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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MARCH 2017 19 FOUR SEASONS AT BEAUMONT CONSERVATION AREA When you first enter our Four Seasons community through the Potrero or Highland Springs gates — or access any of the trails that weave through the development — it's impossible not to see a portion of the Four Seasons Conservation Area, which totals 37.3 acres of natural open space within this 565.5 acre community. The history of, and jurisdiction over, a designated conservation area is complex and involves several federal, state and regional departments and agencies. * Basically, this designation was established to compensate for and mitigate impacts to the natural habitats that existed prior to development. These habitats include wildlife, vegetation and aquatic resources such as Potrero Creek. The 10.5 acres of existing trails that residents use year round are considered to be part of the "non-conservation features" located within the conservation area itself. The metal fencing running parallel to these trails serves to caution us from entering sensitive habitats. So how does this affect our HOA members now and in the future? Having a conservation area here at Four Seasons provides not only protection for native species, but also the opportunity for residents to enjoy and interact with this special environment without having to drive to it. However, it also carries the responsibility to ensure the long term viability of the area's water resources and species. The scope of this management responsibility is broad and includes ongoing site inspections to assess the condition and stability of our conservation area. This entails, for example, looking for invasive species, animal/plant pests and disease, trash accumulation, erosion/ sedimentation, fire hazards, or evidence of trespassing so that any corrective actions required may be taken. A "Long-Term Management Plan" for our conservation area is now in draft form. After it is finalized, the responsibility for long- term management of the area will shift to our HOA and a designated Land Manager. Because we live where drought, major flooding and fire can occur, vigilance and appropriate decision making is essential. Having a management plan that keeps us informed and involved is not only a requirement – it is a way to protect what we value and enjoy every day. ~ Sharyn Costello * U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. Landscape Committee

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