|
Big Dalton Wilderness Park
Final Report
Dick Swinney and Jeff Mann
November 1977
Retyped November 2007
(only corrections made, pertained to spelling, grammar and punctuation)
Page numbers used here represent the pagination of the original tripple-spaced document. The two following related documents refer to the pagination of this original report.
For copies of the maps mentioned here, contact Dick Swinney.
Table of Contents
i Glendora Big Dalton Wilderness Park
ii List of Maps
Section Title Page numbers
I Introduction - 1
II Goals - 1
III Criteria - 2
IV Analysis Performed - 5
V Alternatives - 21
VI Evaluation of Alternatives - 27
VII Recommendations - 34
Activity Sites
Use Policies
VIII Implementation - 57
IX Report Summary - 64
X Appendix - 67
List of Maps
1. Glendora Wilderness Park
2. Glendora Wilderness Park (Final Activities Location)
3. Glendora Wilderness Park (Site Designation & Trails)
4. Glendora Wilderness Park (Jurisdictions)
5. Mud Fill - Group Camping Area # 1
6. Mud Fill - Group Camping Area # 2
7. Little Dalton Debris Dam Pioneer Park
8. Equestrian Campground Big Dalton Spreading Grounds
9. Big Dalton Debris Dam (Bird Blinds, Nature Trails)
10. Interim Alternative Nature Center
11. Big Dalton Wash
12. Mystic Canyon
13. Parking
I Introduction
This report will present the methodology of the present study of the Glendora Wilderness Park. The goals, criteria, alternatives, evaluation, recommendations and implementation plans resulting from the study will be presented as a guide for further implementation and development of the Park. The overall study involves the development of a park plan that will provide activities, and access that will promote the use and appreciation of the area while maintaining its wilderness quality. In planning such a project, the environmental, legal and institutional constraints must be considered and will in turn help define available alternatives for achieving a viable park plan. All activities that appear to be compatible with the aforementioned objectives will be subject to the above constraints and to the decision making process.
II Goals
Overall goal:
To development of a viable, implementable plan for the wilderness park. The following subgoals and objectives will further specify the direction and emphasis of all efforts to achieve the overall goal. These are:
1. Maintenance of the park as a wilderness area with an emphasis on the flora and fauna native to the area.
2. Provision of facilities for activities and uses that are in harmony with the wilderness area.
3. Provision for those groups that have special interest in the canyon subsequent to the above.
page 1
4. Enhancement of the park resources for educational purposes.
5. Planning the park so that it supports an area-wide comprehensive plan.
6. Development of a plan that is consistent with the needs of the community and the policies of public agencies involved.
7. Provision for use of certain areas by physically handicapped persons.
Issues:
In order to further define this problem of the park plan development, the following issues will be considered:
1. What park development plan will best suit the criteria of minimum use, low density, set by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
2. Use of land outside the city property for compatible uses, including land owned by private parties and public agencies.
3. Type of access to be allowed.
4. Facilities and activities allowed in the park.
5. Role of group camping sites in the park plan.
6. Preservation of the park while providing use.
7. Use of environmental constraints as guidelines for planning.
III Criteria
There are seven criteria which will be used to evaluate the alternative uses of the wilderness area. They are:
1. Public acceptability
2. Political acceptability
3. Enhancement of the wilderness quality of the area
4. Safety
5. Minimization of economic costs.
6. Compatability of planned activities
7. Enforceability of measures employed to carry out the goal of preserving and enhancing the wilderness area.
page 2
Public Acceptability
In view of the fact that the park is for the benefit of the public, its uses should be designed to accommodate their needs. The public acceptability of the plan should be ascertained during the formulation process so that its’ acceptability is fairly well known well before its consideration for adoption and implementation.
Political Acceptance
This criterion would need to evaluate alternatives on the basis of two factors already mentioned. The plan should be acceptable to the decision-makers and also to those groups that can apply political pressure upon the decision-makers.
Enhancement of the Wilderness Qualities of the Park Area
This criterion can be divided into several sub-criteria that will make it more operational for evaluation purposes. As stated before, the entire planning process is under the mandate of providing a plan that will allow only low density and minimum development of the area. This issue of low density and minimum development becomes a sub-criteria.
Another sub-criteria would be that of the use of the park for educational purposes. The enhancement of the wilderness area will definitely serve to improve the education experience available to the community.
Safety
This criterion deals mainly with the environmental hazards present in the park. The plan alternatives should be evaluated according to the consideration of hazards such as flooding, fire, landslides seismic activity, etc.
page 3
This would include the safety of the park but also the preservation of any facilities placed in the area.
Minimization of Economic Costs
This criterion would be applied to insure the implementation of a plan at the least cost possible to the taxpayers while still providing a good recreational and educational resource.
Compatibility of Activities
Basically, this provides that each activity which is developed for the appreciation and enhancement of the park, not impinge on some other activity and thus reduce its effectiveness as a wilderness experience. This would cover the location of activities, types, access and intensity of use. One other aspect of compatibility of activities is that all planned activities must be in harmony with other ongoing activities being carried out by such agencies as the Flood Control District., Forest Service, and the Experimental Forest.
Enforceability
This criterion would evaluate the enforceability of measures employed to carry out the goal of preservation and enhancement of the wilderness area. It would evaluate the effectiveness of such tools as permits, barriers and enforcement of ordinance established to protect the wilderness park and also provide for the safety of the users.
page 4
IV Analysis Performed
Problem Analysis
The multifaceted aspect of this problem warrants an analysis of the components that will be involved in its solution. The main areas that will be included in the analysis are: the historical, environmental and jurisdictional aspects of the problem.
Historical
The Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness area was originally under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service. In 1964, the City of Glendora acquired the land from the Glendora Water Company for future use as a recreational area. The area has been included in several plans which have stated such uses as golf courses, recreational lakes, and other such activities. These activities have been deemed as out of harmony with the minimum use, low density criteria established by the Glendora Parks and Recreation Commission.
In the spring of 1976, Mr. Michael Richter, student at Cal Poly Pomona and also an intern with the City of Glendora, analyzed the area and developed a master plan that included three alternative use scenarios that ranged from low to high use. Upon presentation to the Glendora City Parks and Recreation Commission, the low use alternative was selected as appropriate for the canyon. In March of 1977, Mr. Dick Swinney and Mr. Jeff Mann were employed with the object of studying the alternatives that could be developed under the low ;density scenario. This phase of planning is to carry the project to the point of actual implementation by the City.
page 5
The Present Environment (See Map # 1)
As a basis for further analysis of the area, a brief description of the present state of the canyon will be presented.
Location:
The canyon area is located in the north-east portion of the City of Glendora, in the San Gabriel Mountain foothills. The principal feature is the canyon itself, composed of very steep slopes with very few level areas except in the canyon bottom. The land extends on both sides of the canyon to the north and south, to the east and west it is bordered by the Big Dalton Dam and the Big Dalton Debris Basin respectively. An intermittent stream runs down the center of the canyon. There is an existing road that goes up the bottom of the canyon to the Big Dalton Dam and beyond.
Current Uses:
At present, the main uses of the canyon are private residential and private group camps with the exception of a city owned day camp. There are currently four private residences and one home that it owned by the city. These homes are leasing the land at a nominal fee. The private group camps are owned by the YMCA out of Covina, and the Girl Scouts with area headquarters also in Covina. These facilities are usually busy every weekend and during the summer on weekdays as well. The City owns one cabin with separate restroom facilities. This is used only during the summer for a day camp program. At the same location as the day camp is an existing nature trail.
page 6
Water:
The Big Dalton Dam at the northeast boundary of the park serves as a flood control and water conservation facility operated by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. A minimal critical level of water is maintained behind the dam all year including the dry summer months. This body of water serves as a refuge for migratory waterfowl. Several hundred ducks can often be observed on the lake during peak seasons.
Water is released from the Big Dalton Dam and flows down the stream channel through the Glendora Wilderness Park. This stream flow terminates in the Big Dalton Debris Basin where the water is held and released into either the Big Dalton Wash Channel or into the Big Dalton Percolation Basin when appropriate. Water flow in the Big Dalton stream channel is primarily dependent upon water release from the Big Dalton Dam. Some water from three tributary canyons does flow into the main Big Dalton stream channel during normal winters. In normal years, water flow in the main stream channel is entirely dependent upon water release from the Big Dalton Dam. Without such water release, there is little to no water flow through the Big Dalton Canyon during the months of August, September, and October.
Periodic releases of water through the canyon to the debris basin below during critical summer months, as requested from the City of Glendora, would be beneficial to the casual recreational enjoyment of the canyon by park users as well as being highly beneficial to continued growth of desired stream-side trees such as white alders. Such summer releases from the Big Dalton Dam would be necessary on most
page 7
years to maintain a desired minimal water level in the Big Dalton Debris Basin to provide adequate water surface for waterfowl using the debris basin during the summer and the larger number of fall migratory birds. Large migrations of waterfowl such as Pintail Ducks often reach the Big Dalton Debris Basin by late August or early September. The Big Dalton Debris Basin is presently subject to drying up during the summer months depending upon the needs of the Los Angeles County Flood Control.
The present possibility of destructive flooding within the canyon has been significantly lessened because of stream stabilization and reinforcement procedures employed in the canyon by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District after the 1968-69 heavy rains. Additional information regarding water flow in tributary canyons is found in Appendix IV.
Natural and Physical Environment
This element of the study includes a brief analysis of past environmental assessments that have been made of the canyon and results of studies of the flora and fauna found in the park area.
Physical Environment
As part of the study conducted by Mr. Michael Richter, and analysis was made of the geological and environmental constraints found in the canyon. This included evaluations of elevation, slope, seismic activity, vistas, rainfall, vegetation, water flows and geology. These constraints were utilized as planning tools in the formation of alternatives and subsequent recommendations.
page 8
Natural Environment
With the park being used as a wilderness area, an evaluation of the biological aspects of the canyon was warranted. Mr. Swinney, in conjunction with this project, has prepared lists of bird, reptile and amphibian populations that are found in the canyon. These lists have been compiled over several years of observation in the canyon. They are presented here as part of this report. In addition, a self-guided nature trail pamphlet is being compiled by Dick Swinney.
