Even though thousands of acres were added to the preserve, a critical linkage must also be restored for cougars.

With the acquisition of the 2800-acre Bautista property east of Hemet, the Regional Conservation Authority continued assembly of one of its largest and most intact core area. Connected to other preserved lands, the property contains a mix of scrub, grassland, and woodlands. It will help conserve the quino checkerspot butterfly as well as top predators. We commend a funding partnership of local, state, and federal funds.

However, overcoming the disastrous planning of the past has proven immensely challenging for the mountain lion, or cougar. It is essential that, over time, lions interbreed with animals with differing genetics. Interstate 15, which has induced sprawl development up and down its path in Riverside County, separates the Santa Ana from the Palomar Mountains, and blocks cougar movement between populations. While Temecula Creek, which passes under the freeway, is the most logical crossing, tracking data shows that cougars are not using it, presumably due to fencing, human use, and encroaching development. 

In Temecula, a proposed development would further encroach upon the Temecula Creek corridor, as would proposed development on an adjacent golf course. EHL will closely review a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the project. We hope that this process will provide an opportunity to plan a comprehensive strategy for ensuring future mobility for lions across the Interstate.