On Thursday, the California Wildlife Conservation Board voted unanimously to fund the acquisition of an 18-acre parcel of open space in Rubio Canyon by the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (AFC). The $545,000 grant will allow AFC to purchase this parcel, the third and final piece of the conservancy’s overall acquisition of 41-acres in the canyon.
“We’re very grateful for the Wildlife Conservation Board’s support, and for the support of members of the local community who made this possible,” said John Howell, AFC’s executive director said in a statement. “This is a terrific accomplishment for the whole community.”
The project to preserve Rubio Canyon began in August 2009, when AFC acquired a 20-acre parcel of open space that includes a popular trail to a waterfall. The conservancy is currently restoring trails and leading hikes on that parcel.
In October 2010, AFC acquired a three-acre parcel that had previously been slated for development with assistance from the office of L.A. County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and funds from the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority.
While the acquisition of the property is nearly complete, the conservancy plans to restore native habitat, rebuild and re-open trails that have been closed to the public for decades, and lead hikes on those trails.