Public and Private Parties Involved in Park Lands and Surrounding Area
The following public and private parties were contacted for input into the plan development process. They are; U.S. Forest Service, San Dimas Experimental Forest, Los Angeles County Flood Control District, Los Angeles County Fire Department, City of Glendora Departments of Planning, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation; Girl Scouts Spanish Trials Division, Scouts of America, Corral # 35, YMCA of Covina, naturalists from nearby city and county parks,. the Los Angeles Audubon Society, and general public.
U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service was contacted for input on the compatibility of the Glendora Wilderness Park and existing or planned uses for forest service lands on the periphery of the park. Reception of the plan was favorable while comment dealt mainly with fire hazard and hiking and equestrian trail access. Major suggestions were:
1. that along with implementation of the park, that a system of fire breaks be established along with other fire prevention work such as brush clearing and cropping
2. that access be arranged for equestrians to reach a possible equestrian rest stop at Johnstone Peak. The Forest Service would like to see access to the Bluebird Truck Trail and thus access to Johnstone Peak. It would join the City in any action to obtain this access. The Forest Service is presently evaluating its management policies for the lands around the park. Under several of the new management alternatives being considered, more access would be made into these lands particularly into experimental forest lands. This may include the use of the Tanbark Flats area as a recreational or educational facility for the public. Contact with the Forest Service was with Mr. Steve Finch, District Ranger.
Los Angeles Flood Control District (LAFCD)
The LAFCD was contacted with regard to using their facilities for Wilderness Park activities and also possible conflicts between the park and the operation of their facilities. Persons contacted include Mr. John McElroy, Supervising Civil Engineer, Mr. Bruce Lee, Mr. Don Keene and Mr. Jack Reinhardt, who are all involved with water conservation and spreading grounds operations and development.
Initial contact was made with Mr. McElroy who visited the site and gave general guidelines about what activities would be compatible with their operations. Most activities presented seemed to be acceptable under the right agreements set up between the City and LAFCD. Further contact with the LAFCD and particularly with the water Conservation Division, delineated further permissible activities within the framework of water quality. The use of the spreading grounds at the Big Dalton site is still under study for possible
page 10
expansion of the spreading basin. The LAFCD has given no general recommendation on uses for this area and will not until this study is completed: possibly by November 1977. Upon completion of the study, there are several possibilities for use of this area. In this report we have presented some of these uses. Their major concerns deal with water quality problems from pit toilets and horse traffic, placement of permanent structures that might conflict with operations, and liability.
page 11
San Dimas Experimental Forest
Mr. Jean Conrad, Director of the the San Dimas Experimental Forest was contacted regarding the proposed use of Big Dalton Canyon. The use of the Monroe Truck Trail for equestrian and hiking use was seen as compatible to the present operational directives of the Experimental Forest. The Monroe Truck Trail lies on the western boundary of the San Dimas Experimental Forest.
Use of the truck trail system within the San Dimas Experimental Forest to the south and east of the Glendora Wilderness Park would require use on a permit basis. The issuing of permits would most likely be handled through the nature center as this service would place undue demands upon the San Dimas Experimental Forest personnel. Special entry permits are currently being issued to private parties and groups who desire passage through the San Dimas Experimental Forest.
Hiking and equestrian access through the park and beyond, into the Experimental Forest via Big Dalton Canyon Road was discussed. This would present several problems. Some of these would be under the jurisdiction of the LACFCD as the canyon road passes through their property before entering the Experimental Forest.
Some possible problems would be:
1. Safety hazards with pedestrian or equestrian use of Big Dalton Canyon Road. Public use of the Big Dalton Canyon Road in this area would be especially critical in the flood control property as sharp curves, a very narrow road, rock and debris fall,
page 12
would demand extreme alertness and caution on the part of all county personnel and others using vehicles over these roads. In addition, heavy equipment and emergency vehicles must occasionally have access through this area.
2. Disruption of the present bird migratory use of Big Dalton Dam is almost certain to occur if use of the Big Dalton Canyon Road is increased through this area. This is a special concern Jean Conrad.
3. Possible increase of vandalism within the San Dimas Experimental Forest. Many of these facilities are easily accessible from the Big Dalton Canyon Road or are immediately adjacent to the road.
4. Increase of liability hazards within the Experimental Forest.
5. Greater chance of fire within the Experimental Forest as access through the Experimental Forest increases.
The proposed system of gates was responded to favorably by Mr. Conrad. Mr. Conrad’s chief concern regarding gates in the canyon was that additional gates make access by all agencies more difficult. However, because the night gate at the mouth of the canyon would be closed after normal working hours and opened before normal working hours, it should present no problem to the normal access through the canyon by personnel of the experimental Forest and other agencies. Only during special emergencies, such as fire and rescue, occurring in the night or early morning, would there be time delay due to the unlocking of one additional gate.
The change of location of the present gate near the City Day Camp area to an area near Mystic Canyon should present no problems to agencies requiring access through the canyon. Other proposals for the canyon seemed to be in harmony with the operation of the San Dimas Experimental Forest.
page 13
City And County Park Naturalists
Arcadia Wilderness Park (John Panatier Nature Center)
Mr. Mark Mueller, director of the Arcadia Wilderness Park, was contacted regarding possible development of the Glendora Wilderness Park. Mark recommended contact with search and rescue teams as well as local fire and police departments to outline prime rescue areas and terrain descriptions of developments of the park, as use will increase as the public becomes aware of intentions of development by the City. Mark recommends keeping horses out of the park because of user conflicts.
McCurdy Nature Center - Eaton Canyon
Pat Sullivan and Julian Chavez were contacted and were invited to visit the Glendora Wilderness Park site. They were in approval of the tentative plans for the park and felt that the area had great potential as a Wilderness Park and Nature Center.
Monrovia Wilderness Park
The park is bordered by a debris basin to the south and a flood control dam at the upper end of the park. Both facilities are operated by the LACFCD. Mr. George Hills is the head maintenance man for the park and acts as caretaker and naturalist. George recommended that cars be kept in the lower canyon and that pets be completely restricted from the park to minimize conflict with the wilderness experience. Mr. Hills also recommended that amplified instruments including radios be kept out of the park.
He recommended installation of a foolproof lock system for the night gate such as the one being used successfully at Monrovia Wilderness Park. George recommended little to no control of poison oak except near building sites, activity areas and minimal grubbing near hiking and equestrian trails. The use of a stationary radio was also recommended by Mr. Hills.
page 14
Mr. Glenn Cox is the Community Service Director for the City of Monrovia and is in charge of the Wilderness Park but is not able to spend much time at the park site.
General Analysis
From the information derived from the work done by Mr. Richter, the input from the various agencies and organizations and from on site analysis done in the canyon, alternatives for use of the canyon were established. As presented in the remainder of the report, these alternatives were evaluated by the standards established for the park development. The results of such analysis were recommendations on specific site activities and use policies for these activities and areas.
Whittier Narrow Nature Sanctuary
Contact was Mr. David Marquot, Supervisor over all the Los Angeles County Nature Centers. Mr. Marquot stated that there should be no conflicts between simultaneous use by the public and school districts. Mr. Marquot recommended this concerning future plans of the Glendora Wilderness Park:
1. Keep out equestrian use of the park because of conflicts with children on trails and because of extra maintenance of trails due to extra wear and horse leavings.
2. No use of bicycles on foot paths.
3. Use of volunteers in running a nature center must be well regulated to avoid many possible problems. The best use of volunteers is often facilitated by allowing organizations to work on their own - subject to administrative wishes of park management.
page 15
4. No picnicking, kite-flying, frisbee throwing or other such recreational uses because of unneeded conflict with educational uses.
5. Establishment of a single philosophy for the park (nature-study, outdoor education, etc.).
6. Employment of at least one full-time naturalist for a park the size of the Glendora Wilderness Park.
page 16
Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD)
The LACFD provides fire protection for the City and thus the land in the park would be under their jurisdiction. Persons contacted were Chief Joe Rotilla, Chief Grant Brown, and Captain Meyers. Chief Rotilla is Division Assistant Chief of the County of Los Angeles Fire Department. Chief Brown is over forestry and Captain Meyers over roads and fire access.
Upon presentation of the park plan, these men commented on parts of the plan that pertained to them. It was suggested that the fire hydrant system be expanded so that there would be one every 1,000 feet in the canyon. Also, it was recommended that if camping was allowed at such places as the mud fill, adequate fire-hydrant service should be available. They stated that the new nature center would have to be made of noncombustible materials because of the oak canopy that surrounds it They suggested that such roads as the Monroe Truck Trail be maintained for better fire access.
One other major concern was the use of the canyon, particularly the trails during fire closure days. They suggested a permit system to keep track of persons in the park and to provide a method of announcement of fire closure days. They readily discouraged any camp areas outside the main canyon floor area. One other concern was with evacuation and rescue plans and coordination between the City Police and Fire Department of these efforts. They advised that such a plan be prepared.
City of Glendora
Contact was made with several city agencies and administrators. Within the department of Public Works, Mr. Arthur Cook and Mr. Roy Maddock provided input and information. Mr. Cook made contact with the upper San Gabriel Water District and obtained information
page 17
regarding water releases from the dam to maintain the water level in the Big Dalton Debris Basin. It was ascertained that the City of Glendora could receive such releases without jeopardizing its regular water allotment from the district.
Mr. Maddock assisted in appraising the proposed site for the nature center. He generally approved the site from an engineering standpoint. Contact has also been made with the City Treasurer, Department of Planning and the Department of Parks and Recreation for various kinds of information and assistance. Mr. George Manooshian, Director of Parks and Recreation, also visited the nature center site for input on its acceptability for such a facility.
Corral # 35 Equestrian Group
The Glendora chapter of the Corral # 35 organization was contacted regarding the park and particularly with regard to equestrian trails. Mrs. Rosemarie Henry, coordinator for trails in the Glendora chapter, was presented the park plan and feedback was received. Her concern and the concern of the equestrians in Glendora is that of access into the trails in the foothills. This access will provide places for people to go instead of always riding on the streets. Several trails for equestrians are being proposed around the park. The most preferred trail on the south side of the park, is blocked by private property and thus there is pressure to have access into the canyon bottom Part of this pressure is based on possible plans by the Forest Service to provide trails out of the canyon for equestrians. Currently there are no definite plans. Thus until there is somewhere to go out of the
page 18
canyon, the canyon will provide little benefit to an overall equestrian trail network. The park plan was also presented to the Board of Directors of the chapter and some general comments were made but was generally acceptable to them.
