DATE: November 13, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Investigation for Purchase of Rutherford Ranch West in the Volcan Mountain Region

SUMMARY:
Overview
The Volcan Mountain Open Space Preserve north of Julian currently consists of approximately 4,754 acres owned by various organizations (including the County of San Diego) interested in permanently protecting Volcan Mountain and the surrounding region. Acquisition of approximately 1,800 acres known as the Rutherford Ranch West in the Volcan Mountain area will significantly contribute to the protected habitat and permanently preserve the viewshed. The current owner is a willing seller.

Recommendation
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to investigate the acquisition of the Rutherford Ranch West in the western portion of Volcan Mountain near Julian and take all steps necessary to locate funding for that purchase.

BACKGROUND:
The Rutherford Ranch West property is in the Volcan Mountain region and is a biologically diverse area which includes a perennial stream, oak woodland, native and non-native grasslands, and mixed hardwood coniferous forest, providing first-class habitat for mule deer, mountain lion, bobcat, gray fox, golden eagle, and the long-eared owl. The owner is willing to sell the property to the County or other agencies interested in preserving the land as open space. Rutherford Ranch West currently consists of approximately 60 parcels, totaling approximately 1,800 acres, that were subdivided for residential development.

With the proposed acquisition of Rutherford Ranch West as open space, the community will be able to access and enjoy over 7,000 acres of public land acquired on Volcan Mountain since 1994. San Diego County's Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) seeks to classify and protect large, critical multi-species habitat areas in the county, extending from the San Diego coast to the Cleveland National Forest. Acquisition of this Volcan Mountain property is a key element in achieving the long-range goals of this program. This acquisition is also consistent with the San Diego County General Plan and the purposes, plans, goals, and priorities of the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Volcan Mountain acquisition is a keystone in a vast network of protected open space, habitat, and recreational land. Rutherford Ranch West is connected to the recently acquired Santa Ysabel Ranch Preserve to the west and to the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve to the east and south. Furthermore, the preserve is connected to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Pacific Crest Trail, Cleveland National Forest, and Bureau of Land Management lands. Acquisition of this property will provide enhanced habitat connectivity to thousands of acres of protected lands and will complement multi-agency regional conservation efforts.

This proposed action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer and County staff to work with interested organizations to identify potential sources of funding for the acquisition of the Rutherford Ranch West in the western portion of Volcan Mountain near Julian.

Respectfully submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District