Location: MSHCP > VOLUME 4 > 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING / AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING/AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
The proposed MSHCP Plan Area encompasses approximately 1.26 million acres (approximately 1,966 square miles) in western Riverside County, California. It includes all incorporated and unincorporated land west of the crest of the San Jacinto Mountains to the Orange County line. The proposed MSHCP is the largest HCP ever attempted and covers multiple species and multiple habitats within multiple jurisdictions. The proposed Plan Area covers a diverse landscape from urban cities to undeveloped foothills and montane forests, and stretches across the Santa Ana Mountains, Riverside Lowlands, San Jacinto Foothills, San Jacinto Mountains, Agua Tibia Mountains, Desert Transition, and San Bernardino Mountains bioregions.
The majority of western Riverside County is characterized by rural and suburban development intermixed with agricultural operations and large blocks of undeveloped lands. Large blocks of land along the south, east, and west boundaries of the proposed Plan Area consist of National Forest holdings. The natural topography can be described as a valley lowland area intersected with rolling hills surrounded by mountainous ranges. Lowland valley areas exist below 2,000 feet in elevation while scrub/chaparral dominated hillsides range from 2,000 to 3,000 feet in elevation. Mountainous areas within the proposed Plan Area range from 3,000 to over 10,000 feet above sea level.
3.1 Biological Resources
This section describes the biological setting in which the goal of assembling a 500,000 acre Conservation Area for conservation of up to 146 plant and wildlife species would be achieved.
3.1.1 Data Sources and Limitations
A comprehensive biological and physical database that includes information on vegetation, species occurrences, wetlands, topography, soils, and aerial photography is available for the proposed MSHCP Plan Area and was used in the development of the Plan. This section describes the various data layers used to develop the proposed MSHCP.
MSHCP Vegetation
The proposed MSHCP vegetation map is depicted in Figure 2.5 (in Section 2.0). This map was prepared by Pacific Southwest Biological Services (PSBS) and KTU+A in 1995. The methodology used to assemble the map is described in detail in the Western Riverside County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan Phase I Information Collection and Evaluation Report (PSBS and KTU+A, February 1995). Data sources include aerial photography (1 inch = 2,000 feet, 1992-1993), existing generalized vegetation maps (CNDDB, Weislander Statewide Vegetation Survey, U.C. Santa Barbara Southern California Ecoregion "GAP" Analysis, 1991 Dangermond/RECON MSHCP Strategy Report). Methods used to create and interpret vegetation data include aerial photographs, edge matching, digitizing, and geographically registering the data. Areas of concern were ground-truthed. Vegetation types were classified according to Holland (1986).
The proposed MSHCP vegetation map represents conditions at the time the data were assembled, in this case 1991-1995; the current extent and character of vegetation communities may differ from that depicted on the proposed MSHCP vegetation map. Published and anecdotal data suggest that ecosystem state transition is occurring within some portions of the proposed Plan Area in particular, fire suppression has resulted in the conversion of frequently burned chaparral and coastal sage scrub to grassland, and also in shifts from Ponderosa pine and Jeffrey pine to incense cedar and white fir (Minnich, et al., 1995; Keeley, 1990; Zedler, et al., 1983). The proposed MSHCP incorporates features to update the vegetation map as new information is obtained, such as the development of a new vegetation map as part of the proposed MSHCP Monitoring Program. The timing and methodology for developing this map are described in Section 5.3 of Volume 1 of the proposed MSHCP.
This approach is compatible with the criteria-based format of the proposed MSHCP, which calls for assembly of 153,000 acres of additional reserve lands from within an approximately 300,000-acre Criteria Area. Reserve assembly will involve review of a variety of project-specific vegetation data to refine and guide the reserve assembly process. This criteria-based format differs somewhat from the large-scale NCCPs/HCPs for which a specific reserve boundary is delineated on a map at the time of permit issuance. With that type of approach, validation of the vegetation map at the landscape level may be more important than under the criteria-based approach selected for the proposed MSHCP.
The organizational structure established for the proposed MSHCP, as described in Section 6.6 of the proposed MSHCP, also provides opportunities to incorporate new information during the term of the proposed MSHCP permit.
Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat Quality Model
As part of the 1995 PSBS/KTU+A work referred to previously in the discussion of proposed MSHCP vegetation, PSBS and KTU+A modeled and evaluated variables potentially relevant to the suitability of coastal sage scrub habitat within the proposed Plan Area for the coastal California gnatcatcher. A detailed description of the methodology used to develop the model is presented in their report (PSBS and KTU+A, 1995). Variables used in the model include elevation, degree of slope, patch size, patch shape, proximity to other coastal sage scrub patches, and adjacent land use. The modeling designated the quality of coastal sage scrub in the proposed Plan Area and suitability for the gnatcatcher as very high, high, moderate, low, or very low. The primary limitations of the model with respect to proposed MSHCP planning are the age and quality of the database used to develop the model. In this regard, the model has the same limitations as the proposed MSHCP vegetation map.
MSHCP Species Occurrence Database
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) assembled a species occurrence database for use during the proposed MSHCP planning process. This database is accessible at http://ecoregion.ucr.edu/. The web site is a clearinghouse for biological information for the proposed MSHCP. Occurrence data were compiled from museum records, USFWS data, published and unpublished accounts, environmental impact reports, and field notes of local naturalists. As of August 2001, this database contained over 12,800 records.
The UCR species occurrence database incorporates accuracy and precision codes. For the proposed MSHCP species accounts included in Section B of the MSHCP Reference Document Volume II of the proposed MSHCP, validity of the various occurrence data is cited; less valid data are not used to draw conclusions regarding species conservation. For example, species locations that have low precision are not valid for defining conservation areas.
Herbarium Data Sources and Limitations
Additional occurrence/distribution data were gathered for particular plant species within the proposed MSHCP Plan Area from herbarium specimens at the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM), Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens (RSA) herbarium, and the UCR herbarium. Most of the occurrence and distribution data were downloaded from databases at SDNHM, RSA, and UCR. Additional data were hand-copied from herbarium specimens that had not been previously databased (e.g., the synoptic collection at RSA). The location data from each specimen were either copied or translated into one coordinate system to generate a point coverage depicting the spatial distribution of the sensitive plant species within the Plan Area. Approximately 800 data points were assembled with dates ranging from 1880 to 2001.
Precision codes were applied to individual occurrence records based on the quality and extent of both quantitative and qualitative geographic data using the precision code guide developed for the UCR species occurrence data.
Quantitative geographic data included species occurrences whose locations were reported as latitude and longitude in degrees, minutes, and seconds; as UTM coordinates in meters; or as locations described using township, range, and section designations. Species occurrences containing quantitative geographic data are considered to be the most valid.
Qualitative geographic data include species occurrences whose locations were reported as written descriptions. Species occurrences with only qualitative geographic data were generally given a lower precision rating, depending upon the quality of the specific information provided.
It is recognized that new data regarding species occurrences will become available during the proposed MSHCP implementation process including data assembled as part of the proposed MSHCP Monitoring Program described in Section 5.3 of the proposed MSHCP. The species-specific conservation objectives and the proposed MSHCP Management Plan contain measures to incorporate new occurrence data as they become available.
Wetlands
Wetlands information for the proposed Plan Area primarily is derived from the proposed MSHCP vegetation map. Other potential wetland areas, including streams, rivers, canals or ditches, ponds, and lakes, were mapped by Earth Consultants International (ECI) as part of the geologic hazards mapping assembled for the RCIP General Plan Update. A separate riparian GIS coverage was created by UCR research assistants in 2000 through aerial photo interpretation of 1996 digital orthophoto quarter quadrangles (DOQQs) of the Plan Area. Riparian areas were "heads up" digitized and categorized into four wetland habitat types based on dominant vegetation cover. All of these data were combined to create an exhibit depicting mapped wetland resources in the proposed Plan Area (Figure 3.1.1).
The wetlands map has the same limitations as the proposed MSHCP vegetation map, and those limitations are addressed in the proposed MSHCP in the same manner as those for the vegetation map. With respect to wetlands mapping, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (U.S. ACOE) is currently developing a functional assessment and programmatic wetlands delineation for the San Jacinto River and Upper Santa Margarita River Watersheds within the Plan Area as part of the U.S. ACOE Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) process currently underway for those watersheds.
A planning-level wetland delineation for the San Jacinto and Santa Margarita watersheds was recently completed, which was based on a modification of the standard delineation sampling protocols outlined in the U.S. ACOE Wetland Delineation Manual, color infrared image interpretation, and field verification visits. The delineation resulted in identification of 201 vegetation community types and development of a wetlands ratings system. Although this delineation produced a finer level of aquatic resource mapping, the U.S. ACOE wetlands map is limited in that it does not cover the entire MSHCP Plan Area.
Soils
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Soil Conservation Service (SCS) (Knecht, 1971), and State Soil Geographic (STATSGO) database for California provided the generalized soils map that depicts 25 general soils types for the proposed Plan Area. In addition, the following soil types were digitized from 1973 SCS maps (at a scale of 1:15, 840 or 1 inch = 1,320 feet) and registered with digital Eagle Aerial images onscreen:
Soils were digitized in areas identified by DUDEK biologists to enable quantitative analysis of soils considered important for the conservation of certain plant species. Soils listed above were digitized for the following USGS quadrangles: Alberhill, Bachelor, El Casco, Elsinore, Hemet, Lake Mathews, Lakeview, Murrieta, Perris, Romoland, San Jacinto, Steele Peak, Sunnymead, Temecula, Wildomar, and Winchester.
A digital coverage for Delhi soils was also obtained from USFWS and used in the species analysis for the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly. The area currently identified as Delhi soils within the Plan Area may be updated based on site-specific mapping of Delhi soils by a qualified soil scientist within 3 years after a permit issuance.
Topography
USGS topography was used for proposed MSHCP planning process. In addition, specific elevation analyses were developed using a 500-meter interval coverage developed from a USGS 30-meter digital elevation model (DEM). A vegetation map with hill-shaded relief was also used.
