None The Nature Conservancy in California Press Releases Search All Press Releases Misty Herrin Phone: (213) 327-0405 E-mail: mherrin@tnc.org

Conservation groups protect bighorn sheep habitat near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

San Diego, Calif.—September 30, 2005—The Anza Borrego Foundation and The Nature Conservancy announced today the acquisition of 422 acres adjacent to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego County. Located just west of the town of Borrego Springs, the property features prime habitat for endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep and other imperiled species. The Anza-Borrego Foundation purchased the land from a private seller for $221,000 with The Nature Conservancy providing $100,000 in grant funds. The Foundation plans to convey the property to California State Parks for incorporation into the 600,000-acre park.

“This parcel has long been on state parks’ strategic acquisition wish list,” said Chuck Bennett, president of the Foundation. “Timing is a critical factor with many of our acquisitions. Fortunately, once this property became available, the funding came together quickly.”

The parcel is a strategically-located inholding that spans a section of Montezuma Grade Road (County Road S-22), a main access point to Borrego Springs. Much of the property is steep, rocky terrain valued for the habitat and safe passage it offers to several sensitive species, including mountain lion, barefoot gecko and endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep. Scientists estimate that because of habitat loss and disease, only about 700 Peninsular bighorn sheep remain in southern California. Roughly two-thirds of that population finds refuge in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

“This acquisition is in the heart of bighorn sheep habitat and provides the steep wilderness terrain they need to survive,” said Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Superintendent, Mark Jorgensen. “This section of the Peninsular Range is a vital link between two distinct subpopulations of the Peninsular bighorn, so to secure it in public ownership assures the future of the bighorn in this portion of Anza-Borrego. The California State Parks is extremely appreciative of the work and dedication of The Nature Conservancy and The Anza-Borrego Foundation in securing this wonderful addition to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.”

The Nature Conservancy supported the purchase with private funds earmarked specifically for the protection of Peninsular bighorn sheep. The Conservancy is working with a diverse group of partners throughout San Diego County to create an interconnected network of protected lands from the coast to the desert.

“This acquisition advances The Nature Conservancy’s ongoing efforts to establish protected linkages between San Diego’s desert and mountain habitats, such as those found at Cuyamaca and Volcan Mountains,” said David Van Cleve, Ecoregional Director for The Nature Conservancy. “We are thrilled that meeting our conservation goals in the county will help expand the state park for the benefit of wildlife and current and future generations.”

San Diego County has more native species – and more imperiled species – than any other county in the continental United States. The County contains approximately 200 plant and animal species that are federally or state endangered, threatened, rare or are candidates for listing.

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The Anza-Borrego Foundation and Institute promote conservation in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park® and the surrounding ecological region. Since 1967, the Foundation has added over 35,000 environmentally sensitive acres to the park from landowners willing to sell or donate their land. Recent acquisitions include Sentenac Canyon and Cienega—1,722 acres of rare desert wetland and riparian habitat, 2,675 acres of the Lucky 5 Ranch, 842 acres of the Mason Valley and the 3,339-acre Vallecito Ranch. Institute programs include field programs for adults, scientific symposia, environmental education tent camps for fifth grade students, online distance learning for students and scholarships for college students.

The Nature Conservancy is an international non-profit membership organization, whose mission is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy and its more than one million members have safeguarded more than 15 million acres in the United States. The Conservancy has also worked with like-minded partner organizations to preserve more than 100 million acres in Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Pacific and Asia. In California, The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 1.2 million acres. Visit us on the web at nature.org/california.

With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park® is the largest desert state park in the contiguous United States. Five hundred miles of dirt roads, two huge wilderness areas (comprising 2/3 of the park) and 110 miles of riding and hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert. The park name is derived from a combination of the name of Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish word "borrego," referring to bighorn sheep. The park features washes, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas.