The San Diego Union-Tribune (“Feds settle suits over funding of wall at border,” July 18, 2023) reported that California Attorney General Rob Bonta had secured funds for a key conservation parcel.

Along with other states, California had sued the Trump administration over illegal diverting military funds to build the border wall. This wall cut off wildlife movement between the U.S. and Mexico. A legal settlement secured undercrossings as well as significant mitigation funds. $25 million of these will help acquire land of great biological value northeast of Chula Vista, property that EHL has been working for years to protect.

EHL’s Dan Silver was quoted as saying the settlement delivered “a very meaningful and environmentally significant outcome for San Diego and its shared border with Mexico.” He noted that the development “would have obstructed movement to points both north and south, so this is big step for maintaining the connectivity of the ecosystem.” However, there are many steps to go until the acquisition can be finalized.