	Volume 14 - No. 1 - Winter 2004

The Endangered Habitats League is dedicated to the protection of the diverse ecosystems of Southern California and to sensitive and sustainable land use for the benefit of all the region’s inhabitants. The EHL Newsletter is published quarterly to chronicle our plans, activities, and successes.

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San Diego River Park Takes Giant Step

For three years, EHL San Diego Director Michael Beck has been a leader in the effort to create an urban river park in Lakeside along the San Diego River. In October of 2003, the cornerstone of the park was set in place when the San Diego River Park-Lakeside Conservancy utilized several sources of state bond funds to acquire 100 key acres along the river.

San Diego River

A total of $14.6 million in grants will fund the acquisition and restoration of highly degraded gravel mines and industrial development pads into prime riparian and coastal sage scrub habitat. The Conservancy's goals for other projects in the plan area include a Nature and Cultural Center, ball fields, Heritage Park, and other community facilities

Key champions of the river park effort include The State Coastal Conservancy, Hanson Aggregates, Volcan Materials, State Assemblymember Chistine Kehoe, the County of San Diego, and the community of Lakeside. EHL's Beck, who founded the San Diego River Park-Lakeside Conservancy in 2000, continues to serve as its chair.