Newhall Ranch Site May Be Toad Habitat

A portion of the massive Newhall Ranch housing project lies in a proposed critical habitat for the endangered arroyo toad, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials said Wednesday.

The proposed Newhall Ranch development straddles the Santa Clara River near Six Flags Magic Mountain. An eastern section of the project near the river is within the habitat boundary.

If the 500,000-acre habitat is approved by the federal Department of the Interior next year, the designation adds another layer of environmental review for the proposed residential development, said Grace McLaughlin, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff herpetologist.

“This is part of the whole development process,” said Marlee Lauffer, Newhall Land & Farming Co. spokeswoman. “We have dealt with endangered species . . . and we don’t think it will impact our project. If Fish and Wildlife moves forward with additional designations we will work with them on the appropriate process.”

Critical habitats are approved when it is deemed necessary to protect and recover a species. In the case of the toad, which can migrate to different areas, a critical habitat can include where it may live or watershed areas that affect its survival, said Carl Benz, a listing and recovery program coordinator for Fish and Wildlife.

The proposed habitat affects eight counties. In addition to the Santa Clara River, in Los Angeles County the proposed toad habitat areas includes sections of the Piru, Castaic, San Francisquito, Littlerock and Big Tujunga creeks and a portion of the Arroyo Seco near La Canada Flintridge.

Two public hearings about the habitat will be held. The hearings will be from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.:

* Tuesday, June 27 at the Hyatt Valencia, 24500 Town Center Drive, Valencia.

* Thursday, June 29 at the Temecula Embassy Suites, 29345 Rancho California Road, Temecula.

Public comments, data, and other information should be sent to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura CA 93003. Comments may also be e-mailed to: fw1artoch@fws.gov.