OCTA’s Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program offsets the environmental impacts of freeway construction projects by preserving large swaths of valuable habitat. This protects the plants and wildlife that live on the land and provides connectivity to other natural lands to allow wildlife to roam freely.
The program allocates funds from OC Go (also known as Measure M) to acquire land and fund habitat restoration projects in exchange for streamlined approvals from environmental agencies for freeway improvement projects throughout Orange County.
Through the program, OCTA has purchased seven open space properties totaling 1,300 acres in Brea, Laguna Beach, Silverado Canyon, and Trabuco Canyon. The land will be preserved in perpetuity. Twelve restoration projects have also been funded throughout the county to return existing conservation lands to their native state.
Approximately $30 million has been spent on acquisitions and $10 million on 350 acres of habitat restoration.
Throughout the year, OCTA conducts free guided hikes and equestrian rides to share the wilderness preserves with the public.
For more information on OCTA’s open space properties or to sign up for a future guided hike or ride, visit here.