Conservancy to Purchase 13 Acres in Millard Canyon

The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy announced Thursday it will purchase 13 acres of land in Millard Canyon that will preserve a wildlife corridor between two residential developments in Altadena.

The 13-acre parcel is west of the La Vina housing development and to the east of homes in The Meadows, another residential neighborhood.

Leaving the parcel undeveloped preserves a connection between open space north of JPL and the foothills north of Altadena.  

A biological survey conducted by the conservancy lists various amphibian species, including newts and the endangered Arroyo toad as occupants of a seasonal stream on the property.  Coyote, bobcat and mule deer have been reported as frequently sighted on the property by the current owner, according to the survey, and signs of bears and mountain lion migration through the area were observed by the biologist who conducted the survey.

John Howell, the director of the conservancy, said that the site will be further surveyed and the organization will determine whether there could be recreational uses for the land.  

He said the conservancy bid on the project around 6 to 8 years ago, but were outbid by the current property owner, a private resident with interest in building a home on the property.

That owner decided he wanted to sell, and he and the conservancy were able to come to a deal on the project.

The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy has also made and is working on expanding recreational uses in that area.

Photos of the new lot and a map can be viewed at right.