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Western Spadefoot Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protections
OAKLAND, Calif.— In response to a 2012 petition and 11 years of advocacy by the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to protect the western spadefoot as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Lytle Creek Agreement Secures San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Habitat Protection
RIALTO, Calif.— Conservation groups have reached an agreement with the developer of the Lytle Creek Ranch development project in Southern California to permanently protect 177 acres of occupied habitat for the state and federally endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat.
Read more.California Court Upholds Ventura County Program to Safeguard Wildlife Connectivity
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.— A new program that increases protections for wildlife corridors throughout Southern California’s Ventura County has prevailed after a three-judge panel agreed with the county and conservationists and found that the wildlife protections were lawful.
Read more.California Court Rules Against Kern River Water Diversions
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.— A Kern County Superior Court has ruled against the city of Bakersfield and agricultural water storage districts for diverting water from the Kern River, siding with environmental groups that sought a preliminary injunction on the harmful practice of entirely drying up the river in and downstream of the city of Bakersfield. Monday’s ruling prohibits the city from implementing diversions that reduce river flows below the volume necessary to maintain good condition for fish.
Read more.Students Receive Nearly $17K for Utom Conservation Studies
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.— The Utom Conservation Fund announced today that it has awarded nearly $17,000 to Southern California students committed to protecting the Santa Clara River, also known as Utom.
Read more.Court Upholds Protections for Southern California Steelhead
LOS ANGELES— A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has rejected a challenge from a water agency seeking to strip protections from the Southern California steelhead. The ruling adopted on Tuesday allows legal protections for the imperiled fish to continue until the California Fish and Game Commission makes a decision on permanent protections.
Read more.Debut Graphic Novel Highlights Plight of California Mountain Lions
SAN FRANCISCO— A lone puma’s journey across the diverse landscapes of Central California is the focus of a new graphic novel that will be released on Oct. 24. Written by Center for Biological Diversity scientist Tiffany Yap, D.Env./Ph.D. and illustrated by Seattle-based artist Meital Smith, “Tales of the Urban Wild: A Puma’s Journey” takes the reader through diverse habitats, across busy freeways and inside science labs to learn about one mountain lion’s survival story.
Read more.California Expands Toxic Rat Poison Ban
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law today greater protections from toxic rat poisons, which are harmful and deadly for children, pets and wildlife.
Read more.California Court to Hear Arguments to Halt Kern River Diversions
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.— Conservation groups advocating for stronger Kern River protections will argue against destructive water diversions at a court hearing on Friday. The Kern County Superior Court will hear arguments in the lawsuit filed against the city of Bakersfield for ignoring the community and environmental harms of diverting water for agricultural use.
Read more.Biden Urged to Establish New California National Monument, Expand Joshua Tree National Park
COACHELLA, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity joined local Tribes, businesses, communities and conservation groups today to urge President Biden to establish Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California.
Read more.Napa County to Decide Fate of Controversial Vineyard Project Tuesday
NAPA, Calif.— The Napa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider the controversial Le Colline vineyard project proposed in Angwin. The vineyard conversion project would destroy 28 acres of forest and shrublands, block a crucial wildlife corridor and increase wildfire risk and could pollute a nearby creek and lake that supply Napa’s drinking water.
Read more.Report: Carbon Storage, Sequestration Value of California’s Native Habitats Overlooked
OAKLAND, Calif.— The untapped potential of carbon storage and sequestration in different native habitats is too often ignored in California’s land-use decisions, according to a new report published today by the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.House ‘Extinction Rider’ Seeks to Gut Imperiled Birds’ Protections
WASHINGTON― U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) has introduced a must-pass Interior Department appropriations bill with riders that would gut Endangered Species Act protections for the lesser prairie chicken and imperiled populations of sage grouse. The birds all teeter on the brink of extinction.
Read more.California Assembly Approves Expansion of Toxic Rat Poisons Ban
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Assembly passed legislation on a 57-12 vote that expands protection for children, pets and wildlife from toxic rat poisons. Spearheaded by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Burbank), the California Ecosystems Protection Act of 2023, or Assembly Bill 1322, now awaits Senate approval.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Massive Warehouse Project in Napa County
AMERICAN CANYON, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued American Canyon today for approving a 2.4 million-square-foot warehouse project that would increase air pollution, contribute to the climate crisis, and pave over wetlands and wildlife habitat.
