City and CWC Open Space Land Acquisition
Published on June 12, 2025
The Claremont Wildlands Conservancy (CWC), in partnership with the City of Claremont, has successfully acquired and protected 80 acres of hillside open space, preserving vital natural habitat and expanding the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. This landmark achievement prevents development in a Cal Fire-designated "Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone" and enhances regional ecological connectivity for both wildlife and public recreation.
The newly protected Seaver and Jaffe parcels, located above the northwest corner of Claraboya along the western edge of Johnson’s Pasture, now join over 2,500 acres of existing wilderness protected within Claremont’s city limits.
“This is a true community success story and a shining example of what’s possible when local government, nonprofit partners, and our residents work together,” said Mayor Corey Calaycay. “Preserving this land not only protects our hillsides and local habitat—it also ensures that future generations of Claremont residents can enjoy the beauty and peace of these open spaces.”
A Powerful Public-Private Collaboration
The $3.8 million acquisition was made possible through the combined efforts and financial contributions of local and regional partners:
• The Claremont Wildlands Conservancy contributed nearly $400,000, raised through community donations.
• $3 million was awarded in state fire-prevention grant funding from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy.
• The City of Claremont contributed $400,000, demonstrating its long-term commitment to open space preservation.
• Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office contributed $25,000 via the L.A. County Regional Park and Open Space District.
“The urgency was real,” said Colin Tudor, President of the Claremont Wildlands Conservancy. “These parcels could have been developed into luxury homes in a high fire-risk area. By working quickly and collaboratively, we’ve permanently preserved this land for the community.”
Strengthening Claremont’s Conservation Legacy
This purchase marks a first for CWC: leading the process from applying for public grants, to negotiating with landowners, to partnering with City officials to close the acquisition. It builds on a strong history of collaboration between CWC and the City of Claremont, including the 2006 voter-approved bond measure that saved 180 acres of Johnson’s Pasture.
With the Seaver and Jaffe parcels now protected, Claremont has secured more than 2,500 acres of its 3,100-acre foothill wilderness—transforming what was once a patchwork of developable land into a contiguous network of public wildlands.
“We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and grateful to our community for believing in this mission,” said Tudor. “This is conservation in action—local, lasting, and led by people who care deeply about the place they call home.”
For more information, visit:
Claremont Wildlands Conservancy – https://www.claremontwildlands.org
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