Park District To Expand Black Diamond Regional Preserve
CONRTA COSTA COUNTY (CBS SF) - Plans to purchase land to expand the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in eastern Contra Costa County have been approved, East Bay Regional Park District officials recently announced.
The park district board voted unanimously to purchase more than 1,012 acres of land, which will bring the park to nearly 7,000 acres.
The land acquisition is in addition to the purchase of nearly 800 acres approved a month ago, according to the park district.
The park district has agreed to buy the land for about $4.4 million from the Thomas family, longtime landowners in the area, in partnership with the East Contra Costa Country Habitat Conservancy.
The conservancy has designated the property a high priority for preservation because it provides important habitat for protected species.
The property, which has a peak elevation of 1,900 feet, will also provide recreation opportunities for visitors and local residents.
Eventually the park district plans to connect Black Diamond Regional Preserve with Mount Diablo State Park with a network of trails.
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