Read more.California Agency Recommends Advancing Protection for Sage Grouse
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Department of Fish and Wildlife late Wednesday recommended that the state’s greater sage grouse move toward protection under the state’s Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges California State Park Plan Allowing Off-Road Vehicles
SACRAMENTO— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the California State Department of Parks and Recreation and the Park and Recreation Commission today challenging the general plan revision for Red Rock Canyon State Park, which allows off-highway vehicles on two park roads and the Ricardo Campground.
Read more.California Court Blocks Massive Sprawl Development in Riverside County
RIVERSIDE, Calif.— A California appeals court has ordered Riverside County to set aside its approval of an 8,725-unit development because its environmental review of the project was inadequate. Thursday’s ruling from the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Two said the county had approved Villages of Lakeview without analyzing water supply impacts or providing a workable plan to offset damage to the nearby San Jacinto Wildlife Area.
Read more.Judge Deals Another Blow to Tejon Ranchcorp Project
LOS ANGELES— A judge has ordered Los Angeles County to set aside its approval of Tejon Ranchcorp’s Centennial, a sprawling housing development that would bring 57,000 residents to the fire-prone outskirts of the county. The ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff directs the county to set aside the environmental review and all approvals related to the project.
Read more.California Bill to Expand Community, Wildlife Protections Against Rat Poisons
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Burbank) is spearheading a bill to expand restrictions on toxic rat poisons and increase protections for children, pets and wildlife from unintentional poisoning.
Read more.New Study Reveals Deadly Disease Spread Among African Amphibians
DAVIS, Calif.— Multiple strains of a deadly fungal pathogen are spreading among frogs across Africa, posing serious and widespread threats to amphibian populations, according to a scientific study published today in Frontiers in Conservation Science.
Read more.Center for Biological Diversity Calls for Protection of Atlanta Forest, Independent Probe of Activist Killing
ATLANTA— Standing in solidarity with local organizations, communities and forest defenders who have been safeguarding the South River Forest for years, the Center for Biological Diversity is calling for the permanent protection of Atlanta’s biologically diverse forest and an independent investigation into the killing of a 26-year-old activist fighting to protect it.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Sprawl Development in Northern California Wildfire Zone
CHICO, Calif.— A coalition of environmental groups sued the city of Chico today for approving a development with nearly 2,800 housing units without properly assessing or mitigating wildfire and other environmental risks. The Valley’s Edge project would bring nearly 5,700 residents to an area that has burned repeatedly and is adjacent to the town of Paradise, which was devastated by the 2018 Camp Fire.
Read more.Plan to Cut Down Potter Valley Eagle Tree on Hold for Nesting Season
POTTER VALLEY, Calif.— A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit allowing a utility company to cut down a Mendocino County tree containing a bald eagle’s nest has been put on hold for the remainder of the nesting season.
Read more.Tribal Nation, Environmental Groups Demand Reprieve for Bald Eagle Nest in Northern California
WILLITS, Calif.— The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians and environmental advocates are calling on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to revoke a permit that would allow Pacific Gas & Electric to cut a tree in Mendocino County that contains a historic eagles nest.
Read more.Critical Habitat in California Wine Country Slated for Conservation
NAPA COUNTY, Calif.— Approximately 2,300 acres of intact wildlife habitat in Napa County is expected to be sold to a land trust for permanent protection under an agreement announced this week.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges San Bernardino County Approval of Polluting Warehouse Near Schools, Homes
BLOOMINGTON, Calif.— Environmental justice and conservation groups sued San Bernardino County today for approving a Bloomington warehouse complex without adequately addressing the harms it will cause to air quality, public health and housing.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges City of Bakersfield’s Diversions of Kern River
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.— Conservation groups have sued the city of Bakersfield for diverting water from the Kern River and ignoring the harms such diversions do to the community and wildlife. The lawsuit, filed in Kern County Superior Court on Wednesday, seeks greater protections for the river, which is completely dry near Bakersfield because of diversions for agricultural use.
Read more.$60K Awarded to Students Focused on Protecting Southern California’s Signature River
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.— The Utom Conservation Fund, a group of cultural and environmental organizations, has awarded $60,000 in scholarships and fellowships to students dedicated to the conservation of the Santa Clara River, also known as Utom.
