Habitat Grading Takes Planning

In the editorial “The Bulldozer Versus the Gnatcatcher” (Sept.2), The Times misrepresented the development process, saying in effect that it is easy for developers to grade the habitat of gnatcatchers.

Nothing is further from the truth. Obtaining a grading permit takes months, and sometimes years, of careful and detailed planning and negotiations. Local public officials and the development community are well aware of the importance of coastal sage scrub habitat, and before grading permits are issued, strict protections are required.

It is not bulldoze first and ask questions later. The more common scenario is to set aside substantial portions of land as permanent open space, then carefully grade the remaining land to the specifics of the grading permit.

These generous set-asides, which recently have been as much as half or three-quarters of the original land, help assure the protection of the gnatcatcher and other species within coastal sage scrub areas.

CHRISTINE M. DIEMER, Executive Director, Building Industry Assn. of Southern California, Inc., Orange County Region