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

Nature Conservancy Transfers 2,100 Acres to California State Parks

Tulloch Ranch provides a protected wildlife corridor between Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

San Diego, Calif.—February 25, 2005—California’s largest state park just got bigger. The Nature Conservancy announced today the transfer of 2,117 acres in San Diego County to California State Parks for inclusion in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The Tulloch Ranch property, which is home to a wide array of plant and animal species as well as rare cultural resources, is situated between the 600,000 acre Anza-Borrego and the 25,000 acre Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, creating a significant ecological link between the parks. 

“The natural and cultural resources of Tulloch Ranch alone are of great interest. The fact that the property contains both, in a location that links two major open space reserves, is amazing,” said David Van Cleve, senior project director for The Nature Conservancy. “Strategically, this is one of the most significant deals The Nature Conservancy has worked on in San Diego County.”
Because the Tulloch Ranch touches the borders of both parks, it creates a natural corridor for the movement of wildlife including mountain lions, golden eagles, deer, bobcats, California spotted owl and more. Many rare and sensitive plants are found here including San Diego gum plant, Parish’s meadowfoam, Cuyamaca Larkspur and Cuyamaca Rockcress. The presence of Native American cultural resources furthers the need to protect the property.

“In some places you can feel like you are the first person ever to stand there,” said State Parks District Superintendent Matt Fuzie. “This property epitomizes the mission of California State Parks as far as what it will provide and protect for the people of California.”

According to State Parks officials, the Tulloch Ranch property will eventually be open to the public for hikes and primitive camping, but the agency must first conduct necessary ecological assessments. The process will likely be completed by spring 2006. Until then, there will be no public access to the property.

The Conservancy purchased the Tulloch Ranch for $5.2 million in 2002 as part of a long-term plan to develop a network of protected open spaces in San Diego County, the most biologically diverse county in the continental U.S. The acquisition afforded California State Parks sufficient time to obtain $5 million in funding to take possession of the property. The agency secured $3 million through the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act (Prop 12) passed by voters in 2000. Another $1.25 million came via federal and state funds administered by Caltrans. The Preserving Wild California (PWC) program of the Resources Legacy Fund Foundation provided $250,000 in funding.

The remaining $500,000 was obtained through San Diego County’s Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) program. The NCCP program identifies and provides for the regional or area wide protection of plants, animals, and their habitats, while allowing compatible and appropriate economic activity. The Conservancy is working with a diverse group of local partners to implement this innovative conservation method in San Diego County.