Read more.California Court Blocks Harmful Dam Project in Stanislaus County
PATTERSON, Calif.— A judge has rejected plans to build a new dam in the Central Valley, ordering the Del Puerto Water District to vacate its approval of the project.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Risky Project in San Diego County’s Wildfire Zone
SANTEE, Calif.— Conservation organizations have filed another lawsuit over the city of Santee’s approval of the Fanita Ranch project. The suit is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the large-scale development project does not proceed in a wildfire-prone area without the necessary review of wildfire risk.
Read more.Wildlife Connectivity Bill Becomes Law in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act into law today, paving the way for more wildlife crossings and road improvements across the state.
Read more.California Senate Passes Safe Roads Bill, Putting Statewide Wildlife Connectivity Within Reach
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Senate passed the Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act on Monday in a 35-0 vote, paving the way for more wildlife crossings across the state’s roadway system. Assembly Bill 2344 now awaits approval from the governor after a concurrence vote in the Assembly, which it passed in May.
Read more.Report: Southern California’s Signature River Under Threat
LOS ANGELES— A new report published today called on decision-makers in Ventura and Los Angeles counties to apply sustainable water-management practices to the Santa Clara River, known as Utom to the Chumash people.
Read more.Marin County Adopts Long-Overdue Protections for Endangered Coho Salmon
MARIN COUNTY, Calif.— The Marin County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a conservation ordinance on Tuesday that would protect coho salmon habitat and end a 15-year legal battle over California’s most important watershed for the endangered species.
Read more.LA County Sued Over Faulty Environmental Review Process for Los Angeles River Master Plan
LOS ANGELES— Conservation groups LA Waterkeeper and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Los Angeles County over the recently updated LA River Master Plan, adopted on June 14, which is intended to guide development along the Los Angeles River for the next 25 years.
Read more.California Assembly Passes Bill to Improve Wildlife Connectivity, Public Safety
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The California Assembly passed legislation on Wednesday that would improve wildlife connectivity and make California roads safer. The Safe Roads and Wildlife Protection Act would prioritize wildlife crossings and other infrastructure projects that improve wildlife connectivity and reduce wildlife-vehicle collision risk.
Read more.Cultural, Environmental Groups Launch Utom Conservation Fund Scholarship, Fellowship
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.— An alliance of cultural and environmental organizations launched fellowships and scholarships today worth $100,000 for students committed to the protection of Southern California’s signature river. The Utom Conservation Fund Scholarship and Fellowship, announced on Earth Day, will be awarded to high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate school students committed to researching and preserving the cultural values and ecological function of the Utom watershed.
Read more.Group Celebrates Earth Day by Expanding Nature Preserve System Throughout West
BEND, Ore.— The Wildlands Conservancy, owner of California’s largest nonprofit nature preserve system, announced today the group’s expansion into additional Western states. The Conservancy’s first out-of-state acquisition is the purchase of the 30,000-acre Cherry Creek Ranch in central Oregon, newly named Enchanted Rocks Preserve after the landscape’s fascinating geology.
Read more.Los Angeles County Moves to Limit New Sprawl in Fire-Prone Areas
LOS ANGELES— The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved an update to the county’s general plan today that limits new development in wildfire hazard zones, reducing regional risk as California braces for what could be another intense fire season.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Stop Destruction of Endangered California Tiger Salamander Habitat
SANTA MARIA, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity notified the Santa Maria Airport District this week of its intent to sue over the destruction of hundreds of acres of critical habitat for endangered California tiger salamanders.
Read more.California Court Rules Against Big Bear Development Over Wildfire Concerns, Harms to Rare Plant
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif.— A judge ruled against a controversial development proposed on the north shore of Big Bear Lake over concerns about wildfire evacuation risks and threats to a plant unique to the area.
Read more.California Court Rejects Sprawl Development Near San Diego
SAN DIEGO— Citing wildfire concerns, a judge ruled against a 3,000-home development proposed for the city of Santee. The Fanita Ranch project would be built on more than 2,600 acres of fire-prone hillsides north of the city that serve as habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher, western spadefoot toad and other rare species.
Read more.California Bill Aims to Improve Wildlife Connectivity, Public Safety
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Assemblymembers Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) and Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) introduced a bill on Wednesday that would prioritize crossings and other infrastructure projects that improve wildlife connectivity and make California roads safer.
