A recent ribbon cutting ceremony brought out local community organizations and a bevy of elected officials in support of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Natural Community Conservation Plan, or NCCP.



Work now focuses on purchasing the two largest blocks of privately owned land in the proposed 1500-acre reserve. This showing of wide community support will help convince state agencies and local donors to provide the $30 million required.

Public access and management are also being set for the reserve. Because there are many differing interests, the road to a working plan has been somewhat contentious. EHL is a member of the advisory committee providing support and guidance for the plan.

When complete, the reserve will cover much of the ocean-facing open space on the peninsula. It is the last refuge for California gnatcatchers and cactus wrens in southern Los Angeles County. Though heavily affected by surrounding suburban development, the reserve will be a permanent home for a unique flora and fauna that is as much a product of the Channel Islands as it is of the mainland.