We must save our natural open spaces now, or lose them forever.

It is entirely possible, and financially feasible, to save our natural open spaces while also meeting our other planning priorities.

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Why is it so important that we save our natural open spaces?

Spring, 2020

Our natural open spaces in Tonner Canyon are part of the last remaining large, unprotected tract of natural open space left within the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Its preservation is critical to the ecological sustainability of the region...

Why is it so critically important that
we save our natural open spaces?

Spring, 2020

Our natural open spaces are part of the last remaining large, unprotected tract of natural open space left within the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. Its preservation is critical to the ecological sustainability of the region.

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Tres Hermanos is important. But two additional large tracts of land need saving as well.

Spring, 2020

If we wish to keep wild animals out of our neighborhoods, we must give them some place to live.  Tres Hermanos is only a small portion of the land which needs saving.  Three large properties make up the missing middle.

Tres Hermanos is important.
But two additional large tracts of land need saving as well

Spring, 2020

If we wish to keep wild animals out of our neighborhoods, we must give them some place to live. Tres Hermanos is only a small portion of the land which needs saving. Three large properties make up the missing middle.

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Contrary to what some might believe, saving our natural open spaces is indeed compatible with other city planning priorities.

Fall, 2020

When it comes to city planning, CA general plan requirements place conservation on equal footing with all of the other required elements.  Our law makers did this for a reason.  It's called preserving what's left of our quality of life.

Contrary to what some might believe,
saving our natural open spaces is indeed compatible
with other city planning priorities

Fall, 2020

When it comes to city planning, California general plan requirements place conservation on equal footing with all of the other required elements. They do this for a reason. It's called preserving what's left of our quality of life.

However, big money talks, so we must remain vigilant.

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There are signs of hope.  But there are also plenty of reasons for concern.

Fall, 2020

There are definitely reasons for hope. Progress is being made, but slowly. 

The bad news: we're not out of the woods yet. Our natural open spaces are still vulnerable. 

There are signs of hope, but still
plenty of reasons for concern

Fall, 2020

There are definitely reasons for hope.  Progress is being made, but slowly.  Signs of optimism are springing up which make us believe that making these three parcels part of Chino Hills State Park is indeed possible.

The bad news: we're not there yet.  Our natural open spaces are still vulnerable, as both Damond Bar and Chino Hills each have portions of Tres Hermanos zoned for development.

City of Industry still owns the rest of Tonner Canyon and the Shell Aera still wants to develop its Tonner Canyon property.

Puente Chino HIlls Wildlife Corridor

Natural open space is Diamond Bar's and Chino Hills' most precious asset.

Our combined roughly 9,000 acres of natural open spaces are the last remaining large, unprotected tract of open space left in the San Gabriel Valley. 

Rolling hills and valleys dotted with Oak woodland, coastal scrub, chapparal, canyons and creeks are part of our historic identity.  Our natural open spaces and trails are islands of wildlife habitat which are important stepping stones, linking to larger natural open spaces such as Puente Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor and Chino Hills State Park. 

Known as the "Missing Middle" these properties (white, yellow, and orange above) are critical to completing the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife corridor.  A corridor which provides habitat and transit for many threatened and endangered species.  Saving these properties is critical to the ecological sustainability of the region. 

They are one of the  most biodiverse, ecologically sensitive hotspots in the entire world.  Yes.  Really.  In the entire world.  (Hotspots Defined.  See map)   These natural open spaces provide natural climate solutions which are proven to regulate our temperature, clean our air, filter our water, and provide emotional relief for all of us.  

Puente Chino HIlls Wildlife Corridor

How would saving our natural open spaces specifically work?

Contrary to what some may believe, none of the properties have yet been truly saved. Truly saving them would specifically look like purchasing the properties and making them all part of Chino Hills State Park.

Diamond Bar and Chino Hills will reap cultural and economic benefits as gateway cities to a unique Southern California ecotourism destination if that were to happen.  We see eco-education opportunities, limited recreation (walking, hiking, equestrian, bike trails), carefully planned active sport fields.
 
A second best option would be to place strict conservation easements over the properties.  Tres Hermanos has a partial easement, that has a huge loophole.  The other two have nothing.

It is also imperative that "best conservation practices" be adopted in the properties' maintenance.  However, none of the properties are seeing "best conservation practices" at this time.


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