Riverside County Receives Funding for Habitat Conservation

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) welcomed the announcement that Riverside County was receiving federal funding to support conservation planning and acquisition of vital habitat for threatened and endangered species.

"As Riverside County continues to grow and develop, it is important that we set aside land and habitat for wildlife," said Rep. Calvert. "Our local leaders have put careful thought and planning into conservation efforts throughout Riverside County, and I am happy to see the federal government partnering with them to help make those plans a reality."

Details of the federal funding announced today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSCHP) - $2,000,000

This grant will support acquisition of approximately 1,025 acres of land in Riverside County. This acquisition will benefit numerous sensitive species including federally listed species like the coastal California gnatcatcher, arroyo toad, and Quino checkerspot butterfly. The acquisition will support the assembly of a 500,000-acre preserve that is part of the Western Riverside MSHCP by protecting large blocks of coastal sage scrub, chaparral and grassland habitats.

Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan - $2,000,000

This grant will result in the acquisition of up to 4,526 acres of land that will greatly enhance the existing Coachella Valley MSHCP by securing key regional wildlife linkages, sand transport areas, and preserving core habitat areas. The land acquisition will benefit many sensitive species, including federally listed species such as Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, desert tortoise and peninsular bighorn sheep. The proposed acquisition will complement and greatly enhance the ecological value of the many other acquisitions that have previously occurred in these areas in the last few years.

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