Upload
others
View
4
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-16
3.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE MSHCP CONSERVATION AREA
3.2.1 The MSHCP Plan Map
Figure 3-1 depicts the Criteria Area within the Plan Area and represents the MSHCP Plan map.
Four categories are depicted on the legend for the Plan map and are described below.
Criteria Area: This represents the area within which MSHCP Criteria will be applied
and from which 153,000 acres of new Conservation will be achieved to
contribute toward assembly of the overall MSHCP Conservation Area.
Criteria have been developed for individual Cells or Cell Groupings and
are presented for each Area Plan in Section 3.3.
Public/Quasi- Under this category, existing known Public/Quasi-Public Lands (PQP)
Public Lands: that will form the initial backbone of the MSHCP Conservation Area are
depicted. Approximately 347,000 acres of Conservation are anticipated
on these lands.
Within five years of Permit issuance, the RCA shall verify the precise
acreage, location, amount and status of PQP Lands in the MSHCP
Conservation Area. Such information shall be submitted to the Wildlife
Agencies for review. In the event that a Permittee elects to use property
currently depicted as PQP Lands on the MSHCP Plan map (Figure 3-1)
in a way that alters the land use such that it would not contribute to
Reserve Assembly the Permittee shall locate and acquire or otherwise
encumber replacement acreage at a minimum ratio of 1:1 replacement
taking into account direct and indirect effects of PQP Lands in one
location with PQP Lands in another location. The Permittee must make
findings that the replacement acreage is biologically equivalent or
superior to the existing property as set forth in Section 6.5 of the MSHCP,
Volume I.
3.0 Reserve Planning Process/Description and
Area Plan Criteria of the MSCHP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-17
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-18
Rural This category represents the Rural/Mountainous land use designation
Mountainous incorporated in the County General Plan. In general these lands are
Designation: characterized by steep slopes that represent constraints to Development.
For example, of the approximately 54,900 acres depicted on the MSCHP
Plan map outside the Criteria Area but within the Rural Mountainous
designation, approximately 42,500 acres (77 percent) are characterized by
slopes with gradients greater than 30 percent. While Reserve Assembly
activities are not expected to occur in Rural Mountainous designation
areas outside the Criteria Area, existing and future land use practices in
these areas may provide an edge for the MSHCP Conservation Area that
would minimize Edge Effects when compared with more urban land uses.
American Indian American Indian Lands are depicted on the MSHCP Plan map for
Lands: reference purposes. No Conservation is assumed on these lands and no
activities on these lands would be permitted under the MSHCP. The
American Indian Lands are not a part of the MSHCP.
The MSHCP Conservation Area will be comprised of existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands and new
Conservation on approximately 153,000 acres of land within the Criteria Area. While the precise
configuration for new Conservation within the Criteria Area has not been defined or mapped, a
Conceptual Reserve Design was developed for analysis purposes as described in Sections 3.1.9 and
3.3.1 of this document. While certainly not the only possible configuration to emerge from
application of Criteria within the Criteria Area, the Conceptual Reserve Design was a useful tool in
establishing conservation targets as part of the MSHCP planning process. The conservation targets
developed as part of that process, along with anticipated Conservation on Public/Quasi-Public Lands,
form the basis for the description of the MSHCP Conservation Area presented in this section.
Achievement of the conservation targets as part of the overall Reserve Assembly process will be an
important measuring and monitoring tool for the MSHCP.
3.2.2 The MSHCP Conservation Area
In addition to the features incorporated in the MSHCP Plan map, as described above, the MSHCP
Conservation Area may be described in terms of several specific analysis factors considered during
the conservation planning process. These include Bioregions, vegetation, soils, patch size, and edge
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-19
affected lands. This section provides a summary description of the MSHCP Conservation Area
based on those analysis factors. A more detailed description is provided in Section A of the MSHCP
Reference Document - Volume II of the MSHCP Plan. The MSHCP Conservation Area may also
be described in terms of Cores and Linkages. The description of Cores and Linkages is provided in
Section 3.2.3 of this document.
' Bioregions
Within the MSHCP Plan Area, large percentages of the Agua Tibia mountains (80.3 percent, 10,130
ac.), San Jacinto Mountains (71.7 percent, 134,000 ac.), San Jacinto Foothills (64.6 percent, 72,240
ac.) and the Santa Ana Mountains (61.3 percent, 85,810 ac.) Bioregions are conserved. Significant
amounts of the Conservation in these Bioregions occur within existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands.
Smaller portions of the Desert Transition (37.7 percent, 33,460 ac.), San Bernardino Mountains (34.5
percent, 9,990 ac.) and Riverside Lowlands (24.2 percent, 166,820 ac.) are conserved within the
MSHCP Plan Area. Much of the central portion of the Desert Transition Bioregion will not be
conserved. Six percent of the Desert Transition Bioregion currently supports urban Development
or agricultural uses. About ten percent of the San Bernardino Mountains Bioregion currently has
urban or agricultural land uses. The remaining non-conserved lands are either American Indian
Lands (5.7 percent), Rural Mountainous (15.7 percent), or undeveloped private land. The Riverside
Lowlands is the largest Bioregion and will have the lowest proportion of its acreage in Conservation,
with 24.2 percent (166,820 acres) within the MSHCP Conservation Area. Approximately 50.4
percent (about 347,800 acres) of the land in this Bioregion is currently supporting urban or
agricultural land uses. Very little of this Bioregion is within American Indian Lands or is considered
Rural Mountainous.
' Vegetation
Table 3-1 presents a summary of Vegetation Communities conserved within the MSHCP
Conservation Area. Playas/vernal pools and water vegetation types had the highest percentages of
Conservation within the MSHCP Conservation Area, with 85 percent of the total acreages of both
these Vegetation Communities conserved. Riparian scrub/woodland forest, Riversidean alluvial fan
sage scrub, woodlands/forests, chaparral, montane coniferous forest, coastal sage scrub and
meadows/marshes also are conserved at high levels, with 50 percent to 75 percent of each of these
Vegetation Communities conserved. Desert scrubs, grassland, Agriculture, and cismontane alkali
marsh are conserved at the lowest levels, with percentages of Conservation at 34 percent, 28 percent,
12 percent, and 3 percent, respectively.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-20
TABLE 3-1
ESTIMATE OF CONSERVATION BY VEGETATION COMMUNITY
Vegetation
Total Acres in
Plan Area1
Total Acres in
Existing Public/
Quasi-Public
Lands
Total Acres of
Additional
Reserve Lands
Total Acres
Conserved
Percent of Total
Vegetation
Community
Acres
Conserved in
Plan Area
Agriculture 169,480 11,480 8,540 20,020 12%
Chaparral 434,950 207,380 64,900 272,280 63%
Cismontane Alkali Marsh 1,260 <5 40 40 3%
Coastal Sage Scrub 156,450 34,560 47,160 81,720 52%
Desert Scrubs 14,570 1,310 3,680 4,990 34%
Grassland 154,140 22,810 20,010 42,820 28%
Meadows and Marshes 1,020 330 180 510 50%
Montane Coniferous Forest 29,910 20,480 20 20,500 69%
Playas and Vernal Pools 7,910 2,920 3,830 6,750 85%
Riparian Scrub, Woodland, Forest 15,030 7,270 3,920 11,190 74%
Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub 7,940 2,060 3,170 5,230 66%
Unknown 1,350 1,230 10 1,240 92%
Water 12,210 9,150 1,190 10,340 85%
Woodlands and Forests 34,300 20,770 2,730 23,500 69%
Developed or Disturbed Land 218,260 4,780 – 4,780 2%
T O T A L S 1,258,780 346,530 159,3802 505,910
1 This includes the following acreages of each Vegetation Community on American Indian Lands that, while within the Plan Area, are not a part of the
Plan:
Agriculture: 1,110 Montane Coniferous Forest: 10
Chaparral: 20,290 Riparian Scrub, Woodland, Forest: 420
Cismontane Alkali Marsh: 1,110 Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub: 790
Coastal Sage Scrub: 3,760 Unknown: 10
Desert Scrubs: 5,190 Water: 10
Grasslands: 7,260 Woodlands and Forests: 1,050
Meadows and Marshes: 50 Developed or Disturbed Land: 510
2 This total includes 5,923 acres for Covered Activities, including planned roadways, in the
Criteria Area that would be netted out of the MSHCP Conservation Area. The total Additional Reserve Lands will be 153,000 acres.
Total is not exact due to rounding.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-21
' Soils
Clay soils within the Plan Area include Bosanko, Auld, Altamont, and Porterville. In addition, areas
from which clay had been mined (known as “claypit”) were digitized. Within the Plan Area, clay
soils support several sensitive plant species, including listed species such as Munz’s onion (state
threatened, federally endangered), thread-leaved brodiaea (state endangered, federally threatened),
and San Diego button celery (state and federally endangered); and sensitive species such as Orcutt’s
brodiaea, long-spined spine flower, small-flowered morning glory, many-stemmed dudleya, Palmer’s
grapplinghook, graceful tarplant, and small-flowered microseris. The Domino-Traver-Willows soil
association includes saline-alkali soils largely located along floodplain areas within the Plan Area.
Sensitive plants supported by the Domino-Traver-Willows soil association include two listed
species, the San Jacinto Valley crownscale (federally endangered) and the spreading navarretia
(federally threatened); and sensitive plant species, including Parish’s brittlescale, Davidson’s
saltscale, Coulter’s goldfields, and vernal barley.
Within the clay soils areas, 31 percent of the total is conserved, including 12 percent within
Additional Reserve Lands and 19 percent on existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands. Of these clay soils,
18 percent of Auld, 23 percent of Bosanko, 37 percent of Porterville, 10 percent of claypit, and 12
percent of Altamont are conserved either on Public/Quasi-Public Lands or captured within the
Additional Reserve Lands. Within Domimo-Traver-Willows soils, 36 percent of the total is
conserved, including 21 percent within the MSHCP Conservation Area and 15 percent on existing
public lands. Within this soil association, 17 percent of Domino, 32 percent of Traver, and 74
percent of Willows soils are conserved either on Public/Quasi-Public Lands or within Additional
Reserve Lands.
' Patch Size
The individual sizes of patches comprising the MSHCP Conservation Area are important elements
to the functioning of the conserved lands. It is generally agreed that large-sized patches encompass
a greater portion of the landscape and allow for a greater inclusion of ecological niches, and that
larger Core Areas offer greater resistance to catastrophic changes. However, while larger-sized Core
Areas are usually considered better-functioning, widespread smaller satellite Core Areas can
incorporate higher species diversity by efficiently preserving nodes of species of limited distribution.
The MSHCP Conservation Area has both small and large areas in order to balance the need to
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-22
conserve narrowly-distributed species and preserve the greatest number of species and protect habitat
function with the least management effort.
The MSHCP Conservation Area is composed of approximately 575 patches. The spatial character
of the MSHCP Conservation Area is complex with large numbers of small, spatially disjunct patches
and small numbers of large connected patches. Sixty-five percent of these patches are less than ten
acres in area and make up less than 0.25 percent of the areas to be conserved under the MSHCP. The
vast majority of these small patches occur within areas heavily fragmented by urbanization in the
Riverside Lowlands Bioregion and are represented by small patches of existing Public/Quasi-Public
Lands. By contrast only 28 of the patches (5 percent) are greater than 1,000 acres but these make
up 94 percent of the areas to be conserved under the MSHCP. A single connected block makes up
the largest portion of the MSHCP Conservation Area at approximately 238,000 acres (50 percent of
the acreage).
' Edge Affected Land After Completion of Reserve
Assembly
Increases in fragmentation of the landscape lead to increases in the area where urban/agricultural
landscapes and native habitats interface. These areas of high fragmentation are subjected to Edge
Effects, which are generally unfavorable and are ultimately due to nearby human activity. Some
examples of Edge Effects include introduction/colonization of non-native species, increased
predation, increased fire frequency, and small-scale environmental changes in temperature, light, and
wind (Primack, 1993).
The MSHCP Conservation Area will be subjected to these Edge Effects due to urbanization within
the Plan Area. For the purposes of estimating Edge Effects on habitat patches at completion of
Reserve Assembly, each acre within the MSHCP Conservation Area (excluding urban and
agricultural land) was placed into one of three categories based on proximity to urban/agricultural
lands: strongly affected (1 to 250 feet from urban or agricultural land), somewhat affected (251 to
600 feet from urban or agricultural land), and not affected (more than 600 feet from urban or
agricultural land).
From this analysis, it was found that 14 percent of the MSHCP Conservation Area will be strongly
affected, 15 percent will be somewhat affected, and 71 percent will not be affected by Edge Effects.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-23
This large percentage of lands not likely to be exposed to Edge Effects is due to the effect of a small
number of large habitat blocks. The strongly urban/agricultural areas of the Riverside Lowlands
Bioregion and San Bernardino Mountains Bioregion have the greatest proportion of land that may
be subject to Edge Effects.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-24
3.2.3 Cores and Linkages within the MSHCP Conservation
Area
The MSHCP Conservation Area is comprised of a variety of existing and proposed Cores,
Extensions of Existing Cores, Linkages, Constrained Linkages and Non-contiguous Habitat Blocks.
These features, generally referenced as Cores and Linkages, are depicted in Figure 3-2. The
following definitions apply to the legend items shown on Figure 3-2.
Core A block of Habitat of appropriate size, configuration, and vegetation
characteristics to generally support the life history requirements of
one or more Covered Species. Although a more typical definition is
population-related and refers to a single species (see Hunter 2002,
Primack 2000), in the MSHCP this term is Habitat-related because of
the multi-species nature of the MSHCP Plan.
Extension of Existing Core A block of Habitat contiguous with an existing Core Area which
serves to provide additional Habitat for species in the adjacent
existing Core and to reduce exposed edge.
Non-contiguous Habitat A block of Habitat not connected to other Habitat areas via a Linkage
Block or Constrained Linkage.
Constrained Linkage A constricted connection expected to provide for movement of
identified Planning Species between Core Areas, where options for
assembly of the connection are limited due to existing patterns of use.
Linkage A connection between Core Areas with adequate size, configuration
and vegetation characteristics to generally provide for “Live-In”
Habitat and/or provide for genetic flow for identified Planning
Species. Areas identified as Linkages in MSHCP may provide
movement Habitat but not Live-In Habitat for some species, thereby
functioning more as movement corridors. Since it is expected that
every Linkage will provide Live-In Habitat for at least one species,
and since the term "corridor" may be easily confused with the term as
3.0 Reserve Planning Process/Description and
Area Plan Criteria of the MSCHP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-25
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-26
it is applied to transportation Corridors discussed in the CETAP
portion of the RCIP, the term Linkage is used here. For a more
thorough discussion of Linkage and movement corridors, see Section
3.1.4, Applicable Conservation Biology Principles.
The Cores and Linkages depicted in Figure 3-2 are based on the Conceptual Reserve Design
developed for analytical purposes for the MSHCP. Likewise, the quantitative information presented
with each Core or Linkage is based on the Conceptual Reserve Design. As described in Section 3.2.1
of this document, the Conceptual Reserve Design forms the basis for identifying target conservation
acreages and generating quantitative data for the MSHCP biological analyses. The Conceptual
Reserve Design is intended to describe one way in which the MSHCP Conservation Area could be
configured consistent with MSHCP Criteria; it does not represent the only possible reserve that could
be assembled consistent with the MSHCP Criteria. Flexibility is intended to be incorporated in the
Reserve Assembly process to enable new information and data to be incorporated as part of the long-
term MSHCP implementation process.
The tables in the text discussion present four categories of information for each Core or Linkage:
Dimensions, Species, Adjacent Planned Land Uses, and Covered Activities.
1. Dimensional Data. Dimensional data include total acreage, edge, interior, P/A ratio, and
distance to nearest Core. For Cores, Non-contiguous Habitat Blocks, and Extensions of
Existing Cores, only total area, P/A ratio, and distance to the nearest connected Core are
considered. For Linkages and Constrained Linkages, only total area, P/A ratio minimum/
maximum widths and lengths are considered.
Total area contained within a Core or Linkage was calculated based on the Conceptual
Reserve Design and then was divided into area classified as edge and area classified as
interior. To complete this edge analysis, a 250-foot buffer was created outside and adjacent
to the Core or Linkage and designated “edge” area, while the remaining area was designated
“interior.” It is anticipated that these edge areas will incur greater “Edge Effects” due to
nearby human activities such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics such as pesticides, or domestic
predators. For the sake of simplicity, a 250-foot buffer was used, though in reality Edge
Effects may decrease in a complex fashion, depending on species and type of Edge Effect,
from the margin to the interior of the Core or Linkage (see Section 3.1.4 for a more thorough
discussion of Edge Effects.). In addition, the extent to which a Core or Linkage is affected
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-27
by edge varies as a function of the land use surrounding the Core or Linkage. For example,
a Rural Mountainous land use designation in areas adjacent to a Linkage would give rise to
far fewer Edge Effects than a city land use designation surrounding the Linkage. Land use
designations surrounding each Core and Linkage are discussed in the individual Core and
Linkage descriptions following the tables. Finally, Edge Effects are also species specific,
since different species respond differently to Edge Effects.
The tables also present the distance to nearest connected Core and the perimeter-to-area
(P/A) ratio of each Core or Linkage, as appropriate. Once a GIS coverage delineating Cores
and Linkages was created, perimeters and areas were computed with GIS in order to
determine the P/A ratio. Distance to nearest connected core was identified as the length of
each linkage connecting the cores in question. From a biological perspective low P/A ratios
are generally considered more favorable since low P/A ratios represent unfragmented habitat
blocks with comparatively lower amounts of exposed edge. As the overall size of the Core
or Linkage increases, however, the importance of this metric may decrease. In cases where
more than one route through a Linkage is possible, the reader is referred to the text
description of the Linkage.
Note: The sum of the areas for the proposed Cores and Linkages is 183,000 acres, a value
above the target acreage of 153,000 acres of new Conservation on private lands. This
difference arises as an artifact of the classification of each Core or Linkage as either
“Proposed” (i.e., new, private Conservation) or “Existing” (i.e., Public/Quasi-Public
Land) despite the fact that some Cores or Linkages contain a patchwork of
Public/Quasi-Public Lands and private lands identified for potential acquisition.
Thus, the additional 30,000 acres contained within the proposed Cores or Linkages
reflects the inclusion of existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands within the proposed
Cores and Linkages.
2. Planning Species. Planning Species considered for each Core or Linkage are also listed in
the tables. Planning Species are subsets of Covered Species that are identified to provide
guidance for Reserve Assembly in Cores and Linkages and/or Area Plans. Species listed in
this column may include species which are not Planning Species for the area in question but
which may have important or key populations located in the area.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-28
3. Adjacent Proposed General Plan Land Use. Each table lists General Plan land uses
proposed adjacent to the Core or Linkage, as defined by the County of Riverside General
Plan. Proposed land uses include Agriculture, Community Development (including
Community Centers), Open Space/Conservation, Cities, Rural (including Mountainous),
Indian Lands, and Water. For specific descriptions of each of these categories, refer to the
General Plan. Adjacent land uses are important because of the Edge Effects each exerts on
each Core or Linkage. Community Development and Cities represent an urban level of
Development with a high density of people and associated structures, vehicles, and activity.
