FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2024
Contact:
Sarah Hersh-Walker, sarah@fcpcommunications.com, 510-759-2921
Melanie Schlotterbeck, Melanie@Schlotterbeck.net, 714-501-3133
Dash Stolarz, Dash.Stolarz@mrca.ca.gov, 310-985-5147
Resource for Media: Photos are available here.
ORANGE COUNTY’S RANDALL PRESERVE TO BENEFIT
FROM A $600,000 PLANNING GRANT
More than $1.7 million in grants secured to date to plan for the
future of this unique coastal nature preserve
Newport Beach, CA — The Wildlife Conservation Board today awarded a $600,000 grant to planning efforts at the Frank and Joan Randall Preserve/Genga [Tribal Name to be Determined].
The Preserve is a 387-acre property located near Newport Beach in Orange County. It is considered the last piece of undeveloped Orange County coastline and was acquired for preservation as a coastal preserve in 2022.
Conservation of the Preserve contributes to California’s goal of protecting 30% of land and coastal waters by 2030, an effort known as 30×30. Now that the property is protected, advocates are focused on stewardship of the Preserve as well as access for the community.
“The conservation of Randall Preserve meets all three 30×30 goals: preservation of biodiversity, building climate resilience, and ensuring equitable access to nature,” said Melanie Schlotterbeck, Power In Nature’s Southland Regional Lead. “The Preserve is home to more than 18 sensitive, threatened or endangered species, has the significant potential to serve as a buffer for coastal climate-related impacts, and is adjacent to nearby disadvantaged communities ready for passive recreational use on this land. This planning grant is a huge win!”
The Coastal Corridor Alliance and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), the Preserve’s titleholder, have secured a total of $1.785 million in funding to plan for the future of the Randall Preserve. These funds will be used to develop a Resource Management Plan, a Coastal Resilience Strategy, and a Public Access Plan. Once developed, draft plans will be made available to the public and community input will be gathered. Through a separate process, funded by the State Coastal Conservancy, MRCA is developing a Tribal Access and Engagement Plan as well.
“Creating a nature preserve in an area with so many rare species requires the best possible plan,” remarked Terry M. Welsh, MD, the Coastal Corridor Alliance’s Board President. “The Wildlife Conservation Board grant will help fund the necessary work to design a world-class nature park at Randall Preserve/Genga that allows human access, traditional Tribal practices, and rare and sensitive species to thrive.”
The Coastal Corridor Alliance was also previously awarded a $1 million federal competitive grant for Randall Preserve planning efforts from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This fall, the Coastal Corridor Alliance will launch early engagement opportunities for the public to learn more about this effort, thanks to a grant from The Trust for Public Land. More robust, broader engagement opportunities will then be held in Spring 2025 when the draft plans are ready.
“MRCA is glad to lead a new chapter for the Preserve, carrying out a planning process that is informed by professionals, specialists, local community, and future users of the site,” said Isabela Noriega, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority’s Randall Preserve Project Manager. “Our goal is to see a series of plans coalesce to support the intent behind the acquisition.”
Scientists worldwide agree that in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and help protect wildlife at risk of extinction, we must – at a minimum – protect 30% of our lands and coastal waters by 2030. In 2020, Governor Newsom committed California to the 30×30 goal. In 2023, that goal became state law.
California is the most biodiverse state in the nation and one of 36 global “biodiversity hotspots.” Biodiversity hotspots are where native species are severely at risk due to development. Research shows that 1 million species are at risk of extinction and wild vertebrate populations have dropped 69% since 1970. Working to protect sensitive, threatened and endangered species in places like the Randall Preserve is a critical strategy to maintain biodiversity in the face of climate change.
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About the Power In Nature Coalition: Power In Nature is a statewide coalition of community groups, environmental and conservation organizations, land trusts, Indigenous organizations and Tribal members dedicated to advancing California’s 30×30 commitment. The Power In Nature coalition has identified nearly 100 potential 30×30 projects across the state and works on a broad range of issues including biodiversity protection, climate resilience, equity, recreation, outdoor access and social justice. Learn more at PowerInNature.org.
About the Coastal Corridor Alliance: The Coastal Corridor Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, originally established to protect Banning Ranch, now the Randall Preserve. The Alliance’s new mission is to protect biodiversity, foster community stewardship, and advocate for appropriate human access on the Randall Preserve and Santa Ana River Coastal Corridor. Learn more at CoastalCorridor.org.
About the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority: The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority is dedicated to the preservation and management of local open space and parkland, wildlife habitat, coastal access, watershed lands, and trails in both wilderness and urban settings, and to ensuring access to public parkland and coastal resources. Learn more at MRCA.ca.gov.
