The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 Wednesday to advance a proposal to increase the size of a nature preserve near the Pala-Pauma and Rainbow communities.
Supervisors set a public hearing for May 22 to formally consider spending $1.64 million to purchase 222 acres for the Mount Olympus County Preserve and other related costs.
If supervisors approve a deal with land owner Moritzky Trust, the purchase will increase the preserve to over 1,400 acres.
Along with the mountain peak itself, the Mount Olympus preserve is known for chaparral, wetland and riparian habitats, along with wildlife including deer and mountain lions.
The additional 222 acres would “reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 282 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year,” according to the county.
The $1.64 million also includes $370,000 in one-time land improvement costs, $348,000 for resource management and initial species monitoring, $62,500 for staff time and appraisal reports, $22,000 for initial stewardship, and $8,000 for closing and title costs.
Last June, supervisors unanimously approved spending $2.8 million to acquire 425 acres for the preserve.
Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer was absent during Wednesday’s vote.
City News Service contributed to this article.