Habitat

The key purpoThe Hilder Preservese of the San Joaquin County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan (SJMSCP) is to:

  • Provide a strategy for balancing the need to conserve Open Space and the need to Convert Open Space to non-Open Space uses while protecting the region's agricultural economy.
  • Preserve landowner property rights.
  • Provide for the long-term management of plant, fish and wildlife species, especially those that are currently listed, or may be listed in the future, under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) or the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).
  • Provide and maintain multiple-use Open Space which contribute to the quality of life of the residents of San Joaquin County.
  • Accommodate a growing population while minimizing costs to project proponents and society at large.
Learn more about the Habitat program by viewing this informational video: 

Plan Activities

The SJMSCP, in accordance with ESA Section 10(a)(1)(B) and CESA Section 2081(b) Incidental Take Permits, provides compensation for the Conservation of Open Space to non-Open Space uses which affect the plant, fish and wildlife species covered by the Plan.

The SJMSCP compensates for conversions of open space for the following activities:

  • Expansion of existing urban boundaries
  • Levee maintenance undertaken by the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency
  • Maintenance activities
  • Maintenance of existing facilities for nonfederal irrigation district projects
  • Managing preserves
  • Mining
  • New parks and trails
  • Nonagricultural activities occurring outside of urban boundaries
  • Nonfederal flood control projects
  • School expansions
  • Similar public agency projects
  • Transportation projects
  • Urban development
  • Utility installation