Lytle Creek Conservation Bank Approved in the Inland Empire

ROCKLIN, Calif., Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Wildlands is pleased to announce the Lytle Creek Conservation Bank ("Bank") has been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ("USFWS"). The Bank will permanently protect and preserve approximately 182 acres of suitable habitat for the conservation of the federally endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat and Santa Ana River woollystar.   

The Bank is located in the Lytle Creek wash area north of Interstate 210 and southwest of Interstate 215 in San Bernardino County, near the cities of Fontana and Rialto. 

The San Bernardino kangaroo rat is federally endangered and listed by the State of California as a Species of Special Concern. It is a small, nocturnal rodent usually found in alluvial washes in the Inland Empire. 

The Santa Ana River woollystar is a federally endangered shrub found in similar habitat to the kangaroo rat along the Santa Ana River and its tributaries. 

A conservation bank is a habitat preserve developed to offset unavoidable permitted impacts to federally endangered species. Public and private development projects can purchase habitat "credits" from the Lytle Creek Conservation Bank with approval from USFWS. 

The Bank is being managed by Wildlands, a leader in developing and managing conservation banks throughout California, Oregon and Washington. Wildlands will be responsible for credit sales and management of the habitat being preserved for the benefit of the federally listed species. 

Conservation banks provide a solution for public and private developers while significantly contributing to the recovery of the species on the preserved lands. 

"The Bank will assist development projects in the Inland Empire to proceed in an environmentally responsible manner," said Brian Monaghan, Vice President at Wildlands.  "Developers with fragmented Fish and Wildlife Service permitted impacts are contributing to a block of preserved habitat that can contribute to the recovery of the San Bernardino kangaroo rat and Santa Ana River woollystar." 

The Bank will be permanently protected with a conservation easement and an endowment to manage the property in perpetuity under the stewardship of the non-profit Wildlife Heritage Foundation. 

"We are proud to be a land steward over such an important project in an area that has experienced an explosion of growth over the past few decades.  This is a real opportunity to protect a substantial amount of the natural landscape in the Lytle Creek wash area," said Pat Shea, Executive Director of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation. 

"Conservation banks provide an opportunity to conserve significant areas of habitat that are managed to ensure they retain their value to wildlife over time," said Mendel Stewart, Supervisor of the USFWS Carlsbad Office. "Having lost much of its historic habitat, the establishment of this conservation bank is particularly important for conservation of the San Bernardino kangaroo rat."

Additional conservation and restoration projects are planned by Wildlands in Southern California to meet the demand of public and private developers needing to offset permitted impacts.  

Contacts:
Brian Monaghan
Vice President
Wildlands
Tel (916) 435-3555
Fax (916) 435-3556
[email protected]
www.wildlandsinc.com

Jane Hendron
Public Affairs Division Chief
Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office
2177 Salk Avenue, Suite 250
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Tel (760) 431-9440 ext. 205

WILDLANDS
Established in 1991, Wildlands is a private mitigation solution provider based in Rocklin, CA.  With mitigation and conservation projects throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Wildlands has preserved and protected over 50,000 acres of habitat; offering mitigation and conservation solutions to public and private developers.

WILDLIFE HERITAGE FOUNDATION
WHF is dedicated to preserving California's rich heritage of open spaces, agricultural land, and diverse wildlife. With that dedication, the directors and staff welcome land-conservation projects of all sizes that aim to protect wildlife and their habitats. Their mission is to protect, enhance, and restore wildlife habitat on lands conserved for the benefit of future generations. Learn more at www.wildlifeheritage.org.

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141007/150856

SOURCE Wildlands