FHBP - Measure M Acquisition #1

Saddleback Vineyards On Friday, May 13, 2011 members of the Environmental Coalition, OCTA staff and board members, agencies and the public gathered to celebrate the first acquisition under the Environmental Mitigation Program. The 84 acre Saddle Creek South property was acquired April 29, 2011 to mitigate for freeway impacts.

This property was sold for conservation purposes and serves important habitat functions. It is uniquely situated between Saddle Creek North (to the north) and the Live Oak Preserve (to the west). It completes an important north-south and east-west connection for wildlife movement. Because of its important biological attributes this property was purchased in perpetuity.

Transaction and Other Details

Location: Off of Live Oak Canyon Road
Neighboring Open Space: Saddle Creek North and the TCA's Live Oak Preserve
Acreage: 84 acres
Purchase Price: $38,000 per acre ($3.2 million)

Download the OCTA Announcement. View photos from the press event below.


The Green Vision Map featured a location map of the Saddle Creek South property.	The Environmental Oversight Committee's (EOC) Chair (Supervisor Pat Bates) and Vice Chair (Melanie Schlotterbeck).


The ABC News van covered the commemoration event.	Property owners Dave and Mike Eadie with EOC Vice Chair Schlotterbeck, Supervisors Pat Bates and Bill Campbell and OCTA CEO Will Kempton.


OCTA CEO Will Kempton greets the audience.	EOC Chair and Supervisor Bates thanked everyone for their hard work.


Environmental Coalition Representative Melanie Schlotterbeck shares the story of this program.	Supervisor Bill Campbell relays his excitement about this acquisition in the 3rd District.


Dozens of people gathered to celebrate this conservation victory.	US Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist Jonathan Snyder recounts how this project is his most rewarding.


Caltrans representative Tracey LaVelle commented on how impressive the collaboration was for this effort.	After the ceremony speakers gathered for a photo opportunity.

Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks
P.O. Box 9256 ▪ Newport Beach, CA 92658 ▪ fhbp@fhbp.org