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Trails,
Trails, Trails
Mariam Stempler, of Desert Hot Springs, and her dog look through the
fence to the area where they used to hike. A three-mile-long green fence
and locked gate has been erected where Stempler used to enter the Big
Morongo Canyon Trail.
A Little History
Several months – even years – ago, one of the leading members of
the Cultural Arts Commission – Ms Alta Hester - suggested that one of
the resources available in Desert Hot Springs were the many trails in the
surrounding area. A sub-committee was appointed to look into the matter
and come up with some recommendations. I was pleased to serve on that
committee and after many meetings a recommendation that 22 different
trails be adopted was submitted to the Council. The report was received
with great praise and enthusiasm. That, unfortunately, is the end of the
story. Almost all of the proposed trails have been blocked by fences or
other barriers erected by developers in the area. view
the article here
Read the above referenced article and understand that NOTHING has
happened in spite of my standing before the Council on several occasions
saying, "Trails, Trails, Trails."
The sad thing is that development of these trails costs little and can
provide needed recreation for seniors, hikers, equestrians and
non-motorized vehicle riders.
How about a Regional Park?
Running from the north and south to I-10 are the Big Morongo and
Mission Creek Washes. No matter what may happen regarding a flood control
master plan it is certain that at least a 400 foot strip will have to be
set aside to accommodate future storm waters and winter run off from the
mountains above.
This strip of land could easily be adapted as a regional park with
trail heads for equestrians and hikers as well as nature paths, aerobic
exercise fitness trails ( here is an example:) 
Some of this land is already owned by the Riverside County Flood
Control District and it is the policy of the County Board of supervisors
to incorporate recreational uses – wherever possible – within Flood
control areas.
The green areas on this map show the current boundaries of the Mission
Creek and Morongo wash channels.
The upper ends (north) of the Mission Creek allow a connection to the
Pacific Crest Trail that runs the length of California. Additionally there
is access to the Mission Creek Conservancy property.
What a wonderful opportunity we are passing by – at least for now.
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