Rivers & Lands Conservancy Accepts Riparian Conservation Property in Yorba Linda

November 30, 2022, Riverside, CA:  Rivers and Lands Conservancy (RLC) is pleased to announce the addition of the Kerrigan Riparian Conservation Project to its conserved lands. This new permanently protected conservation property is located in the City of Yorba Linda within Orange County, California. The 16.8-acre conservation easement consists of high-quality riparian and coastal sage scrub habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) and other native wildlife. The coastal California gnatcatcher is listed as federally threatened and is also designated as a Bird Species of Special Concern by the State of California.

Impacted by the demand for expanding suburban residential and commercial development, coastal sage scrub is a quickly disappearing habitat that is home to a number of distinct bird and wildlife species. It is estimated that only 15% of coastal sage scrub lands remain undeveloped. The California gnatcatcher is endemic to coastal sage scrub and is estimated to have lost between 70-90% of its habitat.

In addition to mitigating the impact of development to this habitat, this conservation easement serves to provide a buffer between residential housing and the Chino Hills State Park located to the north of the property with the public benefit of creating scenic views from local streets and surrounding housing.

RLC manages conserved lands for public benefit by protecting, enhancing, and restoring natural resources. RLC currently stewards 56 conservation properties that total nearly 2,600 acres of permanently protected open space. For 33 years, Rivers and Lands Conservancy has been instrumental in acquiring and preserving over 14,500 acres of open space valued at over $90 Million including properties that have been transferred to conservation partners.