Agriculture and Rural (non-mountainous) represent land use designations with minimal
structures and more open, vacant land. Rural Mountainous is typically an even lower-density
land use due to steep slopes. Open space/Conservation lands are generally the most
undeveloped, as they contain few, if any, structures and are specifically intended for the
preservation of natural resources. Land use practices within these designations could affect
resources within the Cores and Linkages due to issues such as those identified in Section
6.1.4 of this document. These issues include lighting, urban runoff, toxics such as pesticides,
or domestic predators. MSHCP policies and procedures included in Section 6.0 of this
document and in the global and species-specific objectives in Section 9.0 of this document
will be implemented to ensure that the existing Habitat and movement functions of the
Linkage are maintained as planned land uses are developed along the edge of the Linkage.
4. Major Covered Activities. Major Covered Activities that may affect the Cores and
Linkages are also listed in the tables. These Covered Activities may include new facilities
or widenings or extensions of existing facilities. Guidelines for Covered Activities presented
in Section 7.0 of this document will be incorporated in the siting, design, construction and
maintenance of these facilities to avoid and minimize effects of these facilities on Core and
Linkage biological functions and values.
Quantitative data shown below for each Core and Linkage are based on the Conceptual Reserve
Design. As noted in Section 3.3.1, the Conceptual Reserve Design was developed primarily for the
purposes of developing quantitative information for the MSHCP species accounts and Area Plan
Criteria. The Conceptual Reserve Design does not represent the only possible MSHCP Conservation
Area that may be assembled during the long-term Reserve Assembly process. Flexibility is
incorporated in the MSHCP to allow Reserve Assembly to be informed by project-specific data and
planning as part of MSHCP implementation.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-29
Index for Cores and Linkages
The Cores and Linkages are organized with their corresponding page numbers in this section as
follows:
Existing Core A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Existing Core B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Existing Core C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Existing Core D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Existing Core E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Existing Core F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Existing Core G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Existing Core H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Existing Core I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
Existing Core J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Existing Core K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42
Existing Core L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44
Existing Core M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-48
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-50
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-50
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-51
Existing Constrained Linkage A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-52
Existing Constrained Linkage B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-53
Existing Constrained Linkage C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-54
Existing Constrained Linkage D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-55
Existing Constrained Linkage E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-56
Existing Linkage A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57
Existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-58
Existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-59
Existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-60
Proposed Core 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-61
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-30
Proposed Core 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-62
Proposed Core 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-63
Proposed Core 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-64
Proposed Core 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-65
Proposed Core 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-66
Proposed Core 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-67
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-68
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-68
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-69
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-70
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-71
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-72
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-73
Proposed Constrained Linkage 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-74
Proposed Constrained Linkage 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-75
Proposed Constrained Linkage 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-76
Proposed Constrained Linkage 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-76
Proposed Constrained Linkage 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-77
Proposed Constrained Linkage 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-78
Proposed Constrained Linkage 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-79
Proposed Constrained Linkage 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-80
Proposed Constrained Linkage 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-81
Proposed Constrained Linkage 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-82
Proposed Constrained Linkage 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-83
Proposed Constrained Linkage 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-84
Proposed Constrained Linkage 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-85
Proposed Constrained Linkage 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-86
Proposed Constrained Linkage 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-87
Proposed Constrained Linkage 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-88
Proposed Constrained Linkage 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-88
Proposed Constrained Linkage 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-89
Proposed Constrained Linkage 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-90
Proposed Constrained Linkage 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-91
Proposed Constrained Linkage 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-92
Proposed Constrained Linkage 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-93
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-31
Proposed Constrained Linkage 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-94
Proposed Constrained Linkage 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-95
Proposed Linkage 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-96
Proposed Linkage 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-97
Proposed Linkage 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-98
Proposed Linkage 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-99
Proposed Linkage 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-100
Proposed Linkage 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-101
Proposed Linkage 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-101
Proposed Linkage 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-103
Proposed Linkage 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-104
Proposed Linkage 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-105
Proposed Linkage 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-106
Proposed Linkage 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-107
Proposed Linkage 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-108
Proposed Linkage 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-109
Proposed Linkage 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-110
Proposed Linkage 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-111
Proposed Linkage 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-111
Proposed Linkage 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-112
Existing Core A
Existing Core A consists of Prado Basin and the Santa Ana River, located in the northwest region
of the Plan Area. This southwest-to-northeast trending swath of land is composed largely of
Public/Quasi-Public Lands owned by a variety of entities, but it also contains a small number of
privately-owned lands. The Core also functions as a Linkage, connecting Orange County to the west
with San Bernardino County to the north. Existing Core A is connected to Existing Core B
(Cleveland National Forest) via both and upland and a riparian connection (Proposed Constrained
Linkage 1 and Proposed Constrained Linkage 2, respectively). This Core is constrained on all sides
by existing urban development and agricultural use, and planned land uses surrounding the Core
consist largely of high impact land uses such as city and community Development. Therefore, high
quality riparian Habitat within the Core and along the edges must be maintained for species such as
southwestern willow flycatcher, yellow warbler, yellow-breasted chat, western yellow-billed cuckoo,
and others listed in the table below. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-32
management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1 of this document. Maintenance of existing floodplain processes and water
quality along the Santa Ana River is also important to Santa Ana River woollystar and arroyo chub.
Management entities in this existing Core include: the County of Riverside Parks and Open Space
District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Orange County Water District, and California Department
of Parks and Recreation.
EXISTING CORE A
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total (ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
10,740 1,640 9,100 33 1.7 Santa Ana sucker, arroyo chub,
western pond turtle, Cooper’s
hawk, tricolored blackbird,
burrowing owl, American bittern,
cactus wren, northern harrier,
western yellow-billed cuckoo,
yellow warbler, white-tailed kite,
southwestern willow flycatcher,
California horned lark, peregrine
falcon, yellow-breasted chat,
loggerhead shrike, black-crowned
night heron, osprey, double-crested
cormorant, downy woodpecker,
white-faced ibis, tree swallow,
least Bell’s vireo, bobcat, mountain
lion, and Santa Ana River
woollystar.
City (Corona, Norco,
Riverside), Community
Development, Open
Space/Conservation
SR-71, River Road,
Hammer, I -15,
Schleisman, Van
Buren, Mission,
Market
Existing Core B
Existing Core B is composed of Cleveland National Forest, which lines the western border of the
Plan Area. Within the Plan Area this Core consists of two large and two small blocks of Public/
Quasi-Public Lands. Existing Core B is connected to Existing Core A (Prado Basin/Santa Ana
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-33
River) in the north via two Constrained Linkages (Proposed Constrained Linkage 1 and Proposed
Constrained Linkage 2), in the center by Proposed Linkage 1 to the Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain
area, and in the south to the Tenaja Corridor (Proposed Linkage 9). This Core represents the second
largest habitat block in the Plan Area and is located only 1.6 miles from the nearest connected Core.
Studies of mountain lion movement within this Core indicated that this Core provides both Live-In
and Linkage Habitat for this mammal, which requires very large blocks of intact Habitat. The Core
then likely also provides linkage area for other mammals such as mountain lion and bobcat in
addition to the species listed in the table below. Management entities in this existing Core include
the U.S. Forest Service.
EXISTING CORE B
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance
to Nearest
Connected
Core
(miles)
71,490 1,720 69,770 7 1.6 Cooper’s haw k, southern C alifornia
rufous-crowned sparrow, Bell’s sage
sparrow, golden eagle, turkey vulture,
yellow warbler, mountain quail, downy
woodpecker, purple martin , California
spotted owl, tree swallow, mountain
lion, Palm er’s grapplinghook, prostrate
spine flower, graceful tarplant, and
small-flowered microseris.
Rural Mountainous,
Rural, Community
Development, City
( L a k e E l s i n o r e ,
Corona)
SR-74
Existing Core C
Existing Core C consists of public lands in the Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain area in the
northwestern region of the Plan Area, originally assembled as a Core Reserve for the Stephens’
Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan. Connections to other MSHCP conserved lands exist to
the east (Proposed Linkage 3) and west (Proposed Extension of Existing Core 2). This Core is
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-34
somewhat constrained by existing agriculture to the north and south of the Core; however some
natural lands remain along the border of the Core. A large portion of the western border of Existing
Core C is contiguous with Proposed Extension of Existing Core 2, which markedly decreases amount
of exposed edge and results in a lower actual P/A ratio than that reported in the table below. This
Core provides Live-In Habitat for a large number of species as well as linkage area for species
moving from the Gavilan Hills area to Temescal Wash. In addition to Stephens’ kangaroo rat, the
Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain Reserve contains Habitat for other species with requirements for
high quality Habitat, such as Quino checkerspot butterfly and coastal California gnatcatcher.
Although the Core is surrounded largely by a rural planned land use designation, in areas where
community Development is planned, treatment and management of edge conditions along the
borders of this Core will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for
species using the Core. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of
edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section
6.1 of this document. Management entities in this existing Core include the Lake Mathews/Estelle
Mountain Reserve Management Committee.
EXISTING CORE C
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance
to Nearest
Connected
Core
(miles)
15,610 890 14,720 19 1.6 southern California rufous-crowned
sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow, burrowing
owl, cactus wren, northern harrier,
white-tailed kite, loggerhead shrike,
c o a s t a l C a l i fo rn ia gnatcatche r ,
Stephens’ kangaroo rat, bobcat,
mountain lion, Munz’s onion, slender-
horned spine flower, and many-stemmed
dudleya.
R u r a l , R u r a l
M o u n t a i n o u s ,
C o m m u n i t y
Development
H e m e t t o
C o r o n a / L a k e
Elsinore, CETAP
Corridor
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-35
Existing Core D
Existing Core D consists of Sycamore Canyon Park. This Core is composed of two Non-contiguous
Habitat Blocks of Public/Quasi-Public Land separated by approximately 2,000 feet, in approximately
the north-central region of the Plan Area. Existing Core D is connected to Existing Noncontiguous
Habitat Block A (Box Springs Mountains) via Proposed Constrained Linkage 7. At 10.8 miles from
the nearest connected Core, Existing Core D is the most isolated of all proposed or existing Cores.
The Core is also surrounded by City and Community Development planned land use designations.
For these reasons, treatment and management of edge conditions along this Core will be necessary
to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species using the Core. Guidelines
Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban
runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document. The Core
provides Live-In Habitat for the granite spiny lizard, a species requiring rock outcrops, and likely
provides movement Habitat for bobcat. Management entities in this existing Core include the City
of Riverside Park and Recreation Department and March Joint Powers Authority.
EXISTING CORE D
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed General
Plan Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
2,500 560 1,940 43 10.8 Wilson’s warbler City (Riverside ), Communit y
Development
Alessandro Blvd.
Existing Core E
Existing Core E consists of Lake Elsinore, located in the west-central region of the Plan Area.
Existing Core E is connected to other MSHCP conserved lands via Proposed Extension of Existing
Core 3 (Lake Elsinore Soils). This Core provides Live-In Habitat for species as noted in the table
below and also likely provides for movement of common mammals such as bobcat. Urban
Development partially constrains the Core; however some natural lands remain along the border of
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-36
the Core. Since this is an existing Core with no new Reserve Assembly anticipated, treatment and
management of edge conditions along this Core will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat
and movement functions for species using the Core. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands
Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic
predators are presented in Section 6.1.4 of this document.
EXISTING CORE E
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
3,010 280 2,730 20 4.4 Co ope r’s hawk, tricolored blackbird,
southern California rufous-crowned sparrow,
burrow ing owl, American bittern, ferruginous
hawk, Swainson’s haw k, mounta in plover,
northern harrier, yellow warbler, white-tailed
kite, Californ ia horned lark, peregrine falcon,
bald eagle, yellow-breasted chat, loggerhead
shrike, black-crowned n ight heron, mountain
qua il, osprey, double-crested cormorant,
white-faced ibis, purple martin, tree
swallow, least Bell’s vireo, San Jacinto
Valley crownscale, prostrate sp ine flower,
Palm er’s grapplinghook, and Engelmann oak.
City (Elsinore),
Open Space ,
Conservation
None
Existing Core F
Existing Core F consists of the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, located in the southwest
region of the Plan Area. Existing Core F is connected to other MSHCP conserved lands via several
Linkages: Proposed Constrained Linkage 13 (Murrieta Creek) and Proposed Linkage 10 connect the
Core to conserved lands in the southeast, Proposed Constrained Linkages 11 (De Luz Canyon) and
12 (Sandia Canyon) connect the Core to San Diego County in the south, and Proposed Linkage 9
(Tenaja Corridor) connects the Core to Existing Core B in the west. This Core represents a large
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-37
habitat block with a relatively low proportion of its area potentially affected by edge (approximately
460 acres of the total 8,360 acres) and a comparatively low P/A ratio. Furthermore, much of the
Core is surrounded by a Rural Mountainous land use designation, which will further lower Edge
Effects at the borders of the Core. For these reasons Existing Core F can be expected to provide high
quality movement and Live-In Habitat for the species listed in the table below. Maintenance of
hydrological processes and water quality will be necessary, however, to provide Habitat for
persistence of species such as vernal pool fairy shrimp, thread-leaved brodiaea, Orcutt’s brodiaea,
western pond turtle, vernal barley, Riverside fairy shrimp, Santa Rosa Plateau fairy shrimp, and
California red-legged frog. Management entities in this existing Core include: The Nature
Conservancy, County of Riverside and California Department of Parks and Recreation.
EXISTING CORE F
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
8,360 460 7,900 14 4.2 vernal pool fairy shrimp, Santa Rosa
Plateau fairy shrimp, Riverside fairy
shrimp, California red-legged frog, western
pond turtle, Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned
hawk, grasshopper sparrow, burrowing
owl, cactus wren, turkey vulture, northern
harrier, yellow warbler, southwestern
willow flycatcher, California horned lark,
merlin, loggerhead shrike, Lincoln’s
sparrow, MacGillivray’s warbler, mountain
quail, California spotted owl, Nashville
warbler, Wilson’s warbler, San Diego
pocket mouse, bobcat, mountain lion,
Rainbow manzanita, thread-leaved
brodiaea, Orcutt’s brodiaea, long-spined
spine flower, San Diego button celery,
graceful tarplant, vernal barley, California
black walnut, Parish’s meadowfoam,
Palomar monkeyflower, little mousetail,
spreading navarretia, California Orcutt
grass, Fish’s milkwort, Engelmann oak, and
San Miguel savory.
Rural Mountainous,
City (Murrieta)
Cl inton Keith
Road
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-38
Existing Core G
Existing Core G is comprised of the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve. This Core Area provides
Live-In Habitat for species noted below and may serve as a Linkage for Planning Species, including
bobcat and mountain lion, moving between the Santa Ana Mountains and the Agua Tibia
Wilderness. In addition to maintenance of habitat quality, maintenance of existing floodplain
processes along Santa Margarita River is important for these species. Adjacent land use practices
which may affect movement of species through this Core include construction of barriers (i.e.,
fencing). Proposed widening activities of I-15 may also affect movement of wildlife species
connecting to this Core Area, as well as water quality and floodplain processes of the Santa
Margarita River. Because the distance to the Santa Rosa Plateau, the nearest connected Core Area,
is 5.5 miles, maintenance of the connection to the Santa Rosa Plateau is important for species
persistence, viability and dispersal. Management entities in this existing Core include: California
State University, San Diego, The Nature Conservancy, and California Department of Fish and Game.
EXISTING CORE G
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
4,500 340 4,160 17 5.5 arroyo chub, southern California
rufous-crowned sparrow, Bell’s sage
sparrow, bobcat, mountain lion, and
Rainbow m anzanita,.
Rural Mountainous I - 1 5 w i d e n
existing facility
Existing Core H
Existing Core H is comprised of Lake Perris State Recreation Area, San Jacinto Wildlife Area,
private lands and lands with pre-existing conservation agreements. It provides Live-In Habitat for
certain species, contains soils suitable for some Narrow Endemic Plant Species, supports vernal pool
complexes and may provide a connection to Core Areas in the Badlands and the middle reach of the
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-39
San Jacinto River. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided within this Core Area include
bobcat, Los Angeles pocket mouse, Stephens' kangaroo rat, smooth tarplant, San Jacinto Valley
crownscale, spreading navarretia, California Orcutt grass, vernal barley and thread-leaved brodiaea.
Maintenance of habitat quality, floodplain process along the San Jacinto River, and Conservation
of vernal pool complexes are important for these species. This Core Area likely provides for Live-In
Habitat for small rodents and common mammals, including bobcat and San Diego black-tailed
jackrabbit.
EXISTING CORE H
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core
(miles)
17,470 1,070 16,400 12 0 western spadefoot, western pond turtle, coastal
western whiptail, Belding’s orange-throated
whiptail, San Diego banded gecko, northern red
diamond rattlesnake, San Diego horned lizard,
granite spiny lizard, granite night lizard,
burrowing owl, Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned
hawk, Southern California rufous-crowned
sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, Bell’s sage
sparrow, golden eagle, American bittern,
ferruginous hawk, Swainson’s hawk, cactus
wren, turkey vulture, yellow warbler, white-
tailed kite, southwestern willow-flycatcher,
peregrine falcon, bald eagle, yellow-breasted
chat, loggerhead shrike, Lincoln’s sparrow, black-
crowned night heron, MacGillivray’s warbler,
osprey, double-crested cormorant, downy
woodpecker, purple martin, tree swallow,
northwestern San Diego pocket mouse,
Stephens’ kangaroo rat, San Diego black-tailed
jackrabbit, bobcat, San Diego desert woodrat,
Los Angeles pocket mouse, San Jacinto Valley
crownscale, Davidson's saltscale, thread-leaved
brodiaea, smooth tarplant, Coulter's goldfields,
spreading navarretia, and Wright's trichocoronis.
Agr icultu re,
C o m m u n i t y
Development,
Cities (Moreno
Val ley and
Perris)
G i lman Spr ings
R o a d , R a m o n a
Express-way, Bridge
Str ee t , C ETAP
H e m e t t o
C o r o n a / L a k e
Elsinore Alternative
1b.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-40
In addition to indirect effects described in Section 6.0 of this document, other effects associated with
locating the proposed General Plan land use designations noted in the table below may occur.
Alteration of hydrology or fire suppression activities occurring on adjacent lands may adversely
affect Narrow Endemic Plant Species, including spreading navarretia, San Jacinto Valley
crownscale, vernal barley and smooth tarplant, known to occur in the vicinity of Mystic Lake and
the San Jacinto Wildlife Refuge Area.
The three roadways listed in the table below are existing roadways that are proposed to be widened
along the edge of the Core Area. The CETAP corridor, if approved, would generally follow Ramona
Expressway. Proposed widening activities may directly affect Habitat or floodplain processes
important to the species noted in the table below or may affect movement between this Core Area
and other Core Areas in the Badlands and along the San Jacinto River. Ramona Expressway and
Bridge Street cross the San Jacinto River under existing conditions and would continue to cross the
river with proposed widenings. Management entities in this existing Core include the California
Department of Parks and Recreation and California Department of Fish and Game.
Existing Core I
Existing Core I is comprised of the portion of the San Bernardino Mountains located within the
MSHCP Plan Area. This Core Area provides potential nest sites, foraging Habitat, a connection to
the portion of the San Bernardino Mountains in San Bernardino County and harbors key populations
of certain species. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided for within this Core Area include
mountain lion, San Bernardino mountain kingsnake, and California spotted owl. Maintenance of
habitat quality and large intact interconnected habitat blocks are important for these species. In
addition to the indirect effects described in Section 6.0 of this document, other activities associated
with proposed adjacent General Plan land use designations noted in the table below, including
recreation and poaching, may result in adverse effects to biological resources within the Core.
Management entities in this existing Core include the U.S. Forest Service.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-41
EXISTING CORE I
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
9,610 920 8,690 22 0.7* San Bernardino mountain kingsnake, San
Diego mountain kingsnake, L inco ln’s sparrow,
MacGillivray’s warbler, mountain quail,
Williamson’s sapsucker, California spotted
owl, Nashville warbler, Wilson’s warbler,
mountain lion, Plummer’s mariposa lily,
peninsular spine flower, and Hall’s monardella.
Indian Lands,
C o m m u n i t y
Development,
City (Banning)
None
Note:* This Core is not connected to other MSHCP conserved lands . Distance “as the crow f lies” to nearest habitat block is reported in table.
Existing Core J
Existing Core J is comprised of Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Skinner and Johnson Ranch. It
provides potential nest sites, foraging Habitat, connections to other Core Areas in French Valley,
Cactus Valley and Wilson Valley, and harbors key populations of certain species. Planning Species
for which Habitat is provided for within this Core Area include bobcat, mountain lion, coastal
California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, northern harrier, tree swallow, turkey vulture, white-tailed
kite, Quino checkerspot butterfly, and Stephens' kangaroo rat. In addition to maintenance of habitat
quality, maintenance of existing floodplain processes along Tucalota Creek and Rawson Canyon is
important for these species. This Core Area likely provides for Live-In Habitat for common
mammals, including bobcat, and larger mammals such as mountain lion moving through the Core
Area to other Core Areas in Wilson Valley and Cactus Valley. Since this is an existing Core and no
new Reserve Assembly is anticipated, maintenance of existing large intact habitat blocks will be
necessary for species persistence and movement in this Core .
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-42
EXISTING CORE J
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
24,360 900 23,460 12 1.11 Quino checkerspot butterfly, southern
California rufous-crowned sparrow,
grasshopper sparrow, Bell's sage sparrow,
golden eagle, burrowing owl, cactus wren,
turkey vulture, mountain plover, northern
harrier, white-tailed kite, coastal California
gnatcatcher, tree swallow, least Bell's vireo,
bobcat, Los Angeles pocket mouse, mountain
lion and long-spined spine flower.
Community
Development,
Rural, Rural
Mountainous
Rawson Road,
Borel Road, and
Butterfield Stage
Road
In addition to indirect effects described in Section 6.0 of this document, other adverse effects
associated with locating proposed General Plan land uses noted in the table below may occur. Fire
and fire suppression, hunting, and collection of species by humans would result in adverse effects
to Quino checkerspot butterfly and other Planning Species . Major Covered Activities listed in the
table below may affect resources in the Core Area by directly affecting Habitat and/or floodplain
processes important to the species noted above or result in habitat fragmentation of this Core Area.
Rawson Road and Borel Road are existing roadways that are proposed to widened within the Core
Area. Rawson Road crosses Rawson Canyon Creek under existing conditions and would continue
to cross this creek with the proposed widening. Butterfield Stage Road forms the western boundary
of Johnson Ranch would be extended north from the city limits of Temecula. Management entities
in this existing Core include the Southwestern Riverside County Multi-Species Reserve Management
Committee and County of Riverside Parks and Open Space District (Lake Skinner Recreation Area).
Existing Core K
Existing Core K is comprised of the San Bernardino National Forest and the Potrero Area of Critical
Environmental Concern. It provides nesting, breeding, foraging and Live-In Habitat for a number
of species, supports several Narrow Endemic Plant Species and connects to the eastern portions of
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-43
Riverside County. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided within this Core include
peninsular spine flower, San Bernardino kangaroo rat, slender-horned spine flower, graceful tarplant,
mountain lion, California spotted owl, granite spiny lizard, Johnston's rock cress, western pond turtle
and Stephens' kangaroo rat. Maintenance of habitat quality and maintenance of existing large intact
habitat blocks are important for these species. This Core likely provides for Live-In Habitat for
common mammals, including bobcat, and larger mammals such as mountain lion moving through
the Core Area to other Core Areas in Wilson Valley and Cactus Valley. In addition to indirect
effects associated with adjacent proposed General Plan land use designation described in Section
6.1.4 of this document, other activities such as off-road vehicle use, recreation and hunting may
result in adverse effects. Management entities in this existing Core include the U.S. Forest Service
and Bureau of Land Management.
EXISTING CORE K
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core
(miles)
149,750 3,160 146,590 6 0* western pond turtle, northern red diamond
rattlesnake, San Bernardino Mountain kingsnake,
San Diego Mountain kingsnake, Cooper’s hawk,
northern goshawk, golden eagle, turkey vulture,
black swift, yellow warbler, Lincoln’s sparrow,
Macgillvray’s warbler, mountain quail, downy
woodpecker, purple martin, Williamson’s
sapsucker, California spotted owl, tree swallow,
Nashville warbler, Wilson’s warbler, San
Bernardino kangaroo rat, Stephens’ kangaroo rat,
mountain lion, Johnston’s rock cress, Munz’s
mariposa lily, Plummer’s mariposa lily, peninsular
spine flower, slender-horned spine flower, San
Jacinto Mountains bedstraw, California bedstraw,
Mojave tarplant, graceful tarplant, Hall’s
monardella, California beardtongue
Rural and Rural
Mountainous
SR-243, SR-74,
SR-371, and
Bautista Canyon
Road
Note: *This Core is contiguous with Proposed Core 3, Proposed Core 4, Proposed Core 5, and Proposed Core 7.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-44
All four major Covered Activities that are proposed to be widened are existing roadways. Proposed
widening activities may directly affect Habitat important to the species noted above, and may
exacerbate indirect effects, including lighting, noise, road-kill, trash and runoff, associated with an
increased number of motor vehicles traveling through the Core.
Existing Core L
Existing Core L is comprised of Beauty Mountain Management Area (BLM) and Anza-Borrego
Desert State Park. This Core provides Habitat for several listed species and connections to San
Diego County and eastern Riverside County. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided within
this Core include Quino checkerspot butterfly, Stephens' kangaroo rat, golden eagle nest site,
burrowing owl, Los Angeles pocket mouse, bobcat, mountain lion, and Aguanga kangaroo rat.
Maintenance of habitat quality is important for these species, and maintenance of existing large
intact habitat blocks will be necessary to perpetuate species occupation and movement in this Core.
This Core likely provides for Live-In Habitat for common mammals, including bobcat, and larger
mammals such as mountain lion moving through the Core Area to other Core Areas in Wilson
Valley and San Diego County. In addition to indirect effects of adjacent land uses described in
Section 6.0 of this document, other activities associated with locating proposed General Plan land
use designations noted in the table below, including hunting, collection, recreation, off-road vehicle
use and poaching, may result in adverse effects to Planning Species.
EXISTING CORE L
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General
Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance
to Nearest
Connected
Core
(miles)
24,750 590 24,160 12 0* Quino checkerspot, Bell's sage sparrow, golden
eagle nest site , cactus wren, coastal California
gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, Aguanga kangaroo
rat, Stephens' kangaroo rat, bobcat, Los Angeles
pocket mouse, and mountain lion, .
R u r a l ,
Ag r i cu l t u re
and India n
Lands
None
Note: * This Core is contiguous with Proposed Core 6 and Proposed Core 7.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-45
No major Covered Activities are anticipated to traverse or affect this Core. Any road improvements
or maintenance activities to existing roadways will be subject to guidelines for improvements on
existing roads in Section 7.0 of this document to ensure that the Habitat and functions of the Core
are maintained. Management entities in this existing Core include the Bureau of Land Management
and California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Existing Core M
Existing Core M consists of the Agua Tibia Mountains, located along the south-central border of the
Plan Area. Existing Core M is connected to other MSHCP conserved lands in the north via Proposed
Linkages 17 (Woodchuck Road) and 18 (Arroyo Seco Creek) and Proposed Core 7 (Wilson
Valley/Aguanga). Existing Core M is not constrained by existing urban development or agricultural
uses. A very low proportion (approximately 180 acres of the 10,460 total acres) of the area of the
Core is affected by edge, and the P/A ratio is also comparatively very low. Thus the Core can be
expected to provide high quality movement and Live-In Habitat for the species listed in the table
below. Additionally, a large portion of the border of Existing Core M is contiguous with Proposed
Core 7 (Wilson Valley/Aguanga), which markedly decreases actual amount of exposed edge and
ostensibly lowers the P/A ratio reported in the table. Management entities in this existing Core
include the U.S. Forest Service.
EXISTING CORE M
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance
to Nearest
Connected
Core
(miles)
10,460 180 10,280 14 3 western pond turtle, granite night lizard,
mountain lion, Jaeger’s milk vetch,
Nevin’s barberry, Vail Lake ceanothus,
long-spined spine flower, prostrate spine
flower, beautiful hulsea, ocellated
Humboldt lily, Palomar monkeyflower, and
Hall’s monardella.
Indian Lands, Open
Space/ Conservation,
R u r a l , R u r a l
Mountainous
SR-79
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-46
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 1
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 1 (Prado Basin Extension) consists of private land located
along the northwestern border of the Plan Area. This extension is present as two disjunct parcels in
close proximity which serve to extend Existing Core A (Prado Basin/Santa Ana River). Proposed
Extension of Existing Core 1 is connected only to Existing Core A within the Plan Area. In addition
to adding to the functional area of Existing Core A, the presence of Proposed Extension of Existing
Core 1 lowers the potential for Edge Effects in the area. Key populations of western yellow-billed
cuckoo, southwestern willow flycatcher, Cooper’s hawk, downy woodpecker, American bittern,
black-crowned night heron, California horned lark, least Bell’s vireo, tree swallow, white-tailed kite,
and yellow warbler are supported by Proposed Extension of Existing Core 1. This area is also likely
to be important for mountain lion movement from the Santa Ana Mountains to the Chino Hills
beyond the Plan Area and is thought to provide for local movement of common mammals such as
bobcat.
PROPOSED EXTENSION OF EXISTING CORE 1
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
270 0* 270 80 N/A Santa Ana sucker, arroyo chub, western
pond turtle, Cooper’s hawk, tricolored
blackbird, American bittern, cactus
wren, northern harrier, western yellow-
billed cuckoo, yellow warbler, white-
tailed kite, sou thw estern w illow
flycatcher, Californ ia horned lark,
peregrine falcon, yellow-breasted chat,
black-crowned night heron, double-
crested cormorant, downy woodpecker,
wh ite-faced ibis, tree swallow, least
Bell’s vireo, and bobcat.
O p e n S p a c e /
Conservation
None
Note: * This Noncontiguous Habitat Block is completely surrounded by Existing Core A and thus contains no edge.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-47
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 2
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 2 (Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain Extension) consists of
private lands located in the western region of the Plan Area. This extension is contiguous with
Existing Core C (Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain) along the length of its eastern border and serves
to extend the Habitat in the Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain area and smooth out edges along the
border of this Core. Proposed Extension of Existing Core 2 is also connected to Proposed
Constrained Linkage 4 (North Temescal Wash) in the north; and Proposed Linkage 1 and Proposed
Constrained Linkages 3, 5 (Horsethief Canyon), and 6 (Temescal Wash south) in the south. The
extension provides Habitat for species as listed in the table below, and also provides for movement
of species. The Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain Extension supports populations of coastal
California gnatcatcher; thus high quality, connected Habitat must be maintained in this area which
is surrounded by city (Corona) and community Development planned land uses. In addition, the
proposed Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore CETAP Corridor Alternative 1B intersects the extension
and may contribute to Edge Effects, if chosen. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface
for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators
are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED EXTENSION OF EXISTING CORE 2
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
8,100 540 7,560 29 N/A Cooper’s hawk, southern California
rufous-crowned sparrow, Bell’s sage
sparrow, yellow warbler, white-tailed
kite, southw estern w illow flycatcher,
yellow-breasted chat, loggerhead
shrike, downy woodpecker, coastal
Californ ia gnatcatcher, least Bell’s
vireo, Stephens’ kangaroo rat, bobcat,
mountain lion, Munz’s onion, long-
spined spine flower, and many
stemmed dudleya.
City (Corona),
C o m m u n i t y
D ev e l o p m e n t,
Rural
Hemet to Corona/
Lake Elsinore, CETAP
Corridor, Alternative
1B
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-48
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 3
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 3 (Lake Elsinore Soils) consists of two blocks of land
extending from the southern border of Existing Core E (Lake Elsinore). The northern portion of the
proposed extension is also connected to Proposed Linkage 8. Proposed Extension of Existing Core
3 conserves soils of the Traver series, which is important to the maintenance of several species of
Narrow Endemic Plants. The northern portion of the extension also provides for movement of
species along the lower San Jacinto River to Proposed Linkage 8. Together with Existing Core E,
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 3 provides Habitat for shorebird use. Since surrounding land
uses include city (Lake Elsinore) and community Development, management of edge conditions in
this area will be necessary to maintain high quality Habitat in this area. Guidelines Pertaining to
Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics,
and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED EXTENSION OF EXISTING CORE 3
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
1,290 410 880 63 N/A R ive rside fa i ry shrim p, Q uin o
checkerspot butterfly, western pond
turtle, Bell’s sage sparrow, American
bittern, mountain plover, northern
harrier, white-tailed kite, southwestern
willow flycatcher, loggerhead shrike,
black-crowned night heron, osprey,
double-crested cormorant, white-faced
ibis, least Bell’s vireo, bobcat, Munz ’s
onion, San Diego ambrosia, and smooth
tarplant.
City (Lake Elsinore),
Comm unity Develop-
ment, Rural, Open
Space/Conservation
None
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-49
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 4
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 4 is comprised of the middle reach of the San Jacinto River
and is contiguous with Core Area in Lake Perris Recreation Area. It provides Habitat for a number
of Narrow Endemic Plant Species and movement for species connecting to Lake Perris and areas
downstream of the San Jacinto in Canyon Lake. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided for
within this proposed Extension of Existing Core include San Jacinto Valley crownscale,
thread-leaved brodiaea, arroyo toad and Los Angeles pocket mouse. Maintenance of floodplain
processes along the San Jacinto River, as well as maintenance of habitat quality of vernal pool
complexes and the Traver-Willow-Domino soils supporting plant species noted in the table below,
are important for these species. As shown on the table below, areas not affected by edge total
approximately 2,890 acres of the total 3,330 acres occupied by this Extension of Existing Core.
Since this Extension of Existing Core may be affected by edge, treatment and management of edge
conditions will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species
using this Core. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge
factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of
this document. Flood control activities associated with the Community Development land use
designation and major Covered Activities may adversely affect Planning Species known to occur
within the San Jacinto River.
PROPOSED EXTENSION OF EXISTING CORE 4
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
3,330 440 2,890 25 N/A arroyo toad, mountain plover,
white-faced ibis, Los Angeles
pocket mouse, San Jacinto Valley
crownscale, Davidson’s saltscale,
thread-leaved brodiaea, Coulter’s
goldfields, Wright’s trichocoronis,
and spread ing navarretia .
C o m m u n i t y
Development
Ramona Express-
w a y , N u e v o
Road, Ethanac
Road, and San
Jacinto Road
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-50
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 5
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 5 consists of upland Habitat adjacent to Core Areas in Lake
Skinner and Johnson Ranch. This extension occurs as two disjunct parcels which serve to extend
Core Areas in Johnson Ranch and Lake Skinner and reduce the amount of area exposed to Edge
Effects. This Extension of Existing Core would contribute to Conservation of species occurring
within Core Areas in Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Skinner, and Johnson Ranch, such as mountain
lion, bobcat, coastal California gnatcatcher, Quino checkerspot butterfly and Stephens’ kangaroo rat.
It would also broaden the connection between Johnson Ranch and Lake Skinner. Maintenance of
habitat quality and contiguity with adjacent Core Areas is important for these species.
Major Covered Activities that may affect this area include Butterfield Stage Road which would be
extended north from the city limits of Temecula.
PROPOSED EXTENSION OF EXISTING CORE 5
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
295 65 230 91 N/A Quino checkerspot, southern Californ ia
rufous-crowned sparrow, grasshopper
sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow, coastal
California gnatcatcher, bobcat, and Los
Angeles pocket mouse.
Rural Butterfield Stage
Road
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 6
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 6 consists of upland Habitat immediately southwest of Core
Areas in Lake Skinner and Johnson Ranch. This extension is contiguous with Core Area to the north
in Lake Skinner and to west in Johnson Ranch. This Extension of Existing Core would contribute
to Conservation of species occurring within the Core Areas in Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Skinner,
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-51
and Johnson Ranch, including mountain lion, bobcat, coastal California gnatcatcher, Quino
checkerspot butterfly and Stephens’ kangaroo rat. It would also broaden the connection between
Johnson Ranch and Lake Skinner. Maintenance of habitat quality and contiguity with adjacent Core
Areas is important for these species. In addition to indirect effects of adjacent land uses described
in Section 6.0 of this document, runoff and the use of toxics associated with agricultural planned land
use located adjacent to MSHCP Conservation Areas may adversely affect species noted in the table
below.
The proposed widening improvements to major Covered Activities, including Borel Road and Buck
Road, may directly affect Habitat or result in habitat fragmentation.
PROPOSED EXTENSION OF EXISTING CORE 6
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
1,175 85 1,090 31 N/A Quino checkerspot butterfly, southern
Ca liforn ia rufous-crowned sparrow,
grasshopper sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow,
golden eag le nest s ite, bu rrow ing owl,
cactus wren, turkey vulture, mountain
plover, northern harrier, white-tailed kite,
coastal California gnatcatcher, tree
swallow, least Bell’s vireo, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, bobcat, Los Angeles pocket
mouse, and mountain lion.
Agriculture B o re l Roa d
a n d B u c k
Road
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 7
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 7 consists of areas contiguous with Diamond Valley Lake to
the west. It contributes to Conservation of Planning Species such as coastal California gnatcatcher,
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-52
mountain lion and Quino checkerspot butterfly, and provides a connection to upland and wetland
Linkages in the Domenigoni Specific Plan Area and French Valley Creek, respectively. Maintenance
of habitat quality and contiguity with Diamond Valley Lake are important for these species.
Rawson Road is an existing roadway that is proposed to be widened. The proposed improvements
to Rawson Road may directly affect Habitat and/or result in habitat fragmentation.
