When three California Condors took flight last weekend, it was
not just the birds that soared. San Benito County’s reputation took
off as well.
When three California Condors took flight last weekend, it was not just the birds that soared. San Benito County’s reputation took off as well.
The Pinnacles National Monument is playing an integral role in the reintroduction and recovery efforts for the majestic species that once was on the verge of disappearing forever. It is truly something to be proud of, and perhaps something we can turn to our advantage.
In the early 1900s, the number of California Condors dropped precipitously because hunters often shot them for sport. By 1984, there were only 22 remaining in the wild. By 1987, all of the California Condors were taken into captivity as groups across the West began trying to save them. Since then, several organizations have been successful in getting the birds to breed in captivity – there are 153 condors in captivity in several different states.
After Sunday’s release by the Ventana Wilderness Society, the Pinnacles National Monument is home to nine of the 57 wild condors in California. Six others were released last year, and the overall goal is to make the park home to about 30 condors.
San Benito County’s role in the rehabilitation of a species could well increase our visibility throughout the state. It could even become a catalyst to turn Pinnacles National Monument into Pinnacles National Park.
Though the idea of changing our National Monument into a National Park has been bandied about in the past, there has been little tangible movement. But pursuing the change in designation – using the argument that the park plays a pivotal role in saving the California Condor – would automatically put our area on the tourist trail.
The words National Park means much more to people than National Monument when they are looking for ways to spend their free time.
In 2004, there were 277 million visits to the National Park System, and even a small fraction of that number of people coming through our county to see the natural beauty of the Pinnacles, hike the trails, climb the rocks and see the condors soar would we a huge boon to the economies of Hollister and the surrounding areas.
Regardless, residents of our area should be proud to be such an integral part of the program to restore the California Condor.
