Octa's transportation blog

Seeking Feedback on Measure M Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program Conservation Plan

OCTA is reaching out to ask what people think about a conservation plan designed to protect natural habitat and rare animal and plant species in Orange County.

The Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan is part of OCTA’s Measure M Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program. The program allocates funds from Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, to acquire land and fund habitat restoration projects in exchange for streamlined approvals for 13 freeway improvement projects throughout Orange County.

Before heading off for final approval from state and federal agencies, the plan and the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement will be updated with input from the public.

So far, OCTA has acquired more than 1,100 acres of natural land – mostly in Trabuco Canyon and Brea – for preservation.

Visit octa.net to access the materials and public comment form or attend one of the following meetings to learn about the planning process and provide input:

Thursday, Nov. 20
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
OCTA Headquarters 
600 S. Main Street
Orange, CA 92863

Wednesday, Dec. 3 
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Rancho Santa Margarita City Hall
22112 El Paseo
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688