Land Trust Acquires Coyote Rock Property

April 18, 2013

Land Trust-Kevin Kellems, Scott Tangenberg, Peter Jorris

^{Kevin Kellems, San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust projects manager; Scott Tangenberg, the Mountaintop District ranger; and Peter Jorris, executive director of the Land Trust (l-r) look out over the Coyote Rock property.}

The San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust is proud to announce the purchase of approximately 150 acres of the Coyote Rock property adjacent to the National Children’s Forest at Keller Peak and to the Rimwood area of Running Springs.

The site gets its name for the prominent rock formation perched at the top of the mountain ridge above Charles Hoffman Elementary School and the Forest Service’s Deerlick Fire Station and visitor center.

The view from the summit is especially impressive and will likely become a popular day hike attraction in the Running Springs area, when remnants of older trails are upgraded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to acquisition by the Land Trust, the property was slated for a subdivision development. However, those preliminary plans were not continued after the owner-developer recently passed away, and the property was placed on the market by his heirs. Knowing the importance of the site for its open space, wildlife and unique habitat values, the Land Trust was delighted when its purchase offer was accepted.

Besides being an ideal addition to the Forest Service’s Children’s Forest and important wildlife lands, the site is also prime habitat for the southern rubber boa, the San Bernardino flying squirrel and the California spotted owl, which are some of the more rare and critical species that depend on a healthy forest for their survival.

“We’ve had our eye on this parcel for 15 years,” said Land Trust Projects Manager Kevin Kellems. “It is one of the most impressive properties we’ve been able to protect.”

“Without the longtime support of all our Land Trust members and contributors, outstanding acquisitions like Coyote Rock would not be possible,” said Land Trust Executive Director Peter Jorris. “All of our members and supporters deserve tremendous thanks and should be very proud and pleased today.”

Land Trust President Bill Engs said, “I think the community of Running Springs, everyone who appreciates the beauty of our local mountains and those who enjoy a good hike will be very grateful when they discover what a special place this is and that the Land Trust was able to protect it.”

The property totals 149.53 acres, made up of four large parcels and 12 one-acre lots. Its elevation ranges from 6,050 to 6,520 feet. Its primarily north- and west-facing slopes feature sugar, ponderosa, Jeffrey and Coulter pines; incense cedar; white fir; and California black oak.