In Santa Cruz, CA there is a ranch called Gray Whale Ranch (2300 acres)which
has been in the middle of a battle field between the owners (who want to
develop and log, etc.) and the community who wants it preserved. Every year
the Fireworks 30 and 50 mile rides pass through the ranch and people are
allowed to see its awesome beauty for one short day.
When the federal governement listed the California Red-legged Frog as a
threatened species the owners had a 192 acre THP pending. As a result of the
long overdue listing, US Fish and Wildlife Service advised the ranch owners
that since continued logging of the ranch might adversely affect the frog
habitat, preparation of an oficial Habitat Conservation Plan for the entire
ranch would be advisable before further logging.
At the same time a group called Save-the-Redwoods-League decided to purchase
the land and donate it to the State Park System. This means that the trails
we only briefly get to enjoy on the Fireworks ride will be open to the
public, probably as soon as summer 97.
So here the frog stopped the destruction and development of a beautiful
redwood forest and in the future will provide a great addition to the
existing Wilder Ranch Park in Santa Cruz County.
Just my $.02 of course.
Jessica
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JESSICA TUTEUR
J BAR M RANCH
NAPA VALLEY, CA
(707) 258-1937
TO LIVE IS TO RIDE AND TO RIDE IS TO LIVE!
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