North San Diego Wild Heritage Campaign

Potential Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers
in the 49th Congressional District of California 

Friends of the River is an active member of the North San Diego Wild Heritage Campaign. Made up of a number of conservation organizations, this campaign focuses on protect wild rivers and wilderness on public lands in the 49gth congressional district encompassing northern San Diego County and southwestern Riverside County (including the communities of Temecula, Fallbrook, Vista, Oceanside, and Escondido). The focus of Friends of the River in the campaign is the protection of several potential Wild & Scenic Rivers, including San Mateo Creek, Santa Margarita River, San Luis Rey River, and the upper San Diego River Gorge. The campaign is also working to protect new wilderness and wilderness additions in the region.

Legislative Update

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) introduced legislation to add to the existing Agua Tibia Wilderness and Beauty Mountain Wilderness on public lands in northern San Diego County. His bill, HR 4304, was introduced on December 15, 2009. We encourage all constituents of Rep. Issa to write an email thanking him for introducing this bill to protect these outstanding wild places and encouraging him to considering including other areas, particularly potential wild rivers in his district. See the list of potential rivers and areas and visit our Take Action page to send your email today. Click here to take action.

In the News - Issa introduces wilderness bill: 21,000 acres in North San Diego County targeted for protection
By Dave Downey, Published on December 16, 2009 in the North County Times
U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, introduced legislation this week to protect more than 21,000 acres of chaparral and forest lands in northern San Diego County that back up to two new wilderness areas across the line in Riverside County. Read more (pdf) >

Wilderness additions protected in H.R. 4303 include:

• Agua Tibia Wilderness Addition
• Beauty Mountian Wilderness Addition

Wild & Scenic Rivers FOR's proposes to be added to H.R. 4303 include:

• West Fork San Luis Rey River
• San Luis Rey River
• San Diego River Gorge
• Santa Margarita River
• San Mateo Creek

Other Wilderness Additions FOR would like added to H.R. 4303 include:

• Barker Valley Wilderness
• Caliente Wilderness
• San Felipe Hills Wilderness
• San Ysidro Mountian Wilderness

Agua Tibia Proposed Wilderness Additions: The 7,834-acre proposed additions are recommended by the Forest Service for wilderness designation. The region is characterized by deep canyons cloaked primarily in coastal sage scrub habitat. Here and there in deep pockets, north-facing slopes and other sheltered places small groves of old-growth forest endure the hot, dry summers. Willow, cottonwood and other hardwoods grow along the larger streams and provide a cool refuge for wildlife. The rugged Cutca Trail traverses the area from east to west.

Barker Valley Potential Wilderness: This roughly 11,900-acre roadless area is described by the Cleveland National Forest “as perhaps the most isolated non-wilderness area in San Diego County.” Its rugged, chaparral covered hills are interspersed with oak-studded valleys that provide a great haven for wildlife like the rare Laguna Mountains skipper butterfly. The Barker Valley Spur Trail provides access to the area and to the West Fork San Luis Rey River a proposed Wild & Scenic River (WSR).

West Fork San Luis Rey WSR: The Forest Service identified more than 5 miles of the West Fork San Luis Rey River in the Barker Valley as an eligible WSR. The river tumbles over scenic waterfalls and into deep pools, which make for a popular destination for day hikers and backpackers in the spring and early summer. The West Fork supports a land-locked population of unique Santo Domingo Trout, which formerly migrated in from the ocean to spawn. The only other remaining population of this trout is found in Baja California. The river also supports significant populations of arroyo chub (a native fish), the endangered arroyo toad, and sensitive southwestern pond turtle. Click here to learn more by opening a one page informational sheet (pdf).

Beauty Mountain Proposed Wilderness: Rep. Issa has 14,249 acres of the proposed wilderness in his district. As its name implies, Beauty Mountain is a scenic jewel draped in chaparral, fascinating rock formations and oak woodlands. The area is a transition zone between Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to the east and the endangered coastal sage scrub of the Coast Range to the west. The California Riding and Hiking Trail crosses the area. On warm spring days, visitors are greeted with the heady scents of sage, manzanita, and California lilac while hill after misty hill rises in the distance, presenting an unbroken view of wild country.

Caliente Potential Wilderness: This roughly 10,000-acre area on the western boundary of the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park contains a six mile stretch of the popular Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The area is noted for its interesting rock formations and seasonal springs that serve as a critical water source for wildlife and for hikers and equestrians using the Pacific Crest Trail. Caliente is also the headwaters of the San Luis Rey River, a very important source of drinking water for downstream communities.

San Luis Rey WSR: The Forest Service identified 3.4 miles of the main stem of the San Luis Rey River downstream of Henshaw Dam was an eligible WSR. The river and its lush woodlands provide the backdrop to one of the most scenic segments of Highway 76 in San Diego County. A Forest Service Picnic Area on the river is a popular stop for highway travelers. Located nearby, San Diego County’s Camp Fox Outdoor School introduces thousands of children to the outdoors and the wonders of the river. Flow releases from Henshaw Reservoir into the San Luis Rey River support a rich riparian forest, which is home to the largest population of endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (a songbird) in California. This population is of statewide significance. The woodlands also support endangered least Bell’s vireo (another songbird) and the threatened southern bald eagle. Click here to learn more by opening a one page informational sheet (pdf).

San Diego River Proposed Wilderness/WSR: Approximately 2,400 acres of this area and nearly 8 miles of the river is in Rep. Issa's district. The canyon’s distinctive scenery is enhanced by steep slopes and spectacular waterfalls. Hikers and local residents frequent the canyon rim to take in the wild vista, but visitors who wish to explore this wild area up close will be challenged by the rocky and trail-less gorge. Identified by the Forest Service as an area of high ecological significance, the river’s diverse riparian and coastal sage habitat is home to the endangered arroyo toad, endangered California gnatcatcher, sensitive southwestern pond turtle, Coast Range newt, two-striped garter snake, yellow warbler, rosy boa, coast horned lizards, and orange-throated whiptails. Click here to learn more by opening a one page informational sheet (pdf). 