The topographic database is not considered to be limited for purposes of landscape-level MSHCP planning. It is anticipated that newly flown, more accurate topography will be available for certain areas for evaluation of specific Covered Activities and other proposed MSHCP reserve assembly, management, and monitoring issues during the proposed MSHCP implementation process.
Aerial Photography
Aerial photographs were obtained from Eagle Aerial and include digital aerial images flown in fall 1999 for western Riverside County and flown on May 4, 2001, for the Temecula Valley (pixel size: 1 meter).
USGS DOQQs were obtained from USFWS and cover the majority of the proposed MSHCP Plan Area, with the exception of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) lands. The DOQQs were flown on September 30, 1996, false color infrared, 1-meter resolution.
The aerial photography database is not considered to be limited for purposes of landscape-level proposed MSHCP planning. It is anticipated that current aerial photography will be available throughout the long-term proposed MSHCP implementation process to permit evaluation of specific Covered Activities and other proposed MSHCP reserve assembly, management and monitoring issues as they arise.
Literature
A wide variety of literature was reviewed and used for the proposed MSHCP planning process. Literature citations for the species accounts are provided for each proposed MSHCP species in Section B of the MSHCP Reference Document, Volume II of the MSHCP. Other literature references are listed in Section D of the proposed MSHCP Reference Document, Volume II of the proposed MSHCP. It should be noted that a large body of scientific literature was made available by UCR. This literature was thoroughly reviewed but only specifically relevant literature was cited as appropriate. For example, many of the species references contained little or no relevant information for conservation planning in the proposed Plan Area.
3.1.2 Bioregions
The review of databases and literature shows that the exiting vegetation database for the Plan Area does not adequately reflect the considerable variety of plant and animal species in western Riverside County. Grinnell (1933) described biotic or "life" zones for Southern California, but the scale of these life zones is generally too coarse to be useful for analyzing potential biotic variation within the proposed Plan Area. To address this limitation and better depict potential variation within and among species, a biogeographical map (referred to here simply as bioregions) was created to help describe diversity of habitats on a regional scale within the proposed Plan Area. This was done under the assumption that regional diversity in conserved areas translates directly into biological and genetic diversity. By ensuring regional representation of species and redundancy of resources, there is some buffer against the effects of natural and anthropogenic catastrophic events, such as wildfires, floods, and disease, on conserved areas.
Using existing information on soils (SCS), elevation (30-meter DEM data), topography (hill-shaded DEM mapping), and local expertise, a draft map that roughly demarcates the general bioregions within the proposed MSHCP Plan Area was drawn. Existing levels of human disturbance (urbanization, intensive agriculture, grazing, etc.) were considered because they have had a substantial effect on the current biota of the proposed Plan Area. While discrete bioregion boundaries cannot capture the natural continuum or gradient of environmental changes and transitions within the proposed Plan Area, these boundaries roughly represent areas where species turnover and habitat zone transitions are pronounced in relation to changes in landform and other environmental features. Because continuous climatic maps showing precipitation and air temperature (maxima, minimi, means) were not available, landform and elevation were used as surrogates for these variables to draw the initial map. DUDEK staff and subconsultants knowledgeable about the distribution of plant and animal species in western Riverside County then fine-tuned the boundaries where elevation and landforms did not accurately reflect changes in species and habitat distributions. This methodology is similar to the approach used to develop bioregions for San Diego County (T. Oberbauer, personal communication, 2000). The validity of these bioregions was initially tested by examining the distribution of vegetation types and sensitive species that fall within them. On the basis of existing data, it was determined that the bioregions appear to reflect the different suites of species and vegetation communities in the proposed Plan Area. As a work in progress, these boundaries are subject to change based on further analyses, scientific study, and input from experts familiar with western Riverside County.
Seven distinct bioregions were identified: Santa Ana Mountains, Riverside Lowlands, San Jacinto Foothills, Agua Tibia Mountains, Desert Transition, San Bernardino Mountains, and San Jacinto Mountains (Figure 2.4). The characteristic features of each bioregion are described below.
Santa Ana Mountains Bioregion
The Santa Ana Mountains Bioregion extends south of State Route 91 (SR-91) to the Riverside/San Diego County line and occurs west of Interstate 15 (I-15). It encompasses the Cleveland National Forest and areas north of the Santa Margarita River. This bioregion generally occurs at elevations above 2,000 feet and supports Diegan coastal sage scrub, mesic chaparral, and sparse coniferous vegetation. The Santa Ana Mountains Bioregion is heavily influenced by coastal climate factors such as fog, rainfall, and wind. This bioregion is relatively undisturbed and not urbanized.
Riverside Lowlands Bioregion
The Riverside Lowlands Bioregion characterizes areas east of the Santa Ana Mountains Bioregion, south of the Riverside/San Bernardino County line, west of Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Skinner, and Gilman Hot Springs, and north of the Riverside/San Diego County line. This bioregion encompasses Estelle Mountain, Lake Mathews, Reche Canyon/Badlands, the San Jacinto Valley, Gavilan Hills, Lakeview Mountains, and French Valley. The Riverside Lowlands Bioregion generally occurs at elevations below 2,000 feet and is characterized by Riversidean sage scrub and annual grasslands. The relatively arid climate is in part the result of the rain shadow effect cast by the Santa Ana Mountains. A high level of disturbance and urbanization is noted within this bioregion.
San Jacinto Foothills Bioregion
The San Jacinto Foothills Bioregion generally includes areas north of SR-79, east of the Riverside Lowlands Bioregion and west of the San Jacinto Mountains Bioregion. This bioregion encompasses Vail Lake, Sage, and Cactus Valley. The San Jacinto Foothills Bioregion occurs at elevations of 2,000 to 3,000 feet and is dominated by Riversidean sage scrub and xeric chaparral associations. This bioregion receives less frequent frost and snow than the mountainous areas. This bioregion has not been heavily disturbed or urbanized.
Agua Tibia Mountains Bioregion
The Agua Tibia Mountains Bioregion extends south from SR-79 to the Riverside/San Diego County line. It encompasses the Agua Tibia Mountains and generally occurs at elevations above 2,000 feet. This bioregion supports Diegan coastal sage scrub, mesic chaparral, and sparse coniferous vegetation. The Agua Tibia Mountains Bioregion has not been heavily disturbed or urbanized.
Desert Transition Bioregion
The Desert Transition Bioregion is located in the southeastern portion of the proposed Plan Area and encompasses the Cahuilla Indian Reservation and Lake Riverside area. The Desert Transition Bioregion generally occurs at elevations above 3,000 feet and is arid and desert-influenced. This bioregion supports red shank chaparral, big basin sage scrub, and semidesert succulent scrub habitats. This bioregion has not been heavily disturbed or urbanized.
San Bernardino Mountains Bioregion
The San Bernardino Mountains Bioregion is located in the northwestern portion of the proposed Plan Area and encompasses areas north of I-10 within the Calimesa, Beaumont, and Banning area; it generally occurs at elevations above 3,000 feet. This bioregion supports coniferous forests, montane chaparral, and broad-leaved forest. The San Bernardino Mountains Bioregion is floristically distinct from the San Jacinto Mountains Bioregion. This bioregion has not been heavily disturbed or urbanized.
San Jacinto Mountains Bioregion
The San Jacinto Mountains Bioregion occurs in the eastern portion of the proposed Plan Area and encompasses the San Bernardino National Forest, Pine Cove, Idyllwild, and upper San Jacinto River and Bautista Canyon Creek. This bioregion supports coniferous forests, montane chaparral, and broad-leaved forest; it generally occurs at elevations above 3,000 feet. The San Jacinto Mountains Bioregion is floristically distinct from the San Bernardino Mountains Bioregion.
3.1.3 Vegetation Communities
The proposed MSHCP vegetation communities map was created in 1995 by PSBS and mapped by KTU+A. For the purpose of analysis, the 1995 vegetation communities were subsequently generalized to ensure consistency in mapping scale across the proposed Plan Area. In addition to the vegetation communities map, PSBS and KTU+A created a coastal sage scrub habitat quality map for the purpose of regional reserve planning for the California gnatcatcher. Other vegetation mapping efforts include a riparian map coverage created by UCR in 2000. The proposed MSHCP vegetation map described above incorporates 50 vegetation community classifications. For the purpose of proposed MSHCP planning and analysis, the 50 classifications were collapsed to 14; both classes of categories are summarized in Table 3A.
| Table 3A - Summary of Collapsed and Uncollapsed Vegetation Communities Classifications |
| Collapsed Vegetation Communities Classifications |
Uncollapsed Vegetation Communities Classifications |
| Montane Coniferous Forest |
Jeffrey Pine |
Lodgepole Pine |
Lower Montane Coniferous Forest |
Mixed Evergreen Forest |
Southern California White Fir |
Subalpine Coniferous |
| Woodland and Forests |
Black Oak Forest |
Broadleaved Upland Forest |
Coast Live Oak Woodland |
Dense Engelmann Oak Woodland |
Oak Woodland |
Peninsular Juniper Woodland and Scrub |
| Coastal Sage Scrub |
Coastal Scrub |
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub |
Riversidean Sage Scrub |
| Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub |
Disturbed Alluvial |
Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub |
| Desert Scrub |
Big Sagebrush Scrub |
Colorado Desert Wash Scrub |
Semidesert Succulent Scrub |
Sonoran Desert Scrub |
| Chaparral |
Chamise Chaparral |
Chaparral |
Red Shank Chaparral |
Semi-Desert |
| Playas and Vernal Pools |
Alkali Playa |
Southern Interior Basatt Vernal Pool |
Vernal Pool |
| Grassland |
Non-native Grassland |
Valley and Foothill Grassland |
| Riparian Scrub, Woodland, Forest |
Arundo/Riparian Forest |
Montane Riparian Forest |
Montane Riparian Scrub |
Mule Fat Scrub |
Riparian Forest |
Riparian Scrub |
Southern Cottonwood/Willow Riparian |
Southern Sycamore/Alder Riparian Woodland |
Southern Willow Scrub |
Tamarisk Scrub |
| Meadows and Marshes |
Meadow (Montane) |
Wet Montane Meadow |
Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh
Marsh |
| Cismontane Alkali Marsh |
Cismontane Alkali Marsh |
| Water |
Open Water/Reservoir/Pond |
| Developed or Disturbed Land |
Residential/Urban/Exotic |
| Agriculture |
Dairy and Livestock Feed Yards |
Field Croplands |
Grove/Orchard |
The proposed MSHCP Plan Area encompasses approximately 1.26 million acres with approximately 871,000 acres (69 percent) supporting natural vegetation. The 14 vegetation communities within the proposed Plan Area (Table 3B) include chaparral (434,950 acres), cismontane alkali marsh (1,260 acres), coastal (Diegan and Riversidean) sage scrub (156,450 acres), desert scrubs (14,570 acres), native and non-native grassland (154,140 acres), meadows and marshes (1,020 acres), montane coniferous forest (29,910 acres), peninsular juniper woodland and scrub (1,080 acres), playas and vernal pools (7,910 acres), riparian scrub/woodland/forests (15,030 acres), Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub (7,940 acres), open water (12,210 acres), woodlands and forests (34,300 acres), and unknown (1,350 acres). In addition, approximately 169,480 acres are in agriculture, and the remaining 218,260 acres are considered disturbed or developed land. Section C of the proposed MSHCP Reference Document, in Volume II of the proposed MSHCP, contains detailed habitat accounts describing the biogeography, range and distribution, vegetation characteristics, species composition, physical environment, ecosystem processes, community relationships, and threats for each vegetation community within the proposed Plan Area. A brief description of each vegetation community is provided below.
