Document 6576120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2014
Contact: Riverside Land Conservancy
(951) 788-0670
Citizens for Balanced Growth
(951) 248-7190
Passage of Measure L on Election Day Ensures Involvement by Established Conservancy
The passage of Measure L will result in the donation of 900 acres of privately owned land into
conservation for public benefit - an area nearly three times larger than Mt. Rubidoux.
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – With the passage of Measure L by Riverside voters on Nov. 4, the leading
caretaker of public lands in the region will take ownership of the La Sierra Hills. The Riverside
Land Conservancy (RLC) and New West Riverside LLC have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding that will govern the donation of the entire 650-acre La Sierra Hills property, as
well as approximately 250 acres of the La Sierra Lands, to RLC along with a $1.4-million
endowment to help fund the future conservation of the property.
“This is the reason why countless residents and community, business and environmental
leaders are so enthusiastic about Measure L,” former Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge said.
“There is no greater steward for the La Sierra Hills than the Riverside Land Conservancy.”
Riverside Land Conservancy was founded in 1988 to create a local organization dedicated to
protecting open space and natural areas. RLC prides itself on developing partnerships and
striking the right balance between protection of valuable ecological and cultural resources and
economic development. The organization has conserved almost 14,000 acres through land
purchases, donations and land-use restrictions.
“The La Sierra Hills are one of the most recognizable natural landscapes in the City of Riverside
and should be protected,” RLC Executive Director Gail Egenes said. “Riverside Land
Conservancy typically neither supports nor opposes zoning or other land use decisions and so
is neutral on Measure L. With voter approval of Measure L, Riverside Land Conservancy will
make sure that the hills are permanently conserved as promised and will manage them for the
benefit of the community.”
The agreement is implemented by passage of Measure L, which would establish western
Riverside’s La Sierra Hills as permanent open space. Current zoning laws allow for future
homes to be built throughout the entire Hills property. Measure L would prevent such
development and also restrict development of the nearby La Sierra Lands, preserving an
additional 250 acres there. Any proposal to build homes on the La Sierra Lands would require
public participation, full environmental review and approval from the Riverside City Council.
“Measure L’s passage would set the stage for one of the largest land donations in Riverside’s
history,” said former Riverside County Conservation Authority director and former County
Supervisor Tom Mullen. “This is a great opportunity to preserve a cherished landmark for future
generations to enjoy.”
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Passage of Measure L on Election Day Ensures Involvement by Established Conservancy
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Former state and Riverside County parks director Pete Dangermond added, “The La Sierra Hills
are an important habitat area, with a rich collection of plant and animal species and ties to the
Santa Ana River wildlife area. To put what’s at stake in perspective, the La Sierra Hills
encompass nearly three times the area of Mt. Rubidoux, with multiple peaks and connections to
open space and trails in Norco.”
Measure L is sponsored by Citizens for Balanced Growth and New West Riverside LLC. To
learn more about Citizens for Balanced Growth and Measure L, please visit
www.VoteYesOnMeasureL.com or call (951) 248-7190.
Founded in 1988, Riverside Land Conservancy is a nonprofit land conservation group dedicated
to the preservation of open space by seeking to identify, protect, and manage habitats of rare
and endangered species, natural landscapes, and other sensitive sites throughout the Southern
California region.
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