Conservation group to buy land near Hercules

HERCULES – A long struggle between developers and conservationists over hundreds of acres of rural land in the East Bay is expected to come to a close today with the announcement the land will be bought by a conservation group. The Martinez-based Muir Heritage Land Trust is expected announce that it has negotiated a deal to buy 423 acres of Franklin Canyon land in Hercules for $1.8 million. Developers had wanted to build 500 homes, a hotel and shops on the property, but local residents voted in 2004 to block development of the land. Instead, the area of sweeping grasslands and oak forests will be preserved for hiking and riding trails. The purchase will enlarge a section of protected open land between Hercules and Martinez that is owned by the land trust. Information from: Contra... [read full story]