Large-Scale Habitat Preserves Face New Management NeedsLandowners impacted by NCCP Act’s long-term preservation focus Now that large-scale multiple species conservation planning programs have navigated through the California Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act’s initial trials and errors, there is a new wave of land management needs on the horizon.
Prior to the 1991 NCCP Act, preserve lands were generally set aside on a project-by-project/species-by-species basis with no long-term management. Basic conservation principles were not applied. The NCCP Act promotes cooperation and coordination among public agencies, landowners and other interested parties. Additionally, it requires that all NCCP plans identify and provide for the regional or area-wide large-scale protection and perpetuation of natural wildlife diversity, while allowing for compatible and appropriate development and growth.
Creating the Nation’s Largest PlanThe Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) was approved in mid-2003 and covers 146 species over 1.26 million acres; making it the largest such plan in the nation. Driving this conservation was the rapid rate of urban development in western Riverside County and the consequent loss of natural habitat and associated species.
“As one of the first of its kind, this plan serves as a model for new NCCP-compliant land conservation programs,” said June Collins, Dudek’s environmental division vice president. “Like many of its smaller-scale counterparts, this plan is still in its early stages of development. However, the way in which it successfully promotes the NCCP’s goals is a testament to its thorough planning and execution.”
Land Stewardship for Day-to-Day ManagementNow, the Western Riverside plan participants and land managers, like every NCCP permit holder, must plan for the act’s long-term management requirements. These plans must ensure lands remain in their natural state, protecting covered species from invasive weeds, human-induced disturbances and other unauthorized activities.
There are several factors to consider when developing a long-term land management plan. Who will manage the land and coordinate with permit holders? How will real estate, legal and financial challenges be addressed? In some cases, landowners may manage land directly; however land may be endowed to third-party organizations to handle day-to-day management.
Land stewards – people or firms who understand a land’s biological resources and can address preserve management issues – may assist in biological monitoring. Additionally, they can help with preparing and implementing long-term biological and conservation plans that comply with NCCP and resource agency permits.
New challenges will emerge as land management procedures evolve. To overcome these obstacles, recognize a land’s specific needs and adapt plans and resources accordingly for long-term NCCP Act success.
