Infrastructure Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT ON INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure has been a hot topic not only nationwide, but also for Catalina Island. The Conservancy has prioritized updating aging infrastructure in the last couple of years, addressing issues at Airport in the Sky and on our roads system. Currently, we have other exciting foundational projects in the works that will benefit Catalina Island, its residents, and visitors, now and into the future.

NOW

Catalina Island Conservancy continues to expand our network of shade structures at key hiking locations on our trails system. As of the end of 2021, we have 18 structures that provide muchwanted shade and seating for those hiking or biking on the Island, especially during the warmer seasons. Most recently, we completed the shade structure at Lobster Bay and have plans for two more on the East End and near Tower Peak.

SOON

The Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communication System (LA-RICS) is designed to improve communication between emergency responders in LA County, including police, firefighters, paramedics and more. By installing a system where these organizations can readily communicate with each other, there will be less delays and responders will be able to act more quickly with life-saving, up-to-date information.

“The government realized that our first responders didn’t have the ability to really talk to each other during an incident, so this more universal communications system will really improve interoperable communications between different first responder groups,” said Conservancy Chief Operating Officer Tim Kielpinski.

Catalina’s location and broad expanse of sightlines makes it advantageous for LA-RICS, which can install smaller towers here that service a large area of mainland LA County in addition to the Island. Installation of all three towers was completed at the end of 2021, with LA-RICS communications up and running within the next year.

FOR THE FUTURE

In preparation for future safety technology on Catalina, telecommunications provider GeoLinks is installing equipment to support high-definition cameras that will connect firefighting agencies with images and environmental data during wildfire events. There are three to four strategically chosen locations for prospective fire camera equipment that will be supported by solar panels and wireless internet connectivity, including Silver Peak and Cactus Peak.

“GeoLinks knew that it was likely Catalina could get some fire cameras in the wildlands and wanted to install the equipment ahead of time so they can move quickly once cameras are requested and approved by the utility company,” said Kielpinski. “To get images over to the mainland to be processed we need internet, so a side benefit of equipment to support fire cameras being there is that we will get internet – including public Wi-Fi hot spots – at several locations throughout the Island by late spring 2022.” Current cameras throughout western North America are monitored via crowdsourcing on ALERTWildfire, with volunteers looking at data on their own time. Between 2016 and 2020, these cameras provided information for more than 1,500 fires. For more information, check alertwildfire.org. The Conservancy is also in the process of planning four additional housing units for employees in Middle Ranch. The modular homes will include two bedrooms and two bathrooms with a common kitchen and living room area.

These units will replace dwellings in Quail Valley, which were determined to be uninhabitable due to their location relative to an earthen dam. The Conservancy board approved the potential locations of the new homes, and we have completed percolation tests to ensure their feasibility.

“Being able to provide affordable housing for staff helps in recruitment and retention of our team,” said Kielpinski. “We hope to see the homes ready for use in 2023.”