The 784-acre Reserve was developed by OMWD in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management, as an element of the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the Authority's Emergency Storage Project. Owned by the Authority and managed by OMWD, the Reserve has been designed to unify the interests of domestic water supplydevelopment, natural resources management, and recreational opportunities. The Reserve offers 11 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, picnic areas, and overlooks that are available for use by the general public. These free facilities are operated to ensure the preservation of land and to ensure beneficial use and enjoyment by the public.