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Current Issues
Arroyo Toad - Endangered
Species
The southwestern arroyo toad, one of the "true toads,"is specialized for life in an unstable habitat. No more than three inches long, this small toad was once found throughout coastal rivers and streams in southern and central California, from Monterey to San Diego counties, as well as in Baja California. The toad hatches in a river or stream and begins to develop in water; as an adult, it lives on land, where it forages for insects (mostly ants) and digs burrows on sandy terraces.
But arroyo toad populations have suffered throughout the twentieth century as watersheds in southern California have been dammed and polluted by siltation from development and other activities. The toad's habitat has been degraded, fragmented and reduced by urban sprawl, dams, cattle grazing, mining and off-road vehicle use; it now survives only in 22 small, isolated headwaters. In addition it has lost over 80% of its habitat in Southern California.
East Orange - Orange Hills Task Force
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The
Orange Hills Task Force stands in the way of the Irvine
Company’s last big push for sprawl. At issue are water quality for
Irvine Lake, Peters Canyon Reservoir, and Santiago Creek; critical habitat
and wildlife corridors; and overcrowded schools. By establishing good
working relationships with elected officials and educating them on the
issues, the task force has succeeded in positively affecting the Irvine
Company’s projects. The CLCF is currently working with the task
force to save the wildland area east of Irvine Lake along scenic Santiago
Canyon and the Santiago Creek. Proceeds from our 3rd Annual Tree Hugger's
Ball were allocated to help save East Orange.
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here to read more...
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