Supervisor Janice Hahn Announces Newly Protected Designation for Habitats in the Puente Hills

Hacienda Heights, CA—Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn is announcing that habitats in two areas of the Puente Hills in Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights will be under new protections approved this week by the Board of Supervisors.  

2,789 acres in Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights will be designated “Significant Ecological Areas” (SEA) by the County of Los Angeles. The designation will add protections to the sensitive habitats and balance any future development with the priority of preserving natural habitats and the species that live there.

“The beautiful natural habitats that make up the Puente Hills are home to some of the last remaining native plants and animals in the region—but these natural habitats are shrinking,”said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “By officially designating these areas as Significant Ecological Areas, we can protect these habitats and preserve the wildlife corridor before it is too late.”

Protecting these areas from excessive development is important because the areas are a part of a wildlife safe corridor through the Puente Hills.  The corridor allows mountain lions, bobcats, deer, foxes, and other native animals to move freely across the Hills and promotes biodiversity and the long-term survival of the local fauna populations.

The updated SEA ordinance also protects 60 native tree species in addition to the beautiful native Oak Trees that are found in the Puente Hills.

“The SEA Ordinance program provides the Puente Hills with formal recognition by the county of the importance of habitat connectivity within the Puente Hills Preserve and the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor,” said Andrea Gullo, Executive Director of the Puente Hills Habitat Authority. “The SEA Ordinance strives to protect this special place by determining that it is worthy of protection and safeguarding for the bobcats, mule deer, coastal California gnatcatchers, red-tailed hawks and other animals that call this place home, as well as for the people that enjoy and benefit from this natural area.”

“To those of us battling to preserve the precious wilderness areas, these new rules will greatly help us continue to add to our protected lands and expand wildlife in our open spaces once again,” said Bob Henderson.