Girl Scouts - Spanish Trails Council
Contact was made with Mr. Grandon Hamill, Property Management Director for this area. The council’s main concern is with its facility located in the canyon. The park plan was presented to Mr. Hamill and explained with reference to how it affected the facility. The plan seemed acceptable and Mr. Hamill also assured us that the Council would be willing to accommodate increased use of their facility by the community.
Scouts of America
Although the Scouts have no facilities in the canyon, they are interested in the development of a nature area that will benefit their program. Contact was made with Mr. Ron Sharp, district representative. Mr. Sharp’s main input for his organization was that a system of trails and possible camp sites would be beneficial to the scout troops in this area. Also if trail and hiking scout troops could be kept on trails outside of the canyon floor, the better the hiking and camping experience would be for them and for other groups using the canyon.
page 19
Y.M.C.A. of Covina
Contact was made through the office of the Director, Mr. Ron Stevens and the plan was presented along with recommendations for keeping the Y.M.C.A. facilities in the canyon. A willingness to share the Y.M.C.A. facility for community activities was expressed by Mr. Stevens.
General Public
Input from the general public was received in a number of ways. A variety of individuals contacted the project team personally and were able to review and comment on the plan. Also a public hearing was held before the Parks and Recreation Commission. The public was invited through newspaper announcements. A number of individuals and others representing different organizations spoke to the Commission on the plan. Generally, approval was voiced by representatives of the Forest Service and Experimental Forest. A representative of the Corral # 335 equestrian group also expressed general approval but with some concern over the trails and access provided equestrians.
page 20
V. Alternatives
The alternatives will be presented in the following manner:
Each site within the park area where some recreational or educational activity is planned will be covered in terms of the possible use alternatives that have been or are being considered for that area. Each area will also have a “no project” alternative which will briefly describe its present use or what will exist if nothing is done. The sites will be presented in much the same manner one would see them upon entering the park and proceeding to the end of it. Before considering individual sites, however, the issue of access to the park will be considered following this same format.
Access
At issue here is the type of access that should be allowed into the park. Among the alternatives are fire access, closed or restricted access and controlled access.
No Project: All areas in the canyon floor are accessible from the Big Dalton Canyon Road which proceeds up the entire length of the canyon. There is currently one barrier, a gate, 1.1 miles up the canyon from Glendora Mountain Road at the day camp site. On any given day, this gate is the stopping point for a variety of visitors, ranging from high school students with go-carts to people coming to take a walk. This access often presents conflicts with the activities at the various camps and when there are no activities these camps are subject to vandalism. The existing access provides opportunities for off-road vehicle activity such as that found in the Mystic Canyon area.
Closed Access: One alternative is to lock up the canyon and provide no access except for bicycles and hikers.
Open Access: This would provide the most access to all parties with cars being able to reach all activity areas at their leisure. This alternative would include the removal of the now existing gate.
Controlled Access: This could entail a system of gates wherein parts of the canyon would have ready access by car, other areas only by hiking and still other areas accessible by car with a permit.
Big Dalton Percolation Basin - Site A - See Map
No Project: The area is currently made up of a series of diked areas for water retention and percolation. There is one relatively flat area where a Forest Service Hot Shot Camp was once located. The spreading basins are dry most of the year except for use during the winter months due to increased rains. The area is completely fenced and is bounded by the wash channels from the Little and Big Dalton Canyons.
Camping: This area would provide an excellent site for camping facilities. It is enshrouded with eucalyptus trees for screening and shade and also has existing water facilities available. Up to ten individual sites plus a larger group site could be accommodated.
Equestrian Camping: In the southeast corner of the site are several percolation basins that no longer serve their purpose. This area is directly across from an existing equestrian circle and could accommodate between twenty and thirty equestrian campers. Used in this manner the site would serve a dual purpose, that of providing access to the other side of the site and access to other equestrian trails, and it could provide a roundup site for equestrian pack trains both at the beginning and the end of trail rides.
Big Dalton Debris Basin Site B
No Project: The site is a holding basin for water that is to be spread and percolated. Water is present except during occasional midsummer months. The area is completely fenced off.
Bird Sanctuary: The site provides an excellent observation area for both nesting
page 22
and migratory birds. The water is particularly critical as it draws the birds to the area. Bird blinds could be set up to further enhance this activity.
Fishing: With the maintenance of water levels in the check dam and with some stocking of fish, the site could be used very effectively as a fishing pond.
Recreational Walking: With a series of paths among the willows covering one end of the pond and with additional walkways along the banks, the site could be well used as a recreational walking area.
Big Dalton Wash (Site C)
No Project: This area is directly behind the Big Dalton Debris Basin but outside the fenced area. It is completely undeveloped except for a cement water-flow gaging structure that follows the stream. The area is currently used for occasional dumping and also as part of a motorcycle dirt track that runs from there into the mouth of Mystic Canyon. The area is subject to flooding.
Picnicking Area: The area would be suitable for picnicking. Approximately five individual sites plus one large group facility could be accommodated. Included in the area would be a pond for enhancement of the picnicking spot and also a demonstration of pond succession.
Parking: Because of the relatively few flat spots in the canyon, this site would serve adequately for parking.Although some fill work would have to be carried out, the area would not be considerably impacted and could provide an adequate number of parking spaces that would be fairly central in location.
Mystic Canyon Nature Area (Site D)
No Project: This area is situated on a bluff between the Big Dalton Canyon Road and Mystic Canyon Creek. It once was the site of a small home now torn down. It is covered with oak trees and has several large boulders situated in it. It is currently
page 23
being used by hikers, off road vehicles and picnickers.
Picnicking: The area could be converted into a beautiful picnicking spot because of the tree coverage. Probably ten to twelve picnic sites could be established here.
Nature Center: Because of the accessibility to the parking and its height above the main Big Dalton steam bed, this site would be adequate for a Nature Center. It could accommodate about a 2400 square foot building, access trails, service parking and a live animal display area.
Group Camping and Activity Areas
These alternatives will define the part that the two group camping sites and one day campsite will play in the park plan.
No Project: These sites would remain with their programs being continued as they are at present.
Increased Community Use: This alternative would provide community groups more of an opportunity to use these facilities. Since the owner organizations are not from Glendora, it would appear that this would be conducive to better relations with the community wherein their facilities reside.
Limitations: These group facilities excepting the day camp, could be under the same terms as the private residences, that is having fixed termination dates on their leases.
Day Camp
One additional alternative for the day camp site is its possible use as a site for the nature center. Environmentally, this setting is adequate and there are already some existing facilities, i.e. restrooms and a meeting hall.
page 24
Flood Control District Mud Fill (Site E)
No Project: This site is the result of cleanup activities after the 1968-1969 floods. Mud and debris that filled the Big Dalton Canyon Dam was excavated and used to fill-in and entire side of the canyon. The mud fill has access roads crisscrossing its front face and two large flat areas on top about 200 feet above the canyon floor. The fill has been re-vegetated with a variety of native and non-native vegetation and the only current activities are the maintenance of the plants and drainage conduits on the fill.
Camping: This will give two sub-alternatives, mainly individual or open camping and group camping. With individual camping the area would be open either by car of hiking to whoever desired to utilize the area. With group camping, reservations would have to be made and permits obtained for access by car to the area.
Sports Activities: With this alternative such sports as archery or target shooting would be allowed. This would most probably necessitate open access to the area.
Botanical Garden: This would further re-vegetate the mud fill area to the point of having species of many varied plant communities represented. This could then be used for educational purposes.
Trails
No Project: At the present time there is only one trail that has been constructed and maintained. This is the Paul Keiser Nature Trail located behind the day camp. Any other trails are merely footpaths and unmaintained. There is one such path that leads up Mystic Canyon but is a dead end. This alternative would leave many beautiful areas in the canyon without access for those who appreciate such places and who would desire to get away from the higher use areas.
page 25
Trail System: This alternative would consist of about nine trails with three nature trails including the existing one at the day camp. The main trails would be:
1. A trail from the Big Dalton Debris Basin to the upper end of the park. The total extent would be in the stream bottom.
2. A biking loop leading from Mystic Canyon to the Girl Scout Camp and then to the Mud Fill site.
3. Trails linking present equestrian trails to the Monroe and Bluebird Truck trails.
4. Various other trail loops leading from the canyon floor into the mountains and returning again.
Little Dalton Canyon Debris Basin (Site F)
No Project: This area would remain in use as a part of the flood control system in this area. This area is completely fenced off. There is also current use by equestrians of this area for access to mountain trails.
Pioneer Park: This alternative would provide access to the area around the debris basin for recreational use. The area would be basically a free roaming area for the younger population. The willow thickets, streams and open areas provide for an excellent adventure experience. There would be required some personnel for safety reasons under this alternative. Restroom facilities and picnic tables would be placed in this area on a seasonal basis.
page 26
VI Evaluation of Alternatives
The evaluation process will proceed in much of the same manner as the presentation of the alternatives. Each site will be evaluated according to the criteria established for the determination of the best use of each area. Before beginning the evaluation of the projects, it would seem appropriate to cover all the “no project” alternatives in one category so as to avoid much repetition.
The “no project” alternative is found to be lacking in almost all areas except possibly in the minimization of economic costs. It is not publicly or politically acceptable because it makes no use of the city land for its intended purpose. On the whole, the present status of the canyon, while preserving some areas simply because of inaccessibility, does not provide for the enhancement of the wilderness qualities. Such activities as dirt bike riding, dragging up and down Big Dalton Canyon Road, trash dumping and vandalism provide little enhancement to the area. Also, at present, the facilities available for educational experiences are limited to the day camp. This alternative is very enforceable because of the lack of development in the park.
page 27
Big Dalton Percolation Basin (Site A)
The alternatives of camping or equestrian use are both consistent with all the criteria for the park except compatibility of these activities with the agency activities in the area. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the Flood Control District plans to expand its spreading basins into the flat area being considered for camping. The equestrian camping site is still under study with regard to the use the LACFCD has planned. This study will conclude in November 1977 at which time further planning efforts may resume. The LACFCD is also very conscious of water quality and for this reason the use of the area by equestrians is questionable. However, because the area is not being used for percolation, the quality problem should not be too difficult to resolve. The use of the site as a trail crossover for access to additional equestrian trails is also subject to the results of the study.
