Rosemary's Sharebook 

This Pledge/Action was initiated by

roxie f Harmony, ME @ 03:33AM PST Apr 29  @ Change.org

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27012&t=

Save California Condor Habitat From Tejon Ranch Developments

The majestic and endangered California condor needs your help. The condor and 25 other species that live on Tejon Ranch are being threatened by a developer-friendly habitat conservation plan proposed by the Tejon Ranch Company. Please send a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service asking that it not allow the company to harm California condors and the other rare species that live on the ranch and that it send the proposed habitat conservation plan back to the drawing board.

In order to develop a luxury mega-resort, the Tejon Ranch Company is asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for permission to harm the iconic California condor and 25 other rare species that call Tejon Ranch home. Through a so-called habitat conservation plan – the Tehachapi Uplands Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan – the company seeks the legal authority to harass and harm California condors and destroy their habitat. Why? So that Tejon Ranch can construct a sprawling development of commercial space, golf courses, hotels, and a gated estate of speculative mogul mansions in the heart of habitat that has been designated as critical to the survival and recovery of the condor. 

This plan is a poster child for poor planning – not only guaranteeing harm to condors, but fragmenting habitat and increasing fire threats in what is considered the wild heart of California. California condors are only now making a comeback from the brink of extinction thanks to huge investments from private and public funds, time, and energy. We cannot allow our investment in this iconic bird to be spoiled by development greed, especially in an era of unprecedented mortgage foreclosures and financial woe. High-end luxury resorts do not depend upon condor critical habitat for survival, but condors do.

Please take action now by asking the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to deny the plan. A sample letter is below, and we urge you to add a personal story, example, or concern to your message to make it more compelling. Comments are due May 5.

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27012&t=

1. This is a one-time pledge that must be fulfilled before May 06, 2009.