| Table 3B - Acreage and Proportional Distribution of Vegetation Communities within the Proposed MSHCP Plan Area |
| Vegetation Type |
Total Acres in Plan Area |
Percent of Total Vegetation |
| Agriculture |
169,480 |
13.5% |
| Chaparral |
434,950 |
35.0% |
| Cismontane Alkali Marsh |
1,260 |
0.1% |
| Coastal Sage Scrub |
156,450 |
12.0% |
| Desert Scrub |
14,570 |
1.2% |
| Grassland |
154,140 |
12.2% |
| Meadows and Marshes |
1,020 |
0.08% |
| Montane Coniferous Forest |
29,910 |
2.4% |
| Playas and Vernal Pools |
7,910 |
0.6% |
| Riparian Scrub, Woodland, and Forest |
15,030 |
1.2% |
| Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub |
7,940 |
0.6% |
| Water |
12,210 |
1.0% |
| Woodlands and Forests |
34,300 |
2.7% |
| Developed or Disturbed Land |
218,260 |
17.3% |
| Unknown |
1,350 |
0.11% |
| TOTALS |
1,258,750 |
100% |
Agriculture
Agricultural lands include areas occupied by dairies and livestock feed yards or areas that have been tilled for use as croplands or groves/orchards. Approximately 13 percent of the MSHCP Plan Area (169,480 acres) consists of agricultural lands. The largest areas of dairy and livestock feed yards are located north of San Jacinto and north of Juniper Flats in the communities of Lakeview, Mystic Lake, Nuevo, southeast Perris, Eastvale, Lake Norconian off Bellegrave Avenue, Norco, and in Glen Avon. Field croplands are mapped extensively throughout the proposed Plan Area. The largest areas are around the following: State Route 371 (SR-371) in the vicinity of Anza; in an eastwest strip from Murrieta Hot Springs, through French Valley; Antelope Valley, Paloma Valley, Menifee Valley, Winchester, and Domenigoni Valley to West Hemet; the Diamond Valley area; and in Eastvale. The largest area of grove/orchard is in Santa Rosa East between Gavilan Mountain and Mesa de Colorado. Agricultural lands are further discussed in Sections 3.2 and 4.2.
Chaparral
Chaparral vegetation is the most abundant and widespread vegetation type in western Riverside County, covering approximately 35 percent (434,950 acres) of the proposed Plan Area. Large contiguous stands of chaparral occur along the Santa Ana Mountains in the western portion of the proposed Plan Area, and along the San Bernardino, San Jacinto, and Agua Tibia Mountains in the eastern and southern portions. Although chaparral is less common than other vegetation types in the central lowlands of Riverside County, three large chaparral-dominated areas occur on steeper lands near the Gavilan Hills-Gavilan Plateau-Meadowbrook Region, the Lakeview Mountains-Double Butte area, and the Sedco Hills-Hogbacks area.
Chaparral is a shrub-dominated vegetation community that is composed largely of evergreen species that range from 3 to 12 feet in height (Keeley, 2000). The most common and widespread species within chaparral is chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) (Hanes, 1971). Other common shrub species include manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), wild-lilac (Ceanothus spp.), oak (Quercus spp.), redberry (Rhamnus spp.), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), mountain-mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor) (Holland, 1986). Soft-leaved subshrubs are less common in chaparral than in coastal sage scrub (see below) but occur within canopy gaps of mature stands (Holland, 1986; Keeley and Keeley, 1988; Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). Common species include California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), sages (Salvia spp.), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), and monkeyflower (Mimulus spp.). In addition, herbaceous species, including deerweed (Lotus scoparius), nightshade (Solanum spp.), Spanish bayonet (Yucca whipplei), rock-rose (Helianthemum scoparium), onion (Allium spp.), soap plant (Chlorogalum spp.), bunch grasses (Nassella spp., and Melica spp.), wild cucumber (Marah spp.), bedstraw (Galium spp.), and lupine (Lupinus spp.) are also present (Holland, 1986; Keeley and Keeley, 1988; Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995 ).
Cismontane Alkali Marsh
Cismontane alkali marsh habitat is scattered sparsely over the western Riverside County region, occupying approximately 0.1 percent (1,260 acres) of the proposed Plan Area. Cismontane alkali marsh was mapped in two general localities along Cahuilla Creek south of Anza and upstream from Lake Mathews along the Colorado River aqueduct.
Typical cismontane alkali marsh species include yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica), saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), alkali-heath (Frankenia salina), cattails (Typha spp.), common pickleweed (Salicornia virginica), rushes (Juncus spp.), marsh flea-bane (Pluchea odorata), and sedges (Carex spp.) (Holland, 1986).
Coastal Sage Scrub
Coastal sage scrub is distributed throughout western Riverside County, occupying approximately 12 percent (156,450 acres) of the proposed Plan Area (PSBS, 1995). It occurs from the eastern slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains to elevations in the San Jacinto Mountains less than 5,000 feet. Sage scrub often is distributed in patches throughout its range. Over a scale of several miles, it can be found in diverse vegetation community mosaics with other plant communities, particularly grassland and chaparral, and oak/riparian woodland in wetter areas. In western Riverside County, coastal sage scrub is found both in large contiguous blocks scattered throughout the County as well as integrated with chaparral and grasslands.
Coastal sage scrub is dominated by a characteristic suite of low-statured, aromatic, drought-deciduous shrubs, and subshrub species. Composition varies substantially depending on physical circumstances and the successional status of the vegetation community; however, characteristic species include California sagebrush, California buckwheat, laurel sumac, California encelia (Encelia californica), and several species of sage (e.g., Salvia mellifera, S. apiana) (Holland, 1986; Sawyer-Wolf, 1995). Other common species include brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), sugarbush (Rhus ovata), yellow bush penstemon (Keckiella antirrhinoides), Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), sweetbush (Bebbia juncea), boxthorn (Lycium spp.), shore cactus (Opuntia littoralis), coastal cholla (Opuntia prolifera), tall prickly-pear (Opuntia oricola), and species of Dudleya.
Desert Scrub
Desert scrub, including big sagebrush scrub and Sonoran desert scrub, occurs mostly in the southeastern portion of the proposed Plan Area. Desert scrub occupies approximately 1.2 percent (14,570 acres) of the proposed Plan Area. Large acreages of the vegetation community occur north and south of SR-371 within Tule Valley, Culp Valley, Wilson Creek, Cahuilla, the Ramona Indian Reservation, the Community of Anza, and east of Aguanga and Lake Riverside.
Desert scrub is typically composed of shrubs such as big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), rubber rabbit-bush (Chrysothamus nauseosus), yellow rabbitbrush (Chrysothamus viscidiflorus), black bush (Coleogyne ramosissima), Mormon-tea (Ephedra viridis), horsebrush (Tetradymia canescens), plateau gooseberry (Ribes velutinum), hopsage (Grayia spinosa), burro weed (Ambrosia dumosa), brittlebush, crucifixion-thorn (Canotia holacantha), ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), and creosote scrub (Larrea tridentata) (Holland, 1986). The herbaceous cover generally is dominated by a mixture of perennial bunch grasses, such as ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides), needle-and-thread (Stipa comata), letterman’s needlegrass (Stipa lettermanii), needlegrass (Stipa occidentalis and Stipa thurberiana), desert needlegrass (Stipa speciosa), one-sided bluegrass (Poa secunda), bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicata), and Great Basin wild rye (Leymus cinereus). Annual grasses and forbs may also occur within big sagebrush scrub. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), an introduced annual grass, has become the dominant herbaceous species in many areas.
Grasslands
Grasslands occur throughout most of western Riverside County and cover approximately 12.2 percent (154,130 acres) of the proposed Plan Area. Two general types of grasslands occur in Southern California: (1) non-native dominated, primarily annual grassland (“non-native grassland”); and (2) native dominated, perennial grassland (“valley and foothill grassland”) (Heady, 1977; Keeley, 1989; Sims and Risser, 2000). The only valley and foothill grasslands mapped within the proposed Plan Area are distributed over approximately 0.2 percent (2,700 acres) of the proposed Plan Area on the Santa Rosa Plateau. Non-native grasslands occur throughout the majority of the proposed Plan Area (11.6 percent), usually within close proximity to urbanized or agricultural land uses. Large patches of non-native grasslands occur in the Riverside Lowlands near March Air Reserve Base (ARB), Lake Mathews, Lake Perris, Lake Elsinore, near Banning, Cahuilla, and in the Terwilliger Valley south of Anza.
