The Center for Biological Diversity is pleased to submit this proposal to the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment’s California Watershed Protection Fund. We respectfully request support for our work to promote ecologic and community resilience in the Santa Ana River watershed.
In the Santa Ana River watershed, the Center will focus on preventing impacts to local wildlife, communities and the environment posed by two destructive developments:
– Seven Oaks Dam: The Center has worked for many years to ensure this major flood control dam does not destroy wildlife and fish populations downstream of the dam. The Center sued the Army Corps of Engineers for violating the Endangered Species Act regarding the impact of Santa Ana River flood-control projects on the federally protected Santa Ana sucker fish and its designated critical habitat. We will continue mediation with stakeholders to develop science-based solutions to address impacts of the dam to species, including the Santa Ana sucker fish, San Bernardino kangaroo rat and Santa Ana River woolly-star.
– Lytle Creek Ranch South Development: This development, as proposed, would destroy nearly 1,000 acres of critical habitat for the critically endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat and would hasten the extinction of the subspecies. The Center will follow up on a formal notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for violating the Endangered Species Act for impacts of the proposed development.
