On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) at the Hidden Valley Nature Center in Riverside. Twenty years ago, the MSHCP was developed to help balance the growing need for transportation and housing infrastructure while protecting habitats for sensitive, threatened, and endangered plant and animal species unique to our region. The balanced approach has helped western Riverside County conserve thousands of acres of land while streamlining the environmental review process for much-needed projects, saving time and money.

“The success of the MSHCP is built on partnerships and it continues to serve as an example of the amazing things we’ve accomplished in Riverside County by working together.” said Karen Speigel, RCTC Vice Chair and Supervisor of Riverside County 2nd District at the 20th anniversary event.

In 2021, Riverside County Transportation Commission became the managing agency of the RCA after approval from both governing boards. Under Measure A, the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, all 18 western Riverside County cities and the County participate in the MSHCP, and as a result have access to local Measure funding for their streets and roads. RCTC has invested millions of dollars of Measure A funding towards acquiring habitat for the MSHCP in support of regional transportation projects, making it one of the largest contributors. Key transportation examples include: 

• Mayor Berwin Hanna Bridge and Widening Project 
• Perris Valley Line 
• Clinton Keith Extension Project
• 15 Express Lanes Project

The 20-year anniversary event included remarks from U.S. Representative Ken Calvert, RCA Board Vice Chair and County Supervisor for the 2nd District Karen Spiegel, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Director Paul Souza, California Natural Resources Agency Deputy Secretary Meghan Hertel, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Environmental Program Manager Kim Freeburn and former Riverside County Supervisor Tom Mullen. The celebration culminated with planting a California black walnut tree, an MSHCP-protected species, at the Hidden Valley Nature Center grounds.

For more information on the MSHCP and the RCA, visit wrc-rca.org or follow @westernRCA on Facebook, X, and Instagram.