Voter-approved effort will help prevent wildfires, support ranger patrols, protect wildlife habitat, and ensure safe, open trails for future generations
February 2, 2026 — Whittier, CA — The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (PHHPA) today announced the receipt of the first half of its annual funding of voter-approved Measure PH (“Protect Our Hills”) funding, on January 20th. This major milestone will boost wildfire prevention, habitat protection, and ranger and maintenance services for the over 3,880 acres of open space.
“This is a significant moment for our communities and a major step toward protecting and preserving the Puente Hills,” said Ivan Sulic, Chair of the Habitat Authority’s Board of Directors. “Thanks to the funding generated by Measure PH, these trails and vital habitats will be maintained for future generations.”
“We know visitors cherish recreational areas like Turnbull Canyon, Hacienda Hills, Sycamore Canyon, Hellman Park, Arroyo Pescadero, and Powder Canyon,” Sulic continued. “With voters’ support, these beloved trails will continue to be responsibly cared for.”
What Measure PH Makes Possible Starting Now
Measure PH passed with more than two-thirds support in the November 2024 General Election. The measure established a 1¢ per building square foot special tax — roughly $18 per year for the average homeowner.
With the arrival of funds, PHHPA will begin restoring and expanding core safety and conservation services, including:
- Ranger Patrols – Maintaining and adding park ranger patrols for fire safety, keeping our hills and trails safe and providing emergency response.
- Wildfire Prevention & Emergency Access – Clearing hazardous brush, improving emergency access roads, and reducing ignition sources tied to illegal encampments and dumping.
- Habitat Protection & Wildlife Management – Safeguarding sensitive habitats, and supporting recovery of native species.
- Trail Maintenance & Visitor Safety – Repairing and maintaining trailheads, including the Hacienda Hills, Turnbull Canyon, Sycamore Canyon, Hellman Park, Arroyo Pescadero and Powder Canyon.
“Our community truly values the hills and wants to support the work we do of protecting them,” said Andrea Gullo, Habitat Authority Executive Director. “These dollars will let us facilitate the work voters said matters most: wildfire prevention clearance, keeping the Puente Hills a safe home for wildlife, and preserving the scenic open spaces our children and grandchildren will inherit.”
Opportunity for Public Service through Measure PH
Annual audits of the funds and public financial disclosures will ensure transparency. A newly established citizens’ Fiscal Oversight Advisory Committee will verify funds are spent exactly as promised; information for how residents can apply can be found on the Habitat Authority’s website.
“With the collection of the Measure PH funding, resources for ranger services and wildfire prevention throughout the entire Preserve is now secured,” explained Sulic. “It will enable us to protect dozens of species that depend on the Preserve, from mule deer and red-tailed hawks to salamanders, along with the native plants that define this landscape, and support the work that voters clearly said they value.”
About Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (Habitat Authority)
Since its establishment in 1994, the Habitat Authority has been committed to preserving and protecting more than 3,800 acres of natural habitats of the Puente Hills area, including Hacienda Hills, Turnbull Canyon, Sycamore Canyon, Hellman Park, Arroyo Pescadero, and Powder Canyon. The Habitat Authority offers vital benefits by preserving open space, protecting biological diversity, and providing recreational opportunities. Learn more at https://www.habitatauthority.org/.
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Media Contact
Andrea Gullo
Executive Director, PHHPA
562.201.3581
agullo@habitatauthority.org