Valley and foothill grasslands typically contain the perennial bunch grasses Nassella pulchra and Nassella lepida. Lesser amounts of other native grasses, such as Melica spp., Leymus spp., Muhlenbergia spp., and beard grass (Bothriochloa barbinodis), may also be present. In addition, non-native grasses or forbs may be present to varying degrees. Native herbaceous plants commonly found within valley and foothill grasslands include yellow fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii), common calyptridium (Calyptridium monardum), suncup (Camissonia spp.), Chinese houses (Collinsia heterophylla), California poppy (Eschcholzia californica), tarweed (Hemizonia spp.),
coast goldfields (Lasthenia californica), common tidy-tips (Layia platyglossa), Lupinus spp., Plagiobothrys spp., blue dicks (Dichelostemma capitata), Muilla spp., blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum), and Dudleya spp. (Holland, 1986; Keeley, 1989; Sims and Risser, 2000).
Non-native grasslands are likely to be dominated by several species of grasses that have evolved to persist in concert with human agricultural practices: slender oat (Avena barbata), wild oat (Avena fatua), fox tail chess (Bromus madritensis), soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus), ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus), barley (Hordeum spp.), rye grass (Lolium multiflorum), English ryegrass (Lolium perrene), rat-tail fescue (Vulpia myuros), and Mediterranean schismus (Schismus barbatus) (Jackson, 1985; Sims and Risser, 2000).
Meadows and Marshes
Approximately 1,020 acres of meadow and marsh vegetation communities, including coastal and valley freshwater marsh, undifferentiated marsh, and wet montane meadow, exist within the proposed Plan Area, comprising 0.04 percent of the proposed Plan Area. Occurrences of this vegetation community have been mapped in the Prado Basin in the Santa Ana River Valley, on the Santa Ana River near Pedley, north of Lake Elsinore in Walker Canyon, near San Jacinto, along the shores of Lake Skinner and Vail Lake, and adjacent to the cismontane alkali marsh on Cahuilla Creek. Undifferentiated marsh was mapped in three locations, including the shore of Lake Mathews, near Mystic Lake, and upstream from Vail Lake along Temecula Creek in the Aguanga Valley. Wet montane meadow was mapped in the San Jacinto Mountains in the San Bernardino National Forest, primarily within the vicinity of Hemet Lake.
Meadow and marsh vegetation communities occur in both flowing and still water. This vegetation community includes cattails, bulrushes, sedges, spike rushes, flatsedges (Cyperus spp.), smartweed (Polygonum spp.), watercress (Rorippa spp.), yerba mansa, and also contains perennial and biennial herbs (e.g., Oenothera spp., Polygonum spp., Lupinus spp., Potentilla spp., and Sidalcea spp.) and grasses (e.g. Agrostis spp., Deschampsia spp., and Muhlenbergia spp.) (Barbour and Major, 1977; Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995; Stephenson and Calcarone, 1999; Holland and Keil, 1995). Rooted aquatic plant species with floating stems and leaves also may be present, such as pennywort (Hydrocotyle spp.), water smartweed (Polygonum amphibium), pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.), and water-parsley (Oenanthe sarmentosa). Wet montane meadows that dry out by mid-summer have a higher percentage of perennial grasses than meadows that remain moist during the entire growing season (Holland and Keil 1995).
Montane Coniferous Forest
Montane coniferous forest, including Jeffrey pine, lodgepole pine forest, lower montane coniferous forest, mixed evergreen forest, Southern California white fir forest, and subalpine coniferous forest, occupies 2.4 percent (29,900 acres) of the proposed MSHCP Plan Area. It occurs within the San Jacinto Mountains, Agua Tibia, Cleveland National Forest, and Santa Rosa Mountains.
Montane coniferous forest is dominated by Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), Coulter pine (Pinus coulteri), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta ssp. murrayanna), limber pine (Pinus flexilis), bigcone Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga macrocarpa), Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), Rocky Mountain white fir (Abies concolor var. concolor), and sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana). Common understory shrubs include manzanita, California lilac (Ceanothus spp.), chinquapin (Chrysolepis), currant (Ribes spp.), and dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium campylopodum). The herbaceous layer is composed of morning-glory (Calystegia occidentalis ssp. fulcrata), sedge (Carex multicaulis), clarkia (Clarkia rhomboidea), and mountain-heather (Phyllodoce breweri).
Playas and Vernal Pools
These vegetation communities comprise 0.6 percent (7,910 acres) of the proposed Plan Area. Playas and vernal pools are found in western Riverside County in the San Jacinto Valley/Perris Basin and on the Santa Rosa Plateau.
Vernal pools are ephemeral wetlands that form in shallow depressions underlain by a substrate near the surface that restricts the downward percolation of water. Depressions in the landscape fill with rainwater and runoff from adjacent areas during the winter and may remain inundated until spring or early summer, sometimes drying more than once during the wet season. Smaller pools can fill and dry, and larger pools can hold water longer and may in the deeper portions support species that are more representative of freshwater marshes. Vernal pools are well-known for their high level of endemism (Stone, 1989) and abundance of rare, threatened, or endangered species (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). Many vernal pools are characterized by concentric rings of plants that flower sequentially as the pools dry. Vernal pools are dominated by native annual plants, with low to moderate levels of perennial herbaceous cover. Common vernal pool plant species in western Riverside County include woolly marbles (Psilocarphus brevissimus), toad rush (Juncus bufonius), and spike rush. In addition, the following sensitive or listed plant species are found in one or more of these pools: California Orcutt grass (Orcuttia californica), Coulter’s goldfields (Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri), little mousetail (Myosurus minimus ssp. apus), spreading navarretia (Navarretia fossalis), low navarretia (Navarretia prostrata), Orcutt’s brodiaea (Brodiaea orcuttii), thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia), Parish’s brittlescale (Atriplex parishii), Parish’s meadowfoam (Limnanthes gracilis ssp. parishii), San Diego button-celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii), Wright’s trichocoronis (Trichocoronis wrightii var. wrightii), San Jacinto Valley crownscale (Atriplex coronata var. notatior), and smooth tarplant (Centromadia pungens ssp. laevis) (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). The Santa Rosa Plateau fairy shrimp (Linderiella santarosae) only occurs in western Riverside county, which is also the location of the southernmost record for the vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi) (Eriksen and Belk, 1999).
Riparian Forest, Woodland, and Scrub
Riparian vegetation, including forest, woodland, and scrub subtypes, is distributed in waterways and drainages throughout much of western Riverside County, covering approximately 1.2 percent (15,030 acres) of the proposed Plan Area. Southern cottonwood/willow forest makes up the largest proportion of the riparian vegetation in the proposed Plan Area, comprising nearly one-half (6,610 acres) of the acreage. Most of the southern cottonwood/willow forest vegetation community occurs along the Santa Ana River drainage from Lake Evans to beyond the Prado basin, along the San Gorgonio River north of Banning and along Temecula Creek east of Vail Lake. Additional types of riparian vegetation can be found along the San Gorgonio River north of Banning (montane riparian forest), Temescal Canyon Wash and its tributaries (riparian scrub and mule fat scrub), the stream channels within the San Mateo Canyon watershed (riparian Riparian communities typically consist of one or more deciduous tree species with an assorted understory of shrubs and herbs (Holland and Keil, 1995). Depending on community type, a riparian community may be dominated by any of several trees/shrubs, including box elder (Acer negundo), bigleaf maple, coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Fremont’s cottonwood (Populus fremontii), California walnut (Juglans californica), Mexican elderberry, wild grape (Vitis girdiana), giant reed (Arundo donax), mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia), tamarisk (Tamarix spp.), or any of several species of willow (Salix spp.). In addition, various understory herbs may be present, such as saltgrass, wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpus), mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), and poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum).
Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub
Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub occurs throughout many drainages in the proposed Plan Area and comprises approximately 0.6 percent (7,940 acres) of the proposed Plan Area. Large acreages of the vegetation occur in the following areas: on the Santa Ana River near Lake Evans in the City of Riverside; along the San Gorgonio River and tributaries near Banning; on the San Jacinto River from the National Forest to the Soboba Indian Reservation; near Temecula along Temecula Creek; the Aguanga area; Bautista Creek south of Hemet; and near Murrieta and Glen Ivy in the Temescal Valley.
Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub is a Mediterranean shrubland type that occurs in washes and on gently sloping alluvial fans. Alluvial scrub is made up predominantly of drought-deciduous soft-leaved shrubs, but with significant cover of larger perennial species typically found in chaparral (Kirkpatrick and Hutchinson, 1977). Scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum) generally is regarded as an indicator of Riversidean alluvial scrub (Smith, 1980; Hanes, et al., 1989). In addition to scalebroom, alluvial scrub typically is composed of white sage (Salvia apiana), redberry (Rhamnus crocea), California buckwheat, Spanish bayonet, California croton (Croton californicus), cholla (Opuntia spp.), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), yerba santa (Eriodictyon spp.), mule fat, and mountain-mahogany (Hanes, et al., 1989; Smith, 1980). Annual species composition has not been studied but is probably similar to that found in understories of neighboring shrubland vegetation. Two sensitive annual species are endemic to alluvial scrub vegetation in the proposed Plan Area: slender-horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptocerus) and Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum).
Water
Approximately 1.0 percent (12,210 acres) of the proposed Plan Area consists of open water habitat. Open water was mapped at Vail Lake, Lake Skinner, Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Perris, Mystic Lake, Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Lee Lake, Lake Mathews, Hemet Lake, portions of the San Jacinto River, and portions of the Santa Ana River, as well as various small ponds, private reservoirs, and portions of stream channels.
Open water habitat typically is unvegetated due to a lack of light penetration. However, open water may contain suspended organisms such as filamentous green algae, phytoplankton (including diatoms), and desmids (Grenfell, 1988). Floating plants such as duckweed (Lemna spp.), water buttercup (Ranunculus aquatilis), and mosquito fern (Azolla filiculoides) also may be present (Holland and Keil, 1995). Open water includes inland depressions, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and stream channels containing standing water and often occur in conjunction with riparian and upland vegetation communities. Depth may vary from hundreds of feet to a few inches.