Read more.Court Upholds Ventura County Ordinances to Safeguard Wildlife Connectivity
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif.— A pair of Ventura County ordinances that increases protections for wildlife corridors has prevailed after a judge ruled on the side of county leaders and conservationists.
Read more.California Judge Revives Lawsuit Against Controversial Tejon Ranchcorp Development
LOS ANGELES— In a ruling that puts the fate of a destructive development outside Los Angeles once again in question, a judge declared today that two conservation groups are prevailing parties in a successful lawsuit, continuing the legal battle over the Centennial project.
Read more.California Court Orders Lake County to Set Aside Approval of Mega-Resort
LAKE COUNTY, Calif.— A judge has ruled that Lake County must set aside its approval of an ultra-luxury development in Northern California’s Guenoc Valley because it failed to consider the effect on community safety and wildfire evacuation from bringing thousands of new residents and visitors to the highly fire-prone area.
Read more.Napa Supervisors to Make Final Call on Walt Ranch Vineyard’s Climate Plan
NAPA, Calif.— The Napa County Board of Supervisors will consider on Tuesday an appeal of an approved climate mitigation plan for the Walt Ranch vineyard project. Local residents and Center for Biological Diversity staff will attend the meeting to urge the board to require science-based measures to offset the 14,000 carbon-sequestering trees that will be destroyed by this huge vineyard development.
Read more.Legal Motion Defends Rejection of Harmful Southern California Development
CALABASAS, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club and the California Native Plant Society filed a motion this week to defend a Calabasas City Council’s denial of a residential and commercial development proposed for the city’s fire-prone hillsides. In May city leaders unanimously voted against the 180-unit West Village at Calabasas project, citing wildfire risks and the loss of open space.
Read more.New Study Finds Deadly Fungal Disease in California Salamanders
SAN FRANCISCO— A scientific study published today revealed the emergence of a deadly fungus in two terrestrial salamander species in California, signaling a need to end the dangerous wildlife trade. This is the first study to document the disease in these species.
Read more.California’s Historic Dean Witter Ranch Protected for Conservation, Free Public Access
OAK GLEN, Calif.― After a two-and-a-half-year effort and with support from private donors, volunteers, state agencies, partner organizations and elected leaders, The Wildlands Conservancy, a California nonprofit, has secured the 29,600-acre Lone Pine Ranch ― which will be known as the Eel River Canyon Preserve.
Read more.Appeal Challenges Weak Climate Plan for Harmful Napa Vineyard Project
NAPA COUNTY, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed an appeal today challenging a mitigation plan that fails to address the climate harms of a massive vineyard project near Napa. The appeal to the Napa County Board of Supervisors outlines steps to improve mitigation for the destruction of more than 14,000 trees for the Walt Ranch development.
Read more.Court Rules Against San Diego Sprawl Development
SAN DIEGO— A judge on Thursday rejected the environmental review of a San Diego development that would pave over critical wildlife habitat while building 1,100 homes on fire-prone land.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Federal Approval of Destructive Northern California Development
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for approving a mixed-use development in Northern California and failing to protect endangered species habitat.
Read more.Report: California in Urgent Need of Wildlife Connectivity to Protect Animals, People
OAKLAND, Calif.— A report published today called on California lawmakers, who returned from their summer recess this month, to protect sensitive species and prevent dangerous vehicle collisions by prioritizing wildlife crossings on roadways.
Read more.Los Angeles Leaders Urged to Advance City’s First Wildlife Connectivity Ordinance
LOS ANGELES— Conservation organizations urged the Los Angeles City Council today to approve and implement the city’s first wildlife connectivity ordinance to protect imperiled animals and crucial open space and reduce wildfire risk.
Read more.Gov. Newsom Urged to Invest $1 Billion in Wildlife Connectivity
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Conservation groups called on Gov. Gavin Newsom today to set aside $1 billion in his budget for increased investments in wildlife crossings and habitat connectivity.
Read more.Los Angeles County Leaders Urged to Put People, Wildlife First in L.A. River Master Plan
LOS ANGELES— The Center for Biological Diversity urged Los Angeles County officials today to enhance the ecological function of the L.A. River in its master plan, rather than placating outside interests by supporting harmful development projects.
