How is vernal pool habitat being protected in Merced County?
Eastern Merced County is home to some of the most important remaining natural vernal pool habitat in California. Currently, the County estimates that vernal pool habitat is disappearing at the rate of 3,000 acres per year due to small-scale development and agricultural conversions. Last year, Governor Gray Davis and the state legislature set aside $30 million for creation of a habitat conservation area in eastern Merced County as part of the plan to create UC Merced. In coming years, this fund will allow for the protection of an estimated 60,000 acres of this habitat. In addition, the Packard gift will allow the University to preserve permanently 5,780 acres more. Q. How does the Packard gift help strengthen regional planning efforts? The Packard gift allows the University and the County of Merced to implement a new way of looking at large-project development in the San Joaquin Valley. The development of the campus and community as one entity ensures managed growth of the project, with
