Shawna Anderson, Executive Director of The San Dieguito River Park: Conservation Efforts and Harmony Between Nature and Human Development

The Finest City

This episode features Shawna Anderson, the Executive Director of the San Dieguito River Park, the agency responsible for creating natural open space in the San Dieguito River Valley. In this episode, Shawna talks about the mission of the organization and the rich tapestry of habitats and landscapes that grace the park, while exploring the vital connection it shares with the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. Shawna discusses the delicate equilibrium between the rights of private landowners and the preservation of precious resources along the river and also some exciting updates on the Coast to Crest Trail project.

Timestamps:

[1:53] Before working in the park, Shawna was an environmental consultant and a city planner.

[2:55] Where does the San Dieguito River start? What’s in the middle of the river?

[4:40] How the organization was founded and structured.

[6:30] What is the relationship between the San Dieguito River Park and the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy?

[6:42] How do we balance private landowners’ rights to develop their properties along the river park while protecting these valuable resources?

[10:37] What types of habitats are represented in the River Park?

[11:43] How has the evolution of the concept of ecosystems-based management fit into the mission and history of the San Dieguito River Park?

[14:43] Shawna talks about how mesas, valleys, and canyons also factor into her work.

[17:72] How does the “super bloom” or “super doom” affect Shawna’s work?

[20:05] What is the latest with the Coast to Crest Trail?

[23:56] How does San Dieguito River Park create a civic community?

[25:06] The relationship between C3 and the San Dieguito River Park.

[27:08] How can people get involved?

About C-3

In its 60 years of existence, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) has brought together local thought leaders from planning, design, policy, academia, community development, and more to address our region’s distinctive and pressing land use challenges. In founding C-3 almost 60 years ago, architect Lloyd Ruocco’s vision was to bring together our region’s most creative minds from the arts, sciences, academia, and government to share ideas, learn new perspectives, and build fellowship around the idea of creating livable communities.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

San Dieguito River Park

San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy