EHL participates in local planning

One of EHL’s jobs is to bring the conservation perspective into planning efforts that affect the environment. Over the last several months, EHL has provided input on land use, housing, and natural areas to local agencies across the region.  We also meet regularly with Planning Departments to get early information on projects and to provide policy recommendations.  

Here are some of these activities:

EHL commented on proposed revisions to the process for major changes to the General Plan. The General Plan determines which land uses go to which locations, so it is extremely important. In doing so, we stressed consistency with the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), which is creating an ambitious preserve network. 

We also submitted comments on an ill-considered Community Plan update for remote Cabazon, which would put jeopardize the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Conservation Plan and put thousands of housing units in a sprawling location. A fire management program for MSHCP preserves is under development, and EHL provides early comments to the Regional Conservation Authority.

Comments by EHL and others on a development project in the City of Lake Elsinore resulted in greater mitigation for impacts to wetlands and rare plants. Also, EHL commented on an update to the City’s General Plan, supporting its use of the MSHCP for assessing and mitigating biological impacts.

EHL provided a detailed review of proposed changes to the part of the General Plan that deals with Conservation and Natural Resources. The proposals are generally on track but several improvements were recommended. In related comments on an ordinance on Significant Ecological Areas, EHL supported new maps that increased the area subject to protections, supported removing exceptions in the Antelope Valley, and suggested a revised definition of wildlife corridors.

EHL commented on the County’s programs for “Housing Unlocked” and Streamlining Pathways for Housing and Agriculture.  We supported reduced lot sizes and smaller setbacks in Village locations already planned for housing. In all these ways, EHL seeks to accommodate growth in locations that don’t impact wildlife habitat and that are closer to shops and employment.