Funding Options

Preserving and Protecting Local Open Space

The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (“the Habitat Authority”) manages approximately 3,886 acres of public open space in the Puente Hills Preserve, which includes Hacienda Hills, Turnbull Canyon, Sycamore Canyon, Hellman Park, Arroyo Pescadero and Powder Canyon. The Habitat Authority’s mission is the restoration and management of the Puente Hills for preservation and to provide outdoor recreation for the community. The Habitat Authority also helps prevent and respond to wildfires and other emergencies in the area.

Additional Funding Required to Meet Current Operations and Needs

The Habitat Authority has made budget cuts and tightened its belt considerably in recent years. Positions have been left unfunded and many services and programs have been cut.

Remaining program and service levels do not meet current needs, even as demand and climate change realities make annual brush clearance a priority to help with wildfire preparedness efforts.

Without additional, reliable funding, the Habitat Authority will be unable to meet its goal of providing comprehensive services. Cuts could include eliminating Ranger services and limiting access to our Preserve.

Community Facilities District

Although no final decisions have been made, the Habitat Authority is considering forming a legal entity called a Community Facilities District (CFD). The current CFD boundaries being considered would include the entirety of the cities of Whittier and La Habra Heights as well as part of the communities of Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights and Workman Mill.

Potential Source of Local Funding

A CFD would allow the Habitat Authority to explore local funding options, including a special tax in the range of $25/annually on real property in the designated geographic area, to provide funding for key projects, including:

  • Wildfire prevention efforts, including fuel clearance and hazardous tree removal
  • Maintaining and protecting local natural lands, including park signage, vandalism repair and fence repair
  • Continuing efforts to protect the natural habitat of wildlife
  • Restoring park ranger patrols for fire and park safety


Strict Fiscal Accountability & Local Control
A potential measure would include strict fiscal accountability provisions, including:

  • All funds would be locally controlled and could not be taken by the State or used for other purposes
  • Annual audits and public financial disclosures would ensure proper use of funds

Questions?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about options for maintaining ranger services, wildfire prevention and natural area preservation efforts in the Puente Hills.