RIVERSIDE – (INT) - A legal settlement will permanently protect the core of the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Preserve on the west edge of March Air Reserve Base.

Large portions of the preserve had been threatened with conversion to commercial warehouses.

It will remain dedicated to long-term conservation and public parkland, while ensuring that only environmentally friendly building will occur in the area.

“This agreement shows we can build greener and smarter to protect wildlife, fight climate change and improve air quality,” said Jonathan Evans of the Center for Biological Diversity. “Wildlife protection and green building is feasible for every development and should be the standard for all projects.”

The preserve is home to an assortment of imperiled wildlife species including the K-rat, bobcat, least Bell’s vireo and western spadefoot toad.

The settlement sets aside more than 660 acres for wildlife protection, another 91 acres as a public park for active recreation, and 424 acres for development under green building principles.

Story Date: September 17, 2012