Just a few decades ago, the Gavilan Hills Plateau was an extensive and beautifully rugged, yet sensitive wildland area offering a remarkable amount of biodiversity. This unique region of western Riverside County provides critical homes for numerous species including mountain lions, bobcats, the Stephen's Kangaroo Rat, and a variety of reptiles and birds. Because of encroaching human development, however, the future of this diverse habitat is uncertain.
Due to intense human population growth in Riverside County, the pressure for land development in the Gavilan Hills Plateau has been widespread, and thus destructive to formerly intact wildlife communities. Like pieces of a puzzle, habitat loss and fragmentation counters the natural movement of a vast array of diverse species. When habitat is fragmented by the creation of roads and other development, it is increasingly difficult for wildlife to maintain a healthy community. As one species is threatened, more of the puzzle goes missing until the total ecological picture disappears forever.
With the Cleveland National Forest to the west, lowland valleys to the east, and Lake Mathews to the north, the Gavilan Hills Plateau occupies a unique highland and presents a vista of opportunities to preserve what is left of this wildland network. The region also offers a land bridge to connect humans to their natural surroundings and bring awareness to issues that continue to threaten surrounding wildlife and water resources.
Local groups have formed a coalition called Preserve the Plateau (PTP) to educate the public and public officials about the actual impacts of development in that area. Members include The Harford Springs Reserve , the El Sobrante Wildlife Preserve, San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society (SBVAS), the San Gorgonio chapter of the Sierra Club, Inland Waterkeeper, LJT/Environmental Media, the Residents Association of Greater Lake Mathews (RAGLM), Animazonia Wildlife Foundation, the California Native Plant Society, Friends of Riverside's Hills, and Inland Waste Management (managers of the El Sobrante Wildlife Preserve). Preserve the Plateau is an active, alert and environmentally aware community organization. If the trends of development and land use policy continue in this region, the next generation of community citizens will NOT be greeted with natural settings that are still seen in and around the Gavilan Hills Plateau. Help us keep the pieces of the puzzle intact and connected.
SBVAS has established a separate bank account for donations to Preserve the Plateau. The mailing address is below. Checks must be made out to SBVAS but indicate on the memo line of the check or on an enclosed note that the donation is for Preserve the Plateau. You may also donate via PayPal using the link below. All donations will be used for an educational campaign to demonstrate the environmental and ecological connectivity and the degradation and loss of habitat which would be caused by irresponsible development and the lack of educational and geographic awareness.
Act Locally, Think Globally. Help us keep Western Riverside County's last vital open spaces intact and less fragmented. See how YOUR choices impact plant & animal wildlife, and their connected habitat ecosystems on and surrounding the Gavilan Hills Plateau (CA).
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SBVAS
PO Box 10973
San Bernardino CA 92423-0973
As a 501(c)3 corporation, donations to SBVAS should be tax-deductible, but check with your tax attorney or accountant before making such a claim.
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Participating partners will offer opportunities for community residents to experience the plateau with interactive learning opportunities at in diverse recreational and natural preserve sites and parks The goal is richer appreciation for the historic sites and rural values.
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Join these community partners and protect your unique habitat for humanity and wildlife!
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