I think the problem with the "mitigation" theory is that this land probably has a lot more dollar value than land set aside elsewhere in a mitigation bank. They like to mitigate using something too steep or difficult to build on for other reasons. So the developer "mitigates" with cheaper land elsewhere. I can't see the map photo clearly, but my recollection from a past conversation about this is that the parcel is on the north side of the hill. Which is why they haven't built any "legal" trails on that side, and why the fire road hasn't been replaced with single track. I don't think any "legal" trail would be lost, but having the fire road paved and the north side developed would certainly change the place for the worse. So even if it's posted for sale now, the development would likely have to go through a couple of years of review with public input. So it's not imminent, but we all know which carries more weight, developer dollars or public sentiment.

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Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin

Haven't you guys heard of the new rare and endangered species of the La Costa Lizard. It thrives in the region and can only be sustained where local trails are present. Sounds like the trails need to be about 24" wide with long and flowing connections. I'm pretty sure any bulldozing, fire roads or lack of trails will cause it's extinction. Perhaps we should notify the city....

Except then, by city logic, we are the killers of the lizards.

Here is a real life example of their logic.

The blessed fire road on the DMM is riddled with potholes created by the SDG&E trucks that are maintaining the power lines. In the wet season the potholes fill with water. Now you have a class I endangered vernal pool in need of protection. BTW, 95% of the documented vernal pools "naturally" occur of the fire roads. Bet you can't figure that one out.....

Then, people like Frank Landis come out of the woodwork and start fabricating lies how all mountain bikers hate fairy shrimp and are determined to eradicate every single shrimp so mountain bikers can rape and pillage the land as they see fit. After all, 99% of all damage is done by mountain bikers, right Frank?

So, we get the short end of the stick if any unique or endangered species is found. Never mind they are hardy enough to survive and the reason they are endangered is due to loss of habitat under a developer's blade. 100% of the species will be eradicated by mountain bike tires, everybody knows that....

Cohabitation is impossible and you must be banned.

I really like La Costa and hope that a realistic solution is reached.

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The world does not revolve around you but your actions impact us all!

what about the burrow beer?

just got these from groupon. my fleet is ready to go. call me.

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Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy. ~Milan Kundera

...?

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Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin

On DMM yesterday the fairy shrimp were jumping. No joke, they were making the water bubble when we rode by the their pothole pools lined by cobbles on the fireroad. In order to protect their habitat we had to get off the fireroad...

Get the biggest toys and real piles of cash to the agencies and it's all good, for the fairy shrimp in the easement road potholes and the gnatcatchers peacefully nesting in the cozy holes under the cool slate roof tiles of tract home McMansions. We got habitat, oh yeah we do. DWill thank you for letting us park for cheap on your ocean view compound as we shuttle Switchbacks and NASCAR over and over. Will you have petrol for sale? There should be a DT discount. DWill I see the light!

The water tank hill to the east now has "Lot 25 Elevation 843" type signs up at the top of the ST there, and the blasting continues in the valley development.

The primary problem as I see it is money. The land here is just too valuable for any trail system west of I-15 to have any realistic long term future. In AZ and UT, etc it is a different situation for the most part.

But it still is a cool place to ride. Just wonder how the encroaching development is going to impact the trails RJ has worked so hard for/on and which we all enjoy. I think we were all kind of thinking it would never change there, but that has not proven to be true.

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"We'll ride it until they pave it."

-Big Clyde

an indigenous species, the burrow beer lodges itself into rock cracks, hollow trees, anywhere it can make its home. the burrow beer has been hunted almost to the point of extinction.

LOL…. We get a whole army of those things.

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Site, we could just put some tanks and pumps in. No, excise tax, state fuel tax, state sales tax. That'll drop at least a buck and a half of the cost of a gallon.

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I understand that the burrow beer lately has been adapting by seeking out places to hide that are shrouded by poison oak. Evolution at its finest.

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"Those skilled at the unorthodox are infinite as heaven and earth, inexhaustible as the great rivers."
— Tzun Tzu

That sucks. I'm actually looking to move back there ASAP and it seems like land managers haven't gotten any better. Wish I could buy the land and turn it into a bike preserve. Anybody friends with Mark Cuban on Facebook?

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"F*ck it Dude, let's go bowling"- Walter

New to Dirt Treaders. Saw the "for sale" sign up there and was forwarded the email from Rich from a fellow rider. I'm concerned with protecting the right to use LaCosta trails.

Anyone know who owns the land at the top? I imagine it has been owned for years as it's always been highlighted on the LC map as "not part of the preserve". Personally I think someone is taking advantage of limited supply and a fairly healthy high-end housing market. $1.9M for land that is going to be extremely difficult to build on (no road, surrounded by protected areas, existing housing below on the hill) is wishful thinking. It's not a developer selling. It's not improved. Makes a lot of sense for CNLM to buy it vs. a private party seeking a 6 acre "compound".

Speaking of endangered animals? Has anyone else noticed the absence of or significantly reduced number of Rattlesnakes out there? (not really complaining). Also, you guys have all seen the asian guy with the golf club walking out there....he noticed there are very few rabbits right now as well. This is springtime and that place should be crawling with rabbits.

Wonder what that has to do with the development down below....

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"The throwing out of balance of the resources of nature throws out of balance also the lives of men." - FDR

I saw that guy yesterday.

I'd think that the rattlesnakes (and their prey) would be migrating toward the bottom of NASCAR.

A lot of dynamiting this week near the power lines. The guys in the orange vests were walking around the trails "securing the parameter" as the horn sounded , then booooom, booooom, booooom! To hell with nature preserves!

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"My favorite part of riding a bike is when I get off the bike." - Jim Gaffigan

Holy Crap!

I'm sure screams of one testicled gnat catchers and hippies were heard for miles...
Since I am still on this mistake of a move to CO (coming back by July), where is still kosher for riding in North County. See everyone soon.

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"F*ck it Dude, let's go bowling"- Walter