Read more.Southern California Mega-Warehouse Will Heavily Electrify Operations, Per Landmark Agreement Worth $47 Million
MORENO VALLEY, Calif.— Environmental and community groups reached a landmark settlement today with the developer of the World Logistics Center Project in Moreno Valley, California to invest approximately $47 million in electric vehicles and equipment, rooftop solar, EV charging infrastructure, and other solutions to electrify the facility and reduce harms to local air quality, wildlife and the climate.
Read more.Los Angeles Leaders Urged to Prioritize Wildlife Corridor Funding
LOS ANGELES— Local conservation advocates will urge city leaders to make wildlife corridors a budget priority during a Thursday discussion with the Los Angeles planning and building and safety departments.
Read more.After $6 Million Agreement, Dismissal Sought for Lawsuit Challenging Placer Ranch Development
PLACER COUNTY, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity requested the dismissal today of a lawsuit challenging the Placer Ranch development in Northern California.
Read more.Legal Agreement on Placer County Project Requires Climate Pollution Cuts, Secures Funding to Protect Wildlife Habitat
PLACER COUNTY, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity approved a legal agreement yesterday that secures significant measures to reduce greenhouse gases from a Placer County development, as well as funding for electric vehicles, habitat acquisition and environmental conservation efforts in the county and elsewhere in California.
Read more.Court Rules Marin County’s Protections for Endangered Coho Salmon Inadequate
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.— The Marin County Superior Court today ruled that the county in Northern California failed to adequately protect coho salmon and their habitat in the San Geronimo Valley.
Read more.Judge Blocks Massive Tejon Ranchcorp Development in L.A. County
LOS ANGELES— In a major victory against a destructive development larger than Griffith Park, a judge has issued a ruling blocking Tejon Ranchcorp’s Centennial. The project would have put 57,000 residents on remote, fire-prone wildlands 65 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Against Federal OK of Vernal Pool Destruction in Northern California
CHICO, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity notified the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today of its intent to file a lawsuit challenging the permitting of a Northern California development that would harm endangered species.
Read more.California Court Stops Big Bear Development From Relying on Expired, Decades-old Permits
FAWNSKIN, Calif.— A California Superior Court judge has ruled in favor of conservation groups and found that the Marina Point Development on the shores of Big Bear Lake lacks valid permits. The project threatened habitat for bald eagles and other wildlife.
Read more.Report: Sprawl in Fire-prone Areas Endangers Californians, Increases Damages, Fire-suppression Costs
LOS ANGELES— As California lawmakers consider a bill that would limit sprawl development in blaze-prone areas, a new report highlights how rampant construction in high fire-risk wildlands is putting more people in harm’s way and contributing to a dramatic increase in costs associated with fire suppression and damages.
Read more.Appeal Challenges Housing Development on Restorable San Francisco Bay Wetlands
NEWARK, Calif.— The Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a legal appeal today challenging the approval of the “Sanctuary West” housing development that would fill restorable San Francisco Bay wetlands and construct 469 luxury housing units in a Federal Emergency Management Agency flood zone.
Read more.Appeal Targets U.S. Wildlife Agency’s Refusal to Consider California Condor’s Significance to Tribal Groups in Approving Luxury Resort
LOS ANGELES— Conservation and tribal groups today appealed a recent court ruling that the California condor doesn’t qualify as a traditional Native American cultural property under federal law.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Trump Administration’s Failure to Protect Rare L.A. Fish Known for Elaborate Mating Rituals
LOS ANGELES— The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Trump administration today for failing to protect Southern California’s unarmored threespine stickleback, a tiny scaleless fish known for its elaborate mating rituals.
Read more.Legal Filing Responds to Tejon Ranchcorp’s Effort to Stifle Public Dissent
LOS ANGELES— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a response today to Tejon Ranchcorp’s legal effort to seek $347,000 in fees from Center attorneys after the nonprofit organization and tribal groups challenged a plan to build a luxury resort on thousands of acres of critical habitat for the California condor.
Read more.Judge Blocks Los Angeles Development That Threatens Local Mountain Lions
LOS ANGELES— In a victory against a destructive project threatening local mountain lions, a judge issued a ruling Monday blocking the 1,300-acre Northlake development. Proposed on fire-prone wildlands in northern Los Angeles County, the development would have imperiled rare wildlife and paved over a pristine stream that flows into the Santa Clara River.
