The rapidly developing Temecula Valley in Riverside County has squeezed wildlife into small spaces increasingly difficult to protect. A report from the Center for Conservation Biology at UC Riverside says not to give up yet!



The Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) calls for extensive conservation within “Core 2” – a several thousand-acre “island” of habitat and encroaching development between the 215 and 79 freeways. Connectivity to other reserve lands is tenuous. The implementing arm of the MSHCP, the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA), commissioned this scientific study to determine whether these very expensive lands should be “exchanged” for reserve expansion to the east.

The conclusion was that unique habitat in Core 2 is essential for two key species covered by the plan – the endangered quino checkerspot butterfly and the threatened California gnatcatcher. Furthermore, connectivity was deemed salvagable. EHL commends the RCA for initiating the study and for accepting its challenging conclusions.