PROPOSED EXTENSION OF EXISTING CORE 7
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
3,220 130 3,090 27 N/A Quino checkerspot butterfly, southern
Californ ia rufous-crowned sparrow,
grasshopper sparrow, Bell’s sage
sparrow, golden eagle nest site, cactus
wren, turkey vulture, mountain plover,
northern harrier, white-tailed kite,
coastal California gnatcatcher, tree
swallow, least Bell’s vireo, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, bobcat, Los Angeles
pocket mouse, and mountain lion.
C o m m u n i t y
Development
Rawson Road
Existing Constrained Linkage A
Existing Constrained Linkage A consists of lands in conservation easement in the Skunk Hollow
area. This Public/Quasi-Public Linkage exists as two nearly elliptical blocks separated by
approximately 330 feet in the south-central region of the Plan Area. The presence of these lands in
the MSHCP decreases the gap between the Proposed Core 2 (Antelope Valley) to the west of the
Linkage and the Johnson Ranch section of Existing Core J to the east of the Linkage. This Linkage
is constrained by existing agriculture on all sides of the Linkage that are not connected to other
MSHCP Conservation Area lands. This Linkage likely provides for movement of common
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-53
mammals such as bobcat. As shown in the table below, areas not affected by edge within this
Linkage total approximately 230 acres of the approximately 310 total acres of the Linkage. This
represents a relatively high proportion of area not affected by edge compared to other MSHCP
Constrained Linkages; therefore this area likely functions as a small block of Core Area.
Nonetheless, as the planned land uses surrounding Existing Constrained Linkage A include city
(Temecula) and community Development, treatment and management of edge conditions along this
Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species
using the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge
factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of
this document.
EXISTING CONSTRAINED LINKAGE A
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
310 80 230 85 vernal pool fairy shrimp, Riverside fairy
shrimp, San Diego Ambrosia, sma ll-
flowered morn ing g lory, Pa lmer’s
grapplinghook, spreading navarretia, and
California Orcutt grass.
Comm unity Development,
City (Temecula), Open
Space/ Conservation
Leon Road
Existing Constrained Linkage B
Existing Constrained Linkage B is comprised of Salt Creek. This Linkage provides Habitat for
species and also provides for movement of species from the Hemet area in the east, through the
central region of the Plan Area, to Canyon Lake in the west. This Linkage is constrained by existing
urban and agriculture along both the northern and southern edges of the Linkage. As shown in the
table below, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 5 acres of the
approximately 325 total acres of the Linkage. The Linkage also possesses the second largest P/A
ratio of all Linkages and Constrained Linkages and is surrounded by planned land uses designated
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-54
City and Community Development, indicating that the potential for Edge Effects in this Linkage is
extremely high. Therefore, treatment and management of edge conditions along this Linkage will
be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species using the
Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors
such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this
document. In addition, maintenance of existing floodplain processes along Salt Creek is important
for a number of the Narrow Endemic Plant Species listed in the table below. MSHCP policies and
procedures included in Section 6.0 of this document will be implemented to ensure that the existing
Habitat and movement functions of the Linkage are maintained as planned land uses are developed
along the edge of the Linkage. Management entities in this existing Constrained Linkage include
the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.
EXISTING CONSTRAINED LINKAGE B
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
325 320 5 329 vernal pool fairy shrimp, Riverside fairy
shrimp, Los Angeles pocket mouse, San
Jacinto Val ley crownscale, Par ish’s
britt lesca le, Davidson’s saltscale, thread-
leaved brodiaea, smooth tarplant, vernal
barley, Coulter’s goldfields, little mousetail,
spreading navarretia, California Orcutt grass,
and Wright’s trichocoronis.
C o m m u n i t y
Development, City
(Hemet)
H e m e t t o
C o r o n a / L a k e
Elsinore, CETAP
Corr idor, Briggs
Road, Leon Road,
H i g h w a y 7 9
R e a l i g n m e n t
Corridor
Existing Constrained Linkage C
Existing Constrained Linkage C consists of the middle segment of the San Jacinto River, located in
the northeast region of the Plan Area. This Public/Quasi-Public Linkage connects Proposed Core
5 in the east (upper San Jacinto River area) with Proposed Constrained Linkage 20 to the west. It
is also connected to Proposed Core 3 (Badlands/Potrero area) via Proposed Constrained Linkage 21.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-55
Like Existing Constrained Linkage B (Salt Creek), Existing Constrained Linkage C is constrained
on all sides by existing Development, has large amounts of area potentially affected by edge
(approximately 240 acres of the total 245 acres), and possesses a high P/A ratio (230 feet per acre).
However, unlike Salt Creek, this Constrained Linkage is largely surrounded by an open space/
conservation planned land use. Thus Edge Effects may not affect the Linkage to such a strong
degree. In areas of the Linkage bordering a planned land use designated city, however, treatment and
management of edge conditions along the Linkage will still be necessary to ensure that it provides
Habitat and movement functions for species using the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to
Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics,
and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document. Furthermore, maintenance of
existing floodplain processes along the San Jacinto River is important for a number of the Narrow
Endemic Plant Species listed in the table below.
EXISTING CONSTRAINED LINKAGE C
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
245 240 5 230 arroyo toad, Los Angeles pocket mouse,
mountain plover, white-faced ibis, San
Jacinto Valley c row nscale, Parish’s
brittlescale, Davidson’s saltscale, thread-
leaved brodiaea, Coulter’s goldfields, and
spreading navarretia.
O p e n S p a c e /
Conservation, City
(San Jacinto)
H i g h w a y 7 9
R e a l i g n m e n t
Corridor
Existing Constrained Linkage D
Existing Constrained Linkage D is comprised of Bautista Creek. This Linkage provides Habitat for
species noted below, movement of species along the San Jacinto River, and a connection to Cactus
Valley and the San Jacinto Mountains. This Linkage is constrained by proposed General Plan
Community Development designation along both sides of this existing Linkage. Planning Species,
for which Habitat is provided within this Linkage, include least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-56
flycatcher, arroyo toad, western pond turtle, mountain yellow-legged frog, San Bernardino kangaroo
rat, and slender-horned spine flower. In addition to maintenance of habitat quality, maintenance of
existing floodplain processes along Bautista Creek is important for these species. This Linkage
likely provides for movement of common mammals such as bobcat. As shown on the table below,
areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 10 acres of the total 120 acres of
the Linkage. Since this is an existing Constrained Linkage with no new Reserve Assembly
anticipated and it is already affected by edge, treatment and management of edge conditions along
this Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species
using the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge
factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of
this document.
EXISTING CONSTRAINED LINKAGE D
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac .)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
120 110 10 271 arroyo toad, mountain yellow-legged frog, western
pond turt le, Cooper’s hawk, southw estern w illow
flycatcher, least Bell’s vireo, San Bernardino kangaroo
rat, and slender-horned spine flow er.
C o m m u n i t y
D evelopment,
Agriculture
R a m o n a
Expressway
Existing Constrained Linkage E
Existing Constrained Linkage E is generally comprised of lands set aside as part of a pre-existing
conservation agreement and lower Tucalota Creek. This Linkage provides potential nest sites and
foraging Habitat for certain species and connections to Core Areas in French Valley and Johnson
Ranch. This Linkage is constrained by existing agricultural practices and roadways, including Borel
Road and Pourroy Road. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided within this Linkage include
grasshopper sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow, and Munz’s onion. Maintenance of habitat quality and
floodplain processes along lower Tucalota Creek are important for these species. This Linkage likely
provides for movement of common mammals such as bobcat. As shown on the table below, areas
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-57
not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 40 acres of the total 180 acres of the
Linkage. Since this is an existing Linkage already affected by edge, treatment and management of
edge conditions along this Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement
functions for species using this Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the
management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
Butterfield Stage Road forms the eastern boundary of this Linkage and is proposed to be widened.
Proposed widening activities may affect movement through this Linkage.
EXISTING CONSTRAINED LINKAGE E
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
180 140 40 169 southe rn Cal i forn ia ru fous-crowned
sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, Bell’s sage
sparrow, California horned lark, bobcat,
long-spined spine flower, Munz ’s onion and
Palmer’s grappling hook.
C o m m u n i t y
Development
Borel Road and
Butterfield Stage
Road
Existing Linkage A
Existing Linkage A consists of a parcel of BLM-owned (Public/Quasi-Public) land located on the
southern border of the Plan Area, directly east of I-15. This Linkage is connected to other MSHCP
conserved lands via Proposed Constrained Linkage 14 (Pechanga Creek). The Linkage may be used
to move from Pechanga Creek south into San Diego County (a journey of approximately 7,350 feet),
or to the east, to Rural Mountainous land beyond the Linkage (a journey of approximately 7,740
feet). Existing agriculture or urban Development do not constrain the Linkage, which is surrounded
largely by a planned land use designation of Rural Mountainous. This Linkage likely provides for
movement of common mammals such as bobcat as well as Live-In Habitat for species listed in the
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-58
table below. Since this is an existing Linkage with no new Reserve Assembly anticipated, treatment
and management of edge conditions along this Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides
Habitat and movement functions for species using the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/
Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and
domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document. Management entities in this
existing Linkage include the Bureau of Land Management.
EXISTING LINKAGE A
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
870 170 700 45 Santa Ana sucker, Cooper’s hawk, tricolored
blackbird, burrow ing owl, American bittern,
ferruginous hawk, cactus wren, northern harrier,
western yellow-billed cuckoo, yellow warb ler,
white-tai led k i te , southwestern w illow
flycatcher, California horned lark, peregrine
falcon, yellow-breasted chat, loggerhead shrike,
black-crowned night heron, osprey, double-
crested cormorant, downy woodpecker, white-
faced ibis, tree swa llow, least Bell’s vireo,
bobcat, and mountain lion.
Rural Mountainous,
Indian Lands
None
Existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block A
Existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block A consists of the Box Springs Mountains, located in the
extreme northern region of the Plan Area. Existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block A includes two
pieces of land connected to each other by Proposed Constrained Linkage 8. This habitat block is in
turn connected to other MSHCP conserved lands via Proposed Constrained Linkage 7 and Proposed
Linkage 4 (Reche Canyon). Although this habitat block has a relatively high P/A ratio (44 feet per
acre) compared to the existing and proposed Core Areas, it is well connected overall and situated
only 1.7 miles from Existing Core D. This habitat block provides Live-In Habitat for species, and
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-59
it likely contains movement Habitat for common mammals such as bobcat. However, Existing
Noncontiguous Habitat Block A is partially constrained by existing urban Development and is
surrounded by a city planned land use designation. Potential alignment of the San Bernardino to
Moreno Valley corridor may also affect movement and viability of species within the habitat block.
As such, treatment and management of edge conditions along this habitat block will be necessary
to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species using the habitat block.
Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as
lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
Management entities in this existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block include the County of Riverside
Park and Open Space District.
EXISTING NONCONTIGUOUS HABITAT BLOCK A
Approximate Dimension Data for Block
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Block
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
2,650 540 2,110 44 1.7 southern California rufous-crowned
sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow,
cactus wren, loggerhead shrike,
Stephens’ kangaroo rat, bobcat,
and Nevin’s barberry.
Rural Mountainous,
C i t y ( R i ve r s id e ,
M o r e n o Val le y ) ,
O p e n S p a c e /
Conservation
P i g eo n P a s s
R o a d , S a n
Bernardino to
Moreno Valley
CETAP Corridor
Existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block B
Existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block B consists of Bogart County Park, located in the northeastern
portion of the Plan Area. This publicly-owned habitat block is connected to other MSHCP
conserved lands via Proposed Constrained Linkage 23 (Cherry Valley Linkage). Existing urban
Development and a Community Development planned land use designation constrain some margins
of the block. Therefore, special care must be taken to maintain high quality Habitat within the Core
and along the edges for species sensitive to Edge Effects listed in the table below. Guidelines
Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-60
runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document. Despite
potential Edge Effect issues, this habitat block provides Live-In Habitat for a number of species as
noted in the table below and possibly movement Habitat for other common mammals such as bobcat.
EXISTING NONCONTIGUOUS HABITAT BLOCK B
Approximate Dimension Data for Block
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Block
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
660 160 500 46 8.8 San Bernardino mountain kingsnake,
Bell’s sage sparrow, bobcat, and Los
Angeles pocket mouse.
Rural Mountainous,
C o m m u n i t y
Development
None
Existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block C
Existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block C is comprised of BLM land north of the Cahuilla Indian
Reservation. This habitat block supports known populations of Quino checkerspot butterfly.
Maintenance of habitat quality and connections to other areas supporting populations of Quino
checkerspot butterfly is important for this species. As shown in the table below, approximately 550
acres of a total of 660 acres within this habitat block are not affected by edge. Since this is an
existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block affected by edge with no new Reserve Assembly anticipated,
management of edge conditions along the habitat block will be necessary to ensure that habitat
quality is maintained and indirect effects of widening Cary Road (existing facility) and planned land
uses are minimized. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge
factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of
this document.
EXISTING NONCONTIGOUS HABITAT BLOCK C
Approximate Dimension Data for Block
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Block
Approx.
Total (ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected Core
(miles)
660 110 550 33 1 Quino checkerspot butterfly Community Development to the east,
and Rural to the south and west
Cary Road
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-61
Proposed Core 1
Proposed Core 1 is located approximately in the east-central region of the Plan Area. This Core Area
consists largely of private lands in the Alberhill area but also contains small pieces of
Public/Quasi-Public Lands. The Core exists in two blocks, one east and one west of I-15.
Connections are made from the Core to Proposed Linkage 1, Proposed Linkage 2 (Alberhill Creek),
Proposed Linkage 3, and Existing Core C (Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain). The Core provides
Habitat for species and also provides for movement of species. Key populations of coastal California
gnatcatcher, Munz’s onion, many-stemmed dudleya, cactus wren, tricolored blackbird, and yellow
warbler are supported in this Core Area. The Core likely provides for movement of common
mammals such as bobcat. Since this Core is contiguous with Existing Core C (Lake Mathews/
Estelle Mountain) via an approximately 10,000-foot connection, the functional area of the Core is
much greater than 7,470 acres reported in the table below. Because a portion of the Core is
surrounded by city (Lake Elsinore) and community Development planned land uses, and since this
Core may be affected by the proposed Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore CETAP Corridor,
management of edge conditions in these areas will be needed to maintain high quality Habitat within
the Core. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors
such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this
document.
PROPOSED CORE 1
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
7,470 1,120 6,350 30 0* coastal California gnatcatcher, cactus
w r e n , t r i - c o l o r e d b l a c k b i r d ,
southw estern willow flycatcher, Munz’s
onion and many-stemmed dudleya.
C i t y ( L a k e
Elsinore), Rural
M o u n t a i n o u s ,
C o m m u n i t y
D e v e l o p m e n t ,
Open S p a ce/
Conservation
I-15, Hemet to
C o r o n a / L a k e
Elsinore CETAP
Corridor
Note: * This Core is contiguous with Existing Core C.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-62
Proposed Core 2
Proposed Core 2 (Antelope Valley) is located approximately in the southwest region of the Plan
Area. This Core Area consists largely of private lands but also contains small pieces of
Public/Quasi-Public Lands. Connections from the Core are made through Proposed Constrained
Linkages 15 (Lower Warm Springs Creek), 16, 17 (Paloma Valley), and 18. The Core is constrained
in all directions by existing agricultural uses and urban Development. Though the Core has one of
the highest P/A ratios of all MSHCP proposed or existing Cores, it is highly connected to other
MSHCP conserved lands and is located only 1.1 miles from the nearest connected Core, Existing
Core J (Lake Skinner/Diamond Valley Lake). This Core provides important Habitat for the Quino
checkerspot, which has key populations in this area. This butterfly is restricted by the distribution
and availability of its hosts plants, which in many areas have been replaced by non-native exotic
weed species and habitat type conversion. Because of the large number of Covered Activities
planned in this area and the constrained condition of the Core, management of edge conditions will
be necessary in this area to maintain high quality Habitat for the Qunio checkerspot and other species
using this Core. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge
factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of
this document.
PROPOSED CORE 2
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total (ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
5,050 910 4,140 35 1.1 Quino checkerspot butterfly, western
pond turtle, southern California rufous-
crowned sparrow, grasshopper
sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow,
Swainson’s hawk, California horned
lark, coastal California gnatcatcher,
bobcat, Los Angeles pocket mouse,
Munz’s onion, San Diego ambrosia,
spreading navarretia, and California
Orcutt grass.
City (Murr ieta),
C o m m u n i t y
Development, Rural
Menifee Road,
B r i g gs R o a d ,
Whitewood Road,
C l i n ton K e i th
Road, Los Alamos
Auld Road
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-63
Proposed Core 3
Proposed Core 3 (Badlands/Potrero) is located in the northeast region of the Plan Area. This Core
consists mainly of private lands but also contains a few Public/Quasi-Public parcels including De
Anza Cycle Park. The Core is connected to Proposed Linkage 12 (north San Timoteo Creek),
Proposed Linkage 4 (Reche Canyon), Proposed Constrained Linkage 22 (east San Timoteo Creek),
Existing Core H (Lake Perris), Existing Core K (San Jacinto Mountains), Proposed Linkage 11
(Soboba/Gilman Springs), and Proposed Constrained Linkage 21. The Core also functions as a
Linkage, connecting the San Bernardino National Forest to the southwest with San Bernardino
County and other conserved areas to the north of the Core. With a total acreage of approximately
24,920 acres, Proposed Core 3 is one of the largest MSHCP Core Areas. In addition, the Core is
contiguous with Existing Core H (Lake Perris/Mystic Lake) and Existing Core K (San Jacinto
Mountains), thus greatly enlarging the functional area of the Core. The Core has both a large
proportion of its area unaffected by edge (approximately 23,420 acres of the total 24,940 acres) and
is only partially constrained by existing agricultural use. Within the Core, important Live-In and
movement Habitat is provided for Bell’s sage sparrow, loggerhead shrike, cactus wren, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, southern California rufous-crowned sparrow, and mountain lion, which have key
populations in the Badlands. Management of edge conditions will be necessary in the Badlands to
maintain high quality Habitat for these species in areas which may be affected by covered facilities
including Lambs Canyon Road, San Timoteo Canyon Road, and Gilman Springs Road. Guidelines
Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban
runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED CORE 3
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered Activities
Potentially Affecting
Core
Approx.
