| This thesis evaluates the Rancho Mission Viejo Development Plan, which proposes the construction of 14,000 homes, and associated commercial/retail establishments on the remaining 22,850 acres of wild and agricultural land in southern Orange County.; The focus of this paper concerns the environmental implications of the proposed development: specifically, what will the consequences be in terms of loss of critical habitat connectivity, and how will this affect key wildlife species such as the California Mountain Lion?; Qualitative data were collected in order to determine what alternatives exist to the plan in its present form. The findings indicate that the plan as presently constituted does not conform to a common definition of environmental sustainability, which is a measurement of the amount of development contemplated versus the volume of habitat and biological resources conserved.; Proposed revisions of the plan may resolve the issue of sustainability in a manner satisfactory to all stakeholders. |