Read more.Groups Step Up Efforts to Protect San Francisco Bay Wetlands After Court Setback
NEWARK, Calif.— In response to the Alameda County Superior Court’s disappointing denial late last week of a lawsuit challenging the city of Newark’s approval of the Sanctuary West luxury housing development, environmental groups are escalating their campaign to protect more than 500 acres of restorable wetlands in South San Francisco Bay. The groups are calling on state regulators to step in and stop developers from paving over Newark “Area 4.”
Read more.Mountain Lion Photographed in Wildlife Corridor Threatened by Los Angeles Development
LOS ANGELES— The Center for Biological Diversity and allies sent a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today urging it to reconsider the controversial Northlake development after a mountain lion was photographed using a wildlife corridor that will be blocked by the development site.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges More Sprawl Development in San Diego County
SAN DIEGO— Conservation organizations sued San Diego County today for approving Otay Ranch Resort Village 13, a massive sprawl development in the ecologically rich Jamul mountain region. The project would locate thousands of new residents in a wildfire-prone area that is currently home to endangered and threatened wildlife species.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Destructive Dam Project in California’s Stanislaus County
PATTERSON, Calif.— A broad coalition of conservation groups sued the Del Puerto Water District today for approving construction of a new dam on Del Puerto Creek in the Central Valley.
Read more.Outgoing San Diego County Board Members Approve More Sprawl Development
SAN DIEGO— In a 4-to-1 vote on Wednesday, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a massive new sprawl development in the county’s ecologically rich Proctor Valley. The Otay Ranch Village 13 project will bring thousands of new residents to a wildfire-prone area that is home to endangered and threatened wildlife species.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges California’s $16 Billion Move to Fund Delta Tunnel Project
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Five environmental groups sued the California Department of Water Resources today for adopting a resolution approving the issuance of the Delta Program Revenue Bonds.
Read more.Massive California Warehouse Project Dealt Another Legal Setback
MORENO VALLEY, Calif.— Environmental justice and conservation groups declared victory today and chose to let stand an appeals court tentative ruling dismissing an appeal to a 2015 legal challenge to the World Logistics Center. The court said the case is moot because the developer already abandoned its efforts to evade responsibility for the project’s greenhouse gas pollution.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched to Force Feds to Update Recovery Plan for Endangered California Fish
LOS ANGELES— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a notice today of its intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to force it to update an inadequate, 35-year-old recovery plan for a tiny, scaleless fish called the unarmored threespine stickleback. These critically endangered fish are only found in a few Southern California streams in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties.
Read more.Legal Agreement Protects California Wildlife Corridor for Santa Ana Mountain Lions
TEMECULA, Calif.— Conservation groups approved a legal agreement today that will protect a critical wildlife corridor for local mountain lions and other wildlife, fund restoration efforts and ensure implementation of a regional conservation plan. The agreement comes after a judge issued a ruling this spring against the proposed 270-acre Altair development in Western Riverside County in California.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Southern California Sprawl Development
SAN DIEGO— Conservation groups sued the city of Santee today for approving Fanita Ranch, a 2,600-acre housing development that would put about 3,000 homes in highly fire-prone wildlands where numerous threatened and endangered species thrive.
Read more.Judge Allows Conservation Groups to Defend Ventura County Wildlife Connectivity From Industry Legal Challenge
VENTURA, Calif.—In a ruling this week, a judge formally granted permission to four conservation organizations to help defend Ventura County’s innovative wildlife connectivity ordinances — the first of their kind in California.
Read more.Officials Urged to Strengthen ‘Connect SoCal’ Plan to Protect Mountain Lions, Discourage Development in Fire-prone Areas
LOS ANGELES— Conservation and housing groups today urged the Southern California Association of Governments to amend a land-use plan covering six Southern California counties to better safeguard connectivity for imperiled mountain lions, meet the state’s climate goals, and discourage development in fire-prone areas.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Luxury Development in Big Bear Valley
FAWNSKIN, Calif.— Conservation groups sued the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors today for approving the controversial Moon Camp development on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. The planned development would bring 50 high-end custom homes to the lakefront property, which has rare and world-renowned pebble plains as well as habitat for wildlife, including a pair of bald eagles with a worldwide following that lives year-round in Big Bear Valley.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Mega-Resort in Northern California’s Fire-prone Guenoc Valley
LAKEPORT, Calif.— As wildfires rage across Northern California, the Center for Biological Diversity sued Lake County today for approving a sprawling new luxury resort and residential development in fire-prone Guenoc Valley, just north of Napa County.
