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Contact: John Dell'Osso, 415-464-5135
Point Reyes National Seashore Superintendent Don Neubacher announced today that a critical parcel of land was recently acquired at Point Reyes National Seashore. The 522-acre parcel owned by American Telegraph & Telephone (AT&T) has functioned as a ship to shore radio communications facility but with the evolution of satellite technology, this facility was closed in November 1999. The site is surrounded by park land and another private use may have been incompatible with park preservation efforts. The purchase also secures for public use approximately 1 mile of coastline. “The property is nesting habitat for the Federally-threatened western snowy plover as well as the Federally-endangered plant Sonoma alopecurus, of which only four known populations occur within the Seashore.” stated Superintendent Neubacher. “Additionally, the property is in the midst of an historic cultural landscape.” U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer and U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey provided support in securing congressional funding for this critical acquisition. The National Park Trust also assisted in communicating with AT&T and played an important role in this process. The final purchase amount was $2.1 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund; a fund set-aside for important land acquisition each year. Senator Boxer added, “This is a wonderful addition to an already spectacular national treasure. I am very happy I could do my part to support this effort.” -NPS- |
Last updated: February 28, 2015