LANCASTER, Calif. — City planning staff outlined draft updates to Lancaster’s open space and conservation elements designed to meet recent state requirements and to guide local conservation and park policies.

Planner Jocelyn Swain said Senate Bill 1425 requires updates to open space elements addressing equitable park access, climate resiliency and coordination with the safety element, while Assembly Bill 1889 requires conservation elements to address wildlife movement and habitat connectivity. Swain said the drafts rename existing documents, incorporate required analyses and add policies to encourage more parks, shade and ADA improvements.

The conservation element adds a new appendix focusing on wildlife connectivity and biological resources. Swain described existing city efforts, including purchase of roughly 1,000 acres with a biological impact fee and ongoing mapping of Joshua trees across the city. Staff also outlined a program allowing developers to pay for cleanup of drainages as part of state-required mitigation in coordination with the regional board and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The draft elements are posted for public review through Jan. 14. Staff said the documents will return to the Planning Commission in January for a recommendation before going to City Council for final action.