Water Department Takes Action to Protect Local Endangered Species

The San Bernardino Municipal Water Department (SBMWD) joined local police and allied agencies yesterday in an effort to protect habitats of endangered plants and wildlife along the Santa Ana River. Despite signs and barricades along sections of the Santa Ana River, vehicular and pedestrian trespassing threatens to harm the delicate ecosystems that support the woolly-star, a sapphire-blue flower, and the Santa Ana Sucker, a small native fish, both federally-protected species. In response to this threat, SBMWD tasked 27 law and code enforcement officials from San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton and Riverside, as well as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to conduct a sweep of vulnerable portions of the riverbed, advising trespassers to exit protected areas. “Illegal trespassing poses a significant threat to the survival of these native species,” said Capt. Raymond King of the San Bernardino Police Department. “Our department, along with the SBMWD and other agencies involved, have come together in these protection efforts to address the immediate threat to native habitats as well as to promote awareness of these ordinances and their purpose.” During the sweep, officers on horseback and off-road vehicles divided and patrolled the territory, advising trespassers to leave the protected areas. Over the course of the operation, 22 citizens were warned about trespassing. “Sunday’s collaboration is evidence of the importance we place on the protection of the Santa Ana riverbed and its ecosystems,” said Stacey Aldstadt, general manager of SBMWD. “By enforcing federal protections of local plant and wildlife, the municipalities charged with stewardship of the Santa Ana River are helping to foster environmental sustainability here in the Inland Empire.”