Park Grows By 2,000 Acres

On April 18th, before a gathering of about 75 onlookers, Pinnacles National Monument superintendent Eric Brunnemann formally announced the inclusion of Pinnacles Ranch into Pinnacles National Monument. The event culminated a long land acquisition journey that involved private landowners for the former Pinnacles Ranch, the Nature Conservancy, California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, Congressional Representative Sam Farr, and five monument superintendents spanning 12 years.

This acquisition, which took place on March 15th, brings almost 2,000 acres of oak woodland, grassland, and riparian habitat into the monument, protecting foraging lands for a variety of native wildlife, including California?s threatened red-legged frogs and the California condor, which was reintroduced into the monument in 2003.  Originally established in 1908 to protect 800 acres of rock spires, canyons, and monolithic volcanic remains, the monument approaches its centennial in 2008 with over 26,000 acres of richly diverse ecosystems and cultural landscapes.

The event was marked by insightful commentary from Representative Sam Farr (17th District, California), Stuart and Peggy Kingman (formerly of Pinnacles Ranch), Laura Smith of The Nature Conservancy (Monterey office), Steve Shackelton (Pinnacles Superintendent from 2000 to 2002), and Pacific West Deputy Regional Director George Turnbull. 

Area residents, campers, students on Spring Break, and all 18 children from the monument?s neighboring one-room school house (Jefferson School) gathered for the event at the campground store.  Media and onlookers watched and applauded while Representative Farr guided the children of Jefferson School--as together they bolted a large NPS arrowhead in place.  

Hospitality was provided by the monument?s cooperating association (Western National Parks Association).  Additional support from the Pinnacles Employees Association, Ranger Activities, and ranger Wendy Artz helped produce large-framed commemorative photograph from the new lands, which was presented to California?s Congressional Delegation, and to Peggy and Stuart Kingman.  In addition to NPS rangers, additional logistical and field support was provided by the Bureau of Land Management and BLM rangers based in Hollister, California.