Approximately 30 years ago, the US Forest Service began negotiations with then 65-year-old beef cattle rancher, Lester Hook. At the time, Hook owned 480 acres in the Cottonwood Valley. The land had been in his family since his widowed grandmother first homesteaded on it in 1883. Hook (according to William R. Gray, author of the National Geographic Society's 1975 book The Pacific Crest Trail) favored hiking trails but was concerned about the rights of nearby residents and feared that hikers might disturb his cattle. Even backpackers, he said, can "spook" cattle and "when a cow runs it drops weight, and that weight is money to us [ranchers]." Still, Hook eventually granted the PCT an easement to cross his property, provided the route paralleled the road and did not cross his best grazing land.

Making land acquisitions to protect the route of the Pacific Crest Trail as well as the natural integrity of its corridor is a lengthy process. In the 1970s, the Forest Service had trouble getting an easement across Hook's property. Recently, the Forest Service acquired 236 acres in the same area, from willing sellers, including a portion of the Hook property.

About 22 miles east of the town of Alpine, California (via Interstate 8), the PCT crosses in and out of private properties for approximately two miles, between Buckman Springs Road and lower Kitchen Creek. Due to the proximity of these lands to Buckman Springs Road, Boulder Oaks Road and Interstate 8, development seemed imminent -- development that may have greatly changed the wildland character of a section of the PCT.

By placing these 236 Cottonwood Valley acres in federal holding, the Forest Service has helped to ensure that the trail remains in a safe corridor that avoids urban development. The acquisition safeguards both trail tread and visual corridor from encroachment. Rare, important riparian habitat is also being protected. Thirty years ago, this agreement would not have been possible. Just goes to show, that although opportunities may not be immediately apparent, patience, persistence and a long-term acquisition strategy by the PCTA can go a long way.

Back in 1975, Lester Hook told William Gray, "This land means a lot to me. I was born here and I intend to die here." Perhaps he would have been pleased to know that the land is now protected, so it can remain as he knew it.