DATE:
June 4, 2025
02
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
2024 MULTIPLE SPECIES CONSERVATION PROGRAM SOUTH COUNTY SUBAREA PLAN ANNUAL REPORT AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
San Diego county has one of the most diverse habitats in the United States, with over 200 rare, threatened, or endangered species inhabiting the region. To protect the region's biodiversity, in 1997, the County of San Diego (County) partnered with 11 other jurisdictions (partnering agencies), community stakeholders, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Wildlife Agencies) to develop the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP). The MSCP is a long-term regional habitat conservation program focused on balancing the protection of plant and animal species with recreation, development, and agricultural activities within the San Diego region. On October 22, 1997 (1), the County Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted the 50-year MSCP South County Subarea Plan, which includes the unincorporated areas in the southwestern portion of the region. The South County Subarea Plan requires the County, Wildlife Agencies, and partnering agencies to conserve 98,379 acres (MSCP Preserve) to successfully protect populations of MSCP-covered species, associated high-quality (intact and undisturbed) habitats, and the wildlife linkages between large, preserved areas. To create opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with nature, passive recreation is allowed within County preserve lands in areas where MSCP-covered species and habitats would not be impacted.
Every year, the County prepares an annual report that includes information about habitat conserved through acquisitions or dedications of preserve lands, habitat lost due to development, and the management and monitoring efforts performed to ensure the MSCP Preserve is functioning successfully. Some highlights from the 2024 MSCP Annual Report include:...
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