About Us:

Geography of the San Diego River

The San Diego River is a major geographical, biological, and historical feature within the San Diego region. It's California's first river and one of the most important resources for San Diego County, supplying 5% of the county's water needs.

It originates 52 miles northeast of the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of approximately 3,700 feet. Along its journey to the ocean, it nurtures wild and scenic natural habitats, recreational areas, rich agricultural fields, and a diverse pattern of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. Its watershed encompasses some 400 square miles.

The watershed serves a population of nearly half a million people, contains five water storage reservoirs, three large aquifers, extensive riparian habitat, coastal wetlands and tidepools.

River Park Consortium: The San Diego River Conservancy

Efforts to restore the San Diego River are not exclusive to Lakeside. The San Diego River Park concept is an ambitious undertaking that will establish a linear River Park along the urban and rural sections of the San Diego River from the Pacific Ocean to the river's headwaters near Julian, California.

Preserving lands along the San Diego River Valley will provide an important link in the coastal greenbelt and habitat preserve for San Diego, linking the cities of San Diego and Santee to the west and their regional open space preserve to the rural open space in the county to the east.

The organizational structure for the river park includes a coalition of 50 community-based land conservancies and friends groups that will manage river restoration and park activities in partnership with the San Diego River Park Foundation and the San Diego River Conservancy.

The San Diego River Conservancy is a newly formed State chartered conservancy recently signed into law by the Governor.

History:

On a broader, regional scale, Lakeside's two-mile stretch of the San Diego River is the starting point of this ambitious, community and agency effort that began as a grassroots movement almost 20 years ago. Several years ago, members of the community of Lakeside played an integral role in a County rezoning process for the upper San Diego River. Lakeside's River Park Conservancy was formed on the heels of this rezoning process using the momentum of community beautification and awareness of the area's natural and scenic resources, not to mention the opportunity to revitalize the area.

This part of the river has long been the focus of extensive sand mining operations and heavy industry. Operations are coming to an end and therefore a new phase in the river's life is at hand; one in which nature and humanity work in harmony and regional quality of life is enhanced. Incorporated in 2001, the Conservancy's main area of concern is Lakeside's segment of the river.

This two and a half mile segment of the San Diego River Valley is within a rapidly growing part of the county. Increasing development pressure along with a growing population's need for open space and recreational opportunities makes implementation of this revitalization project in Lakeside an immediate priority.

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to preserve and restore the biological integrity and beauty of the San Diego River while integrating recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for youth, seniors, families and citizens of East San Diego County.