Francis - Temecula
Location: southwest of the City of Temecula, and west of I-15, south of Rancho California Road
and on the "Temecula Escarpment"
RCA Area: Temecula, Rough Step Area 5
Size:
November 4, 2008 Acquisition - 63.97 acres
June 28, 2010 Acquisition - 49.62 acres
Plant communities:
Chaparral
Animal species observed:
Bell's sage sparrow, the mountain quail, bobcats, and Mountain Lions
Importance:
On November 4, 2008, the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) acquired approximately 63.97 acres
from Nassef and Julie Francis. The subject property is located on the escarpment above the City of Temecula
and serves as an important wildlife linkage that will ultimately help connect the Santa Rosa Plateau reserve
with the Santa Margarita Ecological reserve. Wildlife species in this area include the Bell's sage sparrow,
the mountain quail, bobcats, and mountain lions. Conservation of this property will also help preserve the
natural beauty of the escarpment area, which is a high priority for the City of Temecula. This acquisition
is a collaborative effort that originated from discussions held by the City of Temecula with the RCA and helps
achieve mutually compatible goals to preserve wildlife and plant life habitat, protect wildlife corridor movement
and preserve the scenic view of the Temecula escarpment area. A combination of RCA funds and City of Temecula
funds were used to acquire this property. On June 28, 2010, the RCA also acquired an additional 49.62 acres
owned by the Francis family and adjacent to the original 63.97 acre acquisition. This additional property
was paid for with a combination of Federal grant funds and City of Temecula funds.
Wildlife and habitat value:
The Francis - Temecula acquisitions contributes to conservation efforts that focus on the assembly of Proposed Linkage 10 along the
Temecula Escarpment preserving chaparral, coastal sage scrub and grassland habitat.
Aerial Photo of Francis - Temecula Properties
View from the south edge of the Francis - Temecula Property June 28,2010 acquisition facing northeast with the
City of Temecula in the background