San Felipe Hills Potential Wilderness: This compact little 5,300-acre mountain range northeast of Julian is managed by the BLM and it includes over six miles of the popular Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The potential wilderness borders the western side of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and it is a fascinating transition zone between the desert floor and the oak and chaparral high country of western San Diego County.

San Ysidro Mountain Potential Wilderness: This 2,125-acre wild land consists of the 6,020-foot peak of San Ysidro Mountain and its rocky, chaparral-covered southern flanks. Seasonal streams in the area can hold water late into the summer, thus making them an oasis for wildlife. The sensitive loggerhead shrike and two rare flowers call the mountain home. The potential wilderness adjoins the western boundary of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Santa Margarita River Potential WSR: One of the few remaining free flowing rivers in southern California, this scenic river canyon is adjacent to the growing community of Fallbrook. Featured in Sunset Magazine, a popular system of trails on the Fallbrook Public Utility District lands along the river provide outstanding opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The California State University San Diego Reserve on the river facilitates important scientific research and offers educational tours for the public. Approximately 10 miles of the river, encompassing the CSUSD Reserve, Fallbrook PUD lands, and assorted state and federal lands, make an ideal WSR candidate. One of 15 essential landscape linkages in southern California, the Santa Margarita River provides the only undeveloped and remaining ecological linkage between the Santa Ana Mountains to the north and the San Diego Ranges to the south. The river’s extensive riparian habitat is home to a large population of least Bell’s vireo (an endangered songbird), and numerous other sensitive, threatened, and endangered species, as well two rare plants. Click here to learn more by opening a one page informational sheet (pdf).

San Mateo Creek and Devil Canyon Potential WSR: The Forest Service identified 12 miles of San Mateo Creek in the existing San Mateo Wilderness as an eligible WSR. Tenaja Falls on San Mateo Creek is a popular day hike destination, while the San Mateo Creek Trail provides access to remote and rugged segments of the creek and wilderness. San Mateo Creek is one of the most pristine coastal streams south of the Santa Monica Mountains. It supports the southern-most population of endangered steelhead trout in California. It’s 6-mile long tributary, Devil Canyon, supports three rare plants. Click here to learn more by opening a one page informational sheet (pdf).

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2009 

Local Community Applauds New North San Diego County Wilderness Bill

SAN DIEGO – Local residents cheered the introduction of U.S. Representative Darrell Issa’s (R-Vista) legislation to protect as wilderness more than 21,000 acres of Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia in north San Diego County.

The Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Act of 2009 will add over 7,000 acres of public land to the existing Agua Tibia Wilderness and will expand the Beauty Mountain Wilderness by an additional 13,635 acres. Last March, portions of Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia in Riverside County were protected as wilderness by legislation sponsored by Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Palm Springs) and signed into law by President Barack Obama.

"This legislation will protect and preserve lands for use by current and future generations," said Rep. Issa. “Many of my constituents and their families who live near these lands will be able to enjoy and use them.”

Characterized by deep canyons and coastal sage scrub, Agua Tibia is annually enjoyed by thousands of hikers and equestrians who travel through the region via the rugged Cutca Trail. As its name implies, Beauty Mountain is a scenic jewel draped in chaparral, fascinating rock formations and oak woodlands. Both areas provide endless recreational opportunities as well as pristine wildlife habitat.

Rep. Issa’s legislation, HR 4304, has been praised by area business leaders, government officials and conservationists who agree that protecting these public lands boosts local tourism and the recreation-based economy, and ensures that their magnificent scenery, outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich wildlife habitat are conserved for future generations to visit and enjoy.

Steve Barker, president and founder of Vista-based travel gear company Eagle Creek, said, “Because of the shrinking economy, now is an even more important time to set aside these lands for future generations. Wilderness contributes greatly to the economies of local communities. As a business owner that depends on recreation and travel by the American people, I know this first hand. According to a study by the Outdoor Recreation Association, the California outdoor recreation economy contributes $46 billion annually to California’s economy.”

Vicki Long, President, Elsinore Murrieta Anza Resource Conservation District, said, “Native habitat in Southwest Riverside and North San Diego is shrinking. This legislation provides an opportunity to protect what’s left of our unique wild places, places that define the very character of our region.”

“Beauty Mountain is a popular destination for equestrians,” added Erin Ochoa of Fallbrook. “It offers a place where we can easily access nature while on horseback; we spend hours meandering amongst the oaks and chaparral. I am so pleased that these places will be protected for us to use and share.”

“I applaud Rep. Issa's efforts to protect San Diego's wild places and encourage him to consider additional areas in our region that would benefit from the same protections proposed for Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia,” said Rob Hutsel, Executive Director of The San Diego River Park Foundation. “Expanded legislation could protect places such as the San Diego River Gorge, Barker Valley, and the Santa Margarita River. These are irreplaceable natural treasures valued by our community and worthy of preservation for generations to enjoy."

The North San Diego County Wild Heritage Campaign is a coalition of businesses and organizations working to protect wilderness and wild rivers on public lands in northern San Diego County. Coalition members include: California Wilderness Coalition, Campaign for America’s Wilderness, Friends of the River, Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society, and many others.

For a copy of the bill and to download photos of these areas, visit www.friendsoftheriver.org/sandiego.

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High Resolution Photos

Right click on the picture then select "Save As."  1. Agua Tibia and 2. & 3. Beauty Mountain