History of the San Diego River

Geography of the San Diego River The San Diego River is a major geographical, biological, and historical feature within the San Diego region. It's California's first river and one of the most important resources for San Diego County, supplying 5% of the county's water needs. It originates 52 miles northeast of the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of approximately 3,700 feet. Along its journey to the ocean, it nurtures wild and scenic natural habitats, recreational areas, rich agricultural fields, and a diverse pattern of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. Its watershed encompasses some 400 square miles. The watershed serves a population of nearly half a million people, contains five water storage reservoirs, three large aquifers, extensive riparian habitat, coastal wetlands and tidepools.

The Community of Lakeside

Lakeside is a hard working, rural community on the urban fringes of San Diego County, a community with a strong sense of community pride with many generations living just miles from where they grew up. Consequently, members of the community have long been active in making Lakeside a better place. The natural landscape and San Diego River play an important and historical role in the community; however, sand mining operations along the river have limited Lakesiders from accessing and enjoying walking, biking or riding along the river for many years.

River Park Coalition: The San Diego River Conservancy

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

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

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

The San Diego River Conservancy is a State chartered conservancy.