Read more.Luxury Resort Approved in Northern California’s Wildfire-prone Guenoc Valley
LAKEPORT, Calif.— Despite warnings from fire experts and the California attorney general, the Lake County Board of Supervisors approved a sprawling development today in the fire-prone Guenoc Valley, just north of Napa County in Northern California. The project is a massive luxury resort and residential development spread over 16,000 acres that includes oak woodland habitat and critical wildlife corridors.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Sprawling Southern California Mega-warehouse
MORENO VALLEY, Calif.— Environmental-justice and conservation groups have sued the Southern California city of Moreno Valley for approving the massive World Logistics Center, a 40-million-square-foot warehouse project that would worsen already poor air quality and harm wildlife in the nearby San Jacinto Wildlife Area.
Read more.Miles de tortugas siguen muriendo en Costas de BCS, insuficientes los esfuerzos para su conservación
LA PAZ, Mexico— A dos años de la creación del área de refugio para la tortuga caguama por parte de la Semarnat y a cuatro años de que la Comisión Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca (Conapesca) estableció un refugio pesquero, miles de tortugas en peligro de extinción siguen muriendo en el Golfo de Ulloa, Baja California Sur, de acuerdo con información del gobierno analizada por las organizaciones Centro Mexicano de Derecho Ambiental A.C. y el Centro para la Diversidad Biológica.
Read more.Conservation Groups File Motions to Defend Ventura County Wildlife Connectivity
VENTURA, Calif.— Conservation organizations filed two legal motions today to defend Ventura County’s innovative wildlife connectivity ordinances — the first of their kind in California.
Read more.California Officials Interfering With Protected Shorebirds’ Nesting at Oceano Dunes
OCEANO, Calif.— California parks officials may have violated the Endangered Species Act by interfering with western snowy plovers’ nesting activities at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, according to a warning letter sent today by the Center for Biological Diversity.
Read more.Appeal Challenges Massive Sprawl Project in Rural Riverside County
RIVERSIDE, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club and the San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society filed a legal appeal today challenging the approval of the Villages of Lakeview, a massive 8,725-unit sprawl development that will threaten the nearby San Jacinto Wildlife Area and worsen air quality for county residents.
Read more.California Moves to Protect Imperiled Mountain Lion Populations
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— In response to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and the Mountain Lion Foundation, the California Fish and Game Commission voted 5-0 today to advance Southern California and Central Coast mountain lions to candidacy under the state’s Endangered Species Act. The vote follows a February 2020 finding by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife that increased protections may be warranted.
Read more.California to Vote on Protections for Imperiled Mountain Lion Populations
SACRAMENTO, Calif.— In response to a petition authored by the Center for Biological Diversity, the California Fish and Game Commission will vote April 16 on advancing Southern California and Central Coast mountain lions to candidates for protection under the state’s Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Judge Blocks California Development That Threatens Santa Ana Mountain Lions
TEMECULA, Calif.— In a victory over a development that could doom local mountain lions, a judge issued a scathing ruling against the proposed 270-acre Altair development in Western Riverside County in California.
Read more.Appeals Court Victory Secures Steelhead Protection on California’s Santa Clara River
SAN FRANCISCO— The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today affirmed a federal court’s 2018 ruling that the United Water Conservation District violated the Endangered Species Act by jeopardizing steelhead survival and recovery in the Santa Clara River as a result of its inadequate fish ladder and diversion of river flows at the Vern Freeman Dam near Santa Paula.
Read more.State Recommends Advancing Protection of Mountain Lions in Southern California, Central Coast
SACRAMENTO— In response to a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity and the Mountain Lion Foundation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife today recommended that six struggling mountain lion populations move toward protection under the state’s Endangered Species Act.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Southern California City’s Sprawl-promoting Climate Plan
SANTEE, Calif.— Conservation groups filed a lawsuit today challenging the city of Santee’s “climate action plan” that gives a free pass to a proposed massive development on the edge of the city. Fanita Ranch, the proposed project that would add nearly 3,000 new homes, would be a car-centric, sprawling development likely resulting in thousands of tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Reapproval of Controversial Grapevine Development in Southern California
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit today challenging Kern County's reapproval of the 8,000-acre Grapevine project. The environmentally damaging development will straddle Interstate 5 and create a new city of 12,000 dwelling units and up to 5.1 million square feet of commercial real estate.
