What is the purpose of the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP)?
The Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) is a comprehensive, long-term habitat conservation planning program that covers approximately 900 square miles (582,243 acres) in southwestern San Diego County pursuant to the federal and California Endangered Species Acts and the California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act. It has been developed cooperatively by participating jurisdictions/special districts in partnership with federal/state wildlife agencies, property owners, and representatives of the development industry and environmental groups. The MSCP is designed to preserve native habitat for multiple species rather than focusing efforts on one species at a time. This is accomplished by identifying areas for directed development and areas to be conserved in perpetuity (referred to as Multi-Habitat Planning Area) to achieve a workable balance between smart growth and species protection. This approach allows for preservation of entire ecosystems (e.g., coastal sage scrub