Woodlands and Forests
The proposed Plan Area supports approximately 34,300 acres (2.7 percent of the proposed Plan Area) of woodlands and forests composed of black oak forest, broad-leaved upland forest, oak woodland, and peninsular juniper woodland vegetation communities. Woodland and forest vegetation communities are dominated by Englemann oak (Quercus englemannii), coast live oak, canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis), interior live oak (Quercus wislizenii), and black oak (Quercus kelloggii) in the canopy, which may be continuous to intermittent or savannah-like. Four-needle pinyon (Pinyon quadrifolia), single-leaf pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla) and California juniper (juniperus californica) are the canopy species of peninsular juniper woodland, which most commonly occurs in Southern California, forming a scattered canopy from 9 to 45 feet tall (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf 1995; Holland and Keil 1995).
Many understory plants in oak woodlands are shade tolerant and include wild blackberry (Rubus ursinus), snowberry (Symphoricarpos mollis), California walnut, California-lilac (ceanothus spp.), Rhus spp., currant, toyon, California bay (Umbellularia californica), Engelmann oak, manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), laurel sumac, poison oak, and herbaceous plants including bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), polypody fern (Polypodium californicum), fiesta flower (Pholistorma auritum), and miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata) (Holland and Keil, 1995; Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995; Thorne, 1976; Brown, 1982). Munz and Keck (1949) identify similar species for this vegetation community and include a variety of grasses and soft shrubs that also are commonly found. This vegetation community can occur on all aspects, on stream sides, canyon bottoms, and flat to very steep topography. Woodlands and forests are known to occur throughout the proposed Plan Area.
Developed or Disturbed Land
Approximately 218,260 acres (17.3 percent) of developed or disturbed lands occur within the proposed Plan Area. Developed or disturbed lands consist of areas that have been disced, cleared, or otherwise altered. Developed lands may include roadways, existing buildings, and other structures. The largest areas of developed land are in the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake (including the surrounding unincorporated communities of Meadowbrook, Alberhill, El Cariso, and Lakeland Village), Hemet (including the surrounding unincorporated communities of East Hemet and Valle Vista), in Moreno Valley, and along the SR-91 corridor from Riverside through Corona and Norco. More medium-sized tracts of developed land are located in the communities of Canyon Lake (including Quail Valley, Sun City, and Homeland), in Perris along I-215 (including Mead Valley, Gavilan Hills, and Woodcrest), Beaumont, Banning (including Cherry Valley), and Calimesa. Small and scattered occurrences include the southeast portion of the proposed Plan Area along SR-371 in the unincorporated communities of Terwilliger Valley, Sage, Aguanga and Anza, east of the City of Temecula, and in Sedco Hills. Disturbed lands may include ornamental plantings for landscaping, escaped exotics, or ruderal vegetation dominated by non-native, weedy
Unknown
Approximately 1,350 acres within the proposed Plan Area were not classified into a vegetation community during the 1995 PSBS and KTU+A mapping effort.
3.1.4 Species Considered for Conservation in the Proposed MSHCP
Table 2G in Section 2.0 lists the 146 species that were considered to receive coverage under the proposed MSHCP. As shown in Table 2E, the initial list of species considered for conservation included 247 species identified for consideration by the proposed MSHCP Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Wildlife Agencies. Early in the planning process, it was determined that sufficient information was not available for many of these species to proceed with conservation planning. The initial list of 247 species was reduced to 165 species as part of the August 9, 1999 Draft MSHCP Proposal prepared by DUDEK. The list was further refined to 146 species as the proposed MSHCP planning process proceeded, and information needed to proceed with conservation planning could not be obtained for certain species. Several species were added to the list during this process as suggested by stakeholders such as the Wildlife Agencies and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS). Species added included great blue heron, Dulzura kangaroo rat, Aguanga kangaroo rat, and six plant species.
Of the 146 covered species addressed in the proposed MSHCP, 118 species are considered to be adequately conserved. The remaining 28 covered species will be considered to be adequately conserved when certain conservation requirements are met as identified in the species-specific conservation objectives for those species (speciesspecific conservation objectives for the 146 covered species are presented in Section 9.0 of the proposed MSHCP). Specific survey requirements are included in the speciesspecific conservation objectives presented in Section 9.0 of the proposed MSHCP and in Section 4.1 of this EIR/EIS. A complete summary of MSHCP species survey requirements is also provided in Appendix E of Volume I of the MSHCP.
3.2 Agricultural and Extractive Resources
3.2.1 Agriculture Resources
The proposed MSHCP Plan Area encompasses unincorporated areas of the County in addition to 14 cities located in western Riverside County. Agricultural lands are located within the jurisdiction of the County and various cities. In terms of dollar value, agriculture is the largest industry in Riverside County, providing employment for a significant number of the County's population. Agriculture faces continuing pressure from urbanization, foreign competition, and rising production costs. Despite these pressures, those areas that remain in agricultural production represent a significant open space and economic resource for the County. This section addresses important agricultural resources within the proposed MSHCP Plan Area.
State Designated Farmland
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 65570 of the California Government Code, the California Department of Conservation Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) compiles important farmland maps for the state. These maps utilize data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) soil survey and current land use information, representing an inventory of agricultural resources within the County. The maps depict urbanized lands and a qualitative sequence of agricultural designations. Maps and statistics are produced biannually using a process that integrates aerial photo interpretation, field mapping, a computerized mapping system, and public review.
State and federal agencies have established several classifications of important agricultural land based on factors such as soil characteristics, climate, and water supply.
The Farmland Resource Map (Figure 3.2.1) identifies the categories of important agricultural land within the proposed MSHCP Plan Area, as defined by State and federal agencies. Categories of land mapped include the following:
Prime Farmland. Prime Farmland is land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for the production of crops. It has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high-yield crops when treated and managed, including water management, according to current farming methods. Prime Farmland must have been used for the production of irrigated crops at some time during the two update cycles prior to the mapping date. These lands are best suited for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and have minimal management problems. Prime Farmland does not include publicly owned lands for which there is an adopted policy preventing agricultural use.
Farmland of Statewide Importance. Farmland of Statewide Importance is similar to Prime Farmland but with minor shortcomings, such as greater slopes or less ability to store soil moisture. Land must have been used for production of irrigated crops at some time during the two update cycles prior to the mapping date. Lands within this category may have associated management problems such as increased alkaline or saline soils, and have a moderate erosion hazard. Farmland of Statewide Importance does not include publicly owned lands for which there is an adopted policy preventing agricultural use.
Unique Farmland. Unique Farmland is land of lesser quality soils currently and specifically used for the production of the State's leading agricultural crops (as listed in California Agriculture, California Department of Food and Agriculture). It has the special combination of soil quality, location, growing season, and moisture supply needed to produce sustained high quality or high yields of a specific crop when treated and managed according to current farming methods. Unique Farmland is usually irrigated, but may include nonirrigated orchards or vineyards found in some climatic zones in California. Examples of crops on Unique Farmland include oranges, olives, avocados, rice, grapes, and cut flowers. Land must have been cropped at some time during the two cycles prior to the mapping date. Unique Farmland does not include publicly owned lands for which there is an adopted policy preventing agricultural use. Farmland of Local Importance. Farmland of importance to the local agricultural economy is determined by the County Board of Supervisors and a local advisory committee. These farmlands include agricultural areas with soils that would be classified as "Prime" and "Statewide Important" but lack available irrigation water, lands producing major (but not unique) crops, dairylands (including corrals, pasture, milking facilities, etc.), lands identified by City or County ordinance as agricultural zones or contracts (including Riverside City "Proposition R" lands), and lands planted in jojoba that are under cultivation and are of producing age.
Grazing Land. This includes land on which the existing vegetation is suited to the grazing of livestock.
Table 3C summarizes the acreages of the various State designated farmland categories within unincorporated areas and cities within the proposed MSHCP Plan Area. Within the MSHCP Plan Area, 99,090 acres have been designated as Prime, Unique, or Statewide Important farmland. The majority of this Designated farmland, 67,960 acres (69%) is located in unincorporated Riverside County. After Riverside County, the highest concentration of Designated farmland is located in the City of Riverside (5,778 acres/6%), followed by the Cities of San Jacinto and Moreno Valley, at 5,448 acres (5%) and 5,298 acres (5%), respectively.
Table 3C - State Designated Farmland within Western Riverside County
(Acres) |
| Jurisdiction |
Prime |
Unique |
Statewide
Important |
Total |
% of Total |
| Riverside County |
29,735 |
26,609 |
11,616 |
67,960 |
68.6 |
| Banning |
202 |
0 |
0 |
202 |
0.2 |
| Beaumont |
132 |
0 |
0 |
132 |
0.1 |
| Calimesa |
232 |
26 |
0 |
258 |
30 |
| Canyon Lake |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.0 |
| Corona |
2,792 |
1,023 |
223 |
4,038 |
4.1 |
| Hemet |
3,368 |
38 |
695 |
4,101 |
4.1 |
| Lake Elsinore |
52 |
19 |
0 |
71 |
0.1 |
| Moreno Valley |
4,614 |
44 |
640 |
5,298 |
5.3 |
| Murrieta |
209 |
290 |
16 |
515 |
0.5 |
| Norco |
3 |
0 |
14 |
17 |
0.0 |
| Perris |
1,938 |
216 |
2,524 |
4,678 |
4.7 |
| Riverside |
2,675 |
545 |
2,558 |
5,778 |
5.8 |
| San Jacinto |
1,610 |
863 |
3,011 |
5,448 |
5.5 |
| Temecula |
537 |
7 |
14 |
558 |
0.6 |
| TOTALS |
48,099 |
29,680 |
21,311 |
99,090 |
100.0 |
Note: Totals may not add due to rounding errors.
Source: Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. |
Existing Agricultural Use
While land may be designated by the State as Prime, Unique, or Statewide Important farmland, it may not be actively utilized for the production of crops or the husbandry of livestock. Agricultural lands include areas occupied by dairies and livestock feed yards or areas that have been tilled for use as croplands or groves/orchards. The largest areas of dairy and livestock feed yards are located north of San Jacinto and north of Juniper Flats in the communities of Lakeview, Mystic Lake, Nuevo, southeast Perris, Eastvale, Lake Norconian off Bellegrave Avenue, Norco, and in Glen Avon. Field croplands are mapped extensively throughout the proposed Plan Area. The largest areas are around State Route 371 (SR-371) in the vicinity of Anza; in an east-west strip from Murrieta Hot Springs; through French Valley, Antelope Valley, Paloma Valley, and Menifee Valley; Winchester; Domenigoni Valley to West Hemet; the Diamond Valley area; and in Eastvale. The largest area of grove/orchard use is in Santa Rosa East between Gavilan Mountain and Mesa de Colorado.
