San Diego City Wire

San Diego County News Center reported that the County Board of Supervisors has approved a $1.2 million expenditure to purchase 222 acres of land within the Pala-Pauma community. This acquisition aims to expand the existing Mount Olympus County Preserve, bringing its total area to over 1,400 acres.

The expansion aligns with the County’s Climate Action Plan by contributing to greenhouse gas emission reductions. According to officials from the County Parks department, this land acquisition is part of the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP). The MSCP seeks to balance plant and animal species protection with recreational, developmental, and agricultural activities in the region.

Protected species under this program include the coastal California gnatcatcher, San Diego horned lizard, golden eagle, mule deer, and mountain lion.

In addition to this recent expansion in North County, there has been notable progress in South County as well. In 2023, 411 acres were added to the South County Subarea. This brings the total conserved land by the County and its partners up to 80,519 acres—82% of their 98,379-acre conservation goal. Compared to previous years, these new additions represent a 1% increase toward achieving this goal.

The Department of Parks and Recreation considers various factors when acquiring open space land including biology, connectivity, accessibility, and value.

For more information on this initiative or other related programs, visit the MSCP webpage or contact the County Communications Office at communications@sdcounty.ca.gov or call 619-595-4633.