Nature lovers, rejoice.
Pinnacles National Monument, long a draw for campers, hikers,
rock climbers and wildlife enthusiasts, is slated to get $2.6
million of a $388 billion federal appropriations bill awaiting
President Bush’s signature. The decision brings the park closer to
its goal of purchasing the historic 2,000 acre Pinnacle Ranch, a
move it has been planning for 10 years. The money would also add
new hiking trails and make the campground public.
Pinnacles National Monument– Nature lovers, rejoice.
Pinnacles National Monument, long a draw for campers, hikers, rock climbers and wildlife enthusiasts, is slated to get $2.6 million of a $388 billion federal appropriations bill awaiting President Bush’s signature. The decision brings the park closer to its goal of purchasing the historic 2,000 acre Pinnacle Ranch, a move it has been planning for 10 years. The money would also add new hiking trails and make the campground public.
“This is land rich in wildlife diversity and a terrific piece of property,” said Cicely Muldoon, Pinnacles National Monument Superintendent.
The Pinnacles Ranch acquisition has top priority among national parks projects on the West Coast and is considered the third most important in the country because of its unique history, according to Jessica Schafer, spokeswoman for U. S. Congressman Sam Farr.
If the purchase of the ranch is successful, Pinnacles would obtain more flat lands and new grassland and riparian areas, home to endangered species like the red-legged frog, said Muldoon.
However, the $2.6 million is only half of the money necessary to purchase the historic property and the rest would only come late next year, from federal money appropriations, if it is approved.
The actual figure that the monument needs to raise is $5.3 million, a hefty sum that will come, park staff are hoping, from private contributions. However, if the money is not approved or otherwise raised, chances are high Pinnacle Ranch, which dates back to late 19th century, would be sold to another owner. Under current zoning laws it could not be developed, but if the zoning is changed 40 acre parcels could be created.
“The owners (of the ranch) are committed to the deal, but they can’t wait forever,” said Muldoon.
More visitors have flocked to Pinnacles since California condors, an endangered species, have been released there last year. The move increased foot traffic in the first months of the condor release program by at least 18 percent. And while the numbers leveled off in subsequent months, the expansion of the park would help preserve the character of the monument and natural diversity, said the superintendent.
Muldoon and other staff at the monument have spent the past decade educating politicians about Pinnacles through briefing papers and numerous trips to Washington, D.C. and say the fact the project has come this far marks a huge expression of public commitment by the federal government.
Stu Kingman, one of the managing partners of Pinnacles Ranch, says he wants to see the land sold to the national parks system, but the money just isn’t there to make it happen.
“We sold 600 acres to the park 30 years ago, but it was much easier then,” said Kingman. “They don’t spend money on parks anymore.”
The ranch that, according to Kingman, has been there since “people settled the area,” is situated on 13 parcels of land. It has unique grasses and wildlife and would make a natural addition to the park, said Kingman who lives and raises cattle on the ranch with his wife. “We’ve got the ecological balance they need.”
“San Benito County is growing and we want to make sure the monument is protected,” Schafer said. Farr was not available for comment.
Ultimately, the future of Pinnacles is in the hands of the federal government, which will make a decision about the remainder of the money in October of 2005. Until then, Kingman and park staff, must hope for the best.
“If we can make it happen, we’ll preserve the character of this place – the dark skies, the quiet and the interesting history,” said Muldoon.
Karina Ioffee writes about education for the Free Lance. Reach her at (831)637-5566 ext. 335 or [email protected]