An interpretation of land use undertaken during the preparation of the Existing Setting Report (1999) for the 2002 Riverside County General Plan identified approximately 161,792 acres within western Riverside County utilized for some manner of agricultural production (Table 3D). The majority of this active agricultural land, 110,269 acres (68%), is located in unincorporated Riverside County. After Riverside County, the highest concentration of active agricultural land is located in the City of Perris (9,859 acres/6%), followed by Moreno Valley at 8,519 acres (5%), and San Jacinto at 8,350 acres (5%).
| Table 3D - Existing Agricultural Use in Western Riverside County |
| Jurisdiction |
Existing Agricultural Use
(acres) |
% of Total |
| Riverside County |
110,269 |
68.2 |
| Banning |
1,317 |
0.8 |
| Beaumont |
3,609 |
2.2 |
| Calimesa |
761 |
0.5 |
| Canyon Lake |
2 |
0.0 |
| Corona |
3,557 |
2.2 |
| Hemet |
4,243 |
2.6 |
| Lake Elsinore |
256 |
0.2 |
| Moreno Valley |
8,519 |
5.3 |
| Murrieta |
2,669 |
1.6 |
| Norco |
634 |
0.4 |
| Perris |
9,859 |
6.1 |
| Riverside |
6,433 |
4.0 |
| San Jacinto |
8,350 |
5.2 |
| Temecula |
1,314 |
0.8 |
| TOTAL |
161,792 |
100.0 |
| Source: Existing Setting Report, 1999. |
3.2.2 Mineral Resources within the Proposed MSHCP Plan Area
As Riverside County entered the 20th century, natural building materials (such as wood products) became scarce, and the industry turned to cement and clay products as durable structural replacements. Cement and clay resources in Riverside County were so rich that in the early 1900s, the value of these commodities surpassed the value of all other mineral products in the County. Today, these industrial commodities are the most significant mineral resources extracted in Riverside County.
It is anticipated that future mineral production will focus on these industrial commodities required for the urban expansion that will likely accompany projected increases in Riverside County population. The estimated value of California's mineral production for 1992 was approximately $2.5 billion, 80 percent of which was from industrial minerals (cement and clay). Riverside County's mineral production mirrors that of the State and, in 1997, the County produced over 21.27 million tons of industrial minerals, the largest group being from mines that produced construction aggregate (Table 3E).
| Table 3E - Mineral Production in Riverside County |
| Mineral Resource |
Production (tons) |
| Sand and Gravel |
17,444,706 |
| Stone |
2,261,465 |
| Clay |
284,528 |
| Decomposed Granite |
169,092 |
| Gypsum |
900 |
| Iron Ore |
50 |
| Other Mineral Commodities |
1,114,476 |
| Source: Existing Setting Report, 1999. |
In accordance with classification guidelines established by the State Mining and Geology Board (SMGB) and in compliance with the Surface Mining and Recovery Act of 1975 (SMARA), the State Geologist is required to classify, based on geological factors and without regard to existing land use and ownership, the following:
The SMGB has subsequently assigned the above categories into Mineral Resource Zones (MRZs). These zones have been established based on the presence or absence of significant sand and gravel deposits and crushed rock source areas, products used in the production of cement. The guidelines for establishing the MRZs are as follows:
MRZ-1 Areas where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that there is little likelihood for their presence.
MRZ-2 Areas where adequate information indicates that significant mineral deposits are present or where it is judged that there is a high likelihood for their presence.
MRZ-3 Areas containing mineral deposits, the significance of which cannot be evaluated from available data.
MRZ-4 Areas where available information is inadequate for assignment to any other MRZ.
As detailed in Figure 3.2.2, areas identified as MRZ-2 are located throughout the proposed Plan Area. In western Riverside County, there are approximately 19,700 acres of land categorized as MRZ-2, 794,900 acres of land categorized as MRZ-4, and a total of 444,500 acres that have not been studied for the presence of significant mineral resources. Areas designated MRZ-2 and mining operations within the proposed MSHCP Plan Area are generally concentrated around major drainages and valleys. Within western Riverside County, the largest area of MRZ-2 land is in Temescal Canyon between the Cities of Lake Elsinore and Corona.
Table 3F summarizes the approximate acreages of MRZ-2 areas in the cities in the proposed MSHCP Plan Area.
| Table 3F - MRZ-2 Land within the Proposed MSHCP Plan Area |
| City |
MRZ-2 Land
(Acres) |
| Banning |
1,400 |
| Corona |
2,300 |
| Lake Elsinore |
1,000 |
| Riverside |
1,700 |
| Unincorporated Riverside County |
13,100 |
| Total |
19,500 |
| Source: Existing Setting Report, 1999. |
Existing land use information for the cities and western County indicate that approximately 22 percent of MRZ-2 land (approximately 4,300 acres) is currently in use for mineral resource extraction within the Plan Area. As discussed above, since these areas are generally concentrated around major drainages and valleys, other types of land use compete with mineral extraction use for these areas. Valleys may be in demand for residential and urban development, as they often do not have steep slopes and have suitable geological conditions for supporting structures. Drainages have high value for recreation and natural areas, and may attract nearby development by providing scenic views. The MRZ-2 designation does not indicate that mineral extraction is the only land use for the area, but rather indicates that the area may be suitable for mineral extraction use.
3.3 Population, Housing, and Employment
3.3.1 Population
The population of western Riverside County in 1999 was 1,147,629 (California Department of Finance, 1999), an increase of 64,633 persons, or 6 percent, over 1,082,996 persons reported in 1994. The 14 cities that comprise western Riverside County had a 1999 population of 829,332, or 72 percent of the region's population. The cities have grown 7.9 percent between 1994 and 1999, while the unincorporated areas in western Riverside County only grew 1.1 percent during the same time period. As shown in Table 3G, western Riverside County, as a whole, is growing at the same rate as both the region and State. Table 3H shows the population breakdown within the western unincorporated area, by Plan Area. The unincorporated area with the largest population is the Jurupa Plan Area.
| Table 3G - Regional Population Growth Trends, 1994-1999 |
| Area |
1994 |
1999 |
Change |
| WRCOG1 |
1,082,996 |
1,147,629 |
6.0% |
| Cities |
768,272 |
829,332 |
7.9% |
| Unincorporated |
314,724 |
318,297 |
1.1% |
| SCAG2 Region |
15,603,036 |
16,545,220 |
6.0% |
| California |
31,960,623 |
33,773,466 |
5.7% |
Notes:
1 Western Riverside County Organization of Governments
2 Southern California Association of Governments
Source: 1998 Regional Transportation Plan, Department of Finance. As of September 13, 2002, this is the most recent demographic information that WRCOG has. |
| Table 3H - Population, Households, and Employment within Unincorporated WesternRiverside County, 1997 |
| Plan Area |
Population |
% |
Households |
% |
Employment |
% |
| Jurupa |
81,836 |
26.2 |
24,578 |
23.3 |
16,923 |
34.1 |
| Highgrove/Northside |
7,378 |
2.4 |
2,426 |
2.3 |
1,626 |
3.3 |
| Reche Canyon/ Badlands |
1,765 |
0.6 |
596 |
0.6 |
204 |
0.4 |
| Eastvale |
2,558 |
0.8 |
751 |
0.7 |
765 |
1.5 |
| Temescal Canyon |
24,977 |
8.0 |
7,533 |
7.1 |
3,789 |
7.6 |
| Woodcrest/ Lake Mathews |
22,445 |
7.2 |
6,725 |
6.4 |
3,564 |
7.2 |
| March Air Force Base |
3,517 |
1.1 |
1,186 |
1.1 |
960 |
1.9 |
| Upper San Jacinto Valley |
35,393 |
11.3 |
13,318 |
12.6 |
3,034 |
6.1 |
| REMAP |
1,339 |
0.4 |
483 |
0.5 |
202 |
0.4
|
| Lakeview/Nuevo |
9,001 |
2.9 |
2,885 |
2.7 |
1,325 |
2.7 |
| Mead Valley |
17,243 |
5.5 |
5,090 |
4.8 |
1,002 |
2.0 |
| Greater Elsinore |
34,229 |
10.9 |
11,451 |
10.9 |
4,636 |
9.3 |
| Highway 74-79 |
12,548 |
4.0 |
4,841 |
4.6 |
1,381 |
2.8 |
| Sun City/Menifee Valley |
31,443 |
10.1 |
13,817 |
13.1 |
5,663 |
11.4 |
| Southwest Area (SWAP) |
15,253 |
4.9 |
5,177 |
4.9 |
2,679 |
5.4 |
| San Gorgonio Pass |
11,736 |
3.8 |
4,513 |
4.3 |
1,882 |
3.8 |
| Total |
312,660 |
100 |
105,373 |
100 |
49,635 |
100 |
| Source: County of Riverside Housing Element, 2001. |
The Cities of Riverside and Moreno Valley are the largest in the study area, by population. Together, the two cities contain 397,547 persons or approximately 35 percent of the study area population. The cities that experienced the most rapid population growth during the 1990s are Corona (64.2%), Perris (68.6%), and Temecula (113.0%). The City of Norco experienced the least rapid growth during the 1990s. Table 3I demonstrates the historic and projected population growth within the cities. Historical and forecast changes in population are important considerations for conservation planning, since they represent the primary causes of urban development and habitat loss.
| Table 3I - Population Growth Trends within Cities of Western Riverside County |
| City |
1990 |
2000 |
2010 |
2025 |
% Change
2000-2025 |
| Banning |
20,570 |
23,562 |
34,811 |
47,328 |
101 |
| Beaumont |
9,685 |
11,384 |
26,279 |
56,450 |
396 |
| Calimesa1 |
0 |
7,139 |
13,112 |
29,554 |
314 |
| Canyon Lake1 |
0 |
9,952 |
10,675 |
10,702 |
8 |
| Corona |
76,095 |
124,966 |
138,896 |
156,522 |
25 |
| Hemet |
36,094 |
58,812 |
80,904 |
127,899 |
117 |
| Lake Elsinore |
18,285 |
28,928 |
49,338 |
81,820 |
183 |
| Moreno Valley |
118,779 |
142,381 |
169,459 |
221,343 |
555 |
| Murrieta1 |
0 |
44,282 |
67,601 |
96,382 |
118 |
| Norco |
23,302 |
24,157 |
29,579 |
30,568 |
27 |
| Perris |
21,460 |
36,189 |
52,985 |
109,377 |
202 |
| Riverside |
226,505 |
255,166 |
302,507 |
340,328 |
33 |
| San Jacinto |
16,210 |
23,779 |
46,983 |
67,115 |
182 |
| Temecula |
27,099 |
57,716 |
76,704 |
86,000 |
49 |
| Total |
594,084 |
848,413 |
1,099,833 |
1,461,388 |
72 |
Note: 1 Calimesa, Canyon Lake, and Murrieta were incorporated after the 1990 Census.
