670 Acres Of Riverside County Open Space Set Aside For Conservation

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A large swath of undeveloped land just south of state Route 91 in Riverside County was set aside for conservation, the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority announced Monday.

The 670 acres, known as B Canyon, is located south of SR-91, bordering Chino Hills State Park and the Santa Ana Mountains/Cleveland National Forest. The canyon abuts the Orange County line near Corona and will be preserved under the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.

RCA acquired the land from a private owner for $21 million — $6.6 million came from developer fees, and $14.5 million was awarded by the state.

According to the RCA, B Canyon is adjacent to one of only two functional SR-91 mountain lion and wildlife freeway under-crossings in western Riverside County. B Canyon will provide habitat for animals that use the protected paths, and the acquisition establishes a final connection of approximately 82,000 acres of conservation space.

In addition to being a vital mountain lion linkage, B Canyon also supports other MSHCP-protected species such as the Cooper’s hawk, turkey vulture, bobcat and coyotes.

Federally endangered native plants, such as Braunton's milkvetch and chaparral nolina, also grow in the canyon.

"The acquisition of the B Canyon property is a momentous milestone for the RCA, Riverside County, Corona and Norco residents as well as protected plant and animal species who call this region home," said RCA Board of Directors Chair and city of Norco Councilmember Kevin Bash. "Preserving land areas like B Canyon maintains our region’s natural beauty and provides open space for our residents [to] enjoy."

Over the decades the land was eyed for development, which would have negatively impacted traffic on the highly congested 91 freeway.

"The acquisition prevents development on the land," RCA Deputy Executive Director Aaron Hake confirmed.

The B Canyon acquisition contributes to California’s goal of conserving 30% of California lands and coastal waters by 2030.