American Canyon Chamber of Commerce - A History Of Open Space in American Canyon

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About American Canyon - A History of Open Space in American Canyon

The City’s Philosophy

When the City incorporated in 1992, part of the debate involved the question of urban growth and the impact of that growth on Napa County’s Wine Industry and Open Space in general. The concern was that American Canyon would grow too much and too aggressively, creating a loss of open space and the rural feel of the area.

In contrast, the new City’s leaders contended that there was a finite amount of land that should be developed and after that, the City would be built out and growth would subside. To reinforce that argument, the City actively pursued two large tracts of land on its western and eastern borders. These lands would create a physical limit to how much growth could occur in the area. They would become an incredible resource for future residents. And it was a shrewd political move, by dramatically declaring to the rest of the County that the City was just as committed to open space as any other jurisdiction. Indeed, American Canyon owns more public open space than most cities its size.

The Napa River Wetlands

In 1997, the City received a $1.5 million grant to purchase approximately 460 acres of marshlands between its western border and the Napa River. Shortly thereafter, the City secured an additional $1.5 million grant to remove the existing levees, raze the abandoned sewer holding ponds and in general, restore the area to tidal wetlands. A viewing area was included in the project. Although it took several years to complete, the City has now established a vibrant eco-system on its western shores. The tidal action minimizes odor problems as well as mosquitoes (they need stagnant water to breed). The project has even had a beneficial effect on flooding, insofar as it provides a relief valve for the Napa River (during the heavy floods of New Year’s Eve 2005, the water never breached Wetlands Edge Road).

There were other, indirect benefits to this project. A part of the land acquired (approximately 23 acres) will become the future Clarke Ranch complex (northwest corner of Eucalyptus and Wetlands Edge Road). This area can eventually be developed into a “hands on” learning center, involving both natural history, farming and potentially equestrian facilities. By removing the old holding ponds, the City was able to use Flood Tax monies to offset the costs of the City’s $20 million state of the art wastewater treatment plant, which means sewer rates can be kept in check. The City can also use some of the land for future environmental mitigation purposes (for example, creating a “wetlands bank”).


American Canyon wetlands from Napa River levee.	Tide flowing out to Napa River through levee breach.	Napa River levee west of American Canyon.


Former Cargill Salt Ponds under restoration by State Department of Fish and Game.	The wetlands are frequented by numerous species of birds. Green roofed building in background is the gymnasium next to City's Community Services Offices.
Photos by Barry Christian

The Jack and Bernice Newell Open Space Preserve

Meanwhile, on the City’s eastern border, Jack and Bernice Newell, long-time residents and civic leaders, offered to donate 500 acres of their hillside property to the City. Working with the Land Trust of Napa County, the City was able to increase the amount of the donation to 640 acres by placing it all in an Open Space Conservation Easement. Ultimately, the Newell’s offered an additional 20 acres of land for a future High School site. The Open Space Easement has certain restrictions (primarily against future development of the land and prohibitions on hunting), but recreational public access is guaranteed. The land was formally transferred in December 1999.

To date there has not been as much public use of the property as anticipated because of the difficulty in accessing the property. The only way to the site is across an unimproved railroad crossing, and there is no potable water on site. These issues are slowly being resolved. Grant funds were received to prepare a Master Plan and additional funds have been received to install new fencing and erosion control measures.

The property has incredible views and hiking trails. It is home to eagles, deer, wild turkeys and even the endangered Tiburon Paintbrush plant. The land was also home to Indians some 200 years ago.

For information about the Jack & Bernice Newell Open Space Preserve contact the Community Service Department at 707-648-7275.

Autumn in American Canyon


Autumn views of American Canyon viewed from the Newell Preserve with the fog over the Napa river.


Near the center of the Newell Preserve	Inside the Newell Preserve

Spring In American Canyon


American Canyon viewed from the Newell Preserve	Inside the Newell Preserve	One of many hilltops with nice views


Near the center of the Newell Preserve	Creek and original barn
Photos by Barry Christian

Current Trends

A big push has been to establish Napa River access, adjacent to the closed landfill, which is also next to the City’s tidal wetlands. Although there has been talk of building a marina, there is a large mudbank that would need to be dredged, which is both financially and environmentally challenging. Kayaks and canoes may be the only practical boating opportunities, and we are part of the Napa River Trail project.

A support group called Friends Of American Canyon Open Space (FOACOS) was formed in 2005 to lend its help for both the Newell Preserve and the tidal wetlands. The City also created an Open Space Advisory Committee to oversee the various projects and facilities. For more information on Open Space issues, or to get involved, contact FOACOS at foacos@comcast.net.

Article written by Mark Joseph, American Canyon Chamber Director and former American Canyon City Manager