San Elijo Lagoon Acquisition Program

The San Elijo Lagoon Acquisition Program included acquisition of two properties along the margins of San Elijo Lagoon, for inclusion in the Ecological Reserve. The grantee acquired the 19 acre Manchester Property and the 17 acre Rancho Santa Fe.

The purpose of the acquisition plan is to target properties that wasprimarily in the floodway of Escondido creek and lands that are transitional. These additional lands provide habitat for endangered and sensitive species, help maintain the proper hydrological functioning of the lagoon, and also provide a natural buffer. Some targeted lands have restoration potential, which has a multiple effect in that it provides additional habitat as well as provide protection for the lagoon.