Although the projected centerpiece of a 50,000-acre core reserve in the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), Wilson Creek may be doomed by the estate lot subdivisions called for by the County General Plan.  EHL is working to win this race against time.



Roughly northeast of Temecula, the Wilson Creek linkage connects the San Bernardino National Forest and the Cleveland National Forest.  Nearby areas include Sage, Aguanga, Vail Lake, Anza, and Cactus Valley.  The creek itself is rich in willow cottonwood habitat and species like pond turtles, with Riversidean sage scrub and chaparral in the uplands.  Reflecting its high ecological integrity, the surrounding region is one of the last strongholds for the endangered quino checkerspot butterfly.  

While the MSHCP provides the authority to negotiate with landowners who request subdivision, only proactive assembly of large habitat blocks from willing sellers can realize the immense conservation promise of Wilson Creek.  To this end, EHL is collaborating with the Riverside Land Conservancy and Conservation Management, Inc.  Innovative financing strategies are being explored, and state, local and federal sources are being sought.  We thus salute the $4 million in federal Endangered Species Act (“Section 6”) monies that just arrived!  We will keep you informed on the progress of Wilson Creek.