Big Dalton Debris Basin (Site B)
The use of the debris basin site as a bird sanctuary provides a great opportunity to use the resources of the park for its wilderness qualities and for educational purposes. With the placement of bird blinds at the site, which is a very low cost venture, its use for educational purposes would be greatly increased. The other activities cited as alternatives are also very low cost and also serve as activities which are compatible with the park, however, they are not compatible with a bird sanctuary. If these activities are included in the area, actions would have to be taken to mitigate their impact.
Whatever activities are allowed with this area, use must be by a reservation or permit
page 28
system. One critical issue is the liability for the use of the area. Because of the water body that exists, there are potential safety problems. Liability for accidents within the area would have to be determined before the area was made accessible.
These uses may have some political ramifications in that they may preclude the use of the area as a trail for equestrians for access to the back of the canyon. The equestrian group is quite large in the city of Glendora and will probably voice strong opposition if no other alternative access routes can be obtained. This use of the area seems to be publicly acceptable.
Big Dalton Wash (Site C)
The two activities, parking and picnicking are compatible for this area. The parking that could be provided is also compatible with the possible use of the Mystic Canyon site for a nature center facility which would also require parking. The parking area could accommodate up to 55 vehicles and thus provide convenience to the public for use of the park.
Both the activities enhance the wilderness park and the ability for people to enjoy it. The major negative measurement can be taken against the criteria for safety. The area is subject to flooding during the years of heavy rains. Because of the small number of areas that are usable in the canyon, the need for such sites warrants use that will take into account this environmental hazard. A minimum number of facilities in the picnic area would be allowed while the parking area would have to be constructed with adequate drainage and support such as gunite to curb erosion of the banks. These activities pose little problem in the other criteria evaluations.
page 29
Mystic Canyon Nature Area (Site D)
The picnicking and nature center alternatives for this site are both compatible to the site and to the park plan, but only one of those activities can exist at a time. The site is subject to several environmental hazards, mainly flood, rock fall and fire. However, these hazards can be mitigated if the site is chosen for use. The flood danger is minimal because the use area is above past flood water heights. The fire danger can be limited with the type of materials used in construction of the facilities and the rock fall potential is limited because of existing boulders serving as a barrier against falling rock. Either alternative would receive equal consideration under other specified criteria.
Access The closed access alternative would not be acceptable under the public and political acceptability criterion. Neither would it provide for use of the park for educational purposes. It would, however, minimize cost to the city and preserve the canyon in its wilderness state. With the main road open the length of the park, there would be a tendency to have more cars in the park, and as is the case presently, for cars to use excessive speeds upon exiting the canyon. These factors could present safety hazards to pedestrians and would not serve to enhance the wilderness quality of the park.
The controlled access alternative would use a system of gates for regulating access and flows of traffic. There would probably be a night gate and one other control gate to concentrate traffic in a high use area. This system would have a very direct effect on the location of activities within the park. This alternative appears to comply to the criteria in all cases. This would serve to preserve the wilderness area while also providing an area of high use where there are activities in harmony with the park. Also with traffic regulated,
page 30
the safety factor would be increased and traffic flows would be more compatible with the area.
Group Camping and Activity Areas
The increased Community use alternative hinges on the political acceptability criteria since the organizations that wont these sites are from out of town. Were these organization to make these facilities more available, the political acceptability of permitting these camps to continue their programs would improve.
The removal alternative falls down in two areas. The economic loss resulting from such action and the fact that these activity centers are in harmony with the goal of providing educational experiences in the wilderness. The possibility of locating the nature center at the day camp site is equally as good as the Mystic Canyon Site under several criteria. The one criterion which will strongly influence this decision is the choice of access alternatives. Depending upon that choice, this location may or may not be compatible with the park’s layout. In addition, parking potential is not adequate to provide appropriate public use at this site.
Flood Control District Mud Fill
Individual or group camping would both provide an experience compatible with the park. Some aspects of individual camping do not meet the criteria, however. Because of the relative inaccessibility of this area and the small amount of area available, open camping would be prone to conflicts between groups that would be using the site or by parties that enter the ground for other incompatible reasons. This type of camping places heavy demands on facilities and presents more safety and enforcement problems.
page 31
Group camping on the other hand is usually more easily supervised and coupled with a reservation system would prevent disruptions. This of course would improve the safety and enforceability of park policies. The smaller and more controlled groups would also provide for activities more in harmony with the park. This type of camping is also more acceptable to those institutions such as the Forest Service and the County Fire Department who would have to be involved in any accidents, fires, etc., that might occur. This alternative would also minimize the costs of upkeep.
Sports Activities: This type of activity is basically incompatible with the wilderness aspect of the park and this type of activity would probably be at odds with the access.
Botanical Garden: The botanical garden would be very compatible with the park and also to the enhancement of the wilderness and education experiences available. Also the cost would be minimal because of the use of native plants.
Trails:
A system of trails would provide access to areas outside the park for a greater appreciation of the flora, fauna and scenery of area. This activity is compatible and also enhances the park. The nature trails are particularly beneficial in providing more education about the environment of the area. The trails also are politically acceptable because they satisfy demands from such interest groups as equestrians and Scouts of American who are in need of such places and activities.
Little Dalton Debris Basin
Although outside of the park boundaries, the use of this area as a Pioneer Adventure Park will be an asset to the effectiveness of the Big Dalton Wilderness area. Opening this area to recreational use will relieve pressure on areas within the park for recreational use.
page 32
This will in turn enhance the wilderness and educational quality of the wilderness park. This use then would be compatible to the overall use of the area. In light of the water that is usually in the debris basin, there is a safety problem. Unless safety personnel were placed within this area, this alternative would be lacking both in safety and enforceability. Naturally this would require an expenditure of funds for these personnel, thus increasing the costs of operation of such an alternative. This would seem to be a publicly acceptable use because of the recreation use that it provides, one that is both scarce and needed.
page 33
VII Recommendations
A. Classification of Sites
1. Little Dalton Site
2. Big Dalton Spreading Grounds
3. Big Dalton Debris Basin
4. Big Dalton Picnic Complex
5. Big Dalton Parking Area
6. City-owned House and Adjacent Property
7. Nature Center
8. Trail System
9. Y.M.C.A. Camp Facilities and Program (Camp Miller)
10. Girl Scout Camp and Program
11. City Day Camp Area and Program (Camp Cahuilla)
12. Overnight Camping Area
B. Description of Sites
1. Little Dalton Site
a. City-owned land - The City of Glendora owns two separate sections of land within the site. These two sections will be referred to as Section A (south end) and Section B (north end).
1.) Existing structures - none
2.) Location - refer to map # 7
3.) Owned acreage - section A - approximately 11 acres; Section B - approximately 4 acres
a.) Section A - Hiking Trail through east-facing
page 34
slope (oak woodland)
approximate distance - one-half mile
purpose - hiking only
nature - non-self guided
b.) Section B
Purpose - to provide access route for equestrians along stream channel
b. Little Dalton Debris Basin - Refer to map # 7
Purpose of Use - To provide a variety of uses based upon a seasonal plan
1.) Season # 1 - June (Monday following end of school year) through August 31.
a.) Toilets to be rented for a period of three months
b.) Ten picnic tables to accommodate 80 persons
c.) Tables to be used during the three-month summer period only
d.) Tables to be taken out of park in September and replaced in June.
e.) Two sun umbrellas to accommodate the two park staff members (north end and south end of lake)
f.) Two portable loudspeakers - one for each staff member
g.) Usage - Junior Adventure Park
h.) Use by individuals 14 years of age and under
page 35
i.) Park Permits - Individuals meeting above requirements may obtain a permit at the Nature Center (or at the Recreation Park until the completion of the Nature Center)
j.) Type of Use - Free play within established and posted boundaries. Picnicking - no cooking - no barbecues
k.) Walking path throughout park area
l.) Staff required - a minimum of two City Recreation staff members (one staff member to supervise south end of park; one staff member to patrol north end of park)
m.) Requirements for staff -
Must be certificated lifeguards
Must possess more than adequate training in first aid
Be at least eighteen years of age
n.) Equipment necessary -
C.B. radio or instrument capable of immediate communication with Recreation Department
Two chemical toilets
o.) Special Regulations -
No wading or swimming
p.) Control Structures -
Foot apparel must be worn at all times
page 36
2.) Season # 2 - September 1 - mid June
a.) Usage - Bird Refuge for use by anyone wishing to observe wildlife by use of a bird blind. Free access to water not permissible because of disturbance to migratory birds.
b.) Equipment necessary - Three bird blinds
Two blinds to be placed along east access road on the west side of the road.
One blind to be placed on the west access road on its east side.
c.) Permit - Use by permit only, obtainable at the Nature Center. Each user party given a key to the Flood Control gate. No time limit on users of bird sanctuary except that it is limited to operating hours of the Nature Center of users of hours of the Nature Center office.
d.) Maximum number of users - Three parties or 25 people, whichever is the greater
c. Privately Owned Land (Gonzales property)
1.) Acreage - Nine acres
2.) Present Use - Horse pasturage and recreational area for private owner.
3.) Location - Adjacent and upstream from the Little Dalton Debris Basin - Refer to map # 10
4.) Proposal - Access route through private property to link equestrian trail to the south and north of said property.
page 37
5.) Correspondence with private property owner in spring of 1977 - favorable depending upon location of access route. Owner suggested route along eastern edge of property between said property and Glendora Mountain Road.
d. Little Dalton Site Parking
Recommend use of the existing Los Angeles County Flood Control area on the west side of Glendora Mountain Road, adjacent to the south end of the Little Dalton Debris Basin.
1.) Maximum capacity - thirty cars
2.) Modification of existing parking area - Light surface grading; post signs indicating that parking should be straight into the fence (perpendicular).
