The media covered the San Diego County General Plan Update and, in the Inland Empire, the fate of two endangered species.

The California Planning & Development Report wrote about the momentous San Diego County General Plan Update (“General Plan Update Riles San Diego’s Backcountry,” Nov. 2010). EHL’s Dan Silver was quoted putting the effort in context: “It’s a plan of statewide significance, because San Diego has important natural resources, important farmland, and it has countryside. This is a watershed for smart growth and good planning.”

Our fight to save the endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat was reported on by the Riverside Press-Enterprise (“Environmental groups may sue over water project,” Dec 12, 2010).  At issue is a federal “take” permit issued by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for an Eastern Municipal Water District project near Hemet. “It really just puts this species in huge peril," said Michael Fitts, a League staff attorney. We don't feel there was adequate work done to support a 'no jeopardy' opinion," he said. "We would be more than happy to talk about alternatives."

Things may be looking up for the endangered Delhi Sands flower-loving fly and its rare dune habitat in the City of Colton. According to the San Bernardino Sun ("Colton closer to agreement on development-blocking fly," Feb. 18, 2011), Colton and the US Fish and Wildlife Service are moving closer on a habitat conservation plan. EHL sees the dunes as a community amenity: The city should leverage that rareness, said Dan Silver, executive director of the Los Angeles-based Endangered Habitats League. "They can provide an educational opportunity - you don't have to go to the Amazon to see rare species," Silver said.