Open Space In San Juan Capistrano: OCTA And Officials Discuss Initiative

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Open space in the Orange County mountain areas was the topic of conversation for local government officials on Tuesday.

The Orange County Transportation Authority and other state and federal officials joined Senator Patricia Bates, Republican of Laguna Niguel and Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett to discuss the preservation of 1,300 acres of open space in Brea, Laguna Beach, Silverado Canyon and Trabuco Canyon.

The OCTA purchased originally purchased the block land in its Measure M2 Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program for the diversity of habitat, which includes chaparral, coastal sage scrub and native grassland, according to a news release.

The Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program is an allocation of funds that allows the OCTA to acquire land and fund habitat restoration projects, according to their website. This, in exchange for streamlined project approvals for the 13 M2 freeway improvement projects.

"Acquired properties are purchased and permanently preserved as open space," OCTA said. "Funded restoration projects restore preserved open space lands to their native habitat and include the removal of invasive plant species."

Residents can visit those open spaces and enjoy the native areas in an unspoiled way, either by hiking trail or on horseback.

The first guided hike of summer, 2017 will take place at the O'Neill Oaks Preserve on June 24, according to the OCTA.

"Orange County is home to some of the most beautiful protected wilderness areas in the entire country," they said in recent release. Residents are invited out to experience and enjoy the natural landscape.

"Lace up your hiking shoes or saddle up your horse, and sign up for a free hike or equestrian ride today, and see Orange County as it was yesterday, and as it will be tomorrow," they said.

The OCTA has acquired more than 1300 acres in Brea, Laguna Beach, Silverado Canyon, and Trabuco Canyon, with approximately $2.3 million still in the coffers for additional acquisitions during this first round of funding.

Visit these open spaces, register for guided hiking events, such asO'Neill Regional Park, 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road at: www.PreservingOurLegacy.org

OCTA Photo