2. Big Dalton Spreading Grounds (The south two spreading units 8 & 9)
a. Location - See map numbers ____
b. Existing facilities - Flood Control access road along perimeter of said area
c. Approximate acreage of area under consideration - three acres
d. Proposed Use - Equestrian access route from Carlyle Lynder City Park to the east of the wash. Construction of two bridges is necessary, one over Little Dalton Wash Channel and one over the Big Dalton Wash Channel.
e. Equestrian Campground -
1.) Number of campsite units - eight
2.) Number of person/unit - four
3.) Modification of present area -Removal of any equipment by the
page 38
Flood Control as they see necessary. Cleaning of brush in campsite designated areas. No trees will be removed.
f. Equipment and materials needed -
1.) Installation of water pipe and placement of four; water faucets.
2.) No toilets necessary. Use of restrooms at Carlyle Lynder City Park proposed.
3.) Number of picnic tables - eight (one per campsite)
4.) Horse hitching posts - eight ( one per campsite)
g. Use Permit - No permits necessary. Free use of camp facility by individuals or groups, equestrians or pedestrians.
h. Alternative Use Plan # 1
Day picnic area only for equestrians and pedestrians. All modifications and needed equipment the same as proposed above. Recommended only if overnight camping is not allowed by Flood Control.
i. Alternative Use Plan # 2
Day picnic area for walk-in use only.
j. Alternative Use Plan # 3
Construction of one bridge over Dalton Wash Channel at junctions of the Little and Big Dalton Wash Channels. Recommended only if the Flood Control does not allow joint use of their spreading grounds.
page 39
k. Proposed Parking - Recommend use of the parking area at the Carlyle Lynder City Park.
3. Big Dalton Debris Basin
a. Location - Refer to map # 9
b. Ownership - Los Angeles County Flood Control District
c. Acreage - Approximately fifteen
d. Proposed Use - Bird Sanctuary
1.) Modification of area - Plant native plants between bird blinds to provide concealment for users of the bird blinds. Construction of walking trail through thicket on the upstream side of Lake.
2.) Equipment Needed - Installation of three bird blinds on the south side of the Flood Control access road , on the north side of the basin. Blinds to be constructed above high water mark.
e. Regulations - Access by permit only. Permit obtainable at Nature Center. Key to the Flood Control gate issued with the permit. Use not to exceed three groups or 35 persons, whichever shall be the greater.
f. Parking - Use of Dalton Canyon parking area. Refer to map # 9. Refer to page 29 for discussion of Dalton Canyon parking area.
4. Big Dalton Picnic Complex
a. Location - Refer to map # 9
b. Ownership - All within city-owned property
page 40
c. Classification of proposed facilities/activities.
1.) Picnic Area
2.) Par-excercise Course
3.) Pond
4.) Restrooms
d. Description of Facilities/Activities
1.) Picnic Area
a.) Capacity - Eighty persons
b.) Picnic Tables - Ten (group area - six tables; individual units, four tables)
c.) Cooking Stoves - Group Area - two; Individual Units - four
e. Pond
1.) Size of Pond - Approximately thirty feet wide by thirty feet long by three feet deep
2.) Water Source - Big Dalton stream
3.) Purpose - To increase the aesthetic appeal of the area and provide additional habitats for aquatic plants and animals. To provide additional opportunities for park users to observe wildlife.
4.) Use - For observation only. No wading, swimming or fishing.
5.) Access - Via a short trail from Dalton Canyon parking area.
6.) Modification of Area - Proposed area is in site of previously disturbed wash area. This area has recently been used as a dumping area for trash. Grading of the area and creation of pond necessary.
7.) Removal of trees - None
page 41
8.) Restroom - Refer to map # 11.
a.) Number recommended - two
b.) Type - Permanent chemical toilets.
5. Big Dalton Canyon Parking Area
a. Location - See map # 13
b. Capacity - fifty
c. Type of parking surface - asphalt
d. Landscaping - See map # 11, See page # 55 for recommendations for native plants to be used in landscaping.
6. City-Owned House and Adjacent Area
a. Location - Refer to map # 4
b. Proposed Use - Temporary site for Nature Center. Use of adjacent property to the west for growth of native plants to be use in park
landscaping.
c. Parking (proposed)
1.) Capacity - Fifteen spaces
2.) Location - Adjacent to said city owned house
3.) Modification of Area - Minor grading
4.) Type of surface - Dirt
7. Nature Center Area
a. Location - Mouth of Mystic Canyon. See map # 12
b. Building Size - Approximately 2400 square feet
c. Facilities -
1.) Classroom to accommodate 35 persons
2.) Display area
3.) Two restrooms
4.) Janitorial room
5.) One office room
page 42
6.) Lobby and information desk
7.) Work room for research, etc.
8.) Lounge for staff and guests
9.) Adjacent outside amphitheater - Location at approximately fifty feet northwest of northwest corner Nature Center
Seating capacity - 200 persons
d. History - The site was previously the location of an early canyon home which has long since been removed.
e. Present Use - No existing structures except partial remains of house foundation.
f. Existing Biota - The site is located in an oak woodland. Coastal Sate- Scrub and chaparral plant communities as well as riparian habitat, are all represented in or near this site. The under story plants of the specific area intended for construction have all been disturbed in the past by previous activity connected with the construction and maintenance of an early canyon home.
g. Modification of Environment - Removal of previously planted ground cover (non-native). Removal of fifteen to twenty low shrubs of the chaparral and coastal-sage scrub plant communities and the removal of two coast live oak trees.
h. Recommendation of building material - Outside material to be native rock of slump stone of such a color that would blend well with the actual site location.
8. Trail System
a. Classification of trails
page 43
1.) Wilderness hiking trails
2.) Wilderness equestrian and hiking trails
3.) Canyon bottom footpath
4.) Self-guided nature trails
b. Location of trails - See map # 3 & 14 (Large Map)
c. Approximate total number of miles of trails - 12.5
d. Wilderness Hiking Trails
1.) Purpose - To offer a more genuinely wilderness experience to those capable of moderate to strenuous hiking
2.) Number of miles of trail - Eight
3.) Use - For hikers only
4.) Regulations and permit system - Use of all wilderness trails by permit only. Permits obtained at Nature Center.
5.) Wilderness trails subject to fire closure
6.) Purpose of Permits - To ensure adequate accountability of persons using wilderness trails in case of emergency (accident, fire) and to ensure no one is using wilderness trails during days of fire closure.
7.) Fire Closure - Wilderness trails will be closed on those days established by the Los Angeles County Fire Department as red-flag alert days. Fire closure information can generally be obtained the afternoon before closure from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Park users can learn of the closure the day before their planned hike.
page 44
8.) Description of trails
a.) Trail # 1
Proposed Name - Mystic Canyon Wilderness Trail
Approximate Distance - 1.8 miles
Special Modifications - See Mystic Canyon Self-guided Nature Trail, page number twelve for special trail reinforcement in lower canyon.
b.) Trail # 2
Proposed Name - Scenic Loop Wilderness Trail
Approximate Distance - ).75 miles
Special Modifications - None
c.) Trail # 3
Proposed Name - Hidden Canyon Wilderness Trail
Approximate Distance - 1.1 miles
Special Modifications - None
d.) Trail # 4
Proposed Name - Elymus Flats Wilderness Trail
Approximate Distance - 1.3 miles
Special Modifications - None
e.) Trail # 5
Proposed Name - Deer Flats Wilderness Trail
Approximate distance - 2.3 miles
Special Modifications - None
f.) Trail # 6
Proposed Name - Water Pipe Canyon Wilderness Trail
Approximate Distance - 0.3 miles
Special Modifications - None
g.) Trail # 7
Proposed Name - Big Cienega Wilderness Trail
Approximate distance - 1 mile
Special Modifications - None
page 45
h.) Trail # 8
Proposed Name - Maple Canyon Wilderness Trail
Approximate Distance - 0.1 mile
Special Modifications - None
e. Wilderness Equestrian and Hiking Trails
1.) Purpose - To provide access route for equestrians through the park to outlying existing truck trails and future house trails.
2.) Number of miles of trail = 1.4
3.) Use - For use by equestrians and hikers
4.) Regulations and permit system - same as for the wilderness trails
5.) Fire Closure - Same as for the wilderness trails
6.) Trail Classification -
a.) Trail # 1
Distance - 0.6 miles
Purpose - To provide equestrian access from Carlyle Lynder Equestrian Park to Bluebird Truck-trail
If equestrian access through Big Dalton Canyon becomes necessary because of non-access of the west portion of the Bluebird Truck-trail, the lower portion of this trail will still be used to provide access into the canyon floor. This access route is the only practical route to the canyon floor which keeps equestrians off the main canyon motorway and also far enough away from bird refuge so as not to disturb the waterfowl.
Special modifications - See section discussing wash channel bridges linking Carlyle Lynder Equestrian Park to wilderness equestrian and hiking trail # 1.
page 46
b.) Alternative Trail # 1
Recommended only if western portion of Bluebird Truck-trail is not available for equestrian use.
c.) Trail # 2
Distance - 0.75 miles
Purpose - To provide a circular loop for equestrians via the Monroe Truck-trail
This access route will allow hikers and equestrians to use the Monroe Truck-trail with the option of returning via a different route. Hikers starting up the Monroe Truck-trail from U.S. Forest Service and Little Dalton Park will return to within one hundred yards of the park via this trail. Equestrians starting up Monroe Truck-trail from Carlyle Lynder Equestrian Center can return in a circular route. The proposed access route takes equestrians within one hundred yards of the park via this trail, (Little Dalton Park) where they stay on the northeast side of Glendora Mountain Road until they enter Little Dalton Park and pass under the Glendora Mountain Road Bridge by the same route they entered the area.
Special Modifications - None
d.) Self-guided Nature Trails
Purpose - To provide short distance trails into especially scenic park areas for the purpose of providing number coordinated explanations of flora, fauna, historic features and scenic areas. This is to be accomplished by use of nature trail pamphlet coordinated with trail-side markers.
page 47
Pamphlets to be obtained at the trail head.
Number of miles of trail - 1.35
Number of trails - three
Use - By foot traffic only. Exceptions: Nature Trail # 2 will be designed for use by wheel chair patients, persons requiring a seeing-eye dog and others requiring other mechanical aides.
Regulations and Permit System - No permit necessary
Fire Closure - Not subject to fire closure.
