Wildlands Conservation Efforts in Imperial County

Wildlands has recently completed its fourth mitigation preserve in Imperial County, bringing the company’s total amount of protected habitat to over 400 acres within the County.  Species and habitat types protected include the western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), the flat-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) and Waters of the State.  On behalf of our clients, Wildlands acquired suitable lands and obtained agency approvals to comply with various permits including California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Incidental Take Permit (ITP), Streambed Alteration Agreement (SAA), and County mitigation requirements.

Over 300 acres are dedicated to the western burrowing owl, a California species of special concern.  Properties with high quality burrowing owl foraging and nesting habitats were selected based on the results of biological field surveys and regional analyses, and included areas known to support high numbers of owls identified as high priority for conservation.  Results from recent site surveys show that a number of owls have been observed – evidence that the lands are being used as intended by providing foraging habitat for the burrowing owl.

Wildlands’ project-specific mitigation preserves are an ideal solution in areas where mitigation and conservation banks are not present.  Wildlands plans to continue its conservation efforts in Imperial County and surrounding areas; please contact us today to learn more about how we can help you meet your project’s permit obligations.

 

Owls and burrow at Montgomery Road Burrowing Owl Preserve

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Desert dry wash habitat at West Mesa Preserve

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Owl observed at New Elm Burrowing Owl Preserve

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