NEWPORT BEACH

More than 2,000 undeveloped acres will be turned over to the county today as part of a long-standing agreement with the Irvine Co. that calls for the dedication in exchange for new housing development. The land transfer involves three parcels. The largest expands the 600-acre Laguna Coast wilderness by more than two-thirds; the other two parcels, on the northwest and southeast sides of Newport Coast Drive, are expected to be open to the public eventually. The donated land features scenic ridge lines, canyons and natural grasses, and is home to a variety of wildlife.

The dedication, scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, completes a large-scale land turnover by the Irvine Co. and becomes the largest park dedication in county history. It links a portion of Newport Beach by the San Joaquin Hills toll road to a system of ridges that overlooks downtown Laguna Beach. “It is a total of 5,215 acres that we’ve dedicated as a condition of our 2,600-home development along Newport Coast,” said Irvine Co. spokesman Paul Kranhold. The county is expected to approve that development today.

Officials said it has been the Irvine Co.’s plan for nearly 20 years to set aside 75% of the Newport Coast as permanent open space and transfer ownership to the county. Although the land has been off-limits to the public, the area is often trekked by hikers who sneak through the padlocked gates. County ownership will allow trail improvements, signs and other amenities that will make it hiker-friendly. However, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park docents will lead hikers, bikers and equestrians through the area during scheduled tours, officials said.