Search
 

Tiny Shrimp Poses Big Problem for Developers

ORANGE COUNTY,CA-The Federal government seeks to ban development of 12,060 prime acres, fearing that new projects would doom recently discovered 'fairy shrimp' species.

By David W. Myers | Updated on September 23, 2000

ORANGE COUNTY, CA-Builders here may soon face a development obstacle stronger than any no-growth group and more fearsome than a gang of bureaucrats. And unlike a homeowners association or elected official with lots of political muscle, the newest foe is a shrimp. Literally.

In a little-noticed statement released on Thursday, the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed setting aside a staggering 12,060 acres of Southern California land to protect the Riverside fairy shrimp. The unusual crustaceans are so small that no one even knew they existed until 15 years ago, and literally thousands of them can be held in a child’s hand.

Much of the land that the feds would put off-limits for future development is on the closed El Toro Marine Corps Station, which many local officials and business interests want to convert to a commercial airport that would create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars a year in tax revenue. Hundreds more acres stand in the path of the proposed Foothill South toll road, a 16-mile highway that would ease the region’s worsening traffic problems.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2025 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.