The Gnatcatcher Sage Scrub Mitigation Site (CA Compass Point) is a 199-acre, permanently protected property located approximately 2.5 miles east of the Pacific Ocean in San Clemente, Orange County, California. Established to offset impacts to sensitive biological resources, the site contains over 60 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat, providing potential mitigation for the federally threatened California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica).

The site also supports, or is likely to support, habitat for several additional sensitive wildlife species, including the Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens), orange-throated whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra), northern harrier (Circus hudsonius), and the federal candidate species, monarch butterfly [California overwintering population] (Danaus plexippus). The project area may also provide suitable habitat for the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) and Crotch’s bumblebee (Bombus crotchii).

In addition to its wildlife value, the site supports or may support several special-status plant species, including Palmer’s grapplinghook (Harpagonella palmeri), decumbent goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens), small-flowered microseris (Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha), and the federally threatened and state-endangered thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia).

The property enhances a critical wildlife corridor connecting the Santa Margarita Mountains to the south with the Santa Ana Mountains to the north, thereby supporting regional wildlife movement, dispersal, and foraging opportunities across the southern California landscape.

Looking for mitigation solutions?
The Gnatcatcher Sage Scrub Mitigation Site (CA Compass Point) is available for developers and agencies needing mitigation solutions for their projects. Contact us to discuss how the Gnatcatcher Sage Scrub Mitigation Site (CA Compass Point) can help meet your mitigation needs.

Download the site map and KMZ files here.