Watershed Conservation Authority
Home Page
Contact Us
About Us
Our Governing Board
Our Plans
Our Plans
• Introduction   • Azusa River Wilderness Park   • Duck Farm
• Walnut Creek Habitat & Open Space Project  • Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
   

AZUSA RIVER WILDERNESS PARK

Click to view these items which are shown below: Background, Master Plan, Canyon, More Information.

**** Canyon Inn Planning ****

In November 2008 the WCA acquired the International Theological Seminary property, also known as the Canyon Inn property. This 26 acre property is the newest component of the Azusa River Wilderness Park. The WCA has started the formal planning process, which includes identifying what activities and facilities will be provided at the site.

The first Public Outreach Planning Meeting was held April 28th. The meeting presentation mattierals can be downloaded below.

The second Public Outreach Planning Meeting was held May 26th. The meeting presentation matterals can be downloaded below.

The final Public Outreach Planning Meeting was held June 18th at the Azusa River Wilderness Park and included a tour of the Canyon Inn property. The meeting also included the presentation of the preferred alternative concept for site. It is anticipated that the WCA Governing Board will adopt the preferred site plan by the end of the year. This preferred plan can be downloaded below.

For additional formation about the Canyon Inn planning process please contact Jane Beesley, Acting Executive Officer.

Background
     The Watershed Conservation Authority (WCA) has proposed creation of Azusa River Wilderness Park (also known as El Encanto 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.

Aeriel photo Azusa Wilderness Park Azusa Wilderness Park Properties

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.

A Master Plan was prepared 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 Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the proposed park was adopted by the WCA board in September 2009 after the public was given the opportunity to review and comment on it. The MND consists of the following parts which can be downloaded:

For more information, contact

Jane Beesley, Acting Executive Officer
Phone: (626) 815-1019, Extension 109
Email: jbeesley@wca.ca.gov

or


Marybeth Vergara
Phone: (626) 815-1019, Extension 111
Email: mvergara@rmc.ca.gov

Address:
Watershed Conservation Authority  
100 Old San Gabriel Canyon Road
Azusa, CA 91702

   

Back to Top of Page