Read more.Placer Lawsuit Challenges Sprawl Development in California Vernal Pool Habitat
AUBURN, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity sued Placer County today for approving the Sunset Area Plan. The sprawling development in Northern California will destroy thousands of acres of rare vernal pool habitat — temporary wetlands crucial to wildlife — and overwhelm regional roadways by forcing commuters and residents to drive millions of additional miles.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Destructive Luxury Development in Historic Wetland Area on South San Francisco Bay
NEWARK, Calif.— The Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge and Center for Biological Diversity today sued the city of Newark for approving a destructive plan to pave over a historic wetland to build hundreds of luxury housing units along South San Francisco Bay. The Sanctuary West Residential Project is planned for Newark “Area 4,” which has long been prioritized by the environmental community for conservation.
Read more.Lawsuit Launched Against Seven Oaks Dam’s Harming of Rare California Fish
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.— The Center for Biological Diversity and Endangered Habitats League today announced their intent to sue the federal government and three Southern California counties for harming imperiled Santa Ana sucker fish with a poorly timed water release from the Seven Oaks Dam during spawning season.
Read more.Supervisors in California's Placer County Approve Sprawl Project
AUBURN, Calif.— The Placer County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to approve the controversial Sunset Area Plan development. The plan, encompassing more than 8,500 acres in western Placer County near the cities of Roseville, Rocklin and Lincoln, includes a 5,636-dwelling unit residential community in addition to industrial and commercial land uses.
Read more.California Court Upholds Challenge to Controversial Walt Ranch Vineyard
NAPA, Calif.— A California appeals court ruled yesterday that Napa County violated state law in approving the large Walt Ranch vineyard development in the mountains east of the city of Napa. The decision sends the project, which would destroy more than 300 acres of riparian, oak and native grassland habitat and convert it into vineyards, back to the trial court.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges Marin County’s Inadequate Protections for Endangered Coho Salmon
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.— Two conservation organizations have sued Northern California’s Marin County for failing to adequately protect coho salmon and their habitat in the San Geronimo Valley.
Read more.Agreement Reached to Protect Community, Wildlife From Southern California Warehouse Project
FONTANA, Calif.— Conservation groups and UST-CB Partners, a development company, reached an agreement today over a controversial warehouse project in the Southern California city of Fontana that threatened local communities and wildlife habitat.
Read more.Amah Mutsun Tribal Band Will Lead ‘Walk for Juristac’ Sunday to Protect Sacred Lands in Santa Clara County
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Calif.— The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band will be stepping forward in a public journey of healing and restoration on Sunday. One of the greatest challenges before the tribe is the protection of their sacred grounds at Juristac (Sargent Ranch). The site is currently threatened by Sargent Quarry, a proposed 320-acre sand-and-gravel mining operation.
Read more.Legal Action Opposes Federal Approval of Southern California Dam
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif.— Conservation groups today filed a motion with federal energy regulators to intervene in opposition to a controversial plan to build a new dam in Southern California’s Santa Ana Mountains. The project, located on the border of Orange and Riverside counties, would include a reservoir and hydropower project that will cut through roadless areas, inundate forests and threaten endangered species.
Read more.San Diego Lawsuits Challenge Sprawl Development in High-risk Fire Zone
SAN DIEGO— Conservation organizations sued San Diego County today for approving Otay Ranch Village 14, a sprawl development that will pave over hundreds of acres of habitat for golden eagles and other imperiled wildlife and build new homes in one of California’s most dangerously fire-prone areas.
Read more.State Endangered Species Protection Sought for Mountain Lions in Southern California, Central Coast
LOS ANGELES— The Center for Biological Diversity and Mountain Lion Foundation formally petitioned the California Fish and Game Commission today to protect mountain lions under the California Endangered Species Act.
Read more.California Court Halts Plan to Widen Highway 101 Through Old-growth Redwoods
EUREKA, Calif.— Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Kelly Neel ruled in favor of environmental organizations Tuesday in the latest legal battle in the nearly decade-long effort to prevent the widening of Highway 101 through old-growth redwoods at Richardson Grove State Park.
Read more.Lawsuit Challenges City-sized Sprawl Development in L.A. County
LOS ANGELES— Conservation groups sued the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today for approving the controversial 12,000-acre Centennial development, one of the largest ever proposed in county history.
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