Sources: 1990 Census, 2000 Census, SCAG. |
3.3.2 Housing
Total housing in western Riverside County in 2000 was estimated to be 389,342 of which 264,753, or about 68 percent, were single family detached units (California Department of Finance, E-5 Series 2000). Between 1990 and 2000, total housing units increased by 52,275 units, or 15.5 percent. Because the housing unit increase was less than the population increase, the average household size increased from 2.98 in 1990 to 3.17 in 2000. Table 3J shows the historic and projected housing growth within the cities of western Riverside County. The Cities of Corona, Hemet, and Temecula had the largest growth in housing during the 1990s. The cities of Beaumont, Calimesa, and Perris are expected to have the largest housing growth through 2020. Table 3H shows the housing breakdown within the western unincorporated area, by Plan Area. The unincorporated area with the largest number of households is the Jurupa Plan Area.
| Table 3J - Housing Growth Trends within Cities of Western Riverside County |
| City |
1990 |
2000 |
2010 |
2025 |
% Change
2000-2025 |
| Banning |
8,279 |
9,735 |
11,614 |
15,904 |
63 |
| Beaumont |
3,718 |
4,258 |
9,249 |
20,544 |
382 |
| Calimesa1 |
0 |
3,229 |
5,523 |
12,316 |
281 |
| Canyon Lake1 |
0 |
4,036 |
3,727 |
3,794 |
|
| Corona |
26,480 |
38,903 |
42,382 |
52,303 |
34 |
| Hemet |
19,692 |
29,287 |
31,388 |
38,922 |
33 |
| Lake Elsinore |
6,993 |
9,436 |
15,220 |
25,099 |
166 |
| Moreno Valley |
37,945 |
41,388 |
48,170 |
65,679 |
59 |
| Murrieta1 |
0 |
14,800 |
21,753 |
31,091 |
110 |
| Norco |
5,785 |
6,238 |
7,138 |
7,603 |
22 |
| Perris |
7,780 |
10,484 |
15,669 |
34,395 |
228 |
| Riverside |
80,260 |
85,631 |
93,245 |
109,803 |
282 |
| San Jacinto |
6,845 |
9,340 |
15,296 |
21,650 |
132 |
| Temecula |
10,659 |
18,749 |
23,140 |
27,742 |
48 |
| Total |
214,436 |
285,514 |
343,514 |
466,845 |
64 |
Note: 1 Calimesa, Canyon Lake, and Murrieta were incorporated after the 1990 Census.
Sources: 1990 Census, 2000 Census, SCAG. |
3.3.3 Employment
In 2000, employment within the cities of western Riverside County was 301,501. The unincorporated areas of the County had a total employment of 49,635 (Table 3H) in 1997. The region's employment is expected to rise 54.6 percent by the year 2010 and approximately another 20.3 percent between 2010 and 2020. Rapid increases are projected to occur in Beaumont, Lake Elsinore, and Murrieta by 2010. Less growth is expected to occur in Norco and the unincorporated areas of western Riverside County. Table 3H shows the employment breakdown within the western unincorporated area by Plan Area. The unincorporated area with the largest employment is the Jurupa Plan Area.
3.3.4 Region and City/County Forecasts
SCAG and local jurisdictions of western Riverside County periodically prepare forecasts of population, housing, and economic growth for the region, cities, and unincorporated communities. According to these forecasts, the region's population is expected to grow 56 percent between 2000 and 2020. Total housing units are expected to grow 47.4 percent, and employment to increase 86 percent.
Forecasts of population, housing, and employment for the proposed MSHCP cities are shown in Tables 3I, 3J, and 3K. The most rapid increases in population are projected for Beaumont (72 percent between 2010 and 2020) and Calimesa (78.6%). Similarly, rapid increases in total housing units are projected for Beaumont (76.7 percent from 2010 to 2020) and Calimesa (77.2%). Employment in Beaumont is projected to increase 33.5 percent between 2010 and 2020, followed by Murrieta (32%), and Calimesa (28.4%).
| Table 3K - Employment Growth within the Cities of Western Riverside County |
| City |
2000 |
2010 |
2025 |
% Change
2000-2025 |
| Banning |
8,453 |
12,145 |
15,342 |
81 |
| Beaumont |
6,185 |
14,811 |
22,291 |
260 |
| Calimesa |
1,867 |
3,692 |
5,273 |
182 |
| Canyon Lake |
1,958 |
2,451 |
2,875 |
47 |
| Corona |
41,583 |
56,751 |
69,905 |
68 |
| Hemet |
17,818 |
23,859 |
29,095 |
63 |
| Lake Elsinore |
8,289 |
17,539 |
25,562 |
208 |
| Moreno Valley |
33,163 |
53,887 |
71,859 |
117 |
| Murrieta |
8,447 |
19,028 |
28,205 |
234 |
| Norco |
8,891 |
10,631 |
12,140 |
37 |
| Perris |
11,701 |
22,747 |
32,300 |
176 |
| Riverside |
125,938 |
182,943 |
232,326 |
84 |
| San Jacinto |
6,328 |
11,215 |
15,455 |
144 |
| Temecula |
20,880 |
34,471 |
46,260 |
122 |
| Total |
301,501 |
466,170 |
608,888 |
102 |
| Source: SCAG, 2001 RTP Growth Forecast. |
The unincorporated areas of western Riverside County have slightly different growth rate trends than do the cities within the region. The growth projections in population, housing, and employment are shown in Table 3L.
| Table 3L - Growth Forecasts for the Unincorporated Western Riverside County |
| |
2010 |
2025 |
2040 |
Annual %
Change |
| Population |
490,941 |
771,595 |
1,234,552 |
4 |
| Housing |
160,440 |
254,582 |
407,331 |
4 |
| Employment |
135,750 |
192,918 |
279,731 |
3 |
| Source: SCAG, 2001 RTP Growth Forecast, 2040 numbers are derived from 2010 and 2025 forecasts. |
Developed land in residential use within unincorporated western Riverside County totaled 141,050 acres in 1999. Between 1999 and the build out of unincorporated western Riverside County, developed residential land within western Riverside County is projected to increase by 420 percent to 592,957 acres, as shown in Table 3M.
For the purpose of this study, employment land use includes lands developed for heavy industrial, light industrial, business park, mineral extraction, public facilities, retail, office, schools, tourist/commercial, utilities, and warehouse facilities. Developed land in these uses in 1999 totaled 59,897 acres in western Riverside County. This is projected to increase 258 percent to 154,559 acres by build out of unincorporated western Riverside County, as shown in Table 3M.
| Table 3M - Developed Residential and Employment Land Use |
| City |
Residential Land Use |
Employment Land Use1 |
Developed Land
(Acres) |
Developed Land
(Acres) |
Vacant Developable Land
(Acres) |
| |
1999 |
Build Out |
1999 |
Build Out |
1999 |
| Banning |
2,503 |
2,4302 |
1,623 |
1,323 |
9,161 |
| Beaumont |
1,017 |
16,155 |
972 |
2,600 |
10,934 |
| Calimesa |
1,347 |
6,132 |
426 |
759 |
6,885 |
| Canyon Lake |
1,264 |
1,576 |
51 |
151 |
1,057 |
| Corona |
8,150 |
13,157 |
4,711 |
4,0123 |
6,245 |
| Hemet |
5,068 |
35,852 |
1,776 |
6,945 |
3,936 |
| Lake Elsinore |
2,771 |
15,211 |
1,625 |
4,446 |
16,765 |
| Moreno Valley |
10,763 |
35,954 |
2,789 |
11,603 |
10,141 |
| Murrieta |
5,099 |
25,813 |
1,771 |
9,662 |
8,359 |
| Norco |
3,585 |
5,465 |
1,309 |
1,686 |
2,933 |
| Perris |
2,574 |
17,703 |
1,784 |
8,458 |
5,941 |
| Riverside |
20,624 |
42,337 |
10,059 |
13,988 |
12,146 |
| San Jacinto |
2,302 |
3,832 |
1,487 |
1,557 |
3,237 |
| Temecula |
5,992 |
14,067 |
2,836 |
3,772 |
5,947 |
| County |
67,991 |
357,273 |
26,678 |
83,597 |
735,055 |
| Total |
141,050 |
592,957 |
59,897 |
154,559 |
811,762 |
Notes:
1 Included in Employment Land Use is: Heavy Industrial, Light Industrial/Business Park, Mineral Extraction, Public Facilities, Retail/Office, Schools, Tourist/Commercial, Utilities, and Warehouse land use designations.
2 The City of Banning's latest General Plan update was done in 1986, thus numbers in this table are projected for year 2000.
3 This is from the Corona 1986 General Plan. As of this writing, the City of Corona is currently updating the General Plan.
