City of San Diego Expands Conservation with Land Acquisition for Mission Trails Regional Park

City of San Diego Expands Conservation with Land Acquisition for Mission Trails Regional Park

Mission Trails Regional Park encompasses more than 8,000 acres of both natural and developed recreational areas.
Mission Trails Regional Park encompasses more than 8,000 acres of both natural and developed recreational areas. Photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego

The city of San Diego has acquired an additional 15 acres of open space to expand Mission Trails Regional Park.

The newly acquired land, north of state Route 52 and west of Interstate 15, will be incorporated into the city’s Multiple Species Conservation Program, which shapes the region’s preservation of threatened and endangered plant and animal species while contributing to broader regional conservation goals.

“Preserving this land is another step toward safeguarding our region’s unique biodiversity,” said Heidi Vonblum, San Diego’s planning director. “Expanding protected areas in Mission Trails Regional Park reflects our ongoing commitment to preserving sensitive habitats while ensuring San Diegans have access to nature and open spaces that enhance their quality of life.”

The land, part of the East Elliot Community Planning Area, was purchased from a private seller using the city’s Habitat Acquisition Fund, designated for acquiring and protecting land identified as vital for conservation.

The two parcels will remain in their natural state and be maintained as protected open space.

This acquisition follows the recent donation of 55 acres of land by the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation in July, which the city called a major milestone in ongoing conservation efforts. Additional donations are anticipated.

Established in 1974, Mission Trails Regional Park spans more than 8,000 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Drawing approximately 2 million visitors annually, the park features nearly 60 miles of trails, historic landmarks like the Old Mission Dam and an array of ecosystems that showcase the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

This latest acquisition also ties into the city’s participation in the MSCP, a regional initiative covering 900 square miles of southwestern San Diego County. Since adopting the MSCP Subarea Plan in 1997, the city has identified more than 52,700 acres of land as critical for long-term biodiversity.

With this new addition, San Diego has now conserved approximately 98% of its targeted land, helping protect 85 plant and animal species covered under the MSCP.

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