Objectives Cleveland National Forest was created in 1908 when President Theodore Roosevelt combined the Trabuco Canyon and San Jacinto Forest Reserves. Land ownership has changed significantly throughout the years as the Forest Service continues to manage the public's real estate assets.
Land is a precious commodity in today's world.
Exchanges must be of equal value on both sides, or equalized with cash. An example of this type of adjustment is the exchange completed in 1996 between the Cleveland National Forest and the Sweetwater Authority. Sweetwater Authority purchased a portion of Samataguma Ranch, a private in-holding within the boundaries of the Forest, and exchanged these lands to the Forest. In return, Sweetwater authority acquired parcels of equal value around Loveland Resevoir. Sweetwater Authority benefited because they were able to consolidate holdings around Loveland Reservoir.