With a complex transaction and exemplary support from local government, the iconic Warm Springs Ranch north of Murrieta will be conserved as part of the Riverside County Multiple Species Conservation Plan, or MSHCP.

An anomaly in western Riverside County, which is otherwise subdivided into small parcels, the over 900-acre Warm Springs Ranch survived intact due to the famous Clydesdale horses raised there by the Anheuser-Busch brewing company. In a sea of development, it anchors MSCHP “Core 2,” prime, low elevation coastal sage scrub that is vital for the threatened California gnatcatcher and endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly.

Over the years, EHL participated in scientific assessments of the property and advocated for conservation, but after acquisition attempts failed, scenarios for partial development were floated. Finally, due to diligent and creative efforts by the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority – the acquisition arm of the MSHCP – circumstances aligned at a “now or never” moment. A phased acquisition totaling $42 million was agreed to, but the near-term money was hard to come by. Stepping into the breach were the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), which advanced its remaining MSCP obligations ahead of schedule, and the County of Riverside, which provided both a loan and other transportation-related monies.

We particularly want to acknowledge the leadership of County Supervisor Jeff Stone, Temecula Councilman Ron Roberts, and past-RCTC Chair Greg Pettis for recognizing the importance of the MSHCP for both its intrinsic value and for the permitting of transportation projects across the County.