County receives $3 million to support vernal pools, fairy shrimp, other conservation efforts

San Diego County will receive $3 million from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for two conservation programs, the federal agency reported Thursday.

The county’s Multiple Species Conservation Program will receive $2 million to buy up to 200 acres that support riparian and upland habitats, and seasonal wetlands known as vernal pools that support numerous species like the San Diego fairy shrimp, arroyo toad, least Bell’s vireo, coastal California gnatcatcher, southwestern willow flycatcher and bald eagle.

The second grant, for $1 million, is for the county to buy land that will help with the recovery of species that live in vernal pools.

The money is part of about $5 million awarded to four conservation programs in the county and is part of $37.2 million in grants to 20 states, with almost $16 million in California.

The city of Carlsbad’s Habitat Management Plan will receive $2 million to purchase up to 133 acres of habitat areas for the coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, California least tern, western snowy plover, and numerous plant species.

In addition, nearly $189,000 will go to fund planning for the city of Santee Multiple Species Conservation Program.

“By cultivating partnerships between federal, state and local governments, private organizations and individuals, we can establish creative and effective solutions to some of the greatest conservation challenges of our time,” said Dan Ashe, the federal agency’s director. “These grants are one of many tools available under the Endangered Species Act, and we look forward to providing continued guidance and support for these programs.”

The grants are funded in part by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which provides money to federal, state and local governments to purchase land, water and wetlands.

Detailed information about the grants are online at www.fws.gov under “State Endangered Species Conservation Efforts Boosted by $37.2 Million in Service Grants,” dated Aug. 13.