Total (ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
24,940 1,520 23,420 13 0* southern California rufous-crowned
sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow, cactus
wren, loggerhead shrike, San
Bernardino kangaroo rat, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, bobcat, Los Angeles
pocket mouse, mountain lion, Nevin’s
barberry
City (Beaumont, Cherry
Valley, Moreno Valley),
Open Space/ Conservation,
Rural, Rural Mountainous,
Community Development
SR-60, Lambs Canyon Road,
San Timoteo Canyon Road,
Gilman Springs Road
Note: * This Core is contiguous with Existing Core H and Existing Core K.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-64
Proposed Core 4
Proposed Core 4 (East Cactus Valley) is located in the east-central region of the Plan Area. This
Core is composed of private lands and is generally unconstrained by existing urban Development
or agricultural use. Connections are made from the Core via Existing Constrained Linkage D
(Bautista Creek), Proposed Linkage 14 (Cactus Valley), and Existing Core K (San Jacinto
Mountains). The Core also functions as a Linkage, connecting the Diamond Valley Lake/Lake
Skinner and Cactus Valley areas in the west with the San Jacinto Mountains in the east. Proposed
Core 4 is contiguous with Existing Core K (San Jacinto Mountains), thus greatly enlarging the
functional area of the Core. The Core provides Live-In and movement Habitat for several species,
including the Quino checkerspot, which has key populations in this area. As previously mentioned,
this butterfly is restricted by the distribution and availability of its host plants, which in many areas
have been replaced by non-native exotic weed species and habitat type conversion. However, due
to the lack of planned roadway facilities, the large size of the Core (11,890 acres), and surrounding
planned land uses largely of Rural Mountainous, these types of Edge Effects are not expected to
compromise the integrity of the Core.
PROPOSED CORE 4
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Generalized Adjacent
Planned
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
11,890 550 11,340 14 0* Quino checkerspot butterfly,
arroyo toa d, B ell’s sage
s p a r r o w , c a c t u s w r e n ,
loggerhead shrike, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, bobcat, Los
Angeles pocket mouse, and
mountain lion.
Rural Mounta inous, Open
S p a c e / C o n s e rv a t i o n ,
Agriculture, Community
Development, Rural
None
Note: * This Core is contiguous with Existing Core K.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-65
Proposed Core 5
Proposed Core 5 is comprised of the portion of the upper San Jacinto River extending from the San
Jacinto Mountains to just west of State Street. It is contiguous with Core Areas in the San Jacinto
Mountains and areas downstream along the San Jacinto River. Planning Species for which Habitat
is provided within this Core include mountain yellow-legged frog, arroyo toad, least Bell’s vireo,
southwestern willow flycatcher, San Bernardino kangaroo rat, and Los Angeles pocket mouse.
Maintenance of floodplain processes and water quality of the San Jacinto River is important for these
species, as well as maintenance of habitat quality. This Core likely provides for movement of
mammals such as mountain lion and bobcat, connecting to Core Areas in the San Jacinto Mountains,
Lake Perris and San Jacinto Wildlife Refuge. In addition to indirect effects associated with adjacent
planned land uses identified in Section 6.0 of this document, flood control activities resulting from
adjacent planned land uses may also adversely affect species such as arroyo toad, San Bernardino
kangaroo rat, least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher and Los Angeles pocket mouse.
PROPOSED CORE 5
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance
to Nearest
Connected
Core
(miles)
3,220 700 2,520 58 N/A arroyo toad, mountain yellow-legged frog,
C o o p e r ’ s h a w k , y e l l o w w a r b l e r,
southw estern willow flycatcher, least Bell’s
vireo, San Bernardino kangaroo rat, bobcat,
mountain lion, slender-horned spine flower,
and western pond turtle.
Ind ian Lands
(Soboba Indian
Reservation)
R a m o n a
Expressway,
SR-74 and
Soboba Road
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-66
Proposed Core 6
Proposed Core 6 is comprised largely of the Silverado Ranch. It provides Habitat for a number of
Planning Species such as Quino checkerspot butterfly, Stephens’ kangaroo rat, Los Angeles pocket
mouse, mountain lion and bobcat. As shown on the table below, areas not affected by edge within
this proposed Core total approximately 4,060 acres of the total 4,290 acres of the Core. Maintenance
of large intact interconnected habitat blocks is important for these species.
In addition to indirect effects of adjacent land uses described in Section 6.0 of this document, fire,
fire suppression, and sheep and cattle grazing associated with Development adjacent to MSHCP
Conservation Areas may adversely affect species listed in the table below. Other activities which
may affect biological resources within the proposed Core include widening of existing roadways.
The proposed roadway widening noted in the table below may result in habitat fragmentation and
increased motor vehicle traffic may adversely affect Quino checkerspot butterfly during their flight
season.
PROPOSED CORE 6
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
4,290 230 4,060 22 0* Quino checkerspot butterfly , Bell’s
sage sparrow, golden eagle nest
site, cactus wren, least Bell’s vireo,
Aguanga kangaroo rat, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, bobcat, mountian lion,
Los Angeles pocket mouse, Payson’s
jewelflower.
I n d i a n L a n d s
( C a h u i l l a Ind ia n
Reservation), Open
Space/ Conservation
and Rural
C a r y R o a d ,
Rams ey Road
and Tule Peak
Road
Note: * This Core is contiguous with Existing Core L.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-67
Proposed Core 7
Proposed Core 7 is comprised of a mosaic of upland and wetland habitat types in the Vail Lake, Sage
and Wilson Valley areas. The proposed large intact habitat blocks provide Live-In Habitat for a
number of Planning Species and movement for species connecting to other Core Areas located in
the Agua Tibia Wilderness, San Bernardino National Forest and Beauty Mountain Management
Area. This Core supports Quino checkerspot butterfly, coastal California gnatcatcher, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, least Bell’s vireo, bobcat, mountain lion and several Narrow Endemic Plant Species
occurring on Travers-Willow-Domino soil series. Maintenance of large intact interconnected habitat
blocks and wetland functions and values of Vail Lake and portions of Tucalota Creek, Temecula
Creek, Tule Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Arroyo Seco Creek, Kolb Creek and Wilson Creek is
important for these species. As shown on the table below, areas not affected by edge within this
Core total approximately 48,510 acres of the total 50,000 acres occupied by this Core. For portions
of Core Areas adjacent to Development, treatment and management of edge conditions will be
necessary to ensure habitat quality for species using the Core. Guidelines Pertaining to
Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics,
and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED CORE 7
Approximate Dimension Data for Core
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Core
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
50,000 1,490 48,510 7 0* arroyo toad, California red-legged frog,
Quino checkerspot butterfly, Cooper’s
hawk, tricolored blackbird, southern
California rufous-crowned sparrow, Bell’s
sage sparrow, cactus wren, northern
harrier, yellow warbler, white-tailed kite,
loggerhead shrike, coastal California
gnatcatcher, tree swallow, least Bell’s
vireo, Aguanga kangaroo rat, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, bobcat, Los Angeles pocket
mouse, mountain lion, Payson’s
jewelflower, and Parry’s spine flower.
R u r a l , R u r a l
M o u n t a i n o u s ,
Agriculture and
C o m m u n i t y
Development
SR-79, SR-371,
and Pauba Road
Note: * This Core is contiguous with Existing Core K, Existing Core L, and Existing Core M.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-68
The major Covered Activities, SR-79, SR-371, and Pauba Road, are existing roadways that are
planned to be widened. Proposed widening activities may directly affect Habitat, floodplain
processes along Temecula Creek important to the species noted above and in the table below, or may
affect movement through this Core.
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 1
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 1 consists of two habitat blocks containing soils suitable for
supporting the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly. This habitat block is constrained by existing adjacent
agricultural activities. Maintenance of Delhi sands soil series is important for this species. As
shown in the table below, areas not affected by edge within this habitat block total approximately
190 acres of the total 290 acres occupied by this proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block. Because
this species is adversely affected by agricultural activities such as grazing and discing, treatment and
management of edge conditions will be necessary to maintain intact habitat blocks of Delhi sands.
Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as
lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED NONCONTIGUOUS HABITAT BLOCK 1
Approximate Dimension Data for Block
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Block
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
290 100 190 89 N/A Delhi Sands flower-loving fly and Los
Angeles pocket mouse.
C o m m u n i t y
Development
SR-60
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 2
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 2 is comprised of the Jurupa Mountains. This
Noncontiguous Habitat Block provides Habitat for Planning Species such as Delhi Sands flower-
loving fly, loggerhead shrike, San Bernardino kangaroo rat and coastal California gnatcatcher. It
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-69
may also provide a “stepping stone” for birds connecting to areas in San Bernardino County.
Maintenance of large intact interconnected habitat blocks is important for these species. As shown
in the table below, areas not affected by edge total approximately 1,070 acres of the total 1,230 acres
occupied by this habitat block. Since this habitat block may be affected by edge, treatment and
management of edge conditions will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement
functions for species using this habitat block. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface
for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators
are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED NONCONTIGUOUS HABITAT BLOCK 2
Approximate Dimension Data for Block
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Block
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
1,230 160 1,070 38 N/A Delhi Sands flow er-lov ing f ly,
southern California rufous-crowned
sparrow, Bell's sage sp arrow,
loggerhead shrike, coastal Californ ia
gnatca tche r , S a n B ernard in o
kangaroo rat, bobcat, and Los
Angeles pocket mouse.
C o m m u n i t y
Development and
O p e n S p a c e /
Conservation
None
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 3
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 3 consists of a habitat block containing soils suitable for
supporting the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly. This habitat block is constrained by existing adjacent
agricultural activities. Maintenance of Delhi Sands soil series is important for this species. As
shown in the table below, areas not affected by edge within this habitat block total approximately
120 acres of the total 185 acres occupied by this proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block. Because
this species is adversely affected by agricultural activities such as grazing and discing, and by exotic
invasive species, treatment and management of edge conditions will be necessary to maintain intact
habitat blocks of Delhi Sands as adjacent planned community Development is developed along the
edge of the habitat block. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-70
of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section
6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED NONCONTIGUOUS HABITAT BLOCK 3
Approximate Dimension Data for Block
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Block
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
185 65 120 114 N/A Delhi Sands flower-loving fly, Los Angeles
pocket mouse
C o m m u n i t y
Development
None
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 4
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 4 is comprised of the Motte Rimrock Reserve. It provides
Habitat for a number of Planning Species, including Quino checkerspot butterfly, coastal California
gnatcatcher, and Stephens’ kangaroo rat. Maintenance of large intact interconnected habitat blocks
is important for these species. As shown in the table below, areas not affected by edge total
approximately 920 acres of the total 1,150 acres occupied by this habitat block. Since this habitat
block may be affected by edge, treatment and management of edge conditions will be necessary to
ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species using this habitat block as
planned adjacent land uses are developed along the edge. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands
Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic
predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document. Activities associated with proposed adjacent
land uses such as fire, fire suppression, off-road vehicle use and landscaping with exotic invasive
species may be harmful to Stephens’ kangaroo rat.
PROPOSED NONCONTIGUOUS HABITAT BLOCK 4
Approximate Dimension Data for Block
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Block
Approx.
Total (ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
1,150 230 920 36 N/A Bell’s sage sparrow, cactus wren, coastal
California gnatcatcher, Stephens’ kangaroo rat,
and long-spined spine flower.
C o m m u n i t y
Development and
Rural
None
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-71
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 5
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 5 consists of the Lakeview Mountains, located
approximately in the center of the Plan Area. This habitat block is connected to other MSHCP
conserved lands via Proposed Constrained Linkage 20. The Lakeview Mountains are located 1.2
miles from the nearest connected Core (Existing Core H, Lake Perris/Mystic Lake). Private lands
comprise the vast majority of lands in the habitat block, but a few small parcels of Public/
Quasi-Public Lands are also present. The Lakeview Mountains represent a large block of Habitat,
which has a low P/A ratio and contains only 900 of the total approximately 7,150 acres as edge area.
As such, this Noncontiguous Habitat Block supports the species listed in the table below, including
a key population of Bell’s sage sparrow. Since surrounding land uses include a substantial amount
of city and agriculture, and one alternative for the Highway 79 Realignment Corridor would impact
the habitat block, treatment and management of edge conditions in these affected areas will be
necessary to ensure that it maintains high quality sage scrub Habitat, particularly for the Bell’s sage
sparrow. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors
such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this
document.
PROPOSED NONCONTIGUOUS HABITAT BLOCK 5
Approximate Dimension Data for Block
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Block
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
7,150 900 6,250 23 1.2 Be ll’s sage sparrow,
burrowing owl, bobcat
and Los Angeles pocket
mouse.
City (San Jacinto), Rural,
R u r a l M o u n t a i n o u s ,
Agriculture, Comm unity
Development
Bridge Street, Hemet
t o C o r o n a / L a k e
E l s in o r e C E T A P
Corridor
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-72
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 6
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 6 consists of three vernal pools west of Hemet/San Jacinto,
and east of the Lakeview Mountains. Though small in size, these parcels preserve important
populations of Narrow Endemic Plant Species, including Davidson’s saltscale, thread-leaved
brodiaea, little mousetail, California Orcutt grass and spreading navarretia, as well as vernal pool
fairy shrimp. Maintenance of vernal pool hydrology, water quality and Traver-Willow- Domino soil
series is important for these species. Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 6 is constrained by
existing urban development and agricultural use. As shown in the table below, approximately 220
acres of the total 330 acres occupied by the vernal pools are not affected by edge. Adjacent urban
Development in the City of San Jacinto, and realignment of the SR-79 North Corridor may affect
resources within this habitat block. Treatment and management of edge conditions will be necessary
to ensure that habitat quality and vernal pool hydrology are maintained as planned land uses are
developed and major Covered Activities are implemented along the edge of this habitat block.
Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as
lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED NONCONTIGUOUS HABITAT BLOCK 6
Approximate Dimension Data for Block
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Block
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
330 110 220 62 N/A vernal pool fairy shrimp, burrowing owl,
mountain plover, loggerhead shrike,
Davidson’s salt sca le, thread-leaved
brodiaea, vernal barley, little mousetail,
spreading navarretia, and C alifornia
Orcutt grass.
C i t y ( S a n
Jacinto)
H i g h w a y 7 9
R e a l i g n m e n t
Corridor
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-73
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 7
Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 7 is comprised of a complex of vernal pools west of the City
of Hemet. Though small in size and connected to other MSHCP lands solely via Existing
Constrained Linkage B (Salt Creek), these parcels preserve important populations of Narrow
Endemic Plant Species, including Davidson’s saltscale, thread-leaved brodiaea, little mousetail,
California Orcutt grass and spreading navarretia, as well as vernal pool fairy shrimp. Maintenance
of vernal pool hydrology, water quality associated with Salt Creek and Traver-Willow-Domino soil
series is important for these species. Proposed Noncontiguous Habitat Block 7 is constrained by
existing urban Development and agricultural use. As shown in the table below, approximately 1,030
acres of the total 1,260 acres occupied by this habitat block are not affected by edge. Adjacent
planned community Development, rural, urban Development in the City of Hemet, and expansion
of existing facilities such as SR-74 and SR-79 may affect resources within this habitat block.
Treatment and management of edge conditions will be necessary to ensure that habitat quality and
vernal pool hydrology are maintained as planned land uses are developed along the edge of this
habitat block. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge
factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of
this document.
PROPOSED NONCONTIGUOUS HABITAT BLOCK 7
Approximate Dimension Data for Block
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Block
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
Approx.
Distance to
Nearest
Connected
Core (miles)
1,260 230 1,030 35 N/A vernal pool fairy shrimp, burrowing
owl, mountain plover, loggerhead
shrike, Mu nz’s onion, sp read ing
navarretia, and California Orcutt grass.
City (Hemet),
R u ra l , R u r a l
M o u n ta i n o u s,
Agriculture
H i g h w a y 7 9
R e a l i g n m e n t
Corridor
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-74
Proposed Constrained Linkage 1
Proposed Constrained Linkage 1 is located in the northwest portion of the Plan Area. The Linkage
connects Existing Core A (Prado Basin/Santa Ana River) with Existing Core B (Cleveland National
Forest) to the south. Existing urban Development constrains the Linkage at its northern terminus;
the Linkage is unconstrained in the south. In addition, SR91 intersects this Linkage at its northern
border. Despite this, Proposed Constrained Linkage 1 likely provides for movement of mountain
lion and bobcat from the Santa Ana Mountains to the Chino Hills area beyond the Plan Area.
Maintenance of contiguous habitat blocks with appropriate refugia for resting, such as rockpiles,
brushpiles, windfalls, hollow snags and hollow trees, is important for dispersal of juveniles in this
proposed Linkage.
In addition, the Linkage has a relatively low P/A ratio (79 feet per acre) compared to other MSHCP
Constrained Linkages, and the Linkage is surrounded by a Rural Mountainous planned land use
designation. Thus Edge Effects will be somewhat mitigated by these factors. Guidelines Pertaining
to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff,
toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document. In addition, as SR-91
intersects the Linkage at its northern terminus, an adequate wildlife underpass or overpass may need
to be implemented to insure movement of species in this area and to reduce the chance of mortality
from vehicle collision.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 1
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
300 110 190 79 Cooper’s hawk, coastal California
gnatca tche r , b o b cat , and
mountain lion.
R u r a l M o u n t a i n o u s ,
Comm unity Development,
City (Corona)
SR-91
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-75
Proposed Constrained Linkage 2
Proposed Constrained Linkage 2 consists of Fresno Canyon, located along the eastern border of the
Plan Area. Like Proposed Constrained Linkage 1, this Linkage connects Existing Core A (Prado
Basin and Santa Ana River) with Existing Core B (Cleveland National Forest) to the south. Unlike
Constrained Linkage 1, however, the Fresno Canyon Constrained Linkage provides a riparian
connection from the Prado Basin and Santa Ana River to the Cleveland National Forest, thus
allowing for movement of species such as coast range newt and western pond turtle. This Linkage
is also likely to be important for mountain lion movement from the Santa Ana Mountains to the
Chino Hills beyond the Plan Area. Maintenance of contiguous habitat blocks with appropriate
refugia for resting, such as rockpiles, brushpiles, windfalls, hollow snags and hollow trees, is
important for dispersal of juveniles in this proposed Linkage.
Existing agricultural use and a small amount of urban Development constrain the Linkage along
much of its length, and the vast majority of the Linkage is surrounded by a city (Corona) planned
land use designation; thus treatment and management of edge conditions along this Linkage will be
necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species using the Linkage.
Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as
lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
In addition, as SR-91 intersects the Linkage at its northern terminus, an adequate wildlife underpass
or overpass may need to be implemented to insure movement of species in this area and to reduce
the chance of mortality from vehicle collision.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 2
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac .)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
200 110 90 106 coast range newt, western pond turtle,
bobcat, and mountain lion
City (Corona),
O p e n S p a c e /
Conservation
SR-91
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-76
Proposed Constrained Linkage 3
Proposed Constrained Linkage 3 is comprised of upland Habitat located in the vicinity of Indian
Truck Trail. It provides movement of species between Core Areas along Temescal Wash and Lake
Mathews/Estelle Mountain area to the Santa Ana Mountains in the Cleveland National Forest via
an undercrossing of I-15. Although this Linkage is constrained by planned community Development.
Planning Species such as bobcat may use this Linkage and maintenance of contiguous Habitat with
appropriate refugia for resting, such as rockpiles, brushpiles, windfalls, hollow snags and hollow
trees, is important for dispersal of juveniles. As shown below, areas not affected by edge within this
Linkage total approximately 20 acres of the total 80 acres of the Linkage. Since this Linkage is
affected by edge, it is anticipated that treatment and management of edge conditions along this
Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides linkage area for species, such as bobcat moving
through this area. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge
factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of
this document.
