For Immediate Release:
Contact: Steve Greyshock, Laer Pearce & Associates (PR) 949/599-1212, Barry Zoeller, Tejon Ranch (661) 248-3000
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Audubon California, Tejon Ranch to Make Major Announcement on California Condor Recovery Program
Lebec, Calif. (February 22, 2007) – The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS),
Audubon California and Tejon Ranch Company invite members of the media to a
briefing regarding the California Condor Recovery Program and a major
change to operations on Tejon Ranch.
What: California Condor Recovery Program Announcement
When: Friday, February 23 2:00 p.m..
Where: California Audubon Center at Debs Park
4700 North Griffin Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Anticipated attendees include:
·Jesse Grantham, FWS condor recovery expert
·Steve Thompson, FWS regional director
·Ryan Broddrick, DFG director
·Glenn Olson, California Audubon Society
·Joel Reynolds, Natural Resources Defense Council
·Bob Stine, Tejon Ranch Company
California Condors were once on the brink of extinction, but are now are beginning to recover in the wild. From only 22 condors left in existence in the 1980s, their numbers have risen to nearly 300 in recent years. Through the efforts of many, California Condors fly free once more in central and southern California, Arizona and Baja, Mexico. Friday’s announcement regards a major step forward in condor protection.
About Tejon Ranch
Tejon Ranch Company has been involved in condor recovery since the 1980s. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TRC. It operates the 270,000-acre Tejon Ranch, which is located approximately 60 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Bakersfield. Founded in 1843 as several Mexican land grants, Tejon Ranch is now home to farming operations, cattle grazing, resource extraction operations, recreational activities, and limited real estate development.
More information is available at www.tejonranch.com.
About the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 545 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores
nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign and Native American tribal governments with their conservation efforts.
More information is available at www.fws.gov
About Audubon California
Audubon California was formed in 1997 as the National Audubon Society’s California Field Office. This was part of a national effort to provide a stronger link between Audubon’s national and local conservation activities. Establishing state field offices has helped decentralize operations and strengthen relations between Audubon chapters and the National Audubon Society. Audubon California is responsible for setting its strategic course, raising its own funds and accomplishing its mission within California. It has a California board of directors that, while serving in an advisory capacity, helps guide and support Audubon California. Audubon California focuses on three key strategies to accomplish its work: direct conservation, policy & advocacy, and education & outreach.
More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org
