GRRA_Conserved_boundary_scag

The Green Region Resource Areas (GRRAs) dataset consists of information on natural hazards, sensitivities, farmland, tribal nations, military installations, and natural assets. The GRRA datasets are developed to support coordinating regional land use with transportation strategies and address the region’s growth and sustainability challenges to protect the region’s natural assets and reduce future risks from climate change. GRRAs are organized into three Data Categories with Topic Areas: Climate Hazards (flood hazard, sea level rise, wildfire risk), Habitat (habitat value, wildlife corridors, aquatic resources), and Agriculture (farmland). Conserved Areas represent lands that are largely protected from future development and therefore excluded from growth scoring. These include protected open space, parks, conservation easements, military installations, Tribal lands, and NCCP/HCP reserve designs. Preserving these areas protects biodiversity, cultural resources, and recreational opportunities while supporting resilience and regional quality of life. The data sources within the data category of Conserved Areas include:Protected Open Space and Parks California Protected Areas Database (CPAD), 2025, Multiple sourcesCalifornia Conservation Easement Database (CCED), 2025, Multiple sourcesVentura Save Open Space and Agricultural Lands (SOAR), 2020, Ventura County Planning DivisionNatural Community and Habitat Conservation Plans (NCCP/HCP) Reserve Designs Orange County Conservation Areas (OCTA NCCP), 2021, Orange County Transportation Authority Orange County Central/Coastal NCCP Reserve System, 2018, Nature Reserve of Orange County Rancho Palos Verdes NCCP Reserve, 2011, Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy Coachella Valley Conservation Areas (CVMSHCP), 2022, Coachella Valley Association of Governments Western Riverside County MSHCP Semi-Public and Non-Public Reserve Designs, 2025, Western Riverside Co Regional Conservation Authority Military Installations Military Installations, Ranges, and Training Areas (MIRTA), 2025, Department of Defense Tribal NationsNational Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA), 2025, U.S. Census Bureau The Conserved Areas are areas excluded from scoring within the Green Region Resource Areas (GRRA) Map. The GRRA identifies locations where development is constrained due to climate hazards, ecological sensitivity, and working lands, consistent with SB 375 and Connect SoCal 2024 strategies. The GRRA dataset is organized into three scoring categories: Climate Hazards (flood hazard, sea level rise, wildfire risk), Habitat (wildlife corridors, aquatic resources, habitat value), and Agriculture (farmland and Williamson Act parcels). Conserved areas, such as protected open space, military installations, tribal lands, and NCCP/HCP reserves, are excluded from scoring because they are mostly legally protected from growth.The following datasets are included within Conserved Areas:Open Space and Parks - Open space and parks are natural assets that provide recreational opportunities, conserve biodiversity, and support climate resilience through various ecosystem services. Preserving these areas helps maintain regional quality of life and protects lands designated for conservation and recreation from future development. California Protected Areas Database (CPAD), (2025) provides the most comprehensive dataset of publicly owned parks and open space in California, including local, state, and federal lands. The California Conservation Easement Database (CCED) (2025) tracks conservation easements that restrict redevelopment and protect lands for ecological, cultural, or recreational purposes. Ventura Save Open Space and Agricultural Lands (SOAR) (2020) was created by the Ventura County Planning Division to show lands covered under Ventura County’s SOAR ordinance, which designates agricultural, rural, and open space areas protected from urban development. Natural Community and Habitat Conservation Plans – This data set contains Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) reserve designs in Southern California. NCCPs are California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) approved plans that take a broad-based approach to protect habitats and species. An NCCP identifies and provides for the regional protection of plants, animals, and their habitats, while allowing compatible and appropriate economic activity. An HCP is a planning document required under the federal Endangered Species Act that allows incidental take of listed species in exchange for implementing a comprehensive strategy to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts, typically through long-term habitat protection, management, and monitoring. While NCCP boundaries often encompass an entire county or large planning area, the HCP reserve designs represent the specific lands designated for conservation within those boundaries. Working with landowners, environmental organizations, and other interested parties, a local agency oversees the numerous activities that compose the development of an NCCP/HCP. CDFW and the US Fish and Wildlife Service provide the necessary support, direction, and guidance to NCCP/HCP participants. For more information on NCCP/HCPs, visit: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/planning/nccp.The GRRA update incorporates several NCCPs and HCPs across the SCAG region. Military Installations - Military installations represent areas managed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), encompassing Military Installations, Ranges, and Training Areas (MIRTA) (2025). These areas are excluded from development in growth modeling, as they are reserved for defense purposes. Tribal Lands - Federally recognized Tribal Lands are included in the GRRAs to acknowledge their role as sovereign territories and to ensure growth planning considers Tribal jurisdiction and heritage. U.S. Census Bureau National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA) (2023) displays reservations, lands, statistical areas, and joint-use areas recognized as Federal, State, and Tribal entities.