News Release

For Release: March 21, 2008           
Contact:   BLM:  Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332 or Rick Hanks (831) 372-6105    Mendocino Coast Audubon:  David Jensen (707) 961-2616
CA-N-08-30

BLM, Mendocino Audubon Sign Coastal Monument Partnership Pact

The U. S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Mendocino Coast Audubon have signed a partnership agreement focusing on conservation of natural resources in the California Coastal National Monument (CCNM).
 
In a memorandum of understanding, the BLM and the local Audubon Society chapter agree to coordinate in monitoring natural resources, particularly birds, and informing the public about the national monument and its resources.  The organization will also work with the BLM and other partners in a group establishing and managing the Point Arena Gateway to the CCNM.
 
“Members of the Audubon Society chapter have deep knowledge and understanding about the natural resources and birds of the Mendocino Coast,” said Rick Hanks, the BLM’s California Coastal National Monument manager.  “We look forward to their insight as to the best ways to protect these resources and inform the public about them.”
 
David Jensen, president of Mendocino Coast Audubon, said, “We welcome the opportunity to work more closely with our friends at the BLM.  We helped the BLM purchase the Stornetta property in Point Arena and continue to monitor bird populations in that special area.  This agreement formalizes our commitment to expand those efforts to the critical offshore nesting and feeding habitats.”
 
The California Coastal National Monument includes the rocks, small islands and exposed reefs along the length of the California coast, from the mean high tide line out 12 nautical miles.  It was established by presidential proclamation in January 2000.  It provides important habitat for plants, seabirds and marine mammals.

The BLM, working collaboratively with a wide range of partners, is responsible for protecting these important geologic features and habitat they provide.

-BLM-

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