Habitat fragmentation or construction of barriers as a result of planned community Development may
affect large mammal movement through this Constrained Linkage. Proposed widening of I-15 may
also affect movement through this Constrained Linkage. Maintenance of an adequate wildlife
undercrossing at least 10-20 feet wide with fencing and vegetative cover will be important to
accommodate movement of bobcats.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 3
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac .)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
80 60 20 201 bobcat Community Development I-15
Proposed Constrained Linkage 4
Proposed Constrained Linkage 4 is comprised of the portion of Temescal Wash extending from
Indiana Avenue to El Cerrito Road. This Linkage provides Habitat for wetland species, Narrow
Endemic Plant Species, and movement for species connecting to Core Areas in Lake
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-77
Mathews/Estelle Mountain and areas upstream along Temescal Wash. The northern extent of this
Linkage is constrained by existing Development in the City of Corona. Planning Species for which
Habitat is provided within this Linkage include Parry's spine flower, peninsular spine flower, smooth
tarplant, least Bell's vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher. Maintenance of habitat quality and
floodplain processes along Temescal Wash are important for these species. As shown below, areas
not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 160 acres of the total 380 acres of the
Linkage. Since this Linkage is affected by edge, it is anticipated that treatment and management of
edge conditions along the portion of this Linkage adjacent to urban Development in the City of
Corona will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species using
the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors
such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this
document.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 4
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
380 220 160 106 yellow warbler, yellow-breasted chat,
downy woodpecker, least Bell’s vireo,
Munz’s onion, long-sp ined spine flower,
and many stemmed dudleya
City (Corona), Open
Space/ Conservat ion
and Rural Mountainous
None
Proposed Constrained Linkage 5
Proposed Constrained Linkage 5 is a wildlife undercrossing located in the vicinity of I-15 and
Horsethief Canyon Road. It provides a connection to Core Areas along Temescal Wash and in the
Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain area to ultimately the Santa Ana Mountains in the Cleveland
National Forest. It augments a proposed Linkage north of Alberhill. It is constrained by planned
community Development to the east and to the north along I-15. Maintenance of contiguous Habitat
is important for these species. This Linkage likely provides for movement for mammals such as
mountain lion and bobcat. Maintenance of contiguous Habitat with appropriate refugia for resting,
such as rockpiles, brushpiles, windfalls, hollow snags and hollow trees, is important for dispersal
of juveniles.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-78
As shown below, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 15 of the 25
acres of the Linkage. Since this Linkage is affected by edge, it is anticipated that treatment and
management of edge conditions along this Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides
Habitat and movement functions for species using the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to
Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics,
and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document. Adjacent planned community
Development and widening of I-15 may affect movement of species through this Constrained
Linkage. Maintenance of an adequate wildlife undercrossing at least 10-20 feet wide with fencing
and vegetative cover will be important to accommodate movement of bobcat and mountain lion.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 5
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac .)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
25 10 15 188 bobcat, mountain lion Community Development I-15
Proposed Constrained Linkage 6
Proposed Constrained Linkage 6 is located approximately in the east-central region of the Plan Area
and consists of a portion of Temescal Wash. This Linkage connects Proposed Core 1 (Alberhill),
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 2 (Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain Extension), and Proposed
Linkage 1. Private lands comprise the entirety of the Linkage, which provides important upland and
riparian Habitat for species such as those listed in the table below. High quality riparian Habitat
must be maintained within the Core and along the edges for species such as Cooper’s hawk, yellow
warbler, white-tailed kite, yellow-breasted chat and least Bell’s vireo, which have key populations
located in or along the wash. Since existing agricultural use completely constrains this Linkage, and
the Linkage is partially surrounded by community Development planned land use, treatment and
management of edge conditions along this Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides
Habitat and movement functions for species using the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to
Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics,
and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-79
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 6
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac .)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
175 110 65 130 Cooper’s hawk, yellow warbler, white-tailed
kite, southwestern willow flycatcher, yellow-
breasted chat and least Bell’s vireo
Urban Development,
Agriculture
I-15
Proposed Constrained Linkage 7
Proposed Constrained Linkage 7 is comprised of upland Habitat in the vicinity of Central Avenue.
It is the only connection from Sycamore Canyon Park to Box Springs Reserve. This Linkage is
important for species dispersal and would reduce the likelihood of species extinction as a result of
population isolation. Habitat for Planning Species such as cactus wren and Bell's sage sparrow
occurs within this Linkage. This Linkage likely provides for movement of common mammals such
as bobcat. Maintenance of contiguous Habitat with appropriate refugia for resting, such as rockpiles,
brushpiles, windfalls, hollow snags and hollow trees, is important for dispersal of juveniles.
As shown in the table below, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 65
acres of the total 175 acres of the Linkage. Since this Linkage is affected by edge, it is anticipated
that treatment and management of edge conditions along this Linkage will be necessary to ensure
that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species using the Linkage. Guidelines
Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban
runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document. The Linkage
is constrained by existing urban Development and roadways. Adjacent planned community
Development, urbanized areas of the City of Riverside and proposed widening activity of I-215 may
affect bobcat movement through this Constrained Linkage. Maintenance of an adequate wildlife
undercrossing at least 10-20 feet wide with fencing and vegetative cover will be important to
accommodate bobcat movement.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-80
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 7
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac .)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
175 110 65 118 Bell’s sage sparrow, cactus wren, and
bobcat
City (Riverside) and
Comm unity Development
I-215
Proposed Constrained Linkage 8
Proposed Constrained Linkage 8 is comprised of upland Habitat in the Pigeon Pass Valley and
connects to two existing Noncontiguous Habitat Blocks in the Box Springs Mountain area. Planning
species such as cactus wren and bobcat may occur. This Linkage likely provides for movement of
common mammals such as bobcat. Maintenance of contiguous Habitat with appropriate refugia for
resting, such as rockpiles, brushpiles, windfalls, hollow snags and hollow trees, is important for
dispersal of juveniles.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 8
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
270 50 220 69 southern California rufous-crowned
sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow, cactus
wren, loggerhead shrike, and bobcat
Rural Mo untainous
and Open Space/
Conservation
None
As shown on the table above, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 220
acres of the total 270 acres of the Linkage. This Linkage is constrained by planned Rural
Mountainous Development to the north. Since this Linkage is affected by edge, it is anticipated that
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-81
treatment and management of edge conditions along this Linkage will be necessary to ensure that
it provides Habitat and movement functions for species using the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining
to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff,
toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
Proposed Constrained Linkage 9
Proposed Constrained Linkage 9 is one of four Constrained Linkages connecting the Santa Rosa
Plateau and Tenaja Corridor to San Diego County. It provides an upland connection to the
Cleveland National Forest and areas in San Diego County via the Tenaja Corridor for large
mammals. This connection may serve as one component of a larger movement corridor for mountain
lions traveling between the Santa Ana Mountains and the Palomar Mountains. A Linkage between
these two mountain ranges would reduce the risk of extirpation of the Santa Ana Mountains
population of mountain lion, which was considered to be “demographically unstable” without a
movement connection (Beier 1993). Maintenance of contiguous Habitat with appropriate refugia
for resting, such as rockpiles, brushpiles, windfalls, hollow snags and hollow trees, is important for
dispersal of juveniles. This Linkage also may serve as foraging Habitat for raptors and other wildlife
species noted in the table below.
PROPOSED LINKAGE 9
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac .)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
55 50 5 363 Be lding ’s orange-throa ted wh ipta il,
southern Cal i fornia rufous-crowned
sparrow, Bell's sage sparrow, cactus wren,
and mountain lion.
Rural Mountainous None
As shown in the table above, approximately 5 acres of a total 55 acres within this Constrained
Linkage is not affected by edge. Since this Constrained Linkage is affected by edge, it is anticipated
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-82
that management of edge conditions will be necessary to ensure that this Linkage maintains
movement of large mammals. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the
management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1 of this document. This Linkage is constrained by surrounding planned Rural
Mountainous land uses. Any barriers, including roadways and fencing, associated with adjacent
planned Rural Mountainous land uses may result in fragmentation of this Constrained Linkage and
affect wildlife movement.
Proposed Constrained Linkage 10
Proposed Constrained Linkage 10 is one of four Constrained Linkages connecting the Santa Rosa
Plateau and Tenaja Corridor to San Diego County. It provides an upland connection to the
Cleveland National Forest and areas in San Diego County via the Tenaja Corridor for large
mammals. This connection may serve as one component of a larger movement corridor for mountain
lions traveling between the Santa Ana Mountains and the Palomar Mountains. A Linkage between
these two mountain ranges would reduce the risk of extirpation of the Santa Ana Mountains
population of mountain lion, which was considered to be “demographically unstable” without a
movement connection (Beier 1993). Maintenance of contiguous Habitat with appropriate refugia
for resting, such as rockpiles, brushpiles, windfalls, hollow snags and hollow trees, is important for
dispersal of juveniles. This Linkage also may serve as foraging Habitat for raptors and other wildlife
species noted in the table below.
As shown in the table below, approximately 100 acres of a total 105 acres within this Constrained
Linkage is affected by edge. Upon Reserve Assembly of this proposed Constrained Linkage,
management of edge conditions will be necessary to ensure that this Linkage maintains movement
of large mammals. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge
factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of
this document. It is constrained by surrounding planned Rural Mountainous land use. Any barriers,
including roadways and fencing, associated with adjacent planned Rural Mountainous land uses may
result in fragmentation of this Constrained Linkage and affect wildlife movement.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-83
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 10
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
105 100 5 244 southern California rufous-crowned sparrow,
Bell's sage sparrow, turkey vulture, loggerhead
shrike, bobcat, mountain lion.
Rural Mountainous None
Proposed Constrained Linkage 11
Proposed Constrained Linkage 11 consists of De Luz Canyon, located along the southwestern border
of the Plan Area. The Linkage is composed of a west fork and an east fork, which connect San
Diego County in the south to Proposed Linkage 9 (Tenaja Corridor) and Existing Core F (Santa Rosa
Plateau Nature Reserve), respectively. The west route, from Proposed Linkage 9 to San Diego
County, is approximately 15,850 feet (3.0 miles) in length, while the east route, from Existing Core
F to San Diego County, is approximately 18,980 feet (3.6 miles) in length. This Constrained
Linkage contains a very high proportion of its area (approximately 250 of the total 260 acres) defined
as “edge” area and has one of the highest P/A ratios of all Constrained Linkages. Furthermore, the
Linkage is constrained for the majority of its length by existing agricultural use. For these reasons
care must be taken to maintain high quality Habitat along the edges for species sensitive to Edge
Effects listed in the table below. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the
management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1.4 of this document.
Despite potential Edge Effect issues, this Linkage provides Live-In Habitat for a number of species
as noted in the table below and possibly movement Habitat for mammals such as bobcat and
mountain lion. This connection may serve as one component of a larger movement corridor for
mountain lions traveling between the Santa Ana Mountains and the Palomar Mountains. A Linkage
between these two mountain ranges would reduce the risk of extirpation of the Santa Ana Mountains
population of mountain lion, which was considered to be “demographically unstable” without a
movement connection (Beier 1993). Maintenance of contiguous Habitat with appropriate refugia
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-84
for resting, such as rockpiles, brushpiles, windfalls, hollow snags and hollow trees, is important for
dispersal of juveniles.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 11
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
260 250 10 257 southern Californ ia rufous-crowned sparrow,
Bell’s sage sparrow, bobcat, and m ountain
lion
Rural Mountainous None
Proposed Constrained Linkage 12
Proposed Constrained Linkage 12 (Sandia Canyon) is located along the southwestern border of the
Plan Area, just east of Proposed Constrained Linkage 11 (De Luz Canyon). Like Proposed
Constrained Linkage 11, Proposed Constrained Linkage 12 is composed of a west fork and an east
fork. Only the west fork, however, is connected to other MSHCP lands (Existing Core F, Santa Rosa
Plateau Nature Reserve). The Linkage provides important Live-In Habitat for many species as noted
in the table below and also likely provides an upland connection to the Cleveland National Forest
and areas in San Diego County via the Tenaja Corridor for large mammals. This connection may
serve as one component of a larger movement corridor for mountain lions traveling between the
Santa Ana Mountains and the Palomar Mountains. A Linkage between these two mountain ranges
would reduce the risk of extirpation of the Santa Ana Mountains population of mountain lion, which
was considered to be “demographically unstable” without a movement connection (Beier 1993).
Maintenance of contiguous Habitat with appropriate refugia for resting, such as rockpiles, brushpiles,
windfalls, hollow snags and hollow trees, is important for dispersal of juveniles.
Although existing agricultural use constrains the Linkage and the Linkage’s P/A ratio is somewhat
large (196 feet per acre), the Linkage contains 170 acres of interior area, and surrounding planned
land uses consist almost entirely of Rural Mountainous. Treatment and management of edge
conditions along this Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-85
functions for species using the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the
management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 12
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
730 560 170 196 southern California rufous-crowned
sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, Bell’s
sage sparrow, bobcat, mountain lion
R u r a l M o u n t a i n o u s ,
Comm unity Development,
Open Space/ Conservation
None
Proposed Constrained Linkage 13
Proposed Constrained Linkage 13 consists of Murrieta Creek, located in the southwestern region of
the Plan Area. This Constrained Linkage connects Existing Core F (Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological
Reserve) in the north to Proposed Linkage 10 in the south. This Linkage is constrained along most
of its length by existing urban Development and agricultural use and the planned land use
surrounding the Linkage consists of city (Murrieta and Temecula). Therefore, care must be taken
to maintain high quality riparian Habitat within the Linkage and along the edges for species such as
yellow warbler, yellow-breasted chat, and least Bell’s vireo, which have key populations located in
or along the creek. Maintenance of existing floodplain processes and water quality along the creek
is also important to western pond turtle and arroyo chub in this area. Guidelines Pertaining to
Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics,
and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1.4 of this document.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-86
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 13
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
1,400 700 700 105 Cooper’s hawk, yellow warb ler, southwestern willow
flycatcher, tree swallow, least Bell’s vireo, and
western pond turt le
City (Murrieta,
Temecula)
None
Proposed Constrained Linkage 14
Proposed Constrained Linkage 14 consists of portions of Pechanga and Temecula Creeks, located
in the southwestern region of the Plan Area. This Constrained Linkage connects Existing Core G
(Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve) and Proposed Linkage 10 in the west to Existing Linkage A
in the south. This Linkage bifurcates and may be used to move directly to the east, along Temecula
Creek, or to the southeast, along Pechanga Creek to Existing Linkage A. This Linkage is constrained
along most of its length by existing urban Development and the planned land uses surrounding the
Linkage consist almost entirely of city (Temecula). I-15 also intersects the Linkage at its western
terminus. Therefore, high quality Live-In riparian Habitat must be maintained, and movement
Habitat for bobcat and mountain lion must be provided, as these species are known to use the
Linkage for movement. This portion of Pechanga and Temecula Creek may serve as one component
of a larger movement corridor for mountain lions traveling between the Santa Ana Mountains and
the Palomar Mountains. A Linkage between these two mountain ranges would reduce the risk of
extirpation of the Santa Ana Mountains population of mountain lion, which was considered to be
“demographically unstable” without a movement connection (Beier 1993). Maintenance of
contiguous Habitat with appropriate refugia for resting, such as rockpiles, brushpiles, windfalls,
hollow snags and hollow trees, is important for dispersal of juveniles. Maintenance of existing
floodplain processes and water quality along the creek is also important for wetland species noted
in the table below.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-87
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 14
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan Land
Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
500 230 270 85 Californ ia red-legged frog, arroyo chub,
mountain lion, western pond turt le
City (Temecula) None
Proposed Constrained Linkage 15
Proposed Constrained Linkage 15 is located in the southwestern region of the Plan Area. This
Constrained Linkage consists of a portion of Lower Warm Springs Creek, from just east of the I-15
freeway to Proposed Core 2 (Antelope Valley). The Linkage provides Live-In Habitat for species
such as western pond turtle and Los Angeles pocket mouse and also provides important linkage area
for bobcat. This Linkage contains one of the highest P/A ratios of all MSHCP Constrained Linkages
(160 feet per acre), and contains a relatively small proportion of its area as interior area
(approximately 30 acres of the total 180 acres). In addition, existing urban Development constrains
much of the Linkage, and planned land uses surrounding the Linkage include city (Murrieta) and
community Development. For these reasons, special care must be taken to maintain high quality
Habitat within the Linkage and along the edges for species sensitive to Edge Effects. Guidelines
Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban
runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 15
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
180 150 30 160 western pond turtle, bobcat and Los Angeles
pocket mouse
City (Tem ecula),
Rural Mountainous
I-15
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-88
Proposed Constrained Linkage 16
Proposed Constrained Linkage 16 is located approximately in the south-central region of the Plan
Area. This Constrained Linkage consists of an unnamed blueline drainage connecting Proposed
Linkage 8 in the west with Proposed Core 2 (Antelope Valley) in the east. The Linkage provides
Habitat for species and also provides for movement of species. The Linkage likely provides for
movement of common mammals such as bobcat. Existing urban Development and agricultural use
constrain the Linkage along its entire length, and the Linkage is completely surrounded by a
city-designated planned land use. Species movement through the Linkage may also be affected by
the intersection of the Linkage with I-215. Therefore, treatment and management of edge conditions
along this Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for
species using the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management
of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section
6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 16
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge (ac .)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
80 35 45 98 Quino checkerspot butterf ly, coastal California
gnatcatcher, bobcat
City (Murrieta) I-15
Proposed Constrained Linkage 17
Proposed Constrained Linkage 17 (Paloma Valley) is located in the south-central region of the Plan
Area. Proposed Extension of Existing Core 7 (Lake Skinner/Diamond Valley Lake Extension) is
located to the east of this Linkage. The Linkage provides Habitat for species and also provides for
movement of species. Although this Linkage is constrained by existing urban Development and
agricultural use along much of its length, planned land uses surrounding the Constrained Linkage
are nearly entirely rural. In addition, the Constrained Linkage has a comparatively low P/A ratio.
