Gov. Schwarzenegger Praises Historic Tejon Ranch Agreement

Today Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visited Tejon Ranch to announce a historic agreement between Tejon Ranch landowners and conservation and environmental groups that will permanently preserve up to 90 percent of the expansive 270,000 acre ranch, which is the largest ever privately-conserved parcel of land.

"The success of environmental organizations and Tejon Ranch Co. in reaching this historic agreement to protect a California treasure illustrates something that I have stressed since taking office-we can protect California's environment at the same time we pump up our economy," Governor Schwarzenegger said.

"Environmental activists and businesses must sit down and work out their differences in the best interest of California. They have done that remarkably well here at Tejon Ranch, and my Administration will continue to work with them to make sure this far-sighted plan comes to fruition."

Aside from being home to the California condor and countless other plant and animal species, the ranch includes four of the state's most important ecological regions: the Sierra Nevada, the Mojave Desert, the Coastal Range and the San Joaquin Valley. With 30,000 acres set aside for the development of smart-growth and sustainable communities, this agreement also allows its landowners to develop enough of the ranch to create thousands of jobs, millions of dollars in tax revenue and exciting places for people to live.

The Governor is committed to building California's conservation legacy. Since taking office the Governor:

Designated 40,000 acres of the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve as a California Natural Landmark. Last month, 40,000 acres of the Irvine Ranch Land Reserve became the first landmark to be designated through the California Natural Landmarks program. In 2006, the Governor signed AB 2900 by Assemblymember George Plescia (R-San Diego) to create this voluntary program. The goal of the program is to help preserve the ecological and geographical characteristics of California while helping protect history and natural heritage.
Finalized the 82,000 acre Hearst Ranch conservation plan. In February 2005, the Governor announced that the Hearst Corporation, American Land Conservancy and California Rangeland Trust partnering with the state had closed escrow on a conservation plan for Hearst Ranch. The plan preserved 128 square miles of pristine rangeland and is one of the most significant coastal land gifts ever made to the State of California.
Created the Ocean Action Plan to effectively protect and manage California's ocean and coastal resources. In October 2004, the Governor introduced the Ocean Action Plan, which sets forth a vision and a framework for protecting and restoring California's coast and coastal waters. A key component of the Ocean Action Plan, the California Ocean Protection Council, was created by Governor Schwarzenegger when he signed the California Ocean Protection Act in 2004. The council oversees and coordinates statewide policy for the protection and management of California's ocean and coastal resources.
Established the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, protecting 25 million acres of important and pristine California territory. In September 2004, the Governor signed legislation to establish the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. The Sierra Nevada Conservancy funds environmental preservation while providing support for economic sustainability and is comprised of 25 million acres, all or part of 22 counties, 20 incorporated cities, 40 special districts and 212 communities.