness,” Jean Watt, President of Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks, said. “These are among the last remaining wild lands in Orange County, populated by native plants and animals, significant geology and diverse ecosystems. It’s up to us, the people of Orange County, to help preserve and responsibly enjoy these finite natural resources.”
Much of the Irvine Ranch Open Space is adjacent to existing County Regional and Wilderness Parks. Gypsum and Fremont canyons are next to Irvine Regional Park; Limestone Canyon next to Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park; and the Laguna Laurel portion will be operated as a part of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
The gift includes 1,988 acres that will become Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, Orange County’s newest wilderness park.
The protected wildlands of the Irvine Ranch Open Space are available for passive recreation through various scheduled programs. These activities include hiking, mountain biking, equestrian rides, naturalist-guided tours and managed wilderness access days.
The Irvine Ranch Conservancy will continue to operate recreational programs and scientific research under a contract with OC Parks. Additionally, OC Parks Rangers will patrol the land.
Information regarding tour schedules and public programs and activities in the Irvine Ranch Open Space are available online at www.irlandmarks.org.
The 20,000-acre Irvine Ranch Open Space includes:
Gypsum Canyon
Acres: 1,787
Trail Mileage: 2.1
Located adjacent the 241 Toll Road and the 91 Freeway, this includes three separate parcels, two of which abut Chino Hills State Park and the Coal Canyon State Ecological Reserve.
Weir Canyon
Acres: 2,850
Trail Mileage: 9.0
Located northeast of Irvine Regional Park, east of Santiago Oaks Regional Park, and west of the 241 Toll Road, it is located adjacent to residential neighborhoods in Anaheim Hills.
Fremont Canyon
Acres: 7,391
Trail Mileage: 22.8
Located east of the 241 Toll Road, north of Irvine Lake and west of the Cleveland National Forest, it is characterized by granite formations similar to those found in Yosemite National Park.
Black Star Canyon
Acres: 1,988
Trail Mileage: 15.3
Located east of Irvine Lake, this includes portions of Black Star, Baker and lower Silverado Canyon, Three roads run through the property: Black Star Canyon, Baker Canyon and Silverado Canyon.
Loma Ridge
Acres: 560
Trail Mileage: 3.4
Located east and west of the 241 Toll Road, this area consists of two parcels with limited trail access. The OC Sheriff’s Communications/Emergency Operations Center site is located within the property and is accessible only to authorized personnel.
Limestone Canyon
Acres: 5,308
Trail Mileage: 24.7
Located southwest of Santiago Canyon Road, west of Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and north of the City of Irvine, it is characterized by dramatic geological formations such as “The Sinks.”
Limestone Canyon
Acres: 172
Trail Mileage: 1.0
Located east of Laguna Canyon Road, west of residential neighborhoods in Laguna Woods and adjacent to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Laurel will be managed as part of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. | |
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