Land management and biological monitoring ensure the health and success of conserved open spaces. These activities support the continued existence of rare and sensitive plant and animal species and their habitats, reducing the likelihood that the biological system will degrade and preventing new species from being listed as threatened or endangered.

In 2008, as part of the TransNet Environment Mitigation Program (EMP), SANDAG established the San Diego Management and Monitoring Program (SDMMP) to promote coordination, collaboration, and best practices through a scientific approach to the management and biological monitoring of conserved lands in San Diego County.

More than 115 partner organizations in the region work to promote the regional habitat preserve system. They depend on guidance from habitat conservation plans, resource agencies, TransNet EMP, and the SDMMP.

In 2004, SANDAG made a 25-year commitment to allocate $4 million annually to preserving open spaces, implementing regional habitat management and monitoring efforts, funding land management grants, and supporting the SDMMP which provides tools and resources for land managers and promotes collaboration on best management practices. To date, we’ve invested more than $64.3 million.