North Fork San Jacinto River

[sonnylawrence]

As posted on the CAC Facebook page and website:


Sonny Lawrence from the Coalition of American Canyoneers met with the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District today to discuss access to the North Fork San Jacinto River. LHMWD owns section 17 which includes the best of the technical canyoneering in the canyon.
LHMWD is receptive to the idea of a permit system along the lines of the one that was created for Eaton Canyon. Consequently discussions have begun with the CAC to develop the permit. Ultimately the LHMWD board of directors must approve such an idea. It may take many months to accomplish this. As of this point, it is illegal for private individuals to trespass on the property and LHMWD hires guards to patrol the area.

As in the Eaton Canyon process, please respect the fact that this is private property and refrain from doing the canyon. Doing so may not only result in a trespassing arrest, but compromise CAC's negotiations.

[sonnylawrence]

The CAC submitted a proposal for a canyoneering permit to the North Fork of the San Jacinto river to the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District. It was received with positive regards. It is unknown how long it will take for their staff to review our request. And of course there is no guarantee that it will be accepted. Meanwhile, please respect the fact that the canyon is on private property and closed to the public.

[sonnylawrence]

UPDATE: North Fork of San Jacinto
Unfortunately the permit request by the Coalition of American Canyoneers was rejected. Please see the response from the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District below.

After reviewing the concept, the District will continue to restrict access to its property along the North Fork of the San Jacinto River. As you discussed, liability is a large concern along with the well-being of the general public who would access the property. These risks exceed the District's benefits. The article (link below) in yesterday's Press Enterprise likely did not help the effort to open access. Nonetheless, thank you for your interest in the District's property and good luck in your future endeavors.

http://www.pe.com/articles/creek-767258-cliffs-pool.html