Source: LSA GIS data and City General Plans.
|
3.4 Public Services (Fire Protection and Parks)
3.4.1 Fire
Fire protection is provided throughout the County by the Riverside County Fire Department/California Department of Forestry, individual city fire departments, and several district fire departments. Western Riverside County Service Area The Riverside County Fire Department, which is part of the California Department of Forestry, provides the primary fire protection services to the unincorporated areas of western Riverside County. The County of Riverside operates 85 fire stations in the County, 58 of which are within western Riverside County. Twenty-one of the stations are located in the unincorporated area of the western County. Nine cities in western Riverside County contract with the County of Riverside for fire protection services. These cities include:
The County is part of a mutual aid program with all of the cities in the County. Upon the receipt of a call for mutual aid through the County's Emergency Command Center, the County's mutual aid coordinator will determine whether the city or County will provide a response. The Department also provides the following services:
County Fire Stations County fire stations serving western Riverside County are identified in Table 3N.
| Table 3N - Fire Stations Serving Western Riverside County |
| Station Number |
County Fire Stations |
| Name |
Location |
| 1 |
Perris |
210 West San Jacinto Avenue, Perris |
| 2 |
Sunnymead |
23770 Sunnymead Boulevard, Moreno Valley |
| 3 |
Nuevo |
29490 Lakeview Avenue, Nuevo |
| 4 |
Cajalco |
17650 Cajalco Boulevard, Perris |
| 5 |
Quail Valley |
28971 Goetz Road, Quail Valley |
| 6 |
Edgemont |
22250 Eucalyptus Avenue, Moreno Valley |
| 7 |
Sun City |
27860 Bradley Road, Sun City |
| 8 |
Woodcrest |
17800 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside |
| 9 |
Goodmeadow |
21565 Steele Peak Road, Perris |
| 10 |
Elsinore |
410 West Graham Avenue, Lake Elsinore |
| 11 |
Lakeland Village |
17643 Brightman Avenue, Lake Elsinore |
| 12 |
Temecula |
28330 Mercedes Street, Temecula |
| 13 |
Home Gardens |
135 North McKinley Street, Corona |
| 14 |
Corona |
1511 Hamner Avenue, Norco |
| 15 |
El Cerrito |
20320 Temescal Canyon Road |
| 16 |
Pedley |
9270 Limonite Avenue, Pedley |
| 17 |
Glen Avon |
10400 San Sevaine Way, Mira Loma |
| 18 |
West Riverside |
7545 Mission Boulevard, Riverside |
| 19 |
Highgrove |
469 Center Street, Highgrove |
| 20 |
Beaumont |
1550 East 6th Street, Beaumont |
| 21 |
Calimesa |
906 Park Avenue, Calimesa |
| 22 |
Cherry Valley |
10055 Avenida Mira Villa, Cherry Valley |
| 23 |
Pine Cove |
24919 Marion Ridge Road, Idyllwild |
| 25 |
San Jacinto |
132 South San Jacinto, San Jacinto |
| 26 |
Little Lake |
25954 Stanford Street, Hemet |
| 27 |
Ryan Field |
36850 Stetson Avenue, Hemet |
| 28 |
Sage |
37381 Sage Road, Sage |
| 29 |
Anza |
56560 Hwy 371, Anza |
| 30 |
Pinyon |
70080 Highway 74, Mountain Center |
| 38 |
Rubidoux |
3590 Rubidoux Boulevard, Riverside |
| 48 |
Sunnymead Ranch |
10511 Village Road, Moreno Valley |
| 51 |
El Cariso |
32353 Ortega Highway, Lake Elsinore |
| 52 |
Cottonwood |
44222 Sage Road, Aguanga |
| 53 |
Garner Valley |
59200 Morris Ranch Road, Mountain Center |
| 54 |
Homeland |
25730 Sultanas Road, Homeland |
| 58 |
Moreno |
28020 Bay Avenue, Moreno Valley |
| 59 |
Mead Valley |
19450 Clark Street, Perris |
| 60 |
Canyon Lake |
28730 Vacation Drive, Canyon Lake |
| 61 |
Wildomar |
32637 Gruwell Street, Wildomar |
| 62 |
Rancho Carrillo |
Lot #51 Verdugo Road, San Juan Capistrano |
| 63 |
Poppet Flats |
49575 Orchard, Banning |
| 64 |
Juniper Flats |
Vacant |
| 65 |
Dennedy Park |
15111 Indian Avenue, Moreno Valley |
| 66 |
Beaumont City |
628 Maple Street, Beaumont |
| 68 |
Menifee |
26020 Wickerd Road, Menifee |
| 72 |
Valley Vista |
25175 Fairview, Hemet |
| 73 |
Rancho California |
27415 Enterprise Circle West, Temecula |
| 74 |
Rancho Capistrano |
35420 Calle Grande, Lake Elsinore |
| 75 |
Bear Creek |
38900 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta |
| 76 |
Menifee Lakes |
Menifee (to be constructed) |
| 77 |
Lake Riverside |
Aguanga |
| 83 |
French Valley |
37500 Sky Canyon Drive, Murrieta |
| 84 |
Parkview |
30650 Pauba Road, Temecula |
| 277 |
Pechanga Indian Fire |
Pechanga Indian Reservation, Temecula |
| 278 |
Morongo Indian Fire |
11581 Potrero Road, Banning |
| Bautista |
Conservation Camp |
33015 Bautista Road, Hemet |
| Norco |
Conservation Camp |
5th and Western Boulevard, Norco |
| Oak Glen |
Conservation Camp |
41100 Pine Bench Road, Yucaipa |
City Fire Stations
The five western Riverside County cities that do not contract with the County of Riverside for fire protection services are Corona, Hemet, Murrieta, Norco, and Riverside.
City of Corona. Fire prevention and protection services within the City of Corona are provided by the Corona Fire Department. The Department currently operates six fire stations, and a seventh facility is in the development phase. The new facility will be located at 3777 Bedford Canyon Road. Construction on the new station is expected to begin in November 2002. The City of Corona's fire facilities are meeting the service demands with the help of the County of Riverside Fire Department. The County Fire Department is helping in the area surrounding the planned facility. After construction of the planned facility, the County Fire Department will not need to aid the City of Corona. The City of Corona has mutual aid agreements with surrounding cities, the County of Riverside, and surrounding Counties. Below is a list of current fire facilities operated by the City of Corona.
City of Hemet. Fire prevention and protection services within the City of Hemet are provided by the Hemet Fire Department. The Department operates four fire stations. All firefighters in the Hemet Fire Department are paid professionals; volunteer firefighters are not utilized. The City has a mutual aid agreement with the County of Riverside. The following is a list of current fire facilities operated by the City of Hemet.
City of Murrieta. Fire prevention and protection within the City of Murrieta are provided by the Murrieta Fire Department. The Department operates three fire stations. The City is currently not planning any additional fire facilities and the current stations are meeting the service level demands. The City has a mutual aid agreement with the County of Riverside. The following is a list of current fire facilities operated by the City of Murrieta.
City of Norco. Fire prevention and protection within the City of Norco are provided by the Norco Fire Department. The Department operates two fire stations. The City is planning construction of a new fire facility. This facility will replace another older station. Thus, the City will continue to operate two fire stations. The City's fire facilities do not meet the current fire service demand. The City addresses this problem by a fee paid, mutual aid agreement with the City of Corona and the County of Riverside. Below is a list of current fire facilities operated by the City of Norco.
City of Riverside. Fire prevention and protection services within the City of Riverside are provided by the City of Riverside Fire Department. As of 1991, the City operates 13 fire stations within the City, and employs approximately 218 fire employees. The department has a wide range of fire fighting equipment. The City of Riverside has no planned fire facilities for the future. At this time, the City of Riverside is in need of five additional fire stations. The City of Riverside has mutual aid agreements with surrounding cities, the County of Riverside, and the County of San Bernardino. The following is a list of the fire stations that are operated by the City of Riverside.
3.4.2 Planned Park Facilities within the Proposed MSHCP Plan Area
The proposed MSHCP includes portions of habitat within unincorporated areas of the County in addition to habitat in the 14 cities located in western Riverside County. The habitat conservation Criteria Areas specified in the proposed MSHCP may affect, conflict, or restrict the implementation of future public park facilities in these areas; therefore, this section will address planned park facilities within the proposed MSHCP boundary and identify possible project-related impacts. Riverside County and each city in the proposed Plan Area were consulted to determine the locations of planned future park facilities. Table 3O provides a list of planned park facilities in the foreseeable future according to each jurisdiction. Because some of the parks were in different stages of planning, the information available for each park varies in detail. The most detailed available information is included in Table 3O.
| Table 3O - Future Park Facilities |
| Location |
Park |
Location |
| Aguanga |
Cotton Wood Park |
44260 Sage Road |
| Banning |
Smith Creek Park |
East Terminus of Porter Street |
| Mountain Gate Park |
Mountain Avenue and Red Bluff Lane |
| Lincoln Street Park |
Lincoln Street and Adams Street |
| Corona |
Jameson Park |
Foothill Park and Parkway |
| Fresno Canyon Park |
Cattle Run Road |
| Chase Park |
Chase Drive and California Avenue |
| Rimpau Park |
Rimpau Avenue and Ontario Avenue |
| Prado Sports Complex |
Lincoln Avenue and Rincon Street |
| Stagecoach Park |
Stagecoach Drive and Corydon Street |
| Eastvale |
Providence Park |
Sumner and Walnut |
| McCune Family Park |
Harrison and Chandler |
| Harada Park |
Schleisman and Cleveland |
| French Valley |
Butterfield Park |
Benton Road and Cady Road |
| Hemet |
Sante Fe Ball Field |
252 South Sante Fe Street |
| Bill Grey Park |
25330 Lake Street |
| Valle Vista Park |
25175 Fairview Avenue |
| Devonshire Detention Basin |
Cawston and Devonshire |
| Gibbel Park Addition |
Kirby and Devonshire |
| Park Complex |
Chambers and State Street |
| Recreation Park |
Domenigoni and State Street |
| Jurupa |
JARPD Future Park |
Bellgrave and Wineville |
| Lake Elsinore |
Alberhill Park |
Coal Road |
| North Hill Park |
Data Unavailable |
| Canyon Hills Neighborhood Park |
Holland Road |
| Canyon Hills Community Park |
Holland Road |
| Creekside Park |
Lost Road |