About the Campaign
Why We're Fighting for Hiker Town
A grassroots movement born out of community concern - and growing into a coalition that decision-makers can't ignore.
Our Story
How It Started
In the summer of 2024, a small group of hikers noticed something wrong buried on page 847 of a Caltrans environmental document.
What they found was a proposed highway right-of-way that would carve directly through one of Southern California's most beloved and least-disturbed wilderness corridors - Hiker Town.
Within weeks, those hikers connected with local conservation groups, scientists, attorneys, and residents who shared their alarm. By October, 47 organizations had united under a single banner: Save Hiker Town.
Today, our coalition has grown to include researchers, legal advocates, artists, farmers, tribal members, and thousands of ordinary Californians who believe that some places are simply too precious to develop.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Conservation
Protecting wilderness in its natural state for present and future generations.
Community
Centering the voices of those who live with, work in, and depend on this landscape.
Accountability
Demanding rigorous environmental review and transparent decision-making processes.
Advocacy
Amplifying public opposition through education, organizing, and democratic participation.
Campaign History
Key Milestones
July 2024
First Threat Identified
Community members discover that an I-5 corridor expansion EIR includes Hiker Town land within the proposed right-of-way.
October 2024
Coalition Formed
47 local organizations and advocacy groups unite to form the Save Hiker Town Coalition, electing a steering committee.
January 2025
Petition Launched
The official online petition launches, collecting 1,000 signatures in the first 48 hours.
March 2025
Solar Threat Emerges
The coalition learns of a parallel 4,800-acre industrial solar proposal targeting the same wilderness corridor.
September 2025
Independent Studies Commissioned
Coalition funds independent wildlife corridor and hydrology studies to document environmental impacts.
May 2026
Legal Injunction Filed
Our legal team files a formal injunction to pause all development permits pending full CEQA review.
June 2026
10,000+ Signatures Milestone
The petition surpasses 10,000 signatures. A rally of 800+ supporters draws statewide media coverage.
Historical Context
The 2011 Report That Started It All
On June 11, 2011, economist Dr. Barney F. Hope submitted a formal report to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors documenting citizens' concerns about enforcement activity, energy development, and community impacts in Neenach and Western Antelope Valley - an early warning that went unheeded.
Document Date
June 11, 2011
Author
Dr. Barney F. Hope, Ph.D.
Submitted To
LA County Board of Supervisors
Area
Neenach & Western Antelope Valley
What Residents Reported
- Unannounced inspection visits involving 6–7 vehicles, including Highway Patrol with armed personnel.
- A reported inspection visit at approximately 4:30 AM.
- An alleged incident in which a female resident was "thrown to the ground" by a County task force member, described in April 28, 2011 meeting minutes.
- Deputy Sheriff David Kerr declined further involvement after the Sheriff's office concluded the inspections were not aligned with its responsibilities.
- Landowners reported a shift in enforcement behavior after energy corporations began buying or leasing land in the area.
Reported Financial Impacts
Conroy Case
Mr. and Mrs. Conroy reportedly paid ~$17,000 in permit fees for a unit that was denied — and the fees were never refunded.
Hyatt Case
Mr. Hyatt reportedly faced severe financial strain due to numerous enforcement-related fines.
Skaggs Case
Mr. Richard Skaggs reportedly removed movie props later found to be legally acceptable, causing substantial loss.
Penna Claim
Mr. Dennis Penna reportedly stated an inspector suggested he could "get out from under" violations by selling his property to developers.
What the 2011 Report Recommended
For Residents
- Complete notarized affidavits of all inspector interactions
- Request ID from every inspection team member
- Consult a civil rights attorney (42 U.S.C. § 1983)
For the County
- Develop non-confrontational enforcement protocols
- Notify owners of zoning changes by mail
- Return permit fees when permits are denied
For Energy Developers
- Disclose tax credits and job projections
- Clarify how many jobs go to non-residents
- Ensure mitigation funds benefit local communities
Claims above are presented as allegations described in the June 11, 2011 report submitted to Los Angeles County. Please review the original document for full context.
Our Team
The People Behind the Campaign
Elena Vasquez
Campaign Director
Former California State Parks ranger with 18 years of wilderness management experience.
Dr. James Park
Lead Scientist
Wildlife biologist specializing in desert ecosystems and species-at-risk habitat assessment.
Sarah Okafor
Legal Counsel
Environmental attorney with a decade of CEQA litigation and public lands defense experience.
Marcus Webb
Community Organizer
Lifelong Lancaster resident and hiker who has led community outreach across 38 communities.
Make Your Voice Heard.
Sign the Petition Today.
Over 12,847 people have already signed. Help us reach our goal of 25,000 signatures and send a clear message to decision-makers.