Classification of self-guided nature trails
Trail # 1
Proposed Name - Mystic Canyon Self- guided Nature Trail
Purpose - To provide a self-guided trail near the nature center and nearest the central activity area of the park.
Difficulty Level - Moderate to strenuous.
Trail # 2
Proposed Name - Towhee Self-guided Nature Trail
Distance - 0.2 miles
Purpose - To provide easily accessible self-guided trail for the severely physically and/or mentally handicapped. To emphasize features such as sights, sounds, tastes (of plants), touch for those capable of utilizing these senses.
Special Facilities
Walkway Surface - Asphalt
Appropriate hand rails for use by the blind
page 48
Permission to use seeing eye dog
Nature trail pamphlets written in braille
Walking bridge spanning Mystic Canyon to connect with asphalt walkway to Nature Center entrance.
Rustic Wooden bridge - Length of forty feet, width of fifteen feet.
Special Modifications
Base of bridge with smooth asphalt finish.
Baseboards three feet high on both sides, baseboards with smooth surface.
Adequate handrail for the handicapped.
Special asphalted walkway with handrails leading to the parking lot.
Difficulty level - Easy
Trail # 3
Proposed Name - Paul Keiser Self- guided Nature Trail
Distance - 0.45 miles
Purpose - To provide an appropriate educational tool for users of the upper canyon area including the girl scout program and the city day camp program.. Terrain-including all existing plant communities within the park, as does the Mystic Canyon Trail. Rival in scenic beauty to the Mystic Canyon Trail, as it passes through the scenic lower area of Water-Pipe Canyon.
Special Features - Two trails with benches
Trail-side rustic amphitheater to accommodate 20 people at site yielding maximum scenic view of canyon and the town of Glendora.
Wooden footbridge previously installed
page 49
9. Y.M.C.A. Camp Miller and Facility Program
a. Location l- See map # 2
b. Ownership - Y.M.C.A. Covina
Operated by the San Gabriel Valley Family Y.M.C.A. located in Covina
c. Current Use - Used almost solely by Y.M.C.A. sponsored activities.
1.) School year week days - Little to no use
2.) School year week nights - Limited use
3.) School year weekends - Occasional to moderate use
4.) Special holidays - Moderate use.
5.) Summer weekdays - Moderate to heavy use
6.) Summer weekends - Moderate to heavy use
d. Proposed Use - Joint usage of the Camp Miller facilities with the City of Glendora. Considerable use by the City of Glendora is suggested during the school year when there are limited activities at Camp Miller.
e. Response from Y.M.C.A. - Favorable response to the above proposal.
Lease Recommendation - Recommend long term lease with the agreement of joint usage by the City of Glendora .
f. Parking Facilities - Use of current Y.M.C.A. parking facility.
10. Girl Scout Camp Facilities and Program
a. Location - See map # 1
b. Ownership - Spanish Trails Girl Scout Council
c. Operated - Spanish Trails Girl Scout Council
d. Current Use - Used almost solely by Girl Scout associated groups.
1.) School year weekdays - Little to No Use
page 50
2.) School year week nights - Little to no use.
3.) School year weekends - Heavy use.
4.) Holidays - Heavy use.
5.) Summer weekdays and nights - Heavy use with resident camps.
e. Proposed Use - Joint usage of the Girl Scout facility with the City of Glendora. Considerable use is suggested during school year weekdays if additional city sponsored programs become appropriate.
f. Response from Spanish Trails Girl Scout Council (per meeting with Grandon Hamill on 4/4/77 in Glendora) - Favorable to the above proposal.
g. Lease Recommendation - Recommend a long term lease with the agreement of joint usage with programs sponsored by the City of Glendora.
h. Parking Facilities - Recommend joining usage with city day camp parking facilities. See page # 51 for description of the city day camp parking facilities. Parking not adequate at Girl Scout facility.
11. City Day Camp Facilities and Program
a. Location - See map # 1
b. Ownership - Owned by the City of Glendora
c. Operated by - The City of Glendora (Recreation Dept.)
d. Current Use - Used almost exclusively by the City of Glendora Day Camp Program (Camp Cahuilla) sponsored by the Recreation Department.
1.) School year weekdays and nights - Little to no use.
2.) School year weekends - Limited use, used one Saturday each month for nature walks sponsored by the City of Glendora.
page 51
3.) Holidays - Little to no use.
4.) Summer weekdays - Heavy use during six to eight weeks of day camp and nature camp programs sponsored by the City of Glendora’s Recreation Department.
5.) Summer Week nights - Little to no use.
e. City Proposed Use - Continuation and enlargement of city’s summer day camp program and nature camp program. Encouragement of use by other activities sponsored by the City of Glendora. Recommend usage during school year weekdays and weekends for activities sponsored by the City of Glendora.
f. Parking l- Location and proposed design, see map # 1
g. Current Parking capacity - Ten sagely parked.
h. Recommend changes to parking - Limited landscaping and restructure of current parking facility to provide the following:
1.) Parking capacity - Twenty-one
2.) Parking surface - Graded dirt
3.) Parking indicators = Railroad ties indicating perpendicular parking
i. Construction of additional facilities - Recommend construction of outside amphitheater
1.) Location - Open area to the southeast of the new restroom facility and within two-hundred feet of said facility.
2.) Capacity - To seat one-hundred persons
3.) Facilities
a.) Benches - two inch diameter pipe supports provided by one inch by twelve inch smooth surface boards, pipe supports anchored in cement
b.) Stage area - Dirt surface with eight inch wide by ten inch high wooden backdrop, electrical outlets to accommodate slide,
page 52
movie and sound presentations.
12. Overnight Camping Area
a. Proposed Name - Owl Flats Campground
b. Location - Upper canyon on mud fill previously terraced and landscaped by the LACFCD and U.S. Forest Service, see Map # 6.
c. Formation - Created by deposition of earth and debris from dredging of the Big Dalton Dam.
d. Existing Facilities l- Water drainage, structures, usable access roads.
e. Proposed Use of Mud Fill Area - Overnight camping and or picnicking, planting of native plants on the steep slopes to create a botanical garden.
f. Number of campgrounds - Two
1.) West Campground
a.) Capacity - twenty-five
b.) Picnic Tables (to seat eight) - Four - arranged in a group situation
c.) Cooking Units - One group stove
d.) Restrooms - Two chemical toilets
e.) Telephone - One placed between west and east campground for joint use.
f.) Water - Installation of one water faucet for group use.
g.) Parking - Five parking spaces marked by railroad ties.
2.) East Campground
a.) Capacity - Forty persons
b.) Picnic benches - Ten - arranged in a group situation and five arranged for use by small groups.
page 53
c.) Cooking Units - One large stove for group use and five for small groups.
d.) Restrooms - Two chemical toilets
e.) Telephone - See item # 52
f.) Water - Installation of two water faucets
g.) Heliport - Specifically marked heliport area to service emergencies in upper canyon area.
h.) Assembly Area
Capacity - Forty persons
Location - Overlooking canyon to the south
Construction - Telephone pole supports with one inch by twelve inch smooth wooden seats
Parking - Five to seven parking spaces marked by railroad ties.
i.) Campground Regulations
Use - By groups only, potential group users to be those recognized and sanctioned by the City of Glendora.
Permits - Group use by reservation only. Each group to be issued permits obtainable from information desk of the nature center.
Allowed activities - Compliance of established regulations developed for the general use of Glendora Wilderness Park.
Fire Closure - Overnight camping subject to fire closures periods. Possible use of this area for picnicking during fire closure.
page 54
C. Recommendations For Canyon Landscaping
1. Recommendation: That all landscaping be done with plants native to the proposed park area.
2. Justification: To introduce plants which are by nature adapted to the physical and biotic elements of the specific environment.
3. Classification of Proposed Plants:
a. Trees
b. Shrubs
c. Sub-shrubs
4. Description of Proposed Plants:
Trees
Common Name Botanical Name Requirements
White Alder Alnus rhombifolia Near water, permanent water source preferred
Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia Not recommended on south-facing slopes or too near standing water
Golden Cup Oak Quercus chrysolepis Near stream channels,
(Canyon Live Oak) deep canyons, north-
facing slopes
Western Sycamore Platanus racemosa Near water courses, above
ground water not necessary , rocky and/or
sandy surface is preferred
Big Cone Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga macrocarpa Well formed soil horizon,
deep canyons, north-facing slopes
Big Leaf Maple Acer macrophyllum Deep canyons, north-facing slopes, stream channels
California Walnut Juglans californica Near canyon bottoms in our area
page 55
California Laurrel Umbellularia californica Near canyon bottoms
(California Bay)
(Oregon Myrtle)
Shrubs
Laurrel-leaf Sumac Rhus laurina Full sun, south, west and east exposures, hill sides, dry washes
Toyon
(Christmas Berry) Heteromeles arbutifolia All except south-facing slopes
Hairy-leaf Ceanothus Ceanothus oliganthus All except south-facing slopes
California Juniper Juniperus californicus Dry washes
Hoary-leaf Ceanothus Ceanothus crassifolius Best on west and east- facing slopes or dry washes
Holly-leaf Cherry Prunis illicifolia Best in local areas of red volcanic rock, all but south- facing slopes
Redberry Rhamnus crocea All except south-facing
var. illicifolia slopes
Sub-shrubs
Golden-flowered Ribes aureum Dry washes, part to full sun
Currant
Mallow-leaved Currant Ribes malvaceum Not on south- facing slopes
Coyote Brush Baccharus pillularis Best in dry washes
Brittle Brush Encelia farinosa South-facing slopes, dry washes
White Sage Salvia apiana Full exposure, not on north- facing slopes
Black Sage Salvia mellifera Not on south-facing slopes
Bush Monkey Flower Mimulus longiflora Not on south-facing slopes
page 56
VIII Implementation
The implementation of the recommendations are described here in term of short or long term action. By short term is meant within the next year or shortly thereafter. By long term is meant as the resources become available for their completion.
Short Term Projects
1. Construction of night gate at the entrance of the park. Placement of existing gate from the Day Camp Site to the Mystic Canyon Site.
2. Complete land fill for parking facilities and pave area for parking. This is at the Big Dalton Wash Site. Also place picnicking and cooking facilities in wash area.
