FRAZIER PARK, Calif. (June 4, 2008) — Tejon Ranch today issued a statement emphasizing the ranch’s positive impacts for protected species within its proposed development areas and rebuking those who characterize the plan as a "license to kill condors." The full text of the statement follows.

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Tejon Ranch Statement Regarding the Tehachapi Uplands Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan

Lebec, Calif. (June 4, 2008) – The publication in the Federal Register today of a new Notice of Intent regarding the Tehachapi Uplands Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (TUMSHCP) includes significant refinements that speak to the care Tejon Ranch and Tejon Mountain Village are taking regarding species protection

First, the proposed Tehachapi Uplands Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan, which would require the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provides comprehensive protection for 34 different species of plants and animals that inhabit the Tehachapi Mountains.  Because these species might be found on Tejon Ranch, we believe a Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan on the Ranch is the best way to assure their on-going protection. 

Secondly, the NOI states that Tejon Ranch is not seeking a lethal take permit for the condor.  The characterization by some of the TUMSHCP as “a license to kill condors” is therefore inflammatory and false. And lastly, the new NOI makes it much clearer that hunting is not classified as a “covered activity” under the MSHCP.

Please refer to the accompanying fact sheet on MSCHPs for further detail.

This is part of the May 30, 2008 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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