California Approved Funding for Wild Cherry Canyon Preserve
The state provided $42 million to secure over 2,000 acres of land near the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in National Parks
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The State Coastal Conservancy has approved $42 million for The Wildlands Conservancy to purchase 2,060 acres known as Wild Cherry Canyon. This acquisition will eventually transform the former buffer zone for the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant into a public nature preserve.
Why it matters
The deal fulfills a state mandate requiring Pacific Gas and Electric Company to protect surrounding lands and increase public access as a condition for the continued operation of the Diablo Canyon facility.
The acquisition secures 2,060 acres of land featuring a peak elevation of 1,500 feet and 14 miles of coastline. The project aims to eventually establish a 20-mile coastal trail loop across the property.
The players
The Wildlands Conservancy
This organization is acquiring the Wild Cherry Canyon property to establish a new public nature preserve.
State Coastal Conservancy
This California state agency authorized the $42 million in funding to facilitate the land acquisition.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
This major California utility operates the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant and is the parent company of the landowner.
The details
The Wildlands Conservancy will acquire the property from Eureka Energy, a subsidiary of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, by buying out the current lease. Once complete, the site will transition from a closed industrial buffer zone into a recreational area offering hiking trails and campsites.
Timeline
September 17, 2026: The State Coastal Conservancy approved the $42 million funding package.
2030: The scheduled closure date for the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant.
Travel Outlook
This land acquisition aligns with a long-term conservation strategy to reclaim industrial buffer zones for public recreational use. It represents a significant expansion of coastal accessibility in California as the state prepares for the eventual decommissioning of its nuclear facilities.
Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to new coastal trails and camping opportunities opening on this previously restricted land. While immediate access is limited, the site is slated to become a significant destination for regional recreation within five years.
The takeaway
This project highlights the growing trend of converting industrial buffer zones into permanent public land for environmental and recreational use. Readers should monitor regional conservation updates for future access milestones at the new preserve.
What happens next
The property purchase is expected to be completed in 2027, with guided tours potentially beginning in 2027 and full public access anticipated by 2031.
Further reading
Learn more about conservation efforts at California National Parks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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