We’re excited to share a successful project that has significantly improved the Lytle-Cajon wash area near Highland Ave.! This area had been plagued by illegal dumping, unauthorized encampments, and damaging off-highway vehicle (OHV) activity.
- Environmental Damage: Repeated illegal dumping and OHV use threatened the sensitive Santa Ana River kit fox (San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat) habitat and caused erosion.
- Resource Strain: Frequent cleanups were resource-intensive, and the delicate habitat limited the equipment we could use.
- Water Quality Concerns: Trash and debris were flowing downstream, impacting the Santa Ana River.
The Flood Control District (FCD) took action to restore this area. Working in close coordination with the Environmental Management Department (EMD) and the Transient Encampment Cleanup Crew, we implemented a comprehensive plan:
- Thorough Cleanup: We removed all illegal dumpings and debris from the FCD property.
- Encampment Resolution: We provided notices to vacate to the encampments and conducted a complete cleanup.
- Access Control: We installed three 20-foot K-rail barriers to prevent further unauthorized access.
Since the installation of the K-rail, the area has remained clear of illegal dumping and encampments! This has resulted in:
- Enhanced Environmental Protection: The sensitive SBKR habitat is now better protected from harmful debris and OHV activity.
- Improved Aesthetics: The area is cleaner and more visually appealing.
- Improved Water Quality: Reducing debris in the wash contributes to cleaner water flowing to the Santa Ana River.
This project demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding our natural resources and maintaining a healthy environment for our community. We encourage everyone to help us keep our watersheds clean by respecting our natural spaces and refraining from illegal dumping and destructive activities.
Before
After
