El Encanto Azusa River Wilderness Park
The Watershed Conservation Authority (WCA) has proposed creation of Azusa River Wilderness Park for use as parkland and watershed protection. The site is along Highway 39 in San Gabriel Canyon near the northern boundary of the City of Azusa. Figures 1 and 2 show the location and study (planning) area.
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Figure 1: Aerial View of Azusa RiverWilderness Park. Click to view a larger, interactive version of this image. |
Figure 2, Azusa River Wilderness Park Study (Planning) Area. Click to view a larger version of this image |
In February 2006 the WCA in collaboration with the City of Azusa purchased the 40-acre former El Encanto Restaurant site. In November 2008 the WCA acquired the 26 acre International Theological Seminary property, also known as the Canyon Inn/CoolSprings property. The Taylor, Rainbow Ranch Equestrian Facility, and the Private Parcel are potential future acquisitions. Figure 2 shows these properties.
The WCA has prepared a Master Plan for the proposed park. The Master Plan includes Site Programming, Site Planning and overall Site Concept Development. The Nature Experience Plan is the adopted concept; the over-riding theme is to provide a place where the visitor can experience nature. A 2-page brochure which provides a succinct look at the Master Plan has also been created. Download the Master Plan (253 page, 16.3 mb PDF file) or the brochure (2 page 1 mb PDF file).
A Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) has been prepared for the proposed park. The Draft MND is available for public review and comment through December 22, 2008. The MND, which consists of the following parts, can be downloaded:
- Draft Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (85 page, 4.6 mb PDF file).
- Appendix A, Air Quality LST Data (52 page,0.25 mb PDF file)
- Appendix B, Biological Constraints Report (26 page, 4.5 mb PDF file)
The Draft MND is also available for review at
The WCA office, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday:
100 N. Old San Gabriel Canyon Road
Azusa, CA 91702.
The Azusa City Library,
729 North Dalton Avenue
Azusa, CA 91702
Send your comments on the MND to:
Jane Beesley
100 N. Old San Gabriel Canyon Road
Azusa, CA 91702
or Email: jbeesley@rmc.ca.gov
For more information, contact
Deborah Enos
626-815-1019, ext. 112
denos@rmc.ca.gov
Watershed Conservation Authority
"El Encanto"
100 Old San Gabriel Canyon Road
Azusa, CA 91702