S a n t a   A n a   M o u n t a i n s
t o
P a l o m a r   M o u n t a i n s
C o n n e c t i o n

The Santa Ana-Palomar Mountains Linkage provides the only remaining natural habitat connection for the coastal Santa Ana Mountains to inland ranges.  A diverse array of vegetation communities occurs in the linkage.  Coniferous forests of Coulter and Ponderosa pine occur at higher elevations, while mid-elevations are commonly covered with montane chaparral communities.  Oak woodlands occur on rolling hills, along stream courses, or in shaded canyons, while Englemann oak woodlands occupy mesic slopes and valley bottoms.  The Santa Ana Mountains descend into the low coastal hills, plains and beaches at the Pacific Ocean. 

Many native species that occur in the vicinity are undergoing regional declines.  Well over 100 sensitive or listed species of plants and animals occur or have the potential to occur in the linkage, such as Quino checkerspot butterfly, orange-throated whiptail, Stephen’s kangaroo rat, and Coastal California gnatcatcher.  A diversity of focal species were selected for this linkage, including wide-ranging species such as badger and mountain lion, to less mobile species such as California quail, Western toad, and Timema walkingstick.

View Report >>