Center for Biological Diversity

Protecting endangered species and wild places through
science, policy, education, and environmental law.

NEWS ALERT: Feb. 25, 2004

Senate Bills Big Threat to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Bighorn Recovery.

contact: Daniel R. Patterson, Desert Ecologist, Center for Biological Diversity, 520.623.5252 x306
More Information: Deserts Program

SACRAMENTO -- Anti-environmental CA State Sen. Morrow (R-San Diego) has introduced two bills that threaten Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest in the State. His bills to build a road (SB 1338) and to introduce non-native wild horses in Coyote Canyon (SB 1294) are terrible ideas for the environment, and contrary to the purpose and mission of California State Parks.

Roads fragment & damage habitat, stress wildlife, facilitate spread of weeds & trash, and increase water & air pollution. Wild horses have no place in desert ecosystems, and do significant damage to critically important riparian areas such as Coyote Canyon. They also compete with endangered Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep and other native wildlife for water and limited forage, and may pose a risk of disease to wild bighorns.

The Center for Biological Diversity and other conservation groups support keeping motor vehicles, wild horses and other non-native invasive species out of Coyote Canyon.

Mark Jorgensen, Anza-Borrego DSP Superintendent, may be reached at 760.767.4962

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