Scientific Study Shines Spotlight on Southern Orange County's Rich, Natural Lands

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For Immediate Release

Scientific Study Shines Spotlight on Southern Orange County's Rich, Natural Lands

Local Elected Officials Call for Open Planning Process to Preserve Region For Future Generations

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, Oct. 24 -/E-Wire/-- The results of a just released scientific study (located in its entirety at www.consbio.org/ocstudy) reveal that southern Orange County is the heart of one of the 25 most unique regions on the planet. To save this "globally significant ecological jewel,' the study recommends that four critical resource areas be conserved intact. According to community leaders, such action is essential to preserve Orange County's history, scenic landscapes and special quality of life. The study was conducted by Dr. Wayne Spencer of the Conservation Biology Institute and commissioned by the Endangered Habitats League.

"At a time when the future use of this land is being debated, we are pleased to have contributed this critical information to the public,' said Dan Silver, MD of the Endangered Habitats League. "The results clearly indicate that our children and all future generations deserve the permanent protection of Orange County's natural lands and treasures. We must keep this promise to our children.'

Local elected officials and members of the business community have expressed support for the study and termed its recommendations vital to preserving the region's history, scenic landscapes and special quality of life. Calling for an open, public process to determine how the these rich, natural lands should be preserved, Councilmembers John Gelff (City of San Juan Capistrano) and G. Wayne Eggleston (City of San Clemente) joined Dr. Spencer and Dr. Silver in announcing the results. The group was also joined by local businessman Dieter Tremp, representing the Outdoor Industry Association of America, and clean water advocate Marc Cousineau of the Surfrider Foundation.

"Orange County growth requires planning that is responsive to the public so that we do not lose the heart and soul of our region,' said Councilmember Eggleston. "By working together to form a broad-based community coalition of cities, the county, residents and businesses, we can ensure that the natural lands and unique treasures that define our heart and soul are preserved for our children.'

After undergoing extensive peer review, the study also has been endorsed by a prominent scientist familiar with the southern Orange County region. Dr. Paul Beier, an Associate Professor in the School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University has conducted five years of biological research in Southern California. Based on his review of the study, he offered the following comments:

"I wish to offer my most fervent support for the findings and recommendations in the report,' said Beier. "The regional and global significance of this area cannot be overstated. The current stewards of this landscape deserve the utmost respect and gratitude for maintaining this area throughout the last century of change, and now it is up to the citizens of California and the United States to assist in the permanent conservation of this land.'

Endangered Habitats League is a Southern California organization dedicated to ecosystem protection, improved land use planning, and collaborative conflict resolution.

Endangered Habitats League

http://www.consbio.org/ocstudy

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