SACRAMENTO The pace of urbanization increased in the late 1990s
in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to maps
released today by the California Department of Conservation. The
maps provide decision-makers with land-use conversion
information to use in planning for California's agricultural
land A total of 16,998 acres were urbanized in the two counties
between 1998-2000, compared to just over 11,000 acres in
1996-1998. Riverside County was the focus of major land use
change between 1998 and 2000, with 14,080 acres urbanized.
Moreover, a net total of 15,419 acres of agricultural land were
reclassified to non-agricultural uses due primarily to the
completion of the Diamond Valley Lake and the establishment of
ecosystem and wildlife More than 3,000 acres of prime farmland
-- the most productive type -- were brought into production,
including a 1,000-acre citrus orchard. However, coupled with a
continued downward trend in the amount of land being cultivated,
land-use changes in the county resulted in