In a rapidly growing region like this, with little previous history of preserving open space through the land use process, an NCCP can make a considerable difference. In the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County, a smaller NCCP is underway. San Bernardino County, facing a possible San Bernardino kangaroo rat listing, is also initiating a Valley wide program. The NCCP program uses the ESA as leverage to apply the principles of conservation biology over a wide area, and is the most realistic option to salvage, connect, and manage the best habitat remaining on private lands within the vast, numbing sprawl of coastal Southern California. But despite overwhelming practical benefit, controversy still exists over whether there are sufficient scientific grounds to believe the plans will deliver the species protections they promise.
Listings play an essential role.
The ESA can indeed be parlayed into significant multiple species conservation, far beyond what would otherwise occur. But as proven by potentially disastrous project approvals by NCCP participating jurisdictions, voluntary programs in and of themselves are inadequate substitutes for actual listings. In Southern California, the California gnatcatcher listing remains an indispensable driving force. Public participation must be sought. Public input is very likely essential to achieving an acceptable conservation result.