Thus, Edge Effects on this Constrained Linkage may be substantially lower than for other
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-89
Constrained Linkages. Nonetheless, treatment and management of edge conditions along this
Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species
using the Linkage, since several major Covered Activities are proposed for extension or widening
within or adjacent to the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the
management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1 of this document. An adequate wildlife underpass or overpass may need to
be implemented to insure movement of species in this area and to reduce the chance of mortality
from vehicle collision.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 17
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
950 240 710 49 Quino checkerspot butterfly, coastal
California gnatcatcher, bobcat
Rural, Com mu nity
Development
W a s h i n g t o n
Street, Leon
Road, SR-79
Proposed Constrained Linkage 18
Proposed Constrained Linkage 18 consists of an unnamed drainage located in the south-central
region of the Plan Area. This Constrained Linkage connects Proposed Core 2 (Antelope Valley) to
the west with Proposed Extension of Existing Core 7 (Lake Skinner/Diamond Valley Lake
Extension). Existing agricultural use constrains the Linkage, and planned land uses surrounding the
Linkage are limited nearly entirely to community Development. The Linkage also has a relatively
high proportion of land affected by edge (approximately 250 acres of the total 310 acres) and will
also be subject to Edge Effects also due to the widening or extension of several facilities including
Washington Street, Briggs Road, and SR-79. Despite these issues, the Linkage nonetheless provides
Live-In and movement Habitat for species. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for
the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1 of this document. This Linkage likely provides for movement of common
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-90
mammals such as bobcat. An adequate wildlife underpass or overpass may need to be implemented
to insure movement of species in this area and to reduce the chance of mortality from vehicle
collision.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 18
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activ ities Potentially
Affecting Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
310 250 60 146 bobcat, Los Angeles pocket mouse C o m m u n i t y
Development
Wash ington Street,
Briggs Road, SR-79
Proposed Constrained Linkage 19
Proposed Constrained Linkage 19 (Lower San Jacinto River) is located approximately in the center
of the Plan Area. This Constrained Linkage connects Proposed Linkage 7 in the southwest with
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 4 (San Jacinto River Core) in the northeast. Existing
agricultural use and a small amount of existing urban Development constrain the Linkage along
much of its length. Surrounding planned land uses include only city (Perris). Although the river will
be channelized for flood control in this area, the Linkage will nonetheless maintain connectivity
along the river and provide for movement of common mammals such as bobcat. An adequate
wildlife underpass or overpass may need to be implemented to insure movement of species in this
area and to reduce the chance of mortality from vehicle collision. Treatment and management of
edge conditions along this Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement
functions for species using the Linkage and that wetland functions and values are maintained for the
benefit of Narrow Endemic Plant Species known to occur in the San Jacinto River. Guidelines
Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban
runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-91
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 19
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
510 250 260 92 mountain plover, loggerhead shrike, white-faced
ibis, bobcat, Los Angeles pocket mouse, San
Jacinto Valley crownscale, Davidson’s saltscale,
thread-leaved brodiaea, vernal barley, Coulter’s
goldfields, spreading navarretia, and Wright ’s
trichocoronis.
City (Perris) Ethanac Road ,
I-215
Proposed Constrained Linkage 20
Proposed Constrained Linkage 20 is located approximately in the north-central region of the Plan
Area. This Linkage connects Existing Core H (Lake Perris) in the north with Proposed
Noncontiguous Habitat Block 5 (Lakeview Mountains) in the south. Maintenance of this connection
is important to reduce the likelihood of species extirpation as a result of population isolation for
species occurring in the Lakeview Mountains. Existing agricultural use completely constrains this
Linkage, and the proposed General Plan land use designation surrounding the Linkage is entirely
agriculture. The extension/widening of Bridge Street and the proposed alignment of the Hemet to
Corona/Lake Elsinore CETAP Corridor may also compromise the integrity of Proposed Constrained
Linkage 20 by adding to Edge Effects contributed by surrounding land use practices. Counteracting
these potentially strong Edge Effects, however, are the dimensions of this Linkage. The Linkage has
one of the lowest P/A ratios (60 feet per acre) of all MSHCP Cores and Linkages and a high
proportion of its area represented as interior (approximately 270 of the total 360 acres). Thus the
Linkage can be expected to provide Live-In and movement Habitat for the species listed in the table
below. Nevertheless, treatment and management of edge conditions along this Linkage will be
necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species using the Linkage.
Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as
lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
Maintenance of wetland functions and values is important for Narrow Endemic Plant Species known
to occur in the Lake Perris/Mystic Lake area.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-92
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 20
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
360 90 270 60 arroyo toad, western pond turtle, tricolored
blackbird, mountain plover, white-faced ibis,
Los Angeles pocket mouse, San Jacinto Valley
crownscale, Par ish’s britt lesca le, Davidson’s
saltscale, thread-leaved brodiaea, vernal barley,
Coulter’s goldfields, spreading navarretia,
Wright’s trichocoronis.
Agriculture B r i d g e S t r e e t ,
H e m e t t o
C o r o n a / L a k e
Els inore C ETAP
Corridor
Proposed Constrained Linkage 21
Proposed Constrained Linkage 21 is comprised of riparian and alluvial fan sage scrub Habitats
connecting the upper San Jacinto River to the southern Badlands. It provides Live-In Habitat for
certain species and serves as a connection to Core Areas in the Badlands and the San Jacinto River.
The Linkage is constrained by Gilman Springs Road on the northern end of the Linkage and
proposed General Plan land use designation, Community Development, along Gilman Spring Road
to the west of the Linkage. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided within this Linkage
include bobcat, Stephens' kangaroo rat, Belding’s orange-throated whiptail, San Bernardino kangaroo
rat, and Los Angeles pocket mouse. In addition to maintenance of habitat quality, maintenance of
floodplain processes along the upper San Jacinto River is important for these species. This Linkage
likely provides for movement of common mammals such as bobcat. As shown below, areas not
affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 140 acres of the total 185 acres of the
Linkage. Upon Reserve Assembly of this proposed Constrained Linkage, management of edge
conditions will be necessary to ensure maintenance of floodplain processes and movement of
mammals through this Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the
management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1 of this document. Habitat fragmentation or construction of barriers as a
result of planned community Development may affect large mammal movement through this
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-93
Constrained Linkage, and any flood control or alteration of hydrology associated with widening of
Gilman Springs Road may affect Habitat supporting arroyo toad and San Bernardino kangaroo rat.
Adequate wildlife crossings may be needed to facilitate wildlife movement across Gilman Springs
Road.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 21
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
185 45 140 70 arroyo toad, Belding’s orange-
throated whipta il, San Bernard ino
kangaroo rat, Stephens’ kangaroo
rat, bobcat, and Los Angeles pocket
mouse
Open Space/ Conservation
and Comm unity Development
Gilman Springs
Proposed Constrained Linkage 22
Proposed Constrained Linkage 22 is comprised of the portion of San Timoteo Creek extending west
from I-10 to De Anza Cycle Park. This Linkage provides Habitat for certain species and a
connection to Core Area in the Badlands. This Linkage is constrained by I-10 to the east, San
Timoteo Canyon Road and railroad tracks to the north, SR-60 to the south, and by existing
agricultural land uses within the City of Beaumont. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided
for within this Linkage include least Bell’s vireo and Los Angeles pocket mouse. In addition to
maintenance of habitat quality, maintenance of floodplain processes along the San Timoteo Creek
is important for this species. This Linkage likely provides for movement of common mammals such
as bobcat. As shown below, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 260
acres of the total 400 acres. Upon Reserve Assembly of this proposed Constrained Linkage,
management of edge conditions will be necessary to ensure maintenance of floodplain processes and
movement of mammals through this Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface
for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators
are presented in Section 6.1 of this document. Flood control or alteration of hydrology associated
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-94
with land use activities in the City of Beaumont and with widening of major existing roadways may
affect Habitat supporting least Bell’s vireo and Los Angeles pocket mouse.
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 22
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
400 140 260 68 least Bell’s vireo, Los Angeles pocket mouse,
bobcat
City (Beaumont) I -10, SR-60 and
S a n T i m o t e o
Canyon Road
Proposed Constrained Linkage 23
Proposed Constrained Linkage 23 is an upland Linkage located in the vicinity of Cherry Valley,
which provides a connection to Bogart County Park and San Timoteo Creek for certain species. This
Linkage is constrained by surrounding existing urban and rural residential Development in the City
of Calimesa. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided within this Linkage include Bell’s sage
sparrow, Los Angeles pocket mouse, and San Bernardino mountain kingsnake. Maintenance of a
contiguous connection is important for these species. This Linkage likely provides for movement
of common mammals such as bobcat. As shown below, areas not affected by edge within this
Linkage total approximately 860 acres of the total 1,410 acres. Upon Reserve Assembly of this
proposed Constrained Linkage, management of edge conditions will be necessary to provide
movement of mammals through this Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface
for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators
are presented in Section 6.1 of this document. Barriers, including roadways and fencing constructed
as part of adjacent Development, may result in fragmentation of the Linkage and affect movement
through the Linkage by mammals such as bobcats.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-95
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 23
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
1,410 550 860 70 Bell’s sage sparrow, Los Angeles pocket
mouse, bobcat, and San Bernardino mountain
kingsnake
City (Calimesa) I-10
Proposed Constrained Linkage 24
Proposed Linkage 24 is comprised of the portion of Temecula Creek east of Redhawk Parkway and
west of Pauba Road. This Linkage provides Habitat for wetland species and a connection to Core
Areas in Wilson Valley. The Linkage is constrained by existing roadways and planned community
Development. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided for within this Linkage include
bobcat, mountain lion, Stephens’ kangaroo rat, Aguanga kangaroo rat, western pond turtle, yellow
warbler, southwestern willow flycatcher, arroyo chub, loggerhead shrike, tree swallow, white-tailed
kite, Cooper's hawk and least Bell's vireo. In addition to maintenance of habitat quality, maintenance
of existing floodplain processes along Temecula Creek is important for these species. While specific
studies of movement along this Linkage have not been conducted, it likely provides for movement
of common mammals such as bobcat. As shown below, areas not affected by edge within this
Linkage total approximately 110 acres of the total 340 acres of the Linkage. Since this is an existing
Constrained Linkage already affected by edge, treatment and management of edge conditions along
this Linkage will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species
using the Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge
factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of
this document.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-96
PROPOSED CONSTRAINED LINKAGE 24
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
340 230 110 125 arroyo chub, California red-legged frog, coast
range new t, western pond turt le, Cooper’s
hawk, yellow warbler, white-tailed kite,
southw estern willow flycatcher, yellow-
breasted chat, loggerhead shrike, downy
woodpecker, tree swallow, least Bell’s vireo,
bobcat, and Los Angeles pocket mouse.
C o m m u n i t y
Deve lopmen t,
A g r i c u l t u r a l
and Rural
Pauba Road
Pauba Road is an existing road that is proposed to be widened. Proposed widening activities may
directly affect Habitat or floodplain processes in Temecula Creek, or may affect movement through
this Linkage. Pauba Road crosses Temecula Creek under existing conditions and would continue
to cross the creek with proposed widening. Adequate wildlife crossing may be needed to facilitate
wildlife movement across Pauba Road.
Proposed Linkage 1
Proposed Linkage 1 consists of the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains just west of Lee Lake in
the west-central region of the Plan Area. The Linkage is contiguous with Existing Core B (Santa
Ana Mountains) to the west, Proposed Constrained Linkages 5 (Horsethief Canyon) and 6 (Temescal
Wash South) and Proposed Extension of Existing Core 2 (Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain) to the
north, and Proposed Core 1 (Alberhill) to the east. Both Live-In and movement Habitat are provided
by the Linkage. Several different routes, ranging from 5,400 to 14,950 feet, may be taken through
the Linkage to surrounding MSHCP Conservation Area lands. This Linkage likely provides for
movement of common mammals such as bobcat. Mountain lions are also likely to use the Linkage
to access Core Areas in the Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain Reserve. Maintenance of contiguous
Habitat with appropriate refugia for resting, such as rockpiles, brushpiles, windfalls, hollow snags
and hollow trees, is important for dispersal of juveniles. Since existing urban Development
constrains much of the Linkage, and surrounding planned land uses include city (Lake Elsinore) and
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-97
community center, management of Edge Effects in this area will be necessary. Guidelines Pertaining
to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff,
toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED LINKAGE 1
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
2,310 380 1,930 48 Cooper’s hawk, Bell’s sage sparrow,
loggerhead shrike, mountain qua il, coastal
Californ ia gnatcatcher, Stephens’ kangaroo
rat, bobcat, and mountain lion.
City (Lake Elsinore),
O p e n S p a c e /
Conservation, Rural,
Rural Mountainous,
C o m m u n i t y
Development
I-15
Proposed Linkage 2
Proposed Linkage 2 is comprised of wetland Habitat associated with Collier Marsh in the City of
Lake Elsinore. It supports key populations of the following species: yellow-breasted chat, San
Diego ambrosia, downy woodpecker, least Bell’s vireo, yellow warbler and southwestern willow
flycatcher. Maintenance of wetland functions and values and water quality of Collier Marsh is
important for these species. As shown below, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total
approximately 70 acres of the total 160 acres occupied by this Linkage. Since this Linkage may be
affected by edge, treatment and management of edge conditions will be necessary to ensure that land
uses adjacent to the Linkage do not degrade water quality or inhibit floodplain processes. Guidelines
Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban
runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-98
PROPOSED LINKAGE 2
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
160 90 70 107 Amer ican b i t te rn , mounta in p lover ,
southwestern willow flycatcher, black-
crowned night heron, osprey, double-crested
cormorant, wh ite-faced ibis, and least Bell’s
vireo
City (Lake Elsinore) None
Proposed Linkage 3
Proposed Linkage 3 is generally comprised of upland Habitats in the Gavilan Hills, Harford Springs
and proposed North Peak Conservation Bank area under Public/Quasi-Public and private ownership.
This Linkage is one of two connections between the Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain Reserve and
Core Areas in Alberhill. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided for within the Linkage
include coastal California gnatcatcher, Quino checkerspot butterfly, and Stephens' kangaroo rat. The
Linkage also contains clay soils capable of supporting sensitive plant species such as thread-leaved
brodiaea, Munz's onion and many-stemmed dudleya. This Linkage likely provides for movement
of common mammals such as bobcat, connecting to Core Areas in Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain
and Alberhill. Maintenance of large intact interconnected habitat blocks is important for these
species, as well as Conservation of clay soils supporting sensitive plant species. This Linkage is
generally unconstrained by existing urban Development or agricultural use. As shown on the table
below, 4,620 acres of the total 5,550 acres occupied by the Linkage are not affected by edge. No
major Covered Activities are planned to be located within this Linkage; however, adjacent planned
land uses, which generally consists of rural Development, may affect resources within the Linkage.
Fire, fire suppression, livestock grazing, and off-road vehicle activities associated with the rural land
uses may result in adverse Edge Effects. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the
management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-99
PROPOSED LINKAGE 3
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
5,550 930 4,620 32 Quino checkerspot butterfly, Munz’s onion,
many-stemmed dudleya, thread-leaved
brodiaea, bobcat, Stephens’ kangaroo rat,
Belding’s orange-throated wh ipta il, southern
Californ ia rufous-crowned sparrow and Bell’s
sage sparrow
R u r a l , R u r a l
M o u n t a i n ou s ,
C o m m u n i t y
D e v e lo p m e n t ,
O p e n S p a c e /
Conservation
None
Proposed Linkage 4
Proposed Linkage 4 is comprised of generally upland Habitat in Reche Canyon. Planning Species
for which Habitat is provided for within the Linkage include Bell’s sage sparrow, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, bobcat, and Nevin’s barberry, known to occur within chaparral and coastal sage scrub
Habitats. This Linkage likely provides for movement of common mammals such as bobcat,
connecting to Box Springs Reserve, the Badlands and San Bernardino County. The Reche Canyon
area represents one of the largest intact Core Areas within the MSHCP Plan Area; therefore
maintenance of existing large habitat blocks is important for species and reserve design. The
Linkage is relatively unconstrained by adjacent planned Rural Mountainous land uses. Major
Covered Activities intersecting the Linkage include the San Bernardino to Moreno Valley CETAP
Corridor and Reche Canyon Road. Widening of existing Reche Canyon Road will need to consider
wildlife crossings as part of the design.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-100
PROPOSED LINKAGE 4
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
2,740 550 2,190 41 Bell’s sage sparrow, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, bobcat, and
Nevin’s barberry.
Rural Mounta inous, Open
Space, Conservat ion, Rural,
Community Development
San Bernardino to
M o r e n o V a l l e y
C ET A P C o r r id o r ,
Reche Canyon Road
Proposed Linkage 5
Proposed Linkage 5 is comprised of the portion of San Timoteo Creek extending northwest from
Redlands Boulevard to San Bernardino County. This Linkage provides Habitat for a number of
Planning Species, including Los Angeles pocket mouse, yellow-breasted chat, least Bell's vireo,
bobcat, and yellow warbler. This Linkage likely provides for movement of mountain lion and bobcat
connecting to San Bernardino County and Core Areas in the Badlands and Reche Canyon.
Maintenance of wetland functions and values and water quality of San Timoteo Creek is important
for these species. Widening of San Timoteo Canyon Road may affect movement along this Linkage
as well as water quality in San Timoteo Creek.
PROPOSED LINKAGE 5
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
210 90 120 89 Cooper’s hawk, yel low wa rbler,
southw estern willow flycatcher, yellow-
breasted chat, least Bell’s vireo, bobcat,
Los Angeles pocket mouse
Rural Mountainous S a n T i m o t e o
Canyon Road
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-101
Proposed Linkage 6
Proposed Linkage 6 is an upland Linkage connecting San Timoteo Creek and Core Areas in the
Badlands to San Bernardino County. It provides Habitat for raptors and movement for species, such
as bobcat, connecting to San Bernardino County and San Timoteo Creek. Maintenance of large
intact contiguous habitat blocks is important for these species. As shown below, areas not affected
by edge within this Linkage total approximately 490 acres of the total 545 acres occupied by this
Linkage. Since this Linkage may be affected by edge, treatment and management of edge conditions
will be necessary to ensure that it provides Habitat and movement functions for species using this
Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors
such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this
document.
PROPOSED LINKAGE 6
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
545 55 490 36 Bell’s sage sparrow, white-tailed kite,
loggerhead shrike, Los Angeles pocket mouse,
and bobcat.
R u r a l , R u r a l
M o u n t a i n o u s ,
City (Calimesa)
None
Proposed Linkage 7
Proposed Linkage 7 consists of a patchwork of riparian Habitat associated with the San Jacinto River
and Canyon Lake and adjacent upland Habitat occurring within Kabian Park, Canyon Lake, and Four
Seasons Conservation Land. Similar to Proposed Linkage 8, this Linkage is a major component of
one of the two main east-west connections within the MSHCP Plan Area. The Linkage provides for
movement of species connecting to Sedco Hills, Alberhill and to areas upstream along the San
Jacinto River. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided for within the Linkage include Bell's
sage sparrow, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, and bobcat. The Linkage also
contains the Traver-Willow-Domino soils series, which is capable of supporting several Narrow
Endemic Plant Species such as San Jacinto Valley crownscale, vernal barley and spreading
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-102
navarretia. Maintenance of large intact interconnected habitat blocks is important for these species,
as well as maintenance of water quality and existing functions and values of wetland Habitats
associated with the the San Jacinto River. As shown on the table below, 2,560 acres of the total
3,400 acres occupied by the Linkage are not affected by edge.