3. Construction of hiking, equestrian and nature trails. With priority on the Big Dalton Trail, the Mystic Canyon hiking trail and Nature Trails at proposed nature center site.
4. Application of LACFCD for use of Little and Big Dalton Debris Basins. Upon approval, establishment of key and permit system for use of areas. Construction of bird blinds, placement of table in Little Dalton Area during summer.
5. Construction of water lines to reach the entire length of the park.
6. Begin nature center activities out of the city-owned home. Begin development of nature education displays and material for nature center.
7. Restructuring of parking for Day Camp. Construction of Amphitheater.
8. Application for Federal and State Funds for completion of short and long term projects.
Long Term Projects
1. Construction of a nature center
page 57
2. Development and implementation of an outdoor education program.
3. Construction of camping facilities at the Mud Fill.
4. Completion of an inter linking system of trails and nature trails.
5. Construction of an equestrian campground at the Big Dalton Percolation Basin site.
page 58
Costs of Implementation
This report is to give a general idea of some of the costs of implementing the park development plan. This is particularly useful as a guide in applying for federal or state funds. Most of the figures derived are purposely inflated to account for unforeseen and miscellaneous costs. These costs will also exclude the development of the equestrian camping site because of the uncertainty of using the area. These costs estimates reflect retail market prices and not the price the city could probably obtain.
Entrance Gates
1. Night Gate - Approximately thirty feet wide by seven to eight high
Posts, fence supports and locks $418
2. Second or Control Gate
Removal and replacement of existing gate at Day Camp
three men at two and one-half days to
remove and replace gates $240 equipment and cement 150
miscellaneous equipment and trucks 100
$490 Total $490
Parking Lot
1. Pavement
Approximately 30,00 square feet of area to
be paved at 40 cents per square feet $12,000
2. Gunite - Slope toward stream* 8,000
3. Curbing
Approximately 1,000 feet of curb at
$5.00 per square feet 5,000
25,000 Total $25,000
* This is only one method of erosion control for the slope.
page 59
Grading
This includes the preparation of the parking lot and the grading and clearing of the picnic and camp sites.
Men and equipment Approx. $2,000
Individual Cooking Grills
Approximately nine grills for one campsite and picnic area
$125 each X nine $1,125
Group Barbecue Pits
Three group pits for two campsites and picnic area
Approximately four feet by six feet in size with adjustable grill
Block, cement, grill and construction $1,500
Amphitheater and Assembly Area
Four assembly areas at two campsites, one amphitheater at Day Camp and one in the nature center area. Constructed of pipe stands with two inch by twelve inch boards bolted on top. Includes wood, stands, materials and construction. $5,000
Restrooms - Portable, Chemical
These are prices as rented from a company
Six restrooms for picnic area and two campsites at $45 or $50 per month $600/year
12 months at $50 $3,600/year
six restrooms
three months at $50 six restrooms
three months at $50 $150
Restrooms - Total $3,750/year
page 60
Picnic Tables
Approximately thirty-six picnic tables for two campsites, picnic area and Little Dalton Site $125.00 each
thirty at $125.00 $4,500
Trash Receptacles
Approximately twenty for campgrounds and picnic areas
fifteen at $5.00 each $75.00
Nature Center Site
For the development of the Nature Center staff parking, bridge over Mystic Canyon and nature trail, the cost could range around $120,000. This is based on 2400 square feet at an approximate construction cost of $40 per square foot, plus general cost estimates of the bridge and general development of the site.
Personnel
Although different combinations of personnel could be used in the park, the following positions and possible salary levels are given:
Naturalist - supervisor of nature activities and development of Nature Center and park. Estimated salary starting $11,640 to $14,000 per year. These estimates are from similar parks found in the Los Angeles County Parks Nature system.
Supervisor - If a park supervisor is preferred, he/she could also act as naturalist. Top salary $16,000 per year.
Pioneer Park Supervisor
As described in the report, the Little Dalton area should have personnel on hand during its use. We recommend at least two people with first aid and lifeguard experience. At $3.50 per hour these supervisors would cost approximately $1,120 for the summer, assuming a two and one-half month period, for a total of $2,800.
page 61
Park Aides
Also at any time park aides could be hired to help run the park at $2.50 per hour for the summer. One park side would cost about $800 for this period.
Trails
Information provided by U.S. Forest Services. Their crews can construct trails at a cost of approximately $6,000 per mile of trail. This will increase or decrease depending on the difficulty of the terrain. We recommend that the Mystic Canyon trail to the Girl Scout Camp and Mud Fill be constructed by this crew. This is approximately 1.2 miles in length.
1.2 miles X 6000 = $7,200
If the total trail system were constructed by the U.S. Forest Service, the approximate cost would be $72,000. - twelve miles of trail = $6,000 per mile
Other high priority trails which might also be considered for completion by contract are:
1. The equestrian trail from the equestrian ring to the Bluebird Truck Trail.
2. Equestrian trail Loop beginning end ending at the Forest Services’s Little Dalton Campground.
Other implementation methods for remaining trails include interested community groups and individuals such as the Scouts of America.
Parking Barriers
These are for structuring of parking at the two campsites and parking for the Mud Fill. This cost includes the use of railroad ties that are supported by two other pieces of wood bolted on.
Costs for ties, supports, bolts and placement - approximately $3,000
page 62
Bird Blinds
Constructions of five bird blinds at the two debris basins (costs not available at this time).
Plants
Additional foliage will be needed especially for screening parking areas. These will be native plants so these screens will be natural and blend in well with the environment. Another $2,000 may cover the costs of acquiring and planting of this foliage.
Fire Hydrants
1. Proposed hydrant at the Mud Fill camp area. Costs are included in the price for the extension of the system.
2. Hydrants for nature center, Coulter Pine Site, would cost an additional $2,000 each.
Total Cost $4,000
Cost Example
Below is given the test of implementation, if everything was done in one year.
Bird Blinds (not available at this time)
Plants $2,000
Entrance Gates 980
Parking Lot 25,000
Grading 2,000
Restrooms 3,750
Picnic Tables 4,500
Trash Receptacles 75
Nature Center Site 120,000
Fire Hydrants 4,000
Extension of water system of Mud Fill 10,000
Personnel
Naturalist 11,600
Pioneer Park Supervisors 2,000
Trails 7,200
Parking Barriers 3,000
Cooking Grills 1,125
Barbecue Pits 1,500 Amphitheater and Assembly Areas 5,000
Approximate Total $204,458
Without Nature Center $84,458
page 63
IX Report Summary
This is a summary of the development of the park plan which will provide activities and access that will promote the use and appreciation of the area while maintaining its wilderness quality.
Goals and Objectives
Maintenance of the park as a wilderness area with an emphasis on the flora and fauna native to the area.
Provision of facilities for activities and uses that are in harmony with the wilderness area.
Provision for those groups that have special interest in the canyon subsequent to the above.
Enhancement of the park resources for educational purpose.
Planning the park so that it supports an area wide comprehensive plan.
Development of a plan that is consistent with the needs of the community and the policies of public agencies involved.
Criteria
There are seven criteria which are used. They are:
Public acceptability
Political acceptability
Enhancement of the wilderness quality of the area.
Safety
Minimization of economic costs.
Computability of planned activities.
Enforceability of measures employed.
Problem Analysis
The multifaceted aspect of this plan warrants an analysis of the components that are involved in its development. The main area of concern are historical background, the environmental setting, the public and private parties involved. Alternatives were then developed, they are:
Alternatives Identified
Project Area Alternatives
1. Access No project, Open, Closed, Controlled
Access
page 64
2. Percolation Basin No project, camping
3. Big Dalton Debris Basin No project, Bird Sanctuary, Fishing, Leisure Walking
4. Little Dalton Debris Basin No project, Adventure Park
5. Big Dalton Wash No project, Parking and Picnicking
6. Mystic Canyon No project, Nature Center, picnicking
7. Group Camping No project, Community Use, Removal,
8. Day Camp Site for Nature Center
9. City Owned Home No project, Interim Nature Center
10. Mud Fill No project, Camping, Sports, Botanical Garden
11. Trail No project, Trail System
Recommendations
Using the above mentioned criteria and alternatives, the following recommendations are made:
1. Use of controlled access through system of gates.
2. Equestrian camping in the LAFCD spreading grounds; with access bridges over washes.
3. Bird Sanctuary with bird blinds at the Big Dalton Debris Basin.
4. Pioneer Park with seasonal bird watching with bird blinds at Little Dalton Debris Basin.
5. Parking and Picnicking in Big Dalton Wash behind debris Basin.
6. Nature Center at Mystic Canyon
7. Retaining private group camping areas with expanded community use.
8. Group camping at the Mud Fill Site.
9. System of hiking, equestrian and nature trails
10. Development of parking at the Day Camp, Construction of an amphitheater.
page 65
11. System of 3 ponds.
12. Interim use of city-owned home as natural and local history museum.
Short Term
Implementation of a gate system, parking facilities, picnicking areas, bird sanctuary, first phase of trail system, extension of water system, the start of a nature program in a temporary facility and the use of the Little Dalton Site as a Pioneer Park.
Long Term
Implementation of nature center plans, an outdoor recreation program, camping facilities at the Mud Fill , the last phase of trails and nature trails, and establishment of an equestrian campground.
page 66
Appendix I
List of tributaries to Big Dalton Canyon with some flowing surface water at least six months a year (on the average year).
Mystic Canyon
Hidden Canyon (Proposed Name)
Water-Pipe Canyon (Proposed Name)
Bullock’s Canyon (Proposed Name)
Recommendations for acquisition of additional land, in order of priority.
Northwest acreage of Ferguson’s property. Especially that portion extending almost to the floor of Big Dalton Canyon near the Big Dalton Debris Basin. Topography with steep canyon slopes.
Entire Moberg acreage north the Y.M.C.A. Site at Mid-Canyon
page 67
Appendix II
Analysis of the fire hydrant facilities and future needs for the Glendora Wilderness Park. This consideration is based on communication with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The current number, location and specifications of current facilities will be reviewed in addition to consideration of the future needs of the park.
Operating Specifications
Los Angeles County preferred specifications
1. Hydrant diameter - six inches
2. Main Feeder diameter - six inches
3. Capacity - 1,000 gallon/minute
4. Spacing - No more than 1,000 feet apart
Specifications of Existing Facilities
1. Hydrant diameter - four inches
2. Main Feeder diameter - four inches
3. Capacity - Approx. 500 gallon/minute
4. Spacing - Exceeds 1,000 feet
Location of Existing Hydrant Facilities
Number of Existing Facilities - five
Location of Existing Facilities - See Map # 1
1. On the south side of Big Dalton Canyon Road, approximately twenty-five feet from junction of Glendora Mountain Road.
page 68
2. On the south side of Big Dalton Canyon, approximately 0.3 miles E of junction with Glendora Mountain Road, Ida Meacham’s house.
3. On the south side of Big Dalton Canyon Road within five feet of the water tank near Dunn’s cabin. Approximate distance from Glendora Mountain Road is 0.9 miles.
4. On the southeast side of Big Dalton Canyon Road at the parking area for the Glendora City Day Camp. Approximate distance from junction of Glendora Mountain Road is 1 mile.
5. Within thirty feet of the restroom facility at the Glendora City Day Camp.
Location of Proposed Fire Hydrant Facilities
Number of Fire Hydrants Proposed - three
Location of Fire Hydrants - See Map # 1
1. On the south side of Big Dalton Canyon Road directly opposite proposed site of the Nature Center. Approximate distance from the junction of Glendora Mountain Road is 0.5 miles.
2. On the south side of Big Dalton Canyon Road in Coulter Pine Grove directly opposite Camp Miller (Y.M.C.A.) Building) - Approximate distance from the junction of Glendora Mountain Road is 0.8 miles
page 69
3. On the east side of Big Dalton Canyon Road opposite the proposed overnight camping area (Owl Flats). Approximate distance from the junction of Glendora Mountain Road is 1.5 miles.
Appendix III
Proposal For Naming Important Physical Features Within The Park
Purpose
To adequately meet the future needs of providing efficient rescue service for the park and to provide adequate police and fire protection. This can be greatly enhanced by establishing names for eighteen existing outstanding physical features within the park. These features could then serve as reference points for establishing the exact locations of emergency situations. Only two of the existing eighteen tributary canyons to the main canyon(Big Dalton Canyon) are named on current legal maps o the area within park boundaries.
Criteria For Naming Physical Features
Several of the following proposed names have been in use for years by canyon residents of Big Dalton Canyon and by the Glendora City Day Camp employees. According to canyon residents, names have unofficially been given to tributary canyons by giving it the name of the canyons’ nearest resident. All names of canyon residents considered for use of canyon tributaries in this proposal, are those which have long been associated with Big Dalton Canyon.
Proposed names for the outstanding physical features of the canyon not based on the above criteria, are suggested because of their appropriate description of the feature (especially when no other name has been suggested by canyon users or residents).
page 71
Using these criteria for the basis of naming the eighteen outstanding physical features (yet unnamed), the following names are proposed. Each feature is given a number beginning with number one (1) in the southwest section of the park. The numbers will proceed easterly to the terminus of the park and hence northward to the north eastern park boundary. the numbers lastly proceed west to the northwest park boundary.
Location Of Physical Features - Refer to Map # 4
Classification Of Physical Features
1. Wrentit Gulch
2. Keiser Canyon
3. Meacham Canyon
4. Bullock’s Canyon
5. Dunn’s Canyon
6. Moody Canyon
7. Waterpipe Canyon
8. Deer Flats
9. Shay Canyon
10. Owl Canyon
11. Dutchman Canyon
12. Hidden Canyon
13. Hopp Canyon
14. Pedro Canyon
15. Madam Canyon
16. Potter’s Canyon
17. Dalton Vista
18. Kempheffner Canyon
page 72
Justification Of Name Proposal
1. Wrentit Gulch - No evidence of previously used name for this feature. Name derived from bird common to the chaparral plant community. This canyon area is principally of the chaparral plant community type. The song of the wrentit is commonly referred to as the “Song of the Chaparral’ by educational media because of its delightful and distinctive son.
2. Keiser Canyon - No previous name has been discovered for this canyon. This name is proposed in honor of Mr. Paul Keiser and his family who lived in the canyon from 1934 to 1951 until Paul’s accidental death in the canyon while he was trimming a tree. Paul served as head caretaker of the Big Dalton Dam during these years. Paul did much to promote interest in his beloved canyon and was preparing a history of Big Dalton Canyon at the time of his death. The Los Angeles County Survey Department tried to get Paul to name Keril Canyon after his own last name instead of his son’s first name, but Paul refused. Hence, it is fitting to honor Paul Keiser and his involvement in Big Dalton Canyon history.
3. Meacham Canyon - No evidence of previously used name for this feature. Name proposed because of residence facing this canyon on the north side of the Dalton Canyon bottom. The residence has been leased by the Meacham’s since 1937. Mrs. Ida Meacham has lived at this residence from 1937 to the present time.
4. Bullock’s Canyon - This canyon has been referred to as Bullock’s Canyon by canyon residents and visitors for ten to fifteen years. The Bullock’s have continuously lived in the present residence at the mouth of this canyon since 1957.
page 73
5. Dunn’s Canyon - The cabin at the mouth of this canyon has been owned longest by the present owners (Dunn’s) and has been referred to as Dunn’s Canyon by several canyon residents for over fifteen years.
6. Moody Canyon - It is uncertain if this tributary was ever given a name, but Mr. Henry Moody lived in a wooden cabin on stilts at the mouth of this canyon. This area is now part of the Glendora City Day Camp parking lot. The cabin was owned by the Glendora Irrigating Company.
7. Waterpipe Canyon - This canyon is one of the largest tributaries in the Big Dalton Canyon Watershed. This canyon has been referred to as Waterpipe Canyon by the Glendora City Day Camp staff since 1960. Remains of several sections of water pipe carrying water to the City of Glendora in its early days, are still to be found in this canyon.
8. Deer Flats - No previous name of this feature has been discovered. This is a relatively flat area on the upper eastern slopes of the park which could become a popular area with the development of trails through this part of the park. The area is composed of scattered stands of chaparral and coastal sate scrub plants with large open green areas. The proposed name is due to the large number of deer that inhabit the upper slopes of the canyon.
page 74
9. Shay Canyon - No evidence of previously used names for this canyon. Examination of the notes of the late Paul Keiser, show Pauls’ intention of having one of the Big Dalton tributaries named in honor of Mr. A. T. Shay. Mr. Shay was an early U.S. Forest Service Ranger who frequented Big Dalton Canyon.
10. Owl Canyon - No evidence of previously used name for this canyon. Name is proposed because of the frequent use of this canyon by the Great-Horned Owls. This owl is the most common owl species in the canyon. Great Horned Owls nested in this canyon prior to the filling of the canyon mouth with mud from the last dredging of Big Dalton Dam.
11. Dutchman Canyon - No evidence of previously used name (s) for this canyon. The material serving as the basis for this name proposal comes from a letter by Mrs. Willard S. Wood (dated March 14, 1946) to Mr. Paul Keiser. The following is taken directly from Mrs. Wood’s letter:
“Then, around the turn of the century, there came a man whose name I never knew, but who was only referred to as the Dutchman. He took up land on the peak just behind the curious pointed top of the De Szigatha (on Bluebird Hill), cleared ground with tremendous effort, and built a cabin. He was always a curious individual and eventually became more or less insane. I believe he finally disappeared, and I believe his skeleton was found years later with a revolver beside it in a lonely canyon of the Big Dalton.”
page 75
This tributary is most likely not the canyon the Dutchman died in, but the naming of this canyon would serve as a memorium to the rugged characters and colorful past of many early Californians.
12. Hidden Canyon - No evidence of previously used name for this canyon. The proposed name has been used since 1960 by the Glendora City Day Camp staff. The canyon mouth is narrow and partially obscured by shrubs and trees thus not revealing the extent of its formation.
13. Hopp Canyon - The nearest canyon cabin to this tributary(which is no longer present) was one occupied by a Mr. Hopp. No evidence of previously used names has been discovered.
14. Pedro Canyon - No evidence of previously used name for this canyon. Name proposed because of an early canyon residence near the mouth of this canyon occupied by “Pedro the Chilean.” This was the first residence to be constructed at this site. The above information comes from the notes of Paul Keiser. No further information on “Pedro the Chilean” has yet been found.
15. Madam Canyon - No ;evidence of previously used name for this canyon. This name is proposed for the two following reasons:
a. In keeping with Dalton Canyon tradition, the canyon behind Mrs. Darville La Fevier’s house was named after her. As she was always referred to as ‘the madam”, the canyon behind her house was called Madam Canyon. However, the official name for this canyon is now listed as Mystic Canyon on most official maps. Therefore, the name of Madam Canyon is proposed for this canyon.
page 76
b. Mrs. Darville La Fevier (Madam) lived as close to this canyon as any of the canyon residents. She was a retired theatrical entertainer.
16. Dalton Vista - No evidence of previously used names for this feature. This flat knoll elevated approximately 650 feet above the floor of Dalton Canyon, offers one of the finest views of the City of Glendora and Adjacent communities. This is one of the only two such flat highland areas within the Glendora Wilderness Park.
17. Kempheffner Canyon - No evidence of previously used name for this canyon. The proposed name is suggested on the following basis. According to notes and letters in the possession of the Keiser family, Mr. Elmar A. Potter (an early canyon resident) suggested to Mr. Paul Keiser that the canyon now officially designated as Mystic Canyon, be named Kempheffner Canyon after Henry Kempheffner, who lived near the mouth of Little Dalton Canyon. Mr. Kempheffneer was an early worker on some of the first check dams in the nearby canyons. He also lived in close proximity to this canyon.
page 77
Recommendations
That these proposed names be adopted by the City for local use. If adopted by the City, we recommend that these adopted names be submitted to the Los Angeles County Survey Department, Hall of Records for official recognition and use on legal documents.
Appendix IV
Special Equipment Recommendations
Cooking Grills
Type - Adjustable grill, swivel base
Grill Unit Measurements - fourteen inches wide X twenty-one inches long X eight inches deep
Brand - Picnickers Delight, Pedestal Park Fireplace
Manufacturer - Kay Enterprises, Janesville, Iowa
|
