Habitat protection for the endangered arroyo toad, which lives along slow-moving pools and sandy streams in Southern California, would cost $789 million over 25 years, according to a new analysis by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Most of the costs are expected to occur in new development, primarily in San Diego County, the study shows. The analysis also considered losses from grazing, mining, road construction and utility projects, and possible prices increases for water customers. The financial study was required as part of the agency's proposed designation of 112,765 acres as critical habitat for the small, buff-colored toad with...