Adjacent planned land uses and major Covered Activities traversing the Linkage, noted in the table
below, may affect resources within the Linkage. Adjacent planned land uses generally consist of
Community Development and City (Perris, Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake). The areas within these
Cities that are adjacent to the Linkage are generally characterized as urban and rural residential land
uses. Land use activities within either the City or Community Development designation, may result
in Edge Effects associated with fire suppression, fire, and dispersal of invasive species. Major
Covered Activities may also contribute additional Edge Effects such as trash and runoff and result
in habitat fragmentation. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management
of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section
6.1 of this document. Construction of the proposed Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore CETAP Corridor
Alternative 5A and 5E along SR-74 (Ethanac Road) may isolate the Linkage from Core Areas
upstream along the San Jacinto River. Improvements to this facility will need to consider a
terrestrial crossing for wildlife and maintenance of the hydrology of the San Jacinto River.
PROPOSED LINKAGE 7
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
3,400 840 2,560 53 Quino checkerspot butterfly, western pond turtle,
burrowing owl, Cooper’s hawk, southern
Californ ia rufous-crowned sparrow, grasshopper
sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow, yellow warbler,
white-tailed kite, southwestern willow flycatcher,
Californ ia horned lark, loggerhead shrike,
mountain quail, coastal Ca lifornia gnatcatcher,
tree swallow , least Bell’s vireo, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, and bobcat.
C i t y ( L a k e
Elsinore, Perris),
R u r a l
M o u n t a i n o u s ,
C o m m u n i t y
Development
H e m e t t o
C o r o n a / La k e
E l s i n o r e
C E T A P
C o r r i d o r
A l t e rn a t i ves
SA and SE
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-103
Proposed Linkage 8
Proposed Linkage 8 (Sedco Hills/Wildomar) is composed largely of upland Habitat in the Sedco
Hills and Wildomar area. This Linkage is a major component of one of the two main east-west
connections between Core Areas in the Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain, Alberhill and the Cleveland
National Forest in the western portion of the MSHCP Plan Area and Core Areas in French Valley,
Johnson Ranch, Diamond Valley Lake and San Jacinto Mountains in the eastern portion of the
MSHCP Plan Area. This Linkage provides Live-In Habitat for over 50 pairs of coastal California
gnatcatcher, as well as a connection to other key populations of gnatcatcher known to occur in
Alberhill, North Peak and the Ramsgate area. Other Planning Species for which Habitat is provided
include Quino checkerspot butterfly, Stephens' kangaroo rat, and bobcat. The grasslands occurring
within this proposed Linkage also provide foraging Habitat for a number of raptors. Maintenance
of large intact interconnected habitat blocks is important for these species. The northern portion of
this Linkage includes a portion of the lower San Jacinto River extending under I-15 to connect with
Proposed Extension of Existing Core 3.
As shown on the table below, 4,560 acres of the total 5,470 acres occupied by the Linkage is not
affected by edge. Adjacent planned land uses and major Covered Activities traversing the Linkage
may affect resources within the Linkage. Adjacent planned land uses generally consist of
Community Development and Agriculture. Land use activities within either designation may result
in Edge Effects associated with fire suppression, fire, and dispersal of invasive species. Major
Covered Activities may also contribute additional Edge Effects such as trash and runoff and result
in fragmentation of habitat blocks. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the
management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1 of this document. Widening of I-215, which abuts this Linkage to the east,
may isolate the Linkage from Core Areas in French Valley. Improvements to this facility will need
to consider both an avian crossing and terrestrial crossing for wildlife. Widening of I-15 will need
to consider maintenance of wildlife movement along the lower San Jacinto River.
This Linkage likely provides for movement of common mammals such as bobcat, connecting to Core
Areas in Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain and Alberhill. Coastal California gnatcatcher may use the
Linkage to disperse to other Core Areas supporting gnatcatchers, such as the Hogbacks and
Alberhill. Because the coastal California gnatcatcher has lower dispersal capabilities than other
small passerine birds, the dispersal of juveniles requires a corridor of native vegetation which
provides foraging and cover opportunities to link larger patches of appropriate sage scrub vegetation
(Soule 1991).
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-104
PROPOSED LINKAGE 8
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
5,470 910 4,560 30 Quino checkerspot butterfly, western
pond turt le, southern C alifornia rufous-
crowned sparrow , Bell’s sage sparrow,
southwestern will ow flycatcher,
loggerhead shrike, coastal California
gnatca tcher, least Be l l’s vireo,
Stephens’ kangaroo rat, and bobcat.
Agriculture, Comm unity
Development
Widening of I-
215 and of I-15
Proposed Linkage 9
Proposed Linkage 9 is comprised of a mosaic of upland and wetland Habitats in the area known as
the Tenaja Corridor. This Linkage provides Live-In Habitat for a number of Planning Species and
movement for species connecting to Core Areas in the Santa Rosa Plateau or to the Santa Ana
Mountains in the Cleveland National Forest. Planning Species for which Habitat is provided for
within this Linkage include three fairy shrimp species. Maintenance of water quality in this Linkage
and the watershed supporting the vernal pools is important for these species. This Linkage also
provides for movement of species, including mountain lion and bobcat, through the Tenaja Corridor
to the Santa Rosa Plateau and the Cleveland National Forest. Maintenance of habitat quality and
large contiguous Habitat with appropriate refugia for resting, such as rockpiles, brushpiles, windfalls,
hollow snags and hollow trees, is important for dispersal of juvenile bobcat and mountain lion. As
shown below, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 2,730 acres of the
total 3,100 acres occupied by this Linkage. Habitat fragmentation or construction of barriers as a
result of planned Rural Mountainous Development may affect large mammal movement through this
Linkage.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-105
PROPOSED LINKAGE 9
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
3,100 370 2,730 28 vernal pool fairy shrimp, Santa Rosa plateau
fairy shrimp, Riverside fairy shr imp, Californ ia
red-legged frog, southern California rufous-
crowned sparrow, loggerhead shrike, bobcat,
mountain lion, California black walnut and
Engelmann oak.
Rural Mountainous None
Proposed Linkage 10
Proposed Linkage 10 consists of an upland connection in the southwest region of the Plan Area
extending from Existing Core F (Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve) in the north to Existing
Core G (Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve) in the south. Private lands compose the entirety of the
Linkage, which consists of upland Habitat complementary to the riparian Linkage provided between
these two Cores by Proposed Constrained Linkage 13 (Murrieta Creek). This Linkage, which is only
somewhat constrained by existing urban Development, provides for movement between these two
Cores for species such as bobcat and mountain lion. Although the Linkage is somewhat lengthy at
5.5 miles, it is also nearly a mile wide and thus provides Live-In Habitat for many species.
Surrounding planned land uses are approximately evenly divided between Rural Mountainous and
city (Murrieta, Temecula). In areas of the Linkage bordering Cities, treatment of edge conditions
will be necessary to maintain the proper Habitat and movement functions of the Linkage.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-106
PROPOSED LINKAGE 10
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Generalized
Adjacent Planned
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
1,520 400 1,120 51 southern California rufous-crowned sparrow,
grasshopper sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow,
turkey vulture, mountain quail, bobcat,
mountain lion, California black walnut, and
Engelman oak.
Rural Mountainous,
C i t y ( M u r r i e t a ,
Temecula)
I-15
Proposed Linkage 11
Proposed Linkage 11 (Soboba/Gilman Springs) is located in the northeastern section of the Plan
Area. This Linkage connects to Proposed Core 3 (Badlands/Potrero) in the north, Existing Core K
(San Jacinto Mountains) in the southeast, and Proposed Core 5 (Upper San Jacinto River) to the
southwest. Private lands compose the entirety of the Linkage, which is only somewhat constrained
by existing urban Development. This Linkage likely provides for movement of common mammals
such as bobcat and may be an important Linkage area for mountain lions moving between the
Badlands and the San Jacinto Mountains. Tributaries to the San Jacinto River occur within this
Linkage that support arroyo toad and Los Angeles pocket mouse.
A low proportion of the area of the Linkage is affected by edge (approximately 190 acres of the total
1,670 acres), and the Linkage is 6,020 feet wide; thus Proposed Linkage 11 provides Live-In Habitat
for many species in addition to movement Habitat. Nonetheless, management of edge conditions
along the Linkage will be necessary due to surrounding planned land uses and possible effects of
planned facilities such as Soboba Road. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the
management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1 of this document. A terrestrial crossing for mammals and reptiles may need
to be considered at Soboba Road.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-107
PROPOSED INKAGE 11
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
1,670 190 1,480 32 arroyo toad, southern California rufous-crowned
sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow, cactus wren,
loggerhead shrike, San Bernardino kangaroo rat,
Stephens’ kangaroo rat, bobcat, Los Angeles
pocket mouse, and mountain lion.
O p e n S p a c e /
C o n s e r v a t i o n ,
C o m m u n i t y
Development
Soboba Road
Proposed Linkage 12
Proposed Linkage 12 is comprised of riparian Habitats associated with San Timoteo Creek. Planning
Species which use this Linkage include yellow warbler, white-tailed kite, yellow-breasted chat, least
Bell’s vireo, and Los Angeles pocket mouse. This Linkage likely provides for movement of
common mammals such as bobcat connecting to San Bernardino County and Core Areas in the
Badlands. Maintenance of habitat quality and wetland functions and values of San Timoteo Creek
are important for these species.
As shown on the table below, 1,340 acres of the total 1,530 acres occupied by the Linkage are not
affected by edge. This Linkage is relatively unconstrained by adjacent land uses, which include
planned Rural Mountainous land uses and rural portions of the City of Calimesa. Widening of San
Timoteo Creek may affect resources within the Linkage by contributing to Edge Effects such as
runoff and trash. Improvements to this Covered Activity should be conducted away from the creek
to conserve wetland functions and values. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for
the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are
presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-108
PROPOSED LINKAGE 12
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
1,530 190 1,340 48 Cooper’s hawk, Bell’s sage sparrow, yellow
warb ler, white-tailed kite, southw estern
willow flycatcher, yellow-breasted chat,
loggerhead shrike, least Bell’s vireo, San
Bernardino kangaroo rat, Stephens’ kangaroo
rat, bobcat, and Los Angeles pocket mouse
R u r a l , R u r a l
M o u n t a i n o u s ,
City (Calimesa),
O p e n S p a c e /
C o n s e r v a t io n ,
C o m m u n i t y
Development
S a n T i m o t e o
Canyon Road
Proposed Linkage 13
Proposed Linkage 13 is comprised of Tucalota Creek and adjacent upland Habitats. It is one of two
Linkages connecting Core Areas in Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Skinner and Johnson Ranch to Core
Areas in the eastern portion of the MSHCP Plan Area. Because this Linkage is generally
unconstrained by existing urban development or agricultural use, the Linkage provides Live-In
Habitat for several Planning Species, including Quino checkerspot butterfly and Stephens’ kangaroo
rat . The Linkage also provides a connection for coastal California gnatcatcher, southwestern willow
flycatcher, and bobcat, connecting to Core Areas in Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Skinner, and Wilson
Valley. Maintenance of habitat quality, intact interconnected habitat blocks and wetland functions
and values of Tucalota Creek are important for these species. As shown on the table below, 1,570
acres of the total 1,910 acres occupied by the Linkage are not affected by edge. No major Covered
Activities are planned to be located within this Linkage; however, adjacent planned land uses, which
generally consists of rural and Rural Mountainous Development may affect resources within the
Linkage. Fire, fire suppression, livestock grazing, and off-road vehicle activities associated with
these land use designations may result in adverse Edge Effects. Guidelines Pertaining to
Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics,
and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-109
PROPOSED LINKAGE 13
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
1,910 340 1,570 41 Quino checkerspot butterfly, arroyo toad,
western pond turtle, Cooper’s hawk,
tricolored blackbird, southern Californ ia
rufous-crowned sparrow, grasshopper
sparrow, Bell’s sage sparrow, golden eagle
nest site, burrowing ow l, cactus wren, turkey
vulture, northern harrier, white-tailed kite,
loggerhead shrike, coastal California
gnatcatcher, tree swallow, least Bell’s vireo,
Stephens’ kangaroo rat, bobcat, Los Angeles
pocket mouse, Jaeger’s milk-vetch, and
California muhly.
R u r a l , R u r a l
Mountainous
None
Proposed Linkage 14
Proposed Linkage 14 is comprised of a mosaic of upland Habitat in the Mica Butte area. It provides
Core Areas for a number of Planning Species, including Quino checkerspot butterfly, Bell’s sage
sparrow, and bobcat. It also provides a connection to Core Areas in Cactus Valley and the Diamond
Valley Lake/Lake Skinner area for species such as mountain lion. Maintenance of habitat quality,
as well as maintenance of large interconnected intact habitat blocks are important for these species.
As shown below, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 3,990 acres of
the total 4,320 acres occupied by this Linkage. Fire, fire suppression, off-road vehicle and grazing
activities associated with adjacent planned agricultural and Rural Mountainous land uses may
adversely affect Quino checkerspot butterfly. Guidelines Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface
for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff, toxics, and domestic predators
are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-110
PROPOSED LINKAGE 14
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major
Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
4,320 330 3,990 20 Quino checkerspot butterfly, Bell’s sage
sparrow, cactus wren, Stephens’ kangaroo
rat, bobcat, Los Angeles pocket mouse,
and mountain lion.
Rural Mountainous,
Agriculture
None
Proposed Linkage 15
Proposed Linkage 15 is comprised of upland Habitat connecting the San Jacinto Mountains to
existing Noncontiguous Habitat Block C. This Linkage provides Habitat and connectivity for Quino
checkerspot butterfly, known to occur in this area. Other Planning Species that may use this Linkage
include bobcat and mountain lion. Maintenance of habitat quality and contiguous habitat blocks is
important for these species. As shown below, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total
approximately 570 acres of the total 690 acres occupied by this Linkage. Since this Linkage may
be affected by edge, treatment and management of edge conditions will be necessary to ensure that
it provides Habitat and movement functions for species using this Linkage. Guidelines Pertaining
to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban runoff,
toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document. Existing vehicle traffic
on roadways within the Linkage may affect Quino checkerspot butterfly during their flight season.
PROPOSED LINKAGE 15
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
690 120 570 38 Quino checkerspot butterfly, San Bernardino
mountain kingsnake, bobcat and mountain
lion.
Rural None
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-111
Proposed Linkage 16
Proposed Linkage 16 is comprised of Tule Creek and adjacent upland Habitat. This Linkage
provides Habitat for a number of Planning Species, including Quino checkerspot butterfly, coastal
California gnatcatcher, bobcat, mountain lion, and Stephens’ kangaroo rat. It also serves as a
Linkage for species connecting to Core Areas in Wilson Valley, Vail Lake, Silverado Ranch and
Anza Borrego State Park. Maintenance of wetland function and values along Tule Creek and
maintenance of large intact interconnected habitat blocks are important for these species. As shown
below, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 2,570 acres of the total
2,710 acres occupied by this Linkage. As rural planned land uses are developed along the edge the
Linkage, the indirect effects of runoff may affect resources within this Linkage. Guidelines
Pertaining to Urban/Wildlands Interface for the management of edge factors such as lighting, urban
runoff, toxics, and domestic predators are presented in Section 6.1 of this document.
PROPOSED LINKAGE 16
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed General
Plan Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
2,710 140 2,570 27 Quino checkerspot butterfly, Bell’s sage
sparrow, golden eagle nest site, cactus
wren, coasta l California gnatcatcher, least
Bell’s vireo, Aguanga kangaroo rat,
Stephens’ kangaroo rat, bobcat, Los
Angeles pocket mouse, and mountain lion.
Rural None
Proposed Linkage 17
Proposed Linkage 17 is comprised of Kolb Creek. It provides Habitat for a number of Planning
Species, including mountain lion, bobcat, western pond turtle, Quino checkerspot butterfly, slender-
horned spine flower, and Stephens’ kangaroo rat. It also provides movement for species connecting
to Core Areas in Wilson Valley, Vail Lake, and the Agua Tibia Wilderness Area. This Linkage
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-112
contributes to regional connectivity between open space in San Diego County and Core Areas in
Wilson Valley and Vail Lake. Conservation of wetland functions and values in Kolb Creek is
important for this Linkage, as well as maintenance of large intact interconnected habitat blocks. As
shown below, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately 340 acres of the
total 405 acres occupied by this Linkage. SR-79 is an existing roadway that is planned to be
widened. Planned widening activities may directly affect Habitat, floodplain processes along Kolb
Creek important to the species noted below, or may affect movement through this Linkage.
PROPOSED LINKAGE 17
Approximate Dimension Data for Linkage
Planning Species
Adjacent
Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
405 65 340 54 Quino checkerspot butterfly, arroyo chub,
arroyo toad, Cooper’s hawk, tricolored
blackbird, cactus w ren, yellow warbler, white-
tailed kite, prairie falcon, peregrine falcon,
bald eagle, yellow-breasted chat, downy
woodp ecker , osp rey, d oub le-c r es ted
cormorant, purple martin, tree swallow, least
Bell’s vireo, Aguanga kangaroo rat, Stephens’
kangaroo rat, bobcat, Los Angeles pocket
mouse, bobcat, Nevin’s barberry, Parry’s spine
flower, and slender-horned spine flower.
O p e n S p a c e /
C o n s e r v a t io n ,
Rural
SR-79
Proposed Linkage 18
Proposed Linkage 18 is comprised of Arroyo Seco Creek. It provides Habitat for a number of
Planning Species, including mountain lion, bobcat, western pond turtle, Quino checkerspot butterfly,
slender-horned spine flower, and Stephens’ kangaroo rat. It also provides movement for species
connecting to Core Areas in Wilson Valley, Vail Lake, and the Agua Tibia Wilderness Area. This
Linkage contributes to regional connectivity between open space in San Diego County and Core
Areas in Wilson Valley and Vail Lake. Conservation of wetland functions and values in Arroyo
3.0 Conservation Planning Process/
Description And Area Plan Criteria
of the MSHCP Conservation Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 3 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 3-113
Seco Creek is important for this Linkage, as well as maintenance of large intact interconnected
habitat blocks. As shown below, areas not affected by edge within this Linkage total approximately
170 acres of the total 210 acres occupied by this Linkage. SR-79 is an existing roadway that is
planned to be widened. Planned widening activities may directly affect Habitat, floodplain processes
along Arroyo Seco Creek important to the species noted below, or may affect movement through this
Linkage.
PROPOSED LINKAGE 18
Size of Existing Core
Planning Species
Adjacent Proposed
General Plan
Land Use
Major Covered
Activities
Potentially
Affecting
Linkage
Approx.
Total
(ac.)
Approx.
Edge
(ac.)
Approx.
Interior
(ac.)
Approx.
Perimeter/
Area Ratio
(ft/ac)
210 40 170 90 Quino checkerspot butterfly, arroyo chub,
arroyo toad, Cooper’s hawk, tricolored
blackbird, cactus wren, yellow warbler, white-
tailed kite, prairie falcon, peregrine falcon, bald
eag l e , ye l lo w-b r ea st ed ch a t, d o w ny
woodpecker, osprey, double-crested corm orant,
purple martin, tree swallow, least Bell’s vireo,
Aguanga kangaroo rat, Stephens’ kangaroo rat,
bobcat, Los Angeles pocket mouse, bobcat,
Nevin’s barberry, Parry’s spine flower, and
slender-horned spine flower.
O p e n S p a c e /
Conservation, Rural
SR-79