You may recall the threat that emerged over the summer to the functionality of the Harbor Blvd wildlife tunnel. The County of Los Angeles was set to sell ~28 acres of land next to the undercrossing to the City of La Habra Heights to help it comply with its affordable housing requirements. Our concerns centered around the fact that the impacts of increased human and pet presence so close to a wildlife chokepoint hadn’t been properly studied or considered. In addition, Los Angeles County wasn’t following the lawful process for disposal of surplus land.

Hills For Everyone brought in attorneys and planners. At the October 6th meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted to sell two acres next to the tunnel to the Habitat Authority and the rest to the City. While our biologist recommended three times that buffer, we have secured more than was initially offered. We are also hoping more mitigations can be negotiated in a good faith effort by the City of La Habra Heights.