MILEPOSTS #1014
By Ken Brafman, Image from SBMLT Collection
TITLE: PROTECTING MOUNTAIN LANDS: The San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust acts to protect one of our most precious and threatened natural resources, the spectacular lands of the San Bernardino Mountains. These lands are part of our legacy and are the core of our cherished mountain history. Since their founding in 1996, more than 12,000 acres of coveted open space, including scenic forest, wildlife habitat and rare meadowland have been preserved. SBMLT’s approach to land protection taps the power of both private and public sectors. Using funds acquired from county, state, federal agencies and private donors, the organization moves quickly to purchase critical open spaces as opportunities arise, to acquire, restore and preserve the San Bernardino Mountains’ precious natural legacy. By saving these lands from development as private estates and subdivisions, they survive as wildlife habitat, public recreation areas, and places that enrich and restore the human spirit — now and for future generations. One of SBMLT’s high profile projects has been Arrowhead Ridge. Located on Grass Valley Road across from the Lake Arrowhead Country Club, the property had been in development for a condominium complex. The project went bankrupt in 2011 and the opportunity arose to purchase the 80-acre parcel. Prior to the Forest Service trading it to developers in 1988 this scenic forest was a favorite hiking area for kids from the Alpine Camp and local residents, as depicted in this week’s image. Today Arrowhead Ridge has become a very popular hiking and nature trail. SBMLT was formed in 1996 at the culmination of a challenge to a 300-acre subdivision in upper Deep Creek. Today half a dozen parcels that are part of the Deep Creek watershed have been preserved. In 2011 50 acres of the area of Pinecrest known as Strawberry Peak were acquired and were merged with forest land. Working alone, or alongside partner organizations, around 50 acquisitions have been made in order to ensure lasting public benefit of the natural mountain environment.