In 2009, despite still recovering from recession, wildfires, no official office space, and a shortfall of member agency funding, the San Dieguito River Park, the JPA, and its partners had a huge year of monumental successes.
At the San Dieguito Lagoon, Southern California Edison finished construction of their restoration project creating and/or enhancing 150 acres of tidal wetlands. Alongside that, the JPA completed construction of the urban runoff treatment ponds and 1.4 miles of the Coast to Crest Trail.
Inland, the Lake Hodges Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge was completed and funding was secured to construct the cantilever pathway from the south end of the bridge to the staging area at Bernardo Bay Natural Area. Also, 32 acres were added to Sycamore Creek Preserve through donation and a mitigation deal was consummated with the Navy providing for perpetual management.
All in all, 2009 was a transformative year for the JPA and San Dieguito River Park, with new grants and other funding sources on the horizon for the reconstruction of Sikes Adobe, the JPA headquarters, and a multitude of trail, bridge, and habitat repairs.
Kevin McKernan